October 10th and 11th, the Ute Pass Historical Society invites you to enjoy a weekend filled with community, comfort food, and a taste of old-fashioned fun. Join us in Divide for two special events that celebrate Teller County’s history and hometown spirit!
🍲 Potato Soup Supper & Volunteer Appreciation Night 📅 Friday, October 10 📍 Pikes Peak Community Center, 11122 US Hwy 24, Divide 🕔 Doors open 5:15 PM | Dinner 5:30 PM | Program 6:30 PM 💵 $5 suggested donation
Settle in for a cozy evening of homemade potato soup, salad, rolls, and dessert as the community celebrates our wonderful volunteers and local history enthusiasts. At 6:30 PM, guest speaker Roger P. Hadix, a Colorado Springs native, baseball historian, and author of “Baseball in Colorado Springs.” will take the stage to share his love of baseball.
Roger’s lifelong passion for local history and America’s favorite pastime has made him a community favorite. He also plays with the Colorado Vintage Base Ball Association (CVBBA), keeping 19th-century “base ball” alive and well across Colorado.
Enjoy a delicious meal, great company, and a fascinating look at the history of baseball in our region, all in one memorable evening.
⚾ Old Fashioned Base Ball Game 📅 Saturday, October 11 | 1:00 PM 📍 Hayden Park, Divide
The fun continues the next afternoon as the Divide Fire Department faces off against the Colorado Vintage Base Ball Association in an authentic 1800s-style “base ball” game! This isn’t your typical baseball match, expect vintage uniforms, historic rules, and lively crowd participation.
Bring your lawn chairs, friends, and family for a good old-fashioned afternoon of entertainment, community pride, and maybe even a few peanuts and crackerjacks.
Every fall, the mountains of Teller County, just west of Colorado Springs, transform into a patchwork of golden aspens framed by rugged peaks and deep evergreen forests. From September 25 through October 7, the colors are expected to reach their peak, painting the hillsides in brilliant shades of yellow and gold. For those looking to soak in the sights, Teller County offers one of the most scenic drives close to Colorado Springs, with plenty of small-town charm, hearty food, and hidden gems along the way.
Starting in Colorado Springs, here’s a full-day itinerary that pairs breathtaking foliage with memorable stops, perfect for first-time visitors and seasoned leaf peepers alike.
Woodland Park – A Mountain Town Welcome After winding your way up Ute Pass on Highway 24, your first stop is Woodland Park, known as “The City Above the Clouds.” The air is a little crisper here, and the mountain views begin to open up. Before continuing deeper into the forest, stop at Café Leo, a cozy local favorite. A warm latte or chai makes the perfect start, and their baked goods — especially the house-made pastry that tastes like an elevated version of a childhood “pop tart” — are worth the indulgence. It’s also a good spot to stretch your legs, stock up on road snacks, and settle into mountain time.
Divide & Mueller State Park – Aspen Gold at Its Best From Woodland Park, head west to Divide, where Highway 67 splits south toward Cripple Creek. This stretch of road is a leaf-peeper’s dream. Golden aspen groves blanket the rolling hillsides, and the higher elevation means the colors often come early and stay vibrant.
Just a few miles down the road lies Mueller State Park, one of Teller County’s crown jewels. With more than 5,000 acres and 55 miles of trails, the park offers endless opportunities to immerse yourself in the colors. Even if you don’t have time for a long hike, the park has scenic pull-offs where you can capture sweeping photos of gold against the backdrop of Pikes Peak. For a quick, rewarding stroll, try the Outlook Ridge Trail, which leads to panoramic views perfect for fall photos.
Mueller State Park
Cripple Creek – History and a Hearty Meal Continue south to Cripple Creek, a historic mining town where Victorian architecture meets the buzz of modern casinos. The drive itself is spectacular, with bursts of aspen lining the hillsides and occasional wildlife sightings.
Once you arrive, fuel up with lunch at The District Kitchen & Saloon, a modern spot with a hearty menu. Their “Best in the West Hot Chicken Sandwich” has earned a loyal following for good reason — it’s crispy, spicy, and perfectly satisfying after a mountain drive. After lunch, stroll the downtown streets where old brick buildings and historic markers tell the story of Colorado’s gold rush era. If you’re feeling adventurous, step into one of the casinos and test your luck before heading back out to the open road.
