Lyons is at 5,374 feet with approximately 1,500 people in its town limits. The early history involves visitors of Shoshones, Pawnees, Cheyennes and Crow Indians. But the Ute and Arapahoe tribes lived here.

Approximately in 1861, the first settlers came to the valley and ended up with farms, since no gold was found. Many came for health reasons; and eventually, hundreds came to work in the sandstone quarries. The sandstone hogback that passing through the town begins at the Wyoming border and continues down to the New Mexico border (varying in visibility). The largest successful companies today are the stone yards, cement company, and Planet Bluegrass. Lyons Cafe is the oldest business in town, and the owner, Marguerite, turned 90 years old in 2003! Cattle raising and farming is still evident in the area. Several quaint lodging facilities are in the area. The town fought and was able to keep its school system, grades K-12. It also fought and prevented the building of a precarious dam.

Lyons Sandstone Quarry History Go to page 2 to read about the world famous red sandstone found in Lyons and the family owned quarries, and how the founder of the town, E. S. Lyon, had the foresight to see beyond the cattle and farms.

Lyons Historic Museum: In 1881 a small school was built, and a second story added in 1902 to accommodate the growing Town. It was made from the local red sandstone, which lasts from 300 to 500 years. All 12 grades were taught there, with the first graduating class in 1925 having 4 students.

When new schools were built, the building became the Lyons Redstone Museum. It has preserved much of the old school house, including the old 2nd story fire escape, signatures of former students on the blackboard, and school photos. It now houses an extensive Photograph Display of Lyons history, including local and county displays. Antique homey furniture and equipment fill the rooms, including an old soda fountain booth. Newspaper clippings and old photographs are just a part of its extensive historic and genealogical collection. It's gift shop sells memorabilia, discounted old books, knick-knacks and more. It's a really fun place to explore for history buffs.

The director, LaVern Johnson (and her deceased husband) have been crusaders for the Town over the years, including its school system, the prevented dangerous dam, preserving the historical documents, and more; and she has received numerous honors for her hard work. She runs the museum during the summer months. It is open to the public (free/donation-basis). Ms. Johnson is the head of the Lyons Historical Society, which saved the old school house from being demolished. 303-823-6692

The train depot was also saved and turned into a popular library. The Lyons Historical Society was formed to save the depot. There are 15 buildings on the National Historic Register, made out of local sandstone by master stonemasons between 1870 and 1917. A walking tour map is available at the tourist office or the Redstone Museum.

The Town is located in Boulder County, and more facts about the county can be found at: Boulder County .

Lyons Music Scene The town has an big music scene, and it attracts nationally renowned artists. It includes monthly house concerts, acoustic open-mikes, jazz, community dances, summer in-the-park concerts, square dances, and professional blues and folk performances. The most famous venue is Planet Bluegrass. Most are listed at: Music in Lyons The Town has presented free music in the park for several years, and a few years ago it erected a permanent sandstone stage for performers to use.

Lyons Arts and Culture: Several nationally-known artists make the Lyons area their home. From well-known "garden" murder mystery writer Ann Ripley, to sculpture John King, several photographers and poets, and award-winning writer and photographer Kathleen Spring. There is a poetry group that meets monthly (3rd Thursday), a couple of book clubs and a monthly art-card trading session. Residents include pottery makers, creative sculptures, stained glass designers, quilters, sandstone engravings and architecture, and more. There is a Colorado Arts store on Main Street, which sells only Colorado artist products.

Meet the Artist: The Town offers several ways to "meet the artists," from a group book signing at December's Christmas Bazaar, to openings for art displays in local cafes and in Town Hall. The first Art Walk began in 2004, "Artique", with opportunities to visit the artists' studios. (usually the 3rd weekend every May) Approximately 50 artists either open up their galleries, or show their work in town; including, some years, there is a labyrinth on property outside of the Town center.

Group Activities/Contributions: A mural was placed on the wall of the Visitor Center in 2003 that represents the past, present and future of Lyons. It was designed by local artists in cooperation with the local residents' contributions of ideas. A vacated water clarifier (a round cement building) is being covers with 100s of hand-painted 4x4 tiles, with local artists guiding residents in painting the tiles.

Sculpture: Several new sandstone sculptures have been added over the past three years, including engraved bears stones, and giant sandstone eggs. Beginning in 2006, the Town sponsors a large centrally located public sculpture for a one year period. The first one was done by John King and Kristine Smock, and they were kinetic sculptures that moved in the wind. There is an annual Sculpture Trail, which involves over a dozen artists creating 35 to 80 pieces that are placed along an imaginary trail. A brochure (offered at the local coffee shops for a minimal fee) takes the visitor on a "fantasy" journey, explaining or suggesting reasons why you have come across a piece, or how you can interact with it.

The Town does numerous charity events, mainly focusing on using foot races and pot-luck fund raisers. And, a Rubber Ducky Race down the river for Charity began in 2004.

Tourist Info: Where to Go for What.
Food: Check out the Chamber's web page for a list of many of the Town's exceptional restaurants, including gourmet, cafe, bakery, and coffee. Chamber of Commerce. The Town also has an extensive web page, which includes information on things like the Fire Department and employees. (Note, the web site is updated about once a year, so you should call the Town for more current information on names).

