Frisco Historic Park & Museum Announces Summer Events Schedule Celebrating Sesquisemiquincentennial

This year marks a significant milestone for Colorado as the State commemorates the 150th anniversary of statehood alongside the 250th anniversary of United States’ independence. Known as the Sesquisemiquincentennial, this combined anniversary will be honored at the Frisco Historic Park and Museum through a vibrant summer event calendar of lectures, tours, programming and a temporary exhibit showcasing loans from Frisco’s early families, offering the community and visitors a glimpse into what the area now known as Frisco was like 250 and 150 years ago.

Special edition lectures will highlight Native American speakers and musicians, significant figures in early Colorado and the American West, such as Teddy Roosevelt and Casimiro Barela, Black history in Colorado, and local favorites such as railroads, skiing, and mining. Museum staff will showcase the surrounding natural landscape and habitat as it was 250 years ago.

To celebrate Frisco during Colorado’s march for statehood, a temporary exhibit will be installed in the Schoolhouse, showcasing artifacts and photographs, early town artifacts from the Museum’s collections, and foundational town documents. The Museum’s signature event, Frisco History Day, will focus on the industries that fueled Colorado during the silver rush era; while summer-long programming focused on Frisco’s mining history will take visitors to old mining sites.

Looking towards Frisco’s future, the community and visitors are invited to stop by the Schoolhouse to participate in the community wall by sharing what they love about Frisco and where they see the town 150 years from now.  

Frisco History Day

Frisco History Day, sponsored by Copper Mountain and Alpine Bank, celebrates the past, present, and future of Frisco with a full day of family-friendly activities, music, and more! This year’s festivities will focus on the industries that fueled Colorado during the silver rush era. Participants are invited to enjoy free burro rides, yoga, face painting, gold panning, Colorado Wildlife with Nature’s Educators, old time photography, scavenger hunt bingo, touchable artifacts, live music with Leon Joseph Littlebird.

When:

Saturday, July 11, 2026 from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm

Cost:

Free – no registration required

Night at the Museum

Join us on Friday, August 21, from 5:00pm-7:00pm to learn about what we have been up to over the past year celebrating the sesquisemiquincentennial (250th anniversary of the United States and the 150th anniversary of Colorado’s statehood), along with celebrating the 20th Anniversary of our train diorama! There will be food and music.

When:

Friday, August 21, 2026 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Cost:

Free – no registration required

History on Tap: Frisco Trivia

Join us at Outer Range Brewing for the Frisco Historic Park & Museum’s first-ever trivia night. Test your knowledge of local history in honor of the Sesquisemiquincentennial, a.k.a. the 150th Anniversary of Colorado becoming a state and the 250th Anniversary of the USA becoming independent. The questions for this trivia night will be written by Museum staff and focused on Frisco’s history. Questions will start at 7:00 pm, so please arrive a few minutes early. Teams can be up to six people. All donations collected during this event will be donated to Treetop Child Advocacy Center. Prizes will be awarded to several participating teams. Organized in collaboration with Outer Range Brewery.

When:

Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at 6:45 pm

Cost:

Free – no registration is required

Hikes, Tours, & Bike Rides

Masontown Historic Hiking Tours

Museum staff will lead hikes up Mount Royal to the old Masontown mining site and will share Frisco’s mining history, information on the natural environment, and the story of Masontown. The route is just over 2.5 miles round-trip with plenty of water breaks and scenic views, making it a fun morning for the multi-generational groups.

These guided hiking tours will begin and end at the Frisco Schoolhouse Museum. This tour is limited to 10 people and advance registration and payment are required.

When:

Fridays on June 5 and 26, July 10, August 7 and 21, and September 4 and 18, 2026 at 9:00 am

Cost:

• Adults (Ages 18 and up) – $20
• Children (Ages 5-17) – $10
• Children four and under are free but require a ticket.
• There is a $5 cancellation fee for adult tickets.

The Mines of Mount Royal Bike Tours

These beginner-friendly historic bike tours go around the base of Mount Royal and through the Tenmile Canyon, exploring the mines that once operated here. Museum staff will present content centered on Frisco’s mining history, the natural environment, and the railroads of the area. The route is just over five miles round-trip on paved roads and recreation paths and includes plenty of water breaks and scenic views, making it a fun morning for the whole family.

