Garden of the Gods

Charles Elliott Perkins, head of the Burlington Railroad, purchased two hundred and forty acres of pristine Colorado Springs land in the 1870’s.

Although thoughts originally were to build a railroad from Chicago to Colorado Springs, Perkins decided to keep this wilderness in it’s natural state.

He died in 1907, and two years later his children donated his property to the city, knowing their father’s feelings about this land.

“where it shall remain free to the public, where no intoxicating liquors shall be manufactured, sold, or dispensed, where no building or structure shall be erected except those necessary to properly care for, protect, and maintain the area as a public park.”

His wishes continue to this day, with Garden of the Gods being free to the general public. You can walk through among the giant formations at your own free will.