Chautauqua Park
Chautauqua Park is Boulder’s historic gateway to the Flatirons, where a grassy meadow, an 1898 Dining Hall, a timber concert auditorium and miles of open-space trails meet at the foot of the mountains.
Chautauqua Park in Boulder, CO
In 1898, Boulder residents approved a bond issue to buy 80 acres for a “Chautauqua,” part of a national movement of summer camps devoted to education and culture. Today the Colorado Chautauqua is a National Historic Landmark that draws more than a million visitors a year. The Chautauqua Dining Hall has served guests since 1898, the Auditorium has hosted performers from B.B. King to Wynton Marsalis for more than 120 years, and historic cottages are still rented for overnight stays. The city-owned park adds open turf, tennis and pickleball courts, and a playground with its own mini-Flatirons, while the Ranger Cottage and trailhead connect you to more than 40 miles of Open Space and Mountain Parks hiking trails.
The park is open daily from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Popular hikes start right from the meadow and climb toward the First, Second and Third Flatirons; come early on weekends and summer days, when the lots fill fast. Through November 30, 2026, stormwater construction may affect parking and travel through the park, so allow extra time or ride Boulder’s Park-to-Park shuttle when it runs. The Dining Hall serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, the General Store sells espresso and snacks, and the Auditorium box office handles concert tickets. Call the Colorado Chautauqua Association at (303) 442-3282 for lodging and events.
Photo Gallery
Photo credits: Colorado Chautaqua Dining Hall by Hustvedt (CC BY-SA 3.0); Chautauqua Park (9712391194) by Akos Kokai (CC BY 2.0); Colorado Chautauqua Auditorium Boulder CO by Hustvedt (CC BY-SA 3.0); The Flatirons from the Chautauqua Park – panoramio by hakkun (CC BY-SA 3.0); Colorado Chautauqua Dining Hall by Shockwave314 (CC BY-SA 4.0); Flatirons Sunrise by Tyler Cipriani (CC BY-SA 4.0); Colorado Chautauqua Cabins Boulder CO by Hustvedt (CC BY-SA 3.0); Academic Hall, Colorado Chautauqua by Nyttend (Public domain); Chautauqua Auditorium Interior by Jsdratm (CC0). Images via Wikimedia Commons.
News & Events
See upcoming concerts, lectures and films on the Colorado Chautauqua website, and check City of Boulder park updates for construction and parking news in Boulder, CO.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do at Chautauqua Park?
- Hike the Flatirons: Trails leave the meadow for Boulder’s signature rock slabs.
- Picnic on the lawn: Spread out on the open turf with a postcard view of the mountains.
- Dine at the Dining Hall: Enjoy farm-to-table meals on the porch of the 1898 hall.
- Catch a concert: See music, film and speakers in the historic Auditorium, including the Colorado Music Festival.
- Stay overnight: Book a historic cottage or lodge room steps from the trails.
What is nearby Chautauqua Park?
- University of Colorado Boulder: The red-roofed campus just to the north.
- Pearl Street Mall: Downtown Boulder’s pedestrian mall a few minutes away.
- Flagstaff Mountain: A scenic drive and overlook above the city.
- Fair Winds Hot Air Balloon Flights: Sunrise balloon rides over the Boulder Valley.
- Rocky Mountain National Park: Colorado’s crown jewel about an hour’s drive northwest.
When was Chautauqua Park established?
Boulder voters approved the purchase of 80 acres for a Chautauqua in 1898, and the Dining Hall has welcomed guests since that first season. The Colorado Chautauqua is now a National Historic Landmark.
When is Chautauqua Park open?
The city park is open daily from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. The Dining Hall, General Store, Auditorium box office and lodging office each keep their own hours, so check chautauqua.com before you plan a meal or show.
Are there any tips for visiting Chautauqua Park?
Arrive early for parking, especially on weekends, and expect construction impacts through November 30, 2026. Carry water and layers — Flatirons trails are steep and the weather changes fast. Follow Boulder Open Space rules for dogs, stay on marked trails, and stop at the Ranger Cottage for maps and trail conditions.
Chautauqua Park is located at 900 Baseline Road, Boulder, CO 80302. Call (303) 442-3282 or visit chautauqua.com for events, dining and lodging.