These guided bike tours will begin and end at the Schoolhouse Museum. This tour is limited to 10 people, and advance registration and payment are required. This tour is BYOB – bring your own bike, and helmets are required. The Town of Frisco does not rent bikes, instead participants can rent bikes from area bike shops, including Rebel Sports, Pioneer Sports, Podium Sports, and Christy Sports.

When:

Fridays on June 19, July 3 and 24, August 14 and 28, and September 11, 2026 at 9:00 am

Cost:

• Adults (Ages 18 and up) – $20
• Children (Ages 5-17) – $10
• Children four and under are free but require a ticket.
• There is a $5 cancellation fee for adult tickets.

Tours may be booked online at FriscoHistoricPark.comin the event section.

Hike & Learn

Participants are invited to explore the Peninsula Recreation Area (PRA), while soaking in the outdoors and as museum staff share Frisco’s history. This hike focuses on the history of the area, including the Ute Peoples, Colorado’s longest inhabitants; and local plants and animals, plus the more recent history of the PRA, which includes stories about the unique trail names. These tours are a cross between a traditional walking tour and a more adventurous hike. You can expect multiple water breaks and plenty of picturesque Rocky Mountain views during this hour-long hike.

These guided hiking tours will begin and end at the Peninsula Recreation Area Trailhead parking lot, formerly known as the Dickey Day Use Trailhead. These tours are limited to 10 people and advance registration and payment are required.

When:

Fridays on June 12 and 21 and July 5, 17 and 31, 2026 at 10:00 am

Cost:

• Adults (Ages 18 and up) – $10
• Children (Ages 5-17) – $5
• Children four and under are free but require a ticket.
• There is a $5 cancellation fee for adult tickets.

Tours may be booked online at FriscoHistoricPark.com in the event section.

Historic Town Walking Tours

Museum staff will share their favorite stories from Frisco’s 140+ year history, as they guide visitors and locals alike along Historic Main Street. These hour-long tours begin at the Schoolhouse Museum, wind along Main Street, and end at the historic Lund House at the Frisco Bay Marina. This walking tour is limited to 10 people and advance registration is required.

When:

Saturdays and Sundays starting June 6 through September 12 at 11:00 am, excluding July 4 and 11 and September 6, 2026.

Cost:

• Adults (Ages 18 and up) $10
• Children (Ages 5-17) $5
• Children four and under are free but require a ticket

Tours may be booked online at FriscoHistoricPark.com in the event section.

If you have a larger party, or if you would prefer to book a private tour, please call 970-668-3428 or email Museum@townoffrisco.com.

Pop-up in the Park & Park After Dark

Pop-Up in the Park: Bird Watching Hike to Rainbow Lake

Join museum staff and the U.S. Forest Service for a bird watching hike to Rainbow Lake on May 15, 2026. Meet at the Historic Park Gazebo at 7:00 am for a quick lesson on Summit County birds, then head out to Rainbow Lake with your trail guide, Rita Frederick. This hike will also touch on the impact of nighttime lighting on bird migration.

The Rainbow Lake Trail is a 1.5-mile out-and-back hike with 150 feet of elevation gain. Participants are encouraged to bring a water bottle, hat, and sunscreen, as well as binoculars, if you have them.  Pets are not allowed on this tour.

When:

Friday, May 15, 2026 at 7:00 am

Cost:

Free – Call the Museum at 970-668-3428 to register. Space is limited to 10 people, and the museum will be unable to accommodate walk-ups.

Pop-Up in the Park: Bird Watching Hike to Rainbow Lake

Join museum staff and the U.S. Forest Service for a bird watching hike to Rainbow Lake on May 29, 2026. Meet at the Historic Park Gazebo at 7:00 am for a quick lesson on Summit County birds, then head out to Rainbow Lake with your trail guide, Rita Frederick. This hike will also touch on the impact of nighttime lighting on bird migration.

The Rainbow Lake Trail is a 1.5-mile out-and-back hike with 150 feet of elevation gain. Participants are encouraged to bring a water bottle, hat, and sunscreen, as well as binoculars, if you have them. Pets are not allowed on this tour.

