One unique
attraction near
Red Feather Lakes is the Shambhala
Mountain
Center, a Buddhist retreat that
hosts meditation sessions, educational programs, and contemplative
conferences.
The center is home to North America's largest stupa. Open to sightseers
of
any religion, the dramatic 108-foot temple-like structure represents
the
aspiration for peace, harmony, and equanimity for all beings.
REGION: Front Range
ELEVATION: 8300 ft (2,630 m)
POPULATION: 596.
DIRECTIONS: To: Red Feather Lakes -
Drive north of Fort Collins on Highway 287. Turn west on County Road
74E (Red Feather Lakes Rd) at Livermore. Follow for 24 miles,
turn north on County Road 67J (Prairie Divide Rd), continue for 3/4 of
a mile and you are in the heart of the Historic Town
of Red Feather Lakes. (see map link on Home Page)
Or drive north of Fort Collins on Highway
287. Turn west on Highway
14
(Historic
and
Scenic
Byway) follow this roadway along the Cache La
Poudre River
(Wild and Scenic River). Turn north at County Road 69 in Rustic and
follow
for 4 miles to the intersection of County Roads 68C and 162, turn west
on County Road 162 and follow to the Historic Town
of Red Feather Lakes.
What is the history of Red Feather Lakes?
The
town
was
originally
called
Westlake.
Many
of
the
lakes
in
the
area
were
created
in
the
early
1900s
with a series of dams and ditches by Denver
businessmen who wished to develop the area into a mountain resort.
In
1895,
the
Westlake
School
District
was
formed
to
meet
the
educational
needs
of
the
children
in
the
area.
School was held only in the
summer, but as more families started living in Red Feather Lakes year
round, the school stayed open throughout the year. Westlake
school was located just south and west of Westlake. In 1953, the
school was relocated to the Red Feather Lakes Village, in the building
that now houses the Miramont Medical Clinic. In 1960 the Westlake
School District was dissolved and the Red Feather School became a part
of the Poudre R-1 School District. The Red Feather Lakes School
taught students from grades K through 8 until the 1980's when the 7th
and 8th graders began to be bussed to junior highs in Fort Collins. In
1985, a new school was built at the present location on County Road
73C, (Creedmore Lakes Rd), situated on a 10 acres campus on the edge of
the Roosevelt National Forest and nestled among pines and rocky
outcroppings. For over 115 years there has been a school in the
Red Feather Lakes area.
A post office was established in 1896 at the Peery ranch. In the
40's the post office was housed in the Red Feather Trading Post.
1968 brought the construction of the new post office at it's current
location at 17 Main St. Just 2 doors
west of the Red Feather Trading
Post.
The
first
cabin
on
Ramona
Lake
was
built
by
Nettie
Poore,
and
the
cabin
still
stands
today.
In
1923,
the Red Feather Mountain Lakes Association
was incorporated to develop the recreation area, and organizers set
about renaming the reservoirs with Indian names such as Hiawatha, Red
Feather and Apache. An elaborate development plan was drawn up, but few
parts were actually carried out. A hotel was built in 1924, and a golf
course also materialized.
In 1952, electricity came to the high country around Red Feather Lakes
(Red Feather Trading Post was one of the first building in Red Feather
Lakes to receive electricity). A fire protection district was organized
in 1959, a Catholic chapel opened that same year, and Chapel in the
Pines was dedicated in 1963. A community building was complete in 1968.
1969 the Red Feather Community Library was Organized.
1973 First Emergency Medical Service Vehicle.
1983 Fox Acres Golf Course completed.
1985 Princess Tsianina Redfeather dies in San Diego at age 102.
Note: An expanded history
of
Red Feather Lakes is available in the book Red Feather Lakes-the first hundred years
1871-1971 available at the Red Feather Trading Post.
Source: North Forty News., Red Feather Historical Society, & Red
Feather Lakes the first hundred years 1871-1971
How did Red Feather Lakes get it's name?
The village was named for "Princess" Tsianini
Redfeather, a singer who was
part Cherokee and part Creek.
How do I find current weather conditions
in Red Feather Lakes?
Check out this great link to the Red Feather Lakes Property Owners
Association web site that provide current weather conditions, local
services and lodging information, and even includes a community
calendar to keep you informed on upcoming events.
What is some of the history of Red Feather
Trading Post?
The Red Feather Trading Post was established Circa 1924
and operated by Goldie Hastings.
Ted and Mildred Dunnings owned and operated it in the 1940's.
Dick
and
Laura
Lesher
owned
and
operated
it
in
the
early
50's.
1952 Electric Power was installed in the Trading Post.
Buzz and Phylis Sandburg owned and operated it in the mid 50's. Phylis
was Dick and Laura's daughter.
Jack and Jerry Dalton purchased the Trading Post in 1956. Jerry was
Buzz and Phylis' daughter.
Circa 1969 Living quarters were added to south side of Trading
Post. The previous living quarters were turn into a Resturant.
Linda Gorton and Jody Dahlstrom purchased the Trading Post in 1979.
Circa 1985 Resturant was
closed.
Dennis and Patti McMillan purchased the Trading Post in 1994.
1994 Added Video Store.
1995 Incorporated space that was resturant into the store.
2000 Installed walk in cooler in middle of store.
2003 Built clearspan building over Trading Post and Liquor Store giving
the building it's present day look