Ice Palace Park: A Glimpse into Leadville's Frozen Past
Visit Ice Palace Park in Leadville, CO: a peaceful park commemorating the site of the historic, short-lived Leadville Ice Palace from 1896.
Ice Palace Park, located in the heart of Leadville, Colorado, offers a serene space with a fascinating history. The park commemorates the location where the colossal Leadville Ice Palace once stood. In the late 1890s, Leadville was a booming mining town that faced economic decline. Inspired by ice palaces in Montreal and Minnesota, Edwin Senior, a local real estate developer, proposed building an ice palace to attract tourists and stimulate the local economy. Construction of the Ice Palace began in late 1895, and it opened on January 1, 1896. The structure was massive, measuring 450 feet long and 320 feet wide, with walls five feet thick. Towers flanked the north entrance, with smaller towers on the sides and south wall. Inside, visitors found a skating rink that could accommodate 1,000 skaters, two ballrooms, and a restaurant. The palace also featured electric lights frozen into pillars of ice, carpeted reception rooms, and artwork made entirely of ice. The Crystal Carnival accompanied the Ice Palace opening, drawing thousands of visitors. However, the palace's success was short-lived. Mild weather caused an early thaw, and the structure closed after only three months. By May, it had melted away, along with hopes of a lasting economic turnaround. Today, Ice Palace Park provides a tranquil green space for visitors and locals alike. The park includes a grass field, a pavilion, and shaded picnic tables. It is located along the Mineral Belt Trail, near the Lake County Public Library and the National Mining Hall of Fame & Museum. Although the Ice Palace is long gone, the park serves as a reminder of Leadville's rich history and its innovative spirit.
Local tips
- Pack a picnic to enjoy at the shaded picnic tables within the park.
- Explore the Mineral Belt Trail, a 12-mile paved pathway that circles Leadville, accessible from the park.
- Visit the nearby Lake County Public Library and the National Mining Hall of Fame & Museum to learn more about the area.
A brief summary to Ice Palace Park
- 100-198 W 10th St, Leadville, Colorado, 80461, US
Getting There
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Walking
From the intersection of Harrison Avenue and 6th Street in downtown Leadville, head west on 6th Street for two blocks until you reach Elkhorn Avenue. Turn left onto Elkhorn Avenue, continue for one block to 8th Street, then turn right. Walk two blocks to West 10th Street and turn left. Ice Palace Park will be on your right, between 100 and 198 West 10th Street. This is a walk of approximately 10-15 minutes.
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Public Transport
Lake County Transit provides free bus service around the city center on Mondays through Fridays. Check the Lake County Transit Website for routes and schedules. Several stops are within walking distance of Ice Palace Park. From the nearest bus stop (Harrison St And 3rd St) , it is a 10-minute walk to the park.
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Taxi
Taxis and rideshares are available in Leadville. A short taxi ride from downtown Leadville to Ice Palace Park will typically cost between $10 and $20. Be sure to confirm the fare with the driver before starting your trip.
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Parking
Parking is available off West 10th Street or Harrison Avenue. Leadville has 2-hour parking on Harrison Avenue and the 100 blocks going east and west. There are also public parking lots on 3rd and Harrison. Be aware of parking restrictions, which are enforced.