Places to Eat: People come from miles around to dine in Lyons. Plus, there are two small super markets, plus a health-food market. (see below for "Where to Go") Visit Tom's Market at the intersection of Hwy. 7 and Hwy. 36 for the biggest selection. Lodging: There is a lovingly-landscaped motel in town, and two additional attractive B&B's just a few miles north of town, along the river. All are very picturesque and well-maintained, with helpful hosts. There are also a few privately owned small B&Bs. Shopping: The Chamber issues a Directory listing local businesses, incl. several packed antiques shops, motorcycles and supplies, craft and art stores, etc. Call for your free Directory. Local Activities and News: There are two newspapers serving the Town. (For local news, including announcement of fun activities, get the Old Lyons Recorder (303-823-6625); for entertaining articles get the news-magazine Redstone Review.)

Special Activities: The oldest and most popular is the June "Good Old Days," which usually includes a home-style parade, contests, live music, food, arts-and-crafts, frisbee-dog competition, 5-K race, carnival and motorcycle show. (Third weekend in June). ---The newest offering is the White Water Raft run. There is usually a competition in June, which is attended by people from across the country. It is considered the third most popular one in the country. It has been called several names, including River Roar and currently called Lyons Outdoor Games. ---Planet Bluegrass has two large annual music festivals, which attract people from all over the world. (Blues in July, and Folk in August) Plus, two smaller festivals in the fall: Mabon (Celtic), and Kinfolk music. ----Square Dancing: since approx. 1960, Lyons has had square dancing. Red Rocks Ramblers always has a large crowd and professional callers, and many people come from out of state to experience it. Call 303-823-6692 for more details.

There are several local family activities, like a Halloween costume walk down Main Street; an Easter Egg Hunt; and a Christmas Bazaar with handmade crafts and Fireworks in the Park (1st Saturday in December); and see Good Old Days above. Check the local newspaper for dates.

Kids-at-heart will enjoy the large Pinball Hall (vintage Machines); the skateboard park; or, tubing down the river.

Nature Opportunities: The Town has a Park/Trail system open free for public use that extends to even larger hiking trails at nearby Open Space preserves--it borders both the Hall Ranch (12 miles of trails) and Heil Ranch (7 miles of trails) which total 10,000 acres. You'll find great trails for mountain bikes and horseback; but please check the rules for each as they have important wildlife habitats which are protected. Hall Ranch has a trail that goes past an old farmhouse and silo. It is the closest one to Lyons, and it gives you a perspective of the famous red sandstone "in nature." Heil Valley Ranch is new and gets fewer visitors; it offers three trails (one only for pedestrians) that show off the spectacular mountains and pines. Heil consists of 4,923 acres of backcountry; open to hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians.

Two other nearby trails are Rabbit Mtn. and Lions Gulch. Rabbit Mtn. is off of Hwy. 66, travelling east. Rabbit Mountain contains over 2,888 acres of backcountry. There are over 5 miles of multiuse trails. The views are expansive. The Lion Gulch Trail is west on Hwy. 36, from Lyons. It is a moderate hike ascending down through a often shaded trail in the Roosevelt National Forest. It leads to Homestead Meadows, eight historical 1800s homesteads in partial disarray. The trail is open to hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders. It is currently the only dog-friendly trail. Read the sign at the trailhead for confirmation.

No dogs are allowed on these trails to help preserve vegetation. Check with the Tourist Office or Boulder County for more information.

Lyons Parks: The award winning trail system includes a walk along the St. Vrain River for approximately a mile. (The Town is 1.5 sq. miles). You can start the Lyons Trail at the Visitors Center, and go to Meadow Park, then along the river, dropping down to Bohn Park, and crossing the bridge back, following the old railroad tracks, and crossing Sandstone Park back to the Tourist Office. (See the Tourist Office for more details). ---Meadow Park is bounded on three sides by the North St. Vrain River and by sandstone cliffs. ---Bohn Park is just south of the confluence of the North and South St. Vrain Rivers. This beautiful park was recognized by the Colorado Lottery for creative use of funds. ---Sandstone Park features a modern Visitors Center, restrooms, and picnic areas. The grassy park is the location of the summer sculpture trail, and the Community Summer Concert Series.

Lyons has won Arbor Day "Tree City" designations for its tree planting programs. There is an active volunteer program to plant extensive floral landscapes along the river trails. There are baseball fields in two of the parks. Inexpensive campsites are available in shaded meadows, and at the foot of mountains. And, there is a one-mile Kayak run, with special features. Town Parks are pet-friendly. Fly-fish in wild trout waters (browns; brookies; cut throats) Tube down our rivers in summer (tubes can be bought locally at the auto repair shops).

Wellness Opportunities: In addition to all the trails in the area, visitors can find most of their health needs met in town. There is a full service health food store, Steamboat Mtn., a chiropractor, acupuncturist, massage therapist, nutritionist and more. Plus, the usual general medical offices (823-6535), and dental services. (Details in the Lyons Tourist Directory). And, there are several pet care businesses in town: including a pet medical clinic. There is also a "Channel 9 Health Fair" in mid-April, with low-cost medical tests.

Dog Friendly: Dogs are welcome in Lyons! There is an annual Dog Daze festival in mid-August. Most parks in Lyons are pet-friendly, and poop-bags are available along the trails. There are several pet care businesses in town: including a full-service pet medical clinic, a healthy-food re-seller, and pet sitting and walking services. Currently there is serious discussion on creating a dog park. Call the Visitor Center for more info.

Visitors Center: In Sandstone Park on Broadway is a modern visitors' center with brochures, directories, books, videos and maps. The staff is very knowledgeable. There is an attractive, detailed mural on the Visitor Center outside walls that details the past, present and future of the Town (2003). And, a fun 10 minute video details the Town's services and attractions. (You can call the visitor center by using the Chamber phone number, going to its web site, or calling the Town of Lyons 303-823-6622).