Palmer Lake is a small historic town nestled in the foothills. The Union Pacific and Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad climbs the divide and passes through Palmer Lake where the town’s rustic character is coupled with breathtaking red rock mountain landscape. Its spirit is reflected in the businesses of Palmer Lake that open their doors and extend a taste of small town living and shopping experience − an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The first settlers arrived in the Palmer Lake area in the 1860’s. Nestled in the foothills, The Town of Palmer Lake was platted in 1882 by Dr. William Finley Thompson, a dentist from Baltimore, who intended it to be a health resort and vacation community. For many years, the area maintained an agrarian lifestyle, with industry ranging from harvesting ice, fox farms, and sawmills, until 1958, when the Air Force Academy opened. The Lucretia Vaile Museum features photos, historical artifacts and articles from the Palmer Lake, Monument and Palmer Divide areas and is an ideal place to learn about the history of the Tri-Lakes region.
Palmer Lake also offers many fishing and walking trails. As the beginning of the 14-mile Santa Fe Regional Trail, one of the longest continuous trails in El Paso County, it follows the abandoned Atkinson, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad right-of-way. Visitors and residents alike enjoy the abundance of wildlife, wildflowers and scenery.
Palmer Lake is located in the western area of the Tri-Lakes area. It is bordered by the mountains to the west, southern Douglas County and Larkspur to the north, Black Forest to the east, and Monument to the south.
