Blake Walsh

21 Best Things to Do in Grand Lake, CO

  • Published 2023/02/26

The town of Grand Lake is a statutory town situated in Grand County, Colorado, full of many best places to visit.

The town has a population of 262 as of the 2020 consensus.

It was founded almost 143 years ago, in 1879. It is full of attractions, shopping centers, coffee shops, hotels, and the best restaurants.

Likewise, Grand Lake is famous as the “Snowmobiling Capital of Colorado.”

It is surrounded by wildlife, hiking, and the best place for water _a_ctivities and sports.

If you want an attractive place for your vacation, you must visit this small town.

Here are the 21 best things to do in Grand Lake, CO:

Drive along Lake Granby

A fishing boat on the waters of Lake Granby

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Lake Granby opened in 1950 with the construction of Granby Dam as a part of the Colorado-Big Thompson system.

This lake is five miles outsides of the town of Granby, on the Colorado River.

This lake is an artificial lake and the third-largest body of water in Colorado.

View of the Lake Granby

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Most people like it because of exciting activities like fishing, driving Highway 6 along Lake Granby, paddle boarding, and boating.

The enjoyable and exciting summer activities are mountain biking, hiking, boating, horse riding, hunting, and golfing.

Vibrant sunrise at Lake Granby

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Hike up Adams Falls

The rushing waters of Adams Falls

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The hike to Adams Falls begins near Grand Lake and ends in the west of Southwestern Rocky Mountain National Park.

Named after Jay E. Adams, Adams Falls is a beautiful waterfall with quite an impressive overlook.

Grand Lakes established this beautiful place with the completion of Rocky Mountain National Park.

Downstream of Adams Falls on a rocky mountain slope

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Hikers like to visit this place because of Adams Falls.

The other best activities for people are hiking trails, fishing, skiing, and snowshoeing.

If you are fond of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in winter, this place is for you!

Hiking trail at Adams Falls

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Catch a Show at Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre

When the sun goes down, the spotlight shines on the Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre.

It presents high-quality, great sensational musicals while showing the nation’s exceptional young talent.

The world-class Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre was established in the 1960s; today, it’s living proof of its popularity with the audience.

Most people visit due to its sensational Broadway musicals.

You can plan a trip to Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre.

Drive into Southwestern Rocky Mountain National Park

Scenic view of the mountains at Rocky Mountain National Park

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The Southwestern Rocky Mountain National Park sits on more than 265,000 acres in Grand Lake.

This park was established in 1915.

People like to drive for fun in the Southwestern Rocky Mountain National Park.

Nature view from a Rocky Mountain National Park lodge

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It is famous for its high peaks, rich historical past, high-elevation rocks, and mountain towns.

Visitors do different activities here, like climbing up Longs Peak–the highest peak in the park–rolling down the windows and taking in the view along Trail Ridge Road.

If you are planning an adventure trip, then Southwestern Rocky Mountain National Park is the best place for you.

Landscape of Rocky Mountain National Park's open space

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Visit Kauffman House Museum

Exterior view of the Kauffman House Museum

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Ezra Kauffman built the Kauffman House Museum in 1892.

He operated it as a hotel until his death.

It is a rustic log house in Grand Lake.

It is a historic house famous for displaying dolls, furniture, books, clothing, and stereopticon photos from Grand Lake’s past.

People like to visit because of the historical displays and excellent tourist hotels.

Most people visit it because it is a historical museum open to the public for tours.

If you ever go to Grand Lake, Colorado, United States, you must visit this museum.

Ride ATVs with On the Trail Rentals

Grand Lake Colorado’s solely ATV and snowmobile rental settled on the trail is On the Trail Rentals.

The native path system within the Arapahoe National Forest has over 130 miles of dirt roads and trails for your riding fun.

Grand Adventures will guide cross-country vehicle adventures that take you within the Winter Parks Arapahoe National Forest with their water parting tour.

Visitors like ATV rides on the trail rentals because of cooperative staff, guidance, easy directions, and beautiful scenery.

Whenever you plan to visit Grand Lake, you must do these ATV rides on the trail rentals.

