Colorado Chautauqua

Colorado Chautauqua is a 40-acre National Historic Landmark district below the Flatirons in southwest Boulder. Narrow streets, small wood-frame cottages with front porches and almost no sidewalks give it the camp-like look of an early-1900s summer colony. Public buildings and the park lawn sit on the flatter north side; cottages climb the hill behind. Parking is very limited.

Interiors include the 1898 Auditorium, an open timber hall seating 1,313, the 1898 Dining Hall with its wraparound porch, and the 1918 Community House. Auditorium winterization is scheduled through December 2026, and a City of Boulder project is burying utility lines and repaving streets into 2027, so confirm access.

Chautauqua has operated continuously since July 4, 1898. The City owns the land and leases 26 acres to the nonprofit Colorado Chautauqua Association.

Chautauqua Park and city streets fall under the City’s film permit, filed at least 14 days ahead. Most filming in the meadow or on trails also needs an Open Space and Mountain Parks Commercial Use Permit (allow at least 14 days); drones and large equipment are not allowed there. For buildings, lodges and cottages, contact the Association at 303-442-3282.