West Colorado Springs in El Paso County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)
A Priceless Gift
Garden of the Gods Park
Perkins, the president of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad, lived in Iowa. He never built on his Colorado land but he generously allowed the public to enjoy his property. Perkins expressed his wish for the land to become a public park, but he died before arrangements could be made.
Perkins' children followed their father's wishes and offered the land to the City of Colorado Springs. In late 1909, the City Council accepted the land with the following restrictions:
◆ the public park be known forever as Garden of the Gods.
◆ no intoxicating liquors be manufactured or sold in the park.
◆ no buildings be erected, except those necessary to maintain the park.
◆ the park shall be forever free and open to the public.
Garden of the Gods was given special recognition as National Natural Landmark in 1972.
The Hidden Inn
In 1915, the City constructed a pueblo-style building in the Park to be used as a caretaker's residence, curio shop and tearoom. Later, an east wing was added and a snack bar replaced the tearoom. The Inn's third-floor viewing deck made the souvenir shop a popular destination.
The Hidden Inn was removed from the Park in 1996 under citizen direction and the area revegetated.
Erected by City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Natural Features • Notable Places • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the National Natural Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1879.
Location. 38° 52.789′ N, 104° 52.911′ W. Marker is in Colorado Springs, Colorado, in El Paso County. It is in West Colorado Springs. Marker can be reached from Garden Drive. Part of the Inner Loop Trail. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Colorado Springs CO 80904, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Welcome to Garden of the Gods Park (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Garden of the Gods (about 600 feet away); a different marker also named A Priceless Gift (about 600 feet away); Time Frozen In Stone (about 600 feet away); Garden of the Gods Park (approx. 0.6 miles away); Bloomer Girl; A Colorado Trailblazer (approx. 0.6 miles away); Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site (approx. 0.6 miles away); Indian Trail (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Colorado Springs.
Also see . . . Wikipedia article on the Garden of the Gods. (Submitted on June 22, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 22, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 239 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 22, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.