Tales from the Tread “Summer Heritage Events”

By Candice Bannister, Executive Director, Tread of Pioneers Museum

 

This summer, locals and visitors alike will have more than 70 opportunities to explore the stories, people, and places that shaped Steamboat Springs and Routt County through tours, hikes, talks, and hands-on programs offered by the Tread of Pioneers Museum and community partners.

Running throughout the summer season, the museum’s lineup of weekly heritage walking tours, storytelling programs, and family-friendly events invites the community to connect more deeply with the valley’s rich history — from Olympic legends and pioneer life to mineral springs, ranching traditions, and the natural landscape that reflects the Yampa Valley.

One of the season’s highlights is the Olympic Heritage Tour, led by local Olympian Ben Berend. Offered every Tuesday from June 2 through Sept. 8 from 9–10 a.m., this free tour explores Steamboat Springs’ unparalleled Olympic legacy, the impact of Carl Howelsen, and the history of Howelsen Hill, the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, and ski jumping. The tour begins at Howelsen Hill Lodge, 845 Howelsen Parkway.

 

On Wednesdays from June 17 through Aug. 26, from 9–11 a.m., participants can experience the Mineral Springs Walking Tour presented in partnership with Yampatika. Led by a Yampatika naturalist, this free tour highlights the area’s unique mineral springs and their historic and cultural significance. Participants meet at the Art Depot, 1001 13th St.

 

The museum’s popular Downtown Historical Walking Tour returns every Thursday from June 4 through Sept. 10 from 9–10:30 a.m. This easy stroll through downtown explores Steamboat’s founders, historic businesses, architecture, and the evolution of downtown through the decades. Free tours begin at the Tread of Pioneers Museum, 800 Oak St.

 

Another longtime favorite is the Brown Bag Summer Storytelling Series, for over 25 years. Held every Friday from July 3 through Aug. 28 from noon–1 p.m. at the Tread of Pioneers Museum, this free oral history series features longtime residents and local experts sharing stories about ranching, family histories, historic preservation, and community life.

 

Families and children can enjoy Pioneer Days at the Historic Mesa Schoolhouse on June 9, July 8, July 28, and Aug. 5 from 1–3 p.m. These free events include hands-on pioneer activities and demonstrations for all ages and takes place at the historic one-room schoolhouse at 33985 U.S. Highway 40.

 

Art and history come together during Lulie Crawford’s Wildflowers and Watercolors on June 4, June 18, July 2, July 9, July 23, and Aug. 6 from 10:30–11:30 a.m. at the Yampa River Botanic Park, 1000 Pamela Lane. Participants will learn about Steamboat Springs pioneer and artist Lulie Crawford while creating watercolor paintings with instruction from a professional artist.

 

Outdoor enthusiasts can also join the Mad Creek History & Geology Hike on June 26 from 8:45 a.m.–1 p.m. Presented in partnership with Yampatika, the guided hike explores the fascinating geology and history of the Mad Creek area along one of the region’s most scenic trails. Participants meet at the Mad Creek Trailhead on Highway 129. Registration and fee information are available at Yampatika.

All museum tours and programs are free for all except the Mad Creek Hike.

 

Don’t miss the museum’s featured summer exhibitions as well. “Legacy: A Year with the Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust” follows a year-long artist residency by painter Chula Beauregard. Throughout the year, Beauregard visited local ranches, painted on-site, and captured the heart of Routt County’s agricultural heritage through plein air studies, studio oil paintings, historic ranch photography, and written stories honoring the land and the people who care for it.

 

Visitors can also experience “This Is Native Art,” featuring the work of more than 26 contemporary Native American artists. Curated by artist, activist, and author Danielle SeeWalker, the exhibition first opened at the Colorado State Capitol as part of a Colorado Creative Industries initiative before traveling to the Golden History Museum and now Steamboat Springs.

“Moments That Made US” explores the ideals at the heart of the Declaration of Independence through defining moments from our nation’s 250-year history, examining how generations of Americans have interpreted and given meaning to those founding principles.

For a complete schedule and additional information and a full calendar listing, visit Tread of Pioneers Museum.