Cherokee Ranch & Castle sits atop a rocky outcrop south of Daniels Park. Originally homesteader’s land, the Scottish-style castle was built in the 1920s by the Johnson Family.
Tweet Kimball, an avid equestrian and rancher, purchased the property and adjacent land in 1954 to raise her beloved Santa Gertrudis cattle. Developed to thrive on the native grasses of South Texas brush, she believed the colder climate of Colorado was an ideal breeding ground. Despite the skeptics, Santa Gertrudis cattle are now bred in varied climates worldwide. Tweet and Cherokee Ranch are recognized within cattle breeding circles for this legacy and continue to manage a herd for historical and educational purposes.
Tweet, with The Douglas County Open Lands Coalition, created a conservation easement in 1986 to protect Cherokee Ranch, which now holds the deed to the 3,400-acre property, castle, ranch, and historic outbuildings. It fulfilled Tweet’s vision to preserve the natural landscape and abundant wildlife, restore historic structures, and broaden Colorado’s cultural life with activities devoted to education, conservation, entertainment, the arts, and wildlife.
The Cherokee Ranch Science Institute was founded in 2013 by retired geologist, the late Allan Koch. It serves the foundation’s scientific mission, notably in geology, archaeology, and paleontology. University of Denver’s Dr. Larry Conyers’ research on ground penetrating radar (GPR), Metropolitan State University Archaeology Field Camp, and studies on petrified wood and ponderosa pine have used the site.
The castle’s panoramic views create an idyllic spot for the ever-popular afternoon English Tea. Teas are held most Thursdays through Saturdays, winter through spring, and holiday-themed teas for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and Christmas.
Special events, wine and whiskey tastings, yoga, and musical concerts occur throughout the year. One of Douglas County’s most sought-after wedding venues, the famed Santa Gertrudis cattle serve as wedding guests and witnesses from afar.
Visit cherokeeranch.org for more information and a calendar of events.
Preserved for education, conservation, entertainment, the arts, and wildlife.