“Best In The West Hot Chicken” Sandwich, The District Saloon
Victor – A Step Back in Time Just a short drive from Cripple Creek lies Victor, a quieter, less touristy mining town that feels frozen in time. Along the way, you’ll pass Rita the Troll, a quirky roadside sculpture that’s become a local landmark — the perfect photo-op for your road trip scrapbook.
In town, pop into Gold Camp Bakery Café & Deli, where the scent of fresh bread and pastries fills the air. For those seeking something stronger, the 1899 Mining Claim and Saloon serves craft beers and cocktails in a setting that channels the rugged spirit of the mining era. If you’re lucky enough to find the Victor Trading Co & Manufacturing Works open, don’t miss it. This old-fashioned shop sells hand-pressed postcards, hand-made brooms, and unique keepsakes that make for truly memorable souvenirs.
Victor Trading Co & Manufacturing Works
The Perfect Ending in Green Mountain Falls (We Know, It’s Not In Teller County) As the day winds down, make your way back toward Colorado Springs. Before you descend fully into the Front Range, stop in Green Mountain Falls, a small mountain village that feels tucked away from the world. Here, Cantina Verde serves some of the best Mexican fare in the region. Their queso and house margaritas are the ideal way to toast a successful day of leaf peeping before heading back to the city.
Today is the final day to explore the Woodland Park Rock, Gem and Jewelry Show, happening right here in Woodland Park at the Saddle Club lot between Safeway and Walmart. This annual event, held every 3rd weekend in August, brings together more than 40 dealers featuring minerals from around the world, stunning crystals, and one-of-a-kind custom jewelry.
The show is a family favorite with free activities for kids, including gold panning and digging up rocks, making it a great way to introduce little explorers to geology in a fun and hands-on way. Adults can browse the wide variety of gems and jewelry while enjoying delicious options from local food vendors.
Whether you are a collector, jewelry lover, or simply looking for a fun Sunday activity, the Woodland Park Rock, Gem and Jewelry Show has something for everyone. Don’t miss your chance to experience it before it’s gone for another year.
Wednesday, August 13 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Meadow Wood Sports Complex, Woodland Park Free Event
emergency service vehicle. Closeup view
Get ready for a morning full of horns, sirens, and smiles at the 25th Annual TOUCH-A-TRUCK Day, hosted by The Resource Exchange (TRE)! This exciting, hands-on event invites kids of all ages to climb inside, crawl through, and explore more than 20 big trucks and emergency vehicles.
From fire engines and ambulances to a real helicopter, school buses, and even a snowplow, this is a rare chance to get up close to the vehicles that help keep our community running. You’ll also spot police cars, dump trucks, a JTLV military vehicle, backhoes, a street sweeper, and more.
Whether your kid dreams of driving a bulldozer or sounding the siren on a fire truck, this event puts them right in the driver’s seat—literally.
Helpful Tip: If anyone in your family is sensitive to noise, please bring noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs. Some vehicles may sound their horns or sirens during the event.
Yellow excavator on a construction site against blue sky. The modern excavator performs excavation work on the construction site
About the Host: The Resource Exchange (TRE)
TRE is proud to serve approximately 13,000 individuals of all ages throughout El Paso, Pueblo, Teller, and Park counties. Advocating for independence and inclusion, TRE partners with children and adults with disabilities, delays, mental health, or long-term care needs. Using a person-centered approach, TRE coordinates care, promotes choice, and collaborates with over 200 community partners to increase opportunities for those they serve.
TOUCH-A-TRUCK Day is just one of many events where TRE brings families, partners, and the community together to learn, connect, and have fun.
Planning your first visit to the Teller County Fair? Here are a few helpful tips to make sure you get the most out of this weeklong celebration of community, country fun, and local talent.
Come Prepared for the Sun Teller County summers can be hot and bright. While there are new covered bleachers this year, those seats fill up quickly. Most seating is uncovered, so pack sunscreen, wear a hat, and bring your own chair if you want to be comfortable and close to the action.
