Operated By: Boulder Walking Tours
VISIT THE ONLY CONTINUOUSLY OPERATING CHAUTAUQUA IN THE WEST
Key to community, Boulder’s Chautauqua is one of the few remaining Chautauqua sites in the nation ~ and the only continuously operating Chautauqua west of the Mississippi. Emerging from a cultural movement of the late 19th century, the Chautauqua represents Boulder’s original land purchase on behalf of community — in 1898! Originally a tent city on the hill with a performance space and dining hall, the small seasonal community eventually included simple cottages. Today, it continues, through simplicity and a wide variety of cultural offerings, to exemplify its original ideals: lifelong learning, love of nature, music & the arts. Together, we’ll explore the nationwide Chautauqua movement and key aspects of Boulder’s Chautauqua including:
The acoustically-renowned, historic Chautauqua Auditorium
The legendary Dining Hall
The Missions House and Rest Cottage (home of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union)
The winding lanes and charming cottages, with images and stories of early residents
Your knowledgeable guides have a collection of historic photographs to bring your tour to life. Your guide can also provide advice on how to best take advantage of Chautauqua’s front door access to 48 miles of hiking trails, and will offer background on the season’s cultural events.