When:

Friday, May 29, 2026 at 7:00 am

Cost:

Free – Call the Museum at 970-668-3428 to register. Space is limited to 10 people, and the museum will be unable to accommodate walk-ups.

Pop-Up in the Park: Worldwide Knit in Public Day

To celebrate Worldwide Knit in Public Day, the Frisco Historic Park and Museum will be hosting an outdoor fiber art gathering at the Historic Park Gazebo. Bring your favorite project and a blanket or chair for a relaxing afternoon. All types of fiber art and experience levels are welcome.

When:

Saturday, June 13, 2026 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm

Cost:

Free – No registration required

Pop-Up in the Park: Astronomy- Sun and Daytime Skies

Join museum staff and AstroMark for a free daytime astronomy pop-up event in the Historic Park on June 21, 2026.  AstroMark will have his telescopes on site so participants can safely observe the sun and learn about Summit County’s bright sunny skies.

When:

Sunday, June 21, 2026 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm

Cost:

Free – no registration required

Park After Dark: Stars and Scopes

Join museum staff and AstroMark to learn about how to use telescopes to observe the night sky. If you do not have a telescope, you are welcome to join for a night of star gazing and guided walking tours. Attendees will learn how to identify constellations, while learning their history and mythology, during this free guided walking tour and exploration of Summit County’s sky. The two walking tours will be at 9:30pm and 9:45 pm and will be 40 minutes in duration. Space is limited, and advance registration is strongly recommended.

To reserve your spot on one of the four free guided tours, call the Frisco Historic Park and Museum at 970-669-3428.

When:

Saturday, June 27, 2026 from 8:30 pm-10:30 pm

Cost:

Free – sign up information available at FriscoHistoricPark.com

Pop-Up in the Park: Birds of Prey

The Raptor Education Foundation will be in the Historic Park Gazebo from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm on June 28, 2026. Meet Anne Price, one of the few women master falconers in the world, as well as some of their impressive birds. There will be mini presentations about these animals throughout the day, with plenty of time to ask questions and take photos of these incredible creatures. Pets are not permitted at this event.

When:

Sunday, June 28, 2026 from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Cost:

Free – no registration required

Pop up in the Park: National Repertory Orchestra from Breckenridge, Colorado

National Repertory Orchestra (NRO) musicians will share how they became musicians, why they chose to play their instrument, who inspires them and why, and what their goals are in the world of music. The National Repertory Orchestra provides a unique opportunity for young, talented musicians to gather invaluable experience playing a broad variety of orchestral and chamber music. The NRO is led by Music Director Michael Stern and joined by world-renowned guest conductors throughout the summer. Attendees are encouraged to bring their camp chairs for lawn seating, as space in the Historic Park Gazebo will be limited.

When:

Friday, July 10, 2026 at 1:30 pm

Cost:

Free- no registration required

Pop-Up in the Park: Picnic with Burros

Spend your afternoon with Climax Revival and Donkey the Donkey in the Frisco Historic Park from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm on July 19, 2026. Meet Ellroy, an award-winning burro, and social media famous Donkey, and learn about the work pack burros performed back in the days of mining. Please bring your own lunch or snacks and enjoy a picnic alongside our guests. Mud Season will also be performing live music from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. This event is sponsored by Charles Schwab. 

When:

Sunday, July 19, 2026 from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Cost:

Free – No registration required

Pop-Up in the Park: Watercolor for Kids

Join us in the Frisco Historic Park from 1:00 pm-3:00 pm on Sunday, July 26, 2026, for a kids introductory session into watercolors. Students will be painting simple stills inspired by Frisco’s breathtaking landscapes, flowers, and natural beauty. With its translucent vibrancy, watercolors are a unique form of artistry that translates color into art at every level. From beginner to Monet, every skill set is welcome.

Supplies will be provided, although it is recommended to bring your own paints if you have them.

When:

Sunday, July 26, 2026 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Cost:

Free – no registration required

Pop-Up in the Park: Watercolor for Adults

Join us in the Frisco Historic Park from 1:00 pm-3:00 pm on Sunday, August 2, 2026, for an adult introductory session into watercolors. Students will be painting simple stills inspired by Frisco’s breathtaking landscapes, flowers, and natural beauty. With its translucent vibrancy, watercolors are a unique form of artistry that translates color into art at every level. From beginner to Monet, every skill set is welcome.