Food, Drinks, and Good Times You’ll find plenty to eat thanks to the on-site food vendors serving up fair favorites. Outside alcohol is not allowed, but you can purchase beer from the fair’s beer tent if you’re 21 or older.
New This Year: The Equipment Rodeo After the Motocross event on the first Saturday, stick around for the all-new Equipment Rodeo. Sponsored by Wagner Equipment Co., our local CAT dealership, this exciting event features heavy machinery and skilled operators putting on a crowd-pleasing show.
The Little Rascals Pee Wee Show Perfect for young animal lovers, this event gives kids a chance to get hands-on with 4H animals and learn the basics of showing them. It was a big hit in its first year and is back again, offering fun for both participants and spectators.
The 2025 Teller County Fair is back, bigger and better than ever. With this year’s theme, “From the Roots Up, Celebrating Heritage, Hard Work, and Hometown Traditions,” the fair promises ten days of community pride, agricultural excellence, family fun, and hometown spirit.
From livestock to live entertainment, the Teller County Fair is packed with community fun all week long. Watch 4H and FFA youth show off their hard work in horse, rabbit, poultry, pig, goat, sheep, and beef competitions. Don’t miss the Quilt Show, Talent Show, Senior Day festivities, Fashion Revue, or the community Ice Cream Social. The excitement builds with the Livestock Auction and Buyers Dinner on Friday, and a dance featuring Jax Jordening. The weekend ramps up with the Demolition Derby (Saturday, August 2), Bull Riding and Barrel Racing (Sunday, August 3), and the Tough Truck Challenge (Sunday, July 27). Little ones can enjoy Mutton Bustin’ and Saturday’s Family Day on August 2, with Touch-a-Truck, games, and the adorable Little Rascals Pee Wee Show for ages 2–7.
See The Schedule Below:
July 25–August 3 • Teller County Fairgrounds
Friday, July 25
5:00 PM – Royalty Tryouts (ages 10–20)
Saturday, July 26
8:00 AM – Motocross registration (racing at 9:00 AM)
2:00 PM – Equipment Rodeo (time tentative)
7:00 PM – County Day Kickoff with live band Jax Jordening
9:15 PM – Fireworks show
Sunday, July 27
8:30 AM – Cowboy Church
11:00 AM – Tough Truck registration (race at 1:00 PM) *Ticketed Event*
Cripple Creek is full of history, but when it comes to food, The District Kitchen & Saloon is making its own mark. This local favorite at 367 East Bennett Avenue is where comfort food meets bold flavor, and their “Best in the West Hot Chicken Sandwich” might just be the crown jewel. Spicy, crispy, and stacked with fresh toppings on a toasted brioche bun, it’s the kind of sandwich that makes you forget about the slot machines.
Let’s talk about the standout: their “Best in the West Hot Chicken Sandwich.” It lives up to its name. We’re talking spicy, crispy chicken piled high with creamy coleslaw, tangy pickles, and mayo, all on a toasted brioche bun. It’s the perfect balance of heat, crunch, and flavor. Add in a side of crispy tater tots and you’ve got a plate that will have you coming back for seconds.
Before you even get to the main course, do yourself a favor and start with the Cheese Curds or the “Boomer” fried mushrooms. Both appetizers hit the mark and are ideal for sharing.
The atmosphere at The District Kitchen & Saloon is warm, friendly, and just the kind of place where you want to linger a little longer. Whether you’re visiting Cripple Creek, heading over to Victor, or stopping by to see Rita the Rock Planter, this restaurant deserves a spot on your itinerary.
Bottom line: If you’re looking for great food in a great setting, this is the place.
Redwoods, fossils, and hiking trails bring prehistoric Colorado to life
Just outside of Florissant, tucked into a quiet mountain valley, lies one of the most fascinating natural sites in the country. The Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument offers visitors a chance to step back 34 million years and experience a Colorado that once looked a whole lot different.
FLORISSANT FOSSIL BEDS NATIONAL MONUMENT
This area is home to one of the richest fossil deposits in the world. Scattered throughout the park, you’ll find massive petrified redwood stumps, some reaching up to 14 feet wide, along with finely detailed fossils of ancient insects, leaves, and other plant life. It’s a landscape shaped by time, volcanic eruptions, and layers of ash and mud that preserved these relics in stunning detail.
