We found information about this scenic drive in the Estes Park Visitor Guide guide that I picked up at the Estes Park Visitor Center. With the stormy weather we have been having, we are enjoying our drive-and-stop approach at sight-seeing on the days we are not able to hike. The beauty of the mountains, canyons, lakes, rivers and creeks, trees, wildflowers, etc., can be seen everywhere around Estes Park!
The route from Elkhorn Avenue was north on MacGregor Avenue to County Road 43 to Glen Haven,
Devils Gulch Road to Drake, then south on US Highway 34 back to Estes Park.
Our first stop was at the MacGregor Ranch (open in the summer). The ranch was founded in 1873 by Alexander and Clara MacGregor and left in trust by their granddaughter, Muriel MacGregor. Today, it is a 2,000 acre working cattle ranch (larger in years past) and a youth education center located in the Black Canyon area of Estes Park.
View behind the house.
We enjoyed a guided tour of the Museum which is the 8-room, turn-of-the-century, ranch house that with original furnishings and personal memorabilia of three generations of the MacGregor family.
The ranch house built around 1900. This was the third house they build on the property.
Sitting room with law books in the desk. Both Alexander MacGregor and his granddaughter, Muriel, were attorneys.
Dining room table set with family china.
Antique high chair (that could be converted into a stroller).
Several generations of washing machines.
There was a large array of antique farm equipment on display as well.
The 2nd and 3rd generation of the MacGregor family are interred in this mausoleum.
Admission to the MacGregor Museum is $5 for adults and free for children. We found the tour interesting and really enjoyed the self-guided tour of the outbuildings. The scenery from every vantage point at this ranch was just beautiful.
The second part of today's adventure is in the next post.
Website: www.macgregorranch.org
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