9NEWS.com - Explore Colorado 2007 - The Kauffman House

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Located on the north shore of scenic Grand Lake, the historic Kauffman House offers a glimpse into an era when tourism was just beginning to take hold as a major industry in Colorado. The two-story log structure was built in 1892 as a hotel and residence for the Kauffman family, who operated the hotel until 1946. Purchased by the Grand Lake Area Historical Society in 1973, the Kauffman House has been carefully restored to allow visitors to learn more about the days when accommodations for travelers were simple and rustic. The Kauffman House is located just a block off the main commercial street in the historic center of Grand Lake, where visitors will find several other examples of early, Rustic-style architecture.

Ezra Kauffman came to the Grand Lake area in 1879 and worked as a guide for miners seeking their fortune in nearby camps such as Lulu City. After the mines gave out, Kauffman operated a saloon for several years in Hot Sulphur Springs, before deciding to move back to Grand Lake in 1892 with his 15-year old bride. By this time, Grand Lake's economy had shifted from mining to tourism. Word of the area's spectacular mountain scenery attracted travelers from throughout the country, even though getting to Grand Lake required a tedious wagon journey over Berthoud Pass.

Kauffman used pine logs harvested nearby to build his new hotel. The logs were cut in half lengthwise and laid up with the rounded halves facing outward. The flat side of the logs faced inward, providing relatively smooth interior walls. Kauffman used flattened tin cans and old newspapers to add a bit of insulation, though it was often inadequate on the cool summer nights. A porch was built to offer guests a view of the lake and new rooms were added over the years.

Today the Kauffmann House is a well-preserved example of a log-built mountain hotel. The entire structure has been carefully restored by the Grand Lake Area Historical Society using grants from the Colorado Historical Society's State Historical Fund. The Kauffman House is furnished with clothing and furnishings from the era during which it was a hotel (late 1890's through the mid 1940's). The pieces in the parlor, kitchen, dining room and bedrooms are either original to the Kauffmans or were donated by residents of the Grand Lake area to represent what was typical of the era.

The Kauffman House is open daily from 11 am to 5 pm, from Memorial Day through Labor Day, plus weekends in September and for special occasions throughout the year. The main level of the two-story house is ADA accessible; a photo book is available at the entrance for those who are unable to use the steps to the upstairs bedrooms. The docents in the Kauffman House are trained in the history of both the House and Grand Lake area. Rosemary Kauffman Wilkin, who was raised in the House, provided numerous stories and memories that have been incorporated into the tours led by the docents. There is a pamphlet for sale describing the construction and furnishings. The DVD "Saga of Grand Lake" is also for sale in the Kauffman House. It includes interviews with Rosemary Wilkin and includes a verbal description of the history of the Grand Lake area, starting with the Native Americans. The Grand Lake Area Historical Society also publishes a Walking Tour of Historic Grand Lake, which describes many of the historical buildings in town and is for sale at the Kauffman House and many other locations around town.

Fun Facts to Know and Tell:

If the Kauffman House was full, guests had the option of sleeping in one of several "tent cabins" that were set up around the hotel during the busy summer season. They shared the hotel grounds with a variety of small livestock, which the Kauffmans kept on hand to supply the hotel kitchen.

Grand Lake is the largest natural body of water in Colorado and gives its name to the town, established in 1879 by the Grand Lake Town & Improvement Company as a mining settlement.

The Colorado River, which has its beginnings near Grand Lake, was originally called the Grand River and was changed by Congress in 1921 to the Colorado River.

Other Places to Visit:
Grand Lake Community House (where the Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre presents live performances)
The Inn at Grand Lake (which includes a restaurant, retail shops and a hotel)
The Rapids Lodge (restaurant and hotel)

Never Summer Ranch, Kawuneeche Valley, Rocky Mountain National Park

Best Times to Visit:
The Museum opens Memorial Day weekend for the summer season and remains open through September

June 21-July 21 Vintage Apron and Tablecloth Display

July 20- Buffalo Barbecue weekend parade, with a float from the Historical Society

August 2- History Day - Grand Lake historical characters portrayed, along with historic walking tours

September 13-14: Fall Festival with possible antique car show

Byways:
• Colorado River Headwaters Scenic & Historic Byway (America's Byway®)
• Trail Ridge Road/Beaver Meadow Road (America's Byway®)