Start your visit at the Visitor Center, where you’ll find hands-on exhibits, a fossil display, and a short film titled Shadows of the Past. It’s also where you can talk with a ranger, pick up a map, and plan your visit. Don’t skip the Fossil Learning Lab in the yurt near the picnic area during summer months — it’s a hit with kids and curious adults alike, offering a chance to get up close with fossil replicas using magnifying glasses and microscopes.
Outdoors, the park features several short, scenic trails, including the Petrified Forest Loop, Ponderosa Loop, and the Geologic Trail, all of which offer interpretive signs and impressive views of the ancient stumps. For those looking to spend more time on the trail, the monument offers 14 miles of hiking through beautiful ponderosa pine forests and open meadows.
History buffs should swing by the Hornbek Homestead, a preserved 1878 log home that tells the story of early settlers in the region. Exhibit panels around the site offer a glimpse into the life of pioneer Adeline Hornbek and her family.
FLORISSANT FOSSIL BEDS NATIONAL MONUMENT
During the summer, the park hosts ranger-led programs like Art in the Park, Skulls and Tracks hikes, and Meet a Geologist sessions. Whether you’re interested in science, nature, history, or just a peaceful day outside, there’s something here for everyone.
The Florissant Fossil Beds are a true gem of Teller County, offering visitors a mix of prehistoric wonder, outdoor adventure, and local history. If you haven’t visited yet, or if it’s been a while, it’s well worth adding to your summer plans.
ffordable, flavorful Mexican street food arrives in the heart of town
Sofia’s Antojitos, a fast-casual Mexican spot known for big flavor and friendly service, has opened its doors at 727 Gold Hill Place South, right where the old Italian restaurant used to be.
This is not your average taco joint. Locals are already loving the variety, the price, and the vibe.
“WP finally got an order-at-the-counter, fast, affordable, hole-in-the-wall-feeling Mexican restaurant. The food is incredible.”
The word antojitos means “little cravings” in Spanish, and Sofia’s menu is full of them. From birria tacos and sopes to quesabirria and the fan-favorite pizzabirria, every item is packed with flavor. There are also tortas, flautas, papas locas, and plenty of other crave-worthy dishes to explore. Pair it with a cold margarita and enjoy the patio seating for a perfect afternoon or evening bite.
Customers are also praising the friendly staff and clean, inviting space.
“We got to meet the manager, Eddie, and he was super friendly and helpful. Everything came out fast, the place is clean and looks great.”
“Love the open space, patio seating, and yummy birria tacos!”
Sofia’s has two highly rated locations in Colorado Springs, and the Woodland Park community seems excited to welcome their newest addition. It’s fast, it’s fresh, and it already feels like a local favorite.
If you are hungry for something flavorful and filling, Sofia’s Antojitos is definitely worth checking out.
Family recipes, fresh ingredients, and some of the best pizza in Colorado
If you find yourself anywhere near Hartsel, Colorado, make time for a stop at Zuccaro’s Kitchen. Tucked into this quiet mountain town, the restaurant is quickly building a reputation for delicious food, a welcoming atmosphere, and a surprising menu that rivals anything you’ll find in the city.
Zuccaro’s is family-owned and run, and the care shows in every detail. The menu is full of Italian-American favorites like hand-tossed pizza, pasta, hoagies, pies, and desserts. One reviewer described the pizza crust as the best they’ve had in Colorado. It’s thick but fluffy, perfect for dipping into their signature chili oil. Another guest raved about the garlic bread with cheese, Italian hoagie, and a pesto pizza recommended by their server that completely won them over.
The experience goes beyond the food. On certain evenings, the restaurant hosts live music, giving visitors one more reason to stick around and soak up the good energy. It’s the kind of place where locals gather and road trippers end up pleasantly surprised.
Zuccaro’s also stands out for its commitment to sustainability. All of their containers, dishes, and cutlery are compostable, aligning with their mission to serve great food while taking care of the environment.
Located in a quiet corner of Park County, Zuccaro’s Kitchen might seem off the beaten path. But the atmosphere, flavor, and friendly service make it more than worth the trip. Whether you’re just passing through or planning a special outing, this small-town spot delivers in a big way.
The Teller Times 