A Summer Gem to Explore

By Kyra Demla

Visit the Yampa River Botanic Park

Have you been to the Yampa River Botanic Park in Steamboat Springs? If not, put it on your list to explore on your next summer visit to Steamboat. This 6-acre piece of land showcases beautiful gardens and native plants found only in Northwest Colorado (endemic), all labeled with their common and scientific names.

The Park is free and open to the public from dawn until dusk, May 1st through October 31st. Free entry encourages people to visit often, as well as to feel ownership in the park. Donations are also welcome and accepted.

Walk your way through the Park, smelling fresh flowers along a lovely gravel path that invites exploration. Have a seat at one of the quiet benches to enjoy the surrounding pond and take in the scenes of nature. Pack a picnic lunch to share with a loved one or child and enjoy the shade of the picnic tables. Visit on a summer Thursday at 12:15 p.m. to hear a free concert, "Music on the Green," on the botanic park lawn. Since 1999 the Park has hosted "Music on the Green," supported by local sponsors and presented in partnership with the Strings Music Festival. These events are free lunchtime classical and contemporary music concerts in a very informal atmosphere.