Celebrate Spring in Grand Lake
Signs of spring are emerging all around Grand Lake - crocus are beginning to poke through the mud, the ice on the lake is melting off, osprey have returned to their nests and the town is coming alive with an influx of people, shops and, of course, moose! Soon Trail Ridge Road will reopen once again offering direct access through Rocky Mountain National Park between Grand Lake and Estes Park (the road typically opens around Memorial Day, but snow removal operations are heavily weather dependent). This much-anticipated road opening signals the official start of summer in Grand Lake, but there’s plenty to see, do and experience in the meantime. Read on for all the ways you can celebrate spring this month in Grand Lake!
Spring Shopping
Although Grand Lake has many shops and restaurants open year-round, some shop owners seek respite in warmer weather during the winter, so it’s extra exciting to see their doors open again in May. Bob Scott’s Authentic Indian Jewelry store, one of the most iconic spots on Grand Lake’s boardwalk, will reopen for the season the first week of May and will be open seven days a week through October from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This darling turquoise-painted storefront entices visitors inside to peruse an exquisite selection of Native American crafts, antiques, jewelry and artwork. Owners Bob and Lou are some of the friendliest faces in town. The charming duo spent the winter months visiting Indian reservations and estate sales across the Southwest purchasing jewelry, antiques and other one-of-a-kind items to display during their upcoming 56th season in Grand Lake. In addition to being a fantastic place to find the perfect souvenir or collector’s item, they offer skilled and professional jewelry repair services through a silversmith they have been partnering with since 1970. Together, these miracle workers can restore most any piece in your collection, and can even duplicate a missing earring!
New this summer, the shop will also showcase art pieces by revered Grand Lake artist Marjorie Cranston. Formerly the owner of Grand Lake’s Jackstraw Mountain Gallery, Cranston specializes in pastels and large-format landscape paintings inspired by the stunning scenery of the Grand Lake area, with custom frames made out of reclaimed barnwood. These original and giclee pieces will be available for purchase, and the artist can also be contacted for commissioned and custom pieces
Exciting Openings and Activities Ahead!
In addition to shopping, many sunny summer adventures await with the upcoming return of Thunder Horse Outfitters, Grand Lake’s premier horseback riding guide, opening June 2; Mountain Paddlers Kayak Shack with brand new kayaks available on June 1; and Rocky Mountain SUP with first come, first serve, stand-up paddle board (SUP) rentals by the hour; and On The Trail Rentals’ fancy fleet of UTV and mountain bikes available mid-June near Winding River Resort (which also offers horseback riding) with direct access to 130 miles of off-road trails in the Arapaho National Forest (don’t forget to grab a “Stay The Trail” map before you head out!). Both Rocky Hi Speedway, open seven days a week from Memorial Day to Labor Day with go-karts and bumper cars, and Meandering Moose Mini Golf, are fantastic family fun, and are both within walking distance to downtown Grand Lake.
The Ice is Melting!
Finally, don’t wait to book your boat rental at one of these fabulous marinas along the highway 34 corridor! Located just five miles from downtown Grand Lake, the Beacon Landing Marina on Lake Granby will open on May 15 for pontoon boat and canoe rentals, overnight slips and guided fishing trips, with weekday discounts available. On Shadow Mountain Reservoir, the Trail Ridge Marina is best known for their lakeside tiki bar and tiki boat, which you’ll spot from time to time cruising through the channel with its tropical music and decorations. Located near the North Inlet, Grand Lake Marina & Boater’s Choice will have boat rentals starting May 17, as well as canoes, SUPs and kayaks for paddling adventures (local tip: plan to grab an organic coffee or breakfast sandwich from the on-site coffee shop called The Wake!)
Forgot to make a boat reservation or are traveling last-minute? Don’t worry, the Headwaters Marina in Lakefront Park provides pontoon boat and fishing charter rentals on a first come, first serve basis. They also offer guided tours, where passengers will enjoy a leisurely ride around Grand Lake on a cushy pontoon boat with an informative and entertaining skipper to point out interesting landmarks and tell stories of Grand Lake history (reservations are available for tours).
Grand Lake Memorial Day Parade
The banner event of the month is, of course, the annual Grand Lake Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony on Monday, May 27. Each year this event is organized to honor those who have served in the military and those who have made sacrifices for our country. First responders, the American Legion, Grand County veterans and other local businesses and organizations will parade down Grand Avenue starting at 10 a.m. from Veteran’s Park. A flag ceremony is scheduled immediately following the parade in Town Park.
This content is presented in partnership with: Bob Scott's Authentic Indian Jewelry and Fine Gifts - conveniently located on the boardwalk at 912 Grand Avenue in the heart of historic Grand Lake village, nationally recognized local resident Bob Scott invites you to shop a personally hand selected collection of Authentic Native American Jewelry and other Fine Gifts.