Woodland Park & Divide
Woodland Park
Woodland Park is located 18 miles west of Colorado Springs. At 8500 feet above sea level, it truly is the “City Above the Clouds”. Surrounded by acres of Pike National Forest, Woodland Park boasts one of the best views of Pikes Peak in the area. Over 7000 people reside in this friendly mountain community.
The Ute Indians inhabited the area for years. It was not until 1887, when the Midland Railway was completed, that settlers started to develop the area. The town was incorporated on December 1, 1890. Because of the town’s natural beauty and alpine climate, Woodland Park quickly became a popular resort area. Mild winters, cool summers and 300 days of sunshine make Woodland Park perfect for year around activities.
A fast growing town, Woodland Park, is constantly changing. Many improvements have been made in the downtown area, and many more are on the way. However, some of the old traditions remain. The Saddle Club in town holds a rodeo every July. There are restaurants, a theater, shops, and soon a Wal-Mart will be located in Woodland Park.
The Woodland Park School District RE-2 has recently received great support from the community. In the last couple years, teacher salaries have been increased, and additions to the high school and middle school have been completed.
Outdoor activities available in Woodland Park include: backpacking, camping, mountain biking, cycling, horseback riding, snow shoeing, and ice skating. Within 25 miles of Woodland Park there area several places to fish along the South Platte River, Rampart Reservoir, and Eleven Mile Canyon. Skiing is a short hour and 45 minutes drive away.
Divide
Divide, Colorado is located 7 miles west of Woodland Park, and 25 miles from Colorado Springs. It is a community of approximately 4000 residents. At 9,165 feet above sea level, it is the summit of Ute Pass. Named Divide because major water run-offs divided to the north, south, east and west at this point. Locals know it as “The center of the known universe”.
During the gold rush days Divide’s Midland Depot played an important role in train travel. Located between Colorado Springs, and the thriving gold camps of Cripple Creek and Victor, Divide was the perfect place to purchase necessary supplies. Tourists took the train to Divide to enjoy the scenery and pick wildflowers. Ice was also loaded on to the trains in Divide to provide refrigeration for local crops packed for export.
Divide is part of Woodland Park School District RE-2. Summit Elementary School is located in Divide. Students attending middle and high school travel to Woodland Park.
Local attractions include Mueller State Park. Located just outside of Divide, it is a great place to visit over and over again. The park is over 500 acres. Whether camping, hiking, hunting, horseback riding, snowshoeing, pond fishing there is something for everyone. It is also a popular wildlife watching area. The park is home to black bear, elk, eagles and big horn sheep.
