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| GENERAL INFORMATION |
MAPS
CDOT Map of Walsenburg
LINKS
Welcome To Walsenburg!
History
Walsenburg started as a settlement on the North side of the Cucharas river which was establshed by Don Miguel Antonio Leon and another family by the name of Atencio in the mid-1800's. The settlement was initially named La Plaza de los Leones after the Leon family.
In 1870, Fred Walsen relocated to the area and built a large mercantile near La Plaza de los Leones. Rich deposits of coal were known to exist in the area and in 1876 Walsen opened the area's first coal mine. For the better part of the next century, coal mining would heavily influence the development and growth of the area.
On June 16th, 1873, Walsenburg was incorporated as the first statutory city and seventh incorporated municipality in the Territory of Colorado. In recognition of Fred Walsen's part in the founding of the city and encouraging the growth of the town and surrounding area, a suggestion was made, and accepted, to name the new city after the Walsen Family.
Walsenburg is the county seat of Huerfano County which is named for Huerfano (orphan) Butte, a volcanic dome and local landmark located about 10 miles North of Walsenburg on Interstate 25.
Attractions
Walsenburg Wild Waters
Owned and operated by The City of Walsenburg, Walsenburg Wild Waters was completed and opened for the first time in the Spring of 2007. The water park has two 35-foot high water slides, a diving well, zero-entry pool, and a concessions stand. The park is open annually from Memorial Day weekend to the end of August. For more information, and pictures of the park, see the Walsenburg Wild Waters page on this site.
Lathrop State Park
Lathrop State Park, which is located about 2 miles west of Walsenburg on Highway 160, is Colorado's first state park. The 1,594 acre park has two lakes which offer a variety of water activities. Martin Lake offers fishing, water skiing, boating for both power and sail boats, and, because Martin is a warm-water lake, great swimming opportunities. Horseshoe Lake offers a more peaceful setting for kayaking, sailing, and power boating at wakeless speeds. Both lakes have thriving populations of catfish, bass, walleye, trout, and bluegill. Horseshoe Lake is also known for its large tiger muskies.
The park has two campgrounds with a total of 103 camp sites which can accomodate motorhomes, trailers, and tents. All campgrounds offer basic and improved camping facilities. The recently upgraded Pinon Campground is well suited to large camping units.
Lathrop State park is the only Colorado State Park with a golf course.
The Spanish Peaks
The Spanish Peaks, are located about 35 miles southwest of Walsenburg in the 3 million acre San Isabel National Forest. Both the 13,636 foot West Peak and the 12,683 foot East Peak offer a multitude of outdoor recreational activities.