Enjoy Summer Water Adventures in Natural Grand Lake

The empty dock of Grand Lake

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Grand Lake is the deepest of Colorado’s natural lakes at four hundred feet, taking over five hundred acres.

It is encircled on three sides by Mountain Range Park.

Two people paddle-boarding on the calm waters of Grand Lake

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You have to try to walk right down to Grand Lake dock to experience the water adventures and boat rentals.

You can walk around and luxuriate in the superb views and even relax on its sandy beach.

Most people come here for water adventures in summer.

A stand up paddle-board resting on Grand Lake's shore

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Go Boating at Grand Lake Marina

The historic Grand Lake Marina has become a favorite for lake enjoyment since 1955.

You can rent your boat and whaler to enjoy beautiful views of the Rocky Mountains and the Grand Lake.

The marina is on Shadow Mountain Lake, and it offers single and two-person paddle boards, pleasers, and fishing boats.

By renting a boat from Grand Lake, you can see the headwaters of the River.

Visit Spirit Lake Rentals

Cabins and cottages are popular options to stay in Spirit Lake Rentals.

Some people like to stay in this place because it features homes with a pool and great homes for families.

Most people like this place because technicians and staff are the most up-to-date and knowledgeable here.

Whenever you come to Grand Lake to spend a vacation with your family, you must enjoy staying in Spirit Lake Rentals.

You can benefit from their well-furnished houses, Kitchen utensils, and well-maintained kitchen.

Enjoying Columbine Lake

Wooden benches overlooking Columbine Lake

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Columbine Lake is situated near Silverton in Grand Lake, Colorado, United States.

Visitors do different activities like hiking, walking, fishing, boating, and trailing.

This lake was established from 1969 to 1970.

Stunning view of Columbine Lake

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Join a Free Walking Tour of Grand Lake

The Town of Grand Lake takes a couple of minutes to run on its historical picket sidewalks.

You can browse its more than sixty retailers and restaurants.

You can take a free walking tour, courtesy of the Grand Lake Historical Society which includes a visit to the Kauffman House Museum.

You can check out dolls, furniture, and different arts in the museum through a free walking tour.

Most visitors like to walk amid the beautiful scenery and attractions of Grand Lake.

Visit Winding River Resort

River Resort of Grand Lake Town is a lodging resort and family campground in the beautiful valley along the Colorado River.

People visit this resort to enjoy trail and horse riding activities.

It is the best place for your family since it has a petting zoo, beautiful scenery, and horseback riding with guides and tourist information.

It’s a fabulous Western setting for the camper, hiker, photographer, trailer, and artist.

If you plan a tour with your kids, it’s the right choice.

Visit Shadow Mountain Lake

A boat on Shadow Mountain Lake's dock

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The Shadow Mountain Dam created Shadow Mountain Lake, a water reservoir in Grand County.

It forms a continuous body of water with the largest natural lake called Grand Lake, with gates separating them.

Aerial view of Shadow Mountain Lake

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It is a part of the Arapaho National Recreation Area, and the Colorado-Big Thompson bill authorized its construction.

This lake diverted into the Large Thompson River in 1947.

If you plan a trip to Colorado, you must visit this lake.

Houses near the water of Shadow Mountain Lake

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Try Golfing at Grand Lake Golf Course

Grand Lake’s fantastically maintained Dick Phelps-designed course is a classic illustration of chain golf.

It includes fairways, refined greens encircled by lodgepole aspens, and attractive colorful native flora.

People like it because it offers a world category setting with expansive views of snow-capped mountains and Chain Park.

Deer, moose, elk, squirrels, chipmunks, and fox are typical spectators, improving an unforgettable, distinctive, and experienced mountain golf.

Ride Electric Bikes in Rocky Mountain National Park

You can follow trails with electronic bike rentals located inside the gateway Inn lobby in Rocky Mountain National Park.

When you rent a state-of-the-art, pedal-less, powerful electronic bike from Trail Ridge Rentals, you can see Grand Lake and the surrounding area.

Most people avail themselves of its hourly, half-day, full-day, and overnight rentals.

