Between Denver And Colorado Springs Lies A Scenic Lake Town With Rocky Mountain Views

Everyone seems to head straight for the mountain towns when they arrive in Colorado. It is not surprising, since they are usually cool spots filled with endless outdoor activities. But if you focus solely on the high altitudes, you are definitely missing out. There are gorgeous spots in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, too. One of them is a pretty lake town that is ideally situated between Denver and Colorado Springs. Don't worry, you will not lose the view of the mountains in Palmer Lake.

Palmer Lake is part of Colorado's Tri-Lakes region, shared with Monument and Woodmoor, which were all built around lakes atop the Palmer Divide in Colorado. General William J. Palmer purchased the land in 1871 as a railroad stop for steam trains, which needed the spring-fed lake's constant, natural water supply to continue running. With such beautiful surroundings, the town became a popular summer vacation destination. About 2,500 people now call the small community home.

From Denver, it is easy to reach Palmer Lake in about an hour driving south on I-25. Denver International Airport (DEN), which is considered the most sustainable in America, services nonstop flights to every state and cities all over the world. Colorado Springs, a budget-friendly Western U.S. city for a nature lover's vacation, is only about a half hour to the south.

Palmer Lake has a picturesque location wedged between mountains: Elkoyde Peak and Ben Lomand. Though the 10-acre lake is small, it's the star feature of the 36-acre Palmer Lake Recreational Area — an outdoor playground right in the center of town.

At first, you'll probably be drawn to the water at Palmer Lake. Though swimming is not allowed, all non-motorized water vessels, such as canoes and kayaks, are. You can even rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards ($50 for two hours) from Lake Palmer Rentals, conveniently located right along the edge of the lake. It's also a great destination for fishing. Once you obtain a Colorado Fishing License, you can find a quiet spot to cast for rainbow trout and largemouth bass.

On dry land, you'll find a 19-hole disc golf course, horseshoe pits, a sand volleyball court, and a playground for the kids. There are picnic tables scattered around the lake in addition to a picnic pavilion that larger groups can rent. You can also access the New Santa Fe Regional Trail from Palmer Lake. The nearly 17-mile trail, which follows part of a former railroad line, passes the eastern edge of the lake. You will see hikers and bikers on it most of the year, and then cross-country skiers take over in the winter.

Since the Palmer Lake Recreation Area is right in town, you're just steps from many local businesses. The Lucretia Vaile Museum is a good place to start. The small history museum is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays, is free to visit, and displays artifacts and photos about the Tri-Lakes region.

You can then satisfy your grumbling stomach at one of Palmer Lake's casual restaurants. An early 20th-century home was turned into 105 Social House. The seasonal restaurant has an outdoor patio that's the perfect spot for a post-dinner craft cocktail or shared dessert. O'Malley's is a block away and elevates the pub experience with family-owned charm and homemade food. Sundance Pit BBQ introduced traditional Texas fare to Palmer Lake, but they only fire up the smoker on weekends.

You also shouldn't miss Rock House Ice Cream Candy and More. Though the shop serves hot dogs, salads, and soups, it's really known for its sweets, and there's always room for ice cream. Some would say there's always room for a locally made drink, too. Evergood Adventure Wines isn't a traditional winery. They use lemons instead of grapes. If you're curious, book a one-hour weekend tour to learn about their process. Or, if you prefer to take in more stunning Rocky Mountain views, head to Pike's Peak, a Colorado summit of crystal-clear reservoirs and endless alpine views. It sits just west of Colorado Springs.