This 12-acre park is the site of Denver’s oldest house. It was named Four Mile House because it was located four miles away from the city along the Cherokee Trail, a wagon train headed for California that was originally a trail used by Indigenous peoples. The house was erected about 1858 as the last station offering services to the travelers on the stagecoach line to Denver. The museum and park include a log home, a barn with farm animals, and guided tours.
Located at 715 S. Forest St. in Denver, this park is perfect for a family outing. I love touring this historical location. My favorite part is the old house. Guides take guests through each room explaining the history of how the house came to be and how it evolved over the years.
Brothers Jonas and Samuel Brantner built a two-story log cabin along Cherry Creek in 1859, and in 1860 Mary Cawker bought it and turned it into an Inn with dancing on the second floor. Mary Cawker sold the house to Millie and Levi Booth in 1866. The Booths became beekeepers and built a bee house on the property. In 1870, the railroad arrived in Denver from Cheyenne, which ended the stagecoach route. The Booths then turned their efforts to farming.
In 1941, the Four Mile House officially became a historic monument. Denver designated it as a landmark in 1968, and it was listed a Registered Historic Place in 1969. It is a special place of significance in Denver’s history, and we are lucky that is it so well preserved and cared for.
Today Four Mile Historic Park is “dedicated both to preserving Colorado’s history and to creating new stories through exciting events and educational programs.” Each month of the year showcases different events. Hours are 10:00am-4:00pm on weekends, Friday-Sunday only. Enjoy this treasure trove of history and preservation. Find out more and purchase tickets at fourmilepark.org.