Trailing through electronic bike rentals started in the 2000s.

It would be best to visit this place by electronic bike.

Take Landscape Photography at Point Park

Point Park is a can’t-miss destination during your trip to Grand County as it offers spectacular views of Grand Lake.

While not particularly a secluded area, the sweeping views of Grand Lake make you feel like you’re in a hidden oasis.

One of the best times to visit Point Park is during spring or summer, when you can see beautiful clear skies and feel the soothing breeze from the lake.

There are some great bonuses at Point Park too, including its neat pavilions and the occasional visiting moose that you can spot!

Point Park is found along 3rd Street, so you won’t have to venture far to experience this beautiful side of the town.

Meet the Rangers at Grand Lake Visitor Center

Grand Lake Visitor Center is a must-visit if you’re new to the wilderness and outdoors of Colorado.

Both an attraction and a helpful visitor center, this place will lead you to some of the most enthusiastic rangers and locals who are more than happy to explain what you need to know about the town and the Rocky Mountains.

Grand Lake Visitor Center is also a quaint but picturesque facility, adorned with wooden architecture and interior design that makes you feel like you’re in a cabin.

Lots of free maps and brochures are found here, so maximize your visit by getting a copy or two.

Grand Lake Visitor Center can be visited along US Highway 34.

Go Camping at Elk Creek Campground

Elk Creek Campground isn’t your everyday camping site, as it’s home to some of the most beautiful mammals in America—the moose.

Avid lovers of camping and the outdoors will be ecstatic to learn about this, making it a no-brainer to try camping here for a night or two.

While bringing your recreational vehicle is a popular choice here, Elk Creek Campground also offers cabins if that’s your preferred style of accommodation.

Surrounded with lush forestry, it’ll be easy to spot a lot of moose here, perfect for photo opportunities.

You can begin your adventure with Elk Creek Campground by locating them along Colorado Road 48.

Go Snowmobiling with Grand Adventures Snowmobile Rentals

If you’re visiting during the cold winter months, Grand Adventures Snowmobile Rentals offers awesome snowmobiling services in the town.

Famed for their professional service that values safety and fun, this rental service will surely occupy a whole day in your itinerary.

You’ll get to experience the snowy hills of Grand Lake while seeing the various spots of the town as well.

Grand Adventures Snowmobile Rentals is tried and tested by both locals and visiting tourists.

You can find them along Colorado Road 48.

See the Historic Cottage Camp Museum

The Cottage Camp Museum is the second historical landmark in Grand Lake after the Kauffman House Museum, located along Vine Street.

Built in 1915, the Cottage Camp Museum was formerly the first motel in Grand Lake and was originally called the Smith Eslick Cottage Court.

Today, the Cottage Camp Museum has been restored and now serves as a quirky museum that houses hundreds of artifacts, photos, and documents during the 20th Century.

The building itself is a tourist attraction on its own, boasting a cabin-style aesthetic that takes you back to the early 20th Century and even late 18th Century.

Managed by the Grand Lake Area Historical Society, Cottage Camp Museum is a great place to tour with the help of the enthusiastic team of historians from the organization.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Go Skiing and Snowboarding at Winter Park Resort

Aerial view of Winter Park Resort

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Winter Park Resort is the best place for skiing and snowboarding in Grand Lake, Colorado, United States.

The winter season changes the look of Grand Lake as snowmobiles can be seen everywhere in the streets in winter.

People snowboarding at Winter Park Resort

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The people who have a hobby of skiing and snowboarding must visit this place in winter because it is an excellent place for them!

Map of Grand Lake shows many places and other fun things for you when you are on your skiing vacation.

Biking, golfing, and snowmobiling are other fun activities that you can do in Grand Lake in winter.

Cold winter day at Winter Park Resort

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Final Thoughts

Grand Lake, Colorado, is a great little town with plenty of activities to keep you busy.

There’s something for everyone in this scenic mountain town, from hiking and biking trails to fishing and kayaking.

Check out the local shops and restaurants, and end your day by enjoying the incredible views of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains.

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