Beyond Cinnamon (From Silverton, Lake City is accessible by Cinnamon or Engineer Passes. It is also accessible from Hwy 50 near Gunnison.

WHAT MAKES Lake City special? Surrounded by forest and home to Colorado’s second largest lake, the town is in an undeniably lovely setting. Within the city limits, the residential district displays an outstanding example of the Victorian “Painted Ladies.” The population (about 300 in winter) grows to 2,000 in summer, with a large contingent of second home owners, but and all residents are loyal and supportive in the extreme. Consequently, Lake City’s cultural programs flourish. Lake City is also the cross roads of two national scenic byways: the Silver Thread and the Alpine Loop.

CULTURAL PROGRAMS The Moseley Art Center is a focal point for the entire community, hosting plays and musical productions, and housing a fine art gallery presenting the work of local and regional artists. “There is a wealth of artistic talent here,” states Lake City Arts director John Smith. And supporting it, “Our volunteer program is incredible,” he says. Summer and Fall festivals for arts, wine, and music are a big annual draw.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES Spring, summer, and fall are the most popular visitor seasons here, when guests come back year after year to fish and hunt, bike and hike, and to explore the back country by jeep and ATV. Hinsdale County hosts an annual 50-mile run and a 70-mile bike race. Several “ghost” towns and mining relics are accessible from either Cinnamon or Engineer Pass roads, at the east side of the Alpine Loop. Carson, on CR 30 and perhaps the best preserved of them, requires four-wheel drive, but is well worth the trek. Another interesting stop is the Ute-Ulay mine, once the scene of a big strike. (Vist our silvertonmagazine.com and click on the Alpine Loop story for details.) Numerous side and spur roads lead to scenic vistas, great hiking trails, and wonderful picnic spots. Lake City winter activities include an Ice Park.

HISTORY Lake City is the capital of and the only incorporated city in Hinsdale County. It is home to the Hinsdale County Historical Museum and its newest addition, the Transportation Museum. When it opened, the first car to arrive in Silverton, a Peerless Automobile (now owned by an English gentleman), made a surprise visit. Riding in it was the granddaughter of the original owner! Lake City is proud of its history, much of it related to mining. The historical museum hosts several events and exhibits. We also enjoyed learning more about the mining history, both from the museum, and from touring the surrounding countryside. For more about Lake City, visit their "official" web site, http://www.lakecity.com/

Photographs (top to bottom):
Lake San Cristobol
"Painted Lady" Victorian House.
Mosley Art Center, Lake City (art gallery, theater, event center)
Antique, horse-drawn fire wagon, Lake City Transportation Museum.