Rock Ledge Ranch

Rock Ledge Ranch: A hidden, historic treasure right next to Garden of the Gods!

At first glace, this place doesn't look like much. But hidden behind the trees is a wealth of local history and fun!

I visited the ranch for the first time on Earth Day 2012.  Admission for the day was free! I anticipate this offer happening in the future as well.

First we walked by the Orchard house, although I haven't yet had the opportunity to go inside.

Next, we viewed a live blacksmithing demonstration.  The blacksmith told stories of regional history, including kids in the audience by quizzing their own knowledge and building upon it.  Many pieces were already on display.

After that, my friend and I toured the home of the Chamber Family, called the Rock Ledge House.  Upon the doorstep, a woman dressed historically and bearing a framed photo of the family, told the story of their journey west and their settlement on this land and in this house.  We were then invited inside to view the restored interior, where more details of the home and family were described by more volunteers in period clothing.

Next we ventured a short ways down the path and visited the general store.  Historic goods were available; folk music created a calming ambiance; books on local/regional history, hiking, biking, etc filled the shelves; old-fashioned candies filled jars on a counter top, and many of the items the blacksmith created were also available for sale.  My friend and I purchased some delicious cream sodas and continued on our trek.

We viewed the ranch's animals adjacent to the general store.  Chickens, sheep, and a cow reside together in a large pen, with a barn for shelter nearby. A large corral is home to the ranch's horses--large work horses as well as smaller carriage horses, some of which were at work that day.  Ranch hands worked in a field planting and tending crops.

Behind the general store and animal pen is a lovely pond.  Ducks and geese glided on the water, and many fish, large and small, fed near the surface.  Some turtles also call this pond home and can be found sunning themselves on rocks.

Wandering farther down the path, we arrived at the Galloway homestead cabin, which, like all the buildings on the property, has been restored. Kids were using a primitive machine on display to remove corn from the cob, and another historical figure explained the history of the cabin from the cool interior.

Our last stop was at the nearby Indian site, where a tipi frame and another structure stand, with a small fire pit in between.  At times, the site will host Indian dance performers, but for Earth day they were up at the Garden of the Gods visitor center.

This is only a brief snapshot of what Rock Ledge Ranch has to offer.  A poster near the general store described many upcoming events for 2012, including:

blacksmithing classes
holiday teas
harvest festivals
craft sales
and much more!

The Ranch operates from summer until around Christmas time.  Entrance fee is currently $8 for adults.

Visit http://www.rockledgeranch.com for more information on this local hidden gem!