Supplies will be provided, although it is recommended to bring your own paints if you have them.

When:

Sunday, August 2, 2026 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Cost:

Free – no registration required

Park After Dark: Astronomy

Join museum staff and AstroMark on August 11, 2026 at the Historic Park Gazebo during the peak of the Perseids Meteor Shower. AstroMark will be setting up free telescopes, to observe the meteor shower. Four 40-minute stargazing guided tours will take place at 9:00 pm, 9:15 pm, 10:00 pm, and 10:15 pm. To reserve your spot on one of the four free guided tours, call the Frisco Historic Park and Museum at 970-669-3428. This event is sponsored by Charles Schwab. 

When:

Tuesday, August 11, 2026 from 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm

Cost:

Free – sign up information available at FriscoHistoricPark.com

Park After Dark: Silent Disco

When the Old Town Hall first opened, the celebration in its honor made the newspaper’s front page the next morning. During its lifetime, the Old Town Hall would continue to hold many dances for the local community. On Saturday, September 19, 2026 at the Frisco Historic Park, community members are invited to celebrate the official end of summer, welcome fall to Frisco, and give a nod to the dances of the past with a modern-day dance, a silent disco. There will be a DJ providing multiple channels to choose between, on wireless headphones, and Building Hope will be serving mocktails, next to a free pop-up temporary, water-based tattoo booth.

When:

Saturday, September 19, 2026 at 6:30 pm

Cost:

Free – No registration is required

2026 Frisco Historic Park & Museum Free Summer Lecture Series

The Frisco Historic Park & Museum Free Summer Lecture Series will take place on Wednesdays from June 24 – August 26, 2026 at 12:00 pm at various locations in Frisco. Participants are invited to learn about the rich history of Frisco and surrounding areas in Colorado with a question and answer period after each lecture. Lectures are free to attend and will present topics around Colorado’s mining history, Native American history, burro pack racing, mountain rescue, and more as they relate to Frisco and the surrounding area. Doors open at 11:45 am, seating is limited, and attendees are asked to leave pets and any food at home.

Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at 12:00 pm

Summit County’s Narrow-Gauge Railroads, presented by Bob Schoppe

Location: Old Frisco Community Center

Learn about the history of the two railroads, both narrow gauge, that served Summit County.  This presentation covers the growth and decline, along with their influence on the county’s towns and inhabitants.

Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at 12:00 pm

Casimiro Barela: The Perpetual Senator and the Creation of the 38th Star, presented by Angel Vigil of History Colorado

Location: Historic Park Gazebo

Casimiro Barela, the Legendary Perpetual Senator, is the longest serving state senator in Colorado history. Also known as the Father of the Colorado Senate, Angel Vigil of History Colorado tells the story of his life and the creation of the 38 Star, the state of Colorado. Casimiro co-wrote the state constitution and his story is the story of a man who lived an epic life and is one of 16 famous personages who have stained glass portraits in the rotunda of the Colorado state capitol. His life story and the creation of the state of Colorado is one amazing story – literally a tale for the ages.

Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at 12:00 pm

Teddy Roosevelt and the American West, presented Dr. Andy Gulliford

Location: Old Frisco Community Center

Enjoy an afternoon with award-winning author and editor, Andrew Gulliford, Professor of History and Environmental Studies at Fort Lewis College in Durango, who will speak about President Theodore Roosevelt’s youth, his passion for the West, his indomitable Western spirit, and his impact on national parks and national monuments. Visitors will understand the legacy of Theodore Roosevelt on wildlife refuges, wilderness areas, and public lands in the American West.  Guests will come away with new knowledge about Teddy’s travels in Colorado and the Teddy Bear truth (make sure to bring yours!). It will be a BULLY!!! time for all who attend.

Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 12:00 pm

Mining Evolution in Summit County: From A Shot in the Dark to Strategic Drilling – Thea O’Lari, Climax Molybdenum

Location: Old Frisco Community Center

From a gold rush to rare earth elements, how did Summit County quietly go from a wild west mining claim free for all based on luck to a scientifically- based precious metals epicenter? What has changed over the past 200 years to make mining profitable and efficient? Find out as Thea O’Lari, Senior Civil Engineer at Climax Molybdenum Mine, shares the evolution of mining in Summit County.

Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 12:00 pm

Haulin’ Ass: Running with the Burros presented by Brad and Amber Wann, ReDONKulous Ranch Sanctuary & Rescue

Location: Historic Park Gazebo

Pack burro racing is the only sport that is native to Colorado. Participants will learn about the history of one of the highest altitude races in the world, as well as the stories of racing legends. Attendees are invited to discover why people are drawn to this crazy sport and meet a burro.

Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at 12:00 pm

What We Measure, What We Miss: Water, Rationality, and the American West, presented by Matthew Makley from Metropolitan State University of Denver

Location: Old Frisco Community Center

In the American West, water is one of the most measured and engineered elements of the natural world. From iconic structures like Hoover Dam to the complex network of diversions that sustain Colorado’s Front Range, we tend to celebrate the systems that control water more than water itself. This talk examines how rationality—focused on quantification and efficiency—has shaped western water realities, often at the expense of deeper cultural and ethical relationships. Centering Indigenous perspectives from the Colorado Plateau and Rio Grande Basin, this talk invites a reconsideration of what “value” means in a water-scarce world. Can we imagine a future that honors both human ingenuity and the life of rivers?

Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at 12:00 pm

Frisco History, presented by Blair Miller and Jana Arnold of the Frisco Historic Park and Museum

Location: Historic Park Gazebo

Join Historic Park and Museum Manager Blair Miller and Museum Guest Service Specialist Jana Arnold as they tell the story of Frisco! Travel back in time to learn about the area recognized as Frisco before incorporation through the present day. Topics will cover fur trading, mining, homesteading, early Frisco townsfolk, the Great Depression, and how Frisco became the town we know and love today. As difficult as it is to fit all our years of history into one hour, we are certainly going to try!

Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 12:00 pm

Black History in Colorado, presented by Terri Gentry from History Colorado and board member of Black American West Museum & Heritage Center

Location: Old Frisco Community Center

Learn about the history of Black Americans in Colorado from the 1850s through present day that include homesteaders, cowboys, military, medical and business professionals, community members, and their contributions to Colorado history.

Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at 12:00 pm

Seasons of the Nuche, Presented by Skyler Lomahaftewa and the Aspen Historical Society

Location: Historic Park Gazebo

Storytelling has been used in every culture as a means of entertainment, education, and cultural preservation. Nina Gabianelli from the Aspen Historical Society and Skyler Lomahaftewa, a Northern Ute tribal member, will present both the history of the native people and the modern-day Ute experience. Nina and Skyler are summer lecture series regulars with an entertaining and educational style fit for the whole family!

Wednesday, August 26, 2026 at 12:00 pm

History of Mountain Rescue in Summit County, presented by Glenn Kraatz

Location: Old Frisco Community Center

Fifty-four years ago, a group of back country recreationalists met to discuss forming a volunteer search and rescue team in Summit County.  The next year, the Summit County Rescue Group (SCRG) registered itself as a nonprofit organization with the State of Colorado.  In its first year, the dozen or so members of SCRG handled eight search and rescue calls.  Last year, the Group’s 75 volunteers responded to over 200 requests for help that came through the County’s 911 call center.  Come listen to how search and rescue has changed over the last half century from Glen Kraatz, a 26-year veteran with SCRG and one of the Team’s Mission Coordinators.

Frisco Historic Park and Museum Information

The Frisco Historic Park and Museum provides the opportunity to experience history in an up-close and personal way right on Frisco’s Main Street. The Museum’s collection of original historic buildings, including the Schoolhouse Museum, contains artifacts, exhibits, and photographs that tell the lively stories of Frisco’s past and reflect the philosophy of embracing history while also connecting it to our lives today.

The Historic Park is open from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Tuesday – Sunday and is closed on Mondays. To get in contact with us and learn more about our summer programming, check out FriscoHistoricPark.com, or reach us at Museum@TownofFrisco.com or (970) 668-3428.