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Did You Know? Colorado is famous for its quaking aspen trees. It is said that local American Indians referred to them as spirit trees because their leaves seem to always move.  A member of the poplar family, the aspen's leaf stalk is flattened perpendicular to the plane of the leaf. This allows the leaves to flutter in the slightest breeze. The Latin name for this tree is Populus tremuloides. It is this tremulous quality that causes aspen-covered hillsides to shine with such an unusual, glimmering light. |
Tiny Town
is
diminutive. It’s a place where
two-year-olds can crouch down to peer through post office windows, and risk
bumping their heads on the firehouse doors. A church can boast of a standing-room-only crowd when six
toddler buddies celebrate inside by laughing and jumping up and down.
Begun in
1915, Tiny Town was originally on the Denver to Leadville stagecoach line. A Denver businessman started it by
erecting buildings on a 1/6 scale to delight his young daughter. A series of floods and a fire later
brought Tiny Town to ruin, and in 1987 any buildings that remained were put on
the auction block.
Coloradoans
responded by volunteering to fix the old buildings and make new ones. A not-for-profit foundation was formed
and through its efforts the site has been completely renovated. Any excess revenues are now donated to
local charities.
Today,
meticulously swept paths meander past gingerbread houses and miniature
schools. Adults will appreciate
the careful research and craftsmanship in the replicas of famous Colorado
landmarks. Many buildings house
doll-sized furnishings and implements.
Tiny
Town’s biggest hit is the train pulled by a peewee steam driven
locomotive. The train’s small
scale makes it a bit of a crunch for big folks, but perfect for kids. Coal smoke wafts around the depot and
the unmistakable hoot of a steam whistle echoes down the canyon when the train
crosses its small trestle. The
clanging brass bell fits the turn-of-the-century scene perfectly.
Tiny Town
has a shady picnic area and a playground in addition to its dwarf buildings and
streets. The snack bar offers a
limited menu, but is dressed up with hanging flower baskets and big band music
playing in the background. Its
gift shop has an array of souvenirs and train toys to help the shortest members
of the family remember their lofty day.
Toddlers’ parents will appreciate the spotless men’s and women’s
restrooms, both sporting diaper decks.
When
You Go:
Phone Number: 303/ 697-6829
Address:
6249 South Turkey Creek Road, Tiny Town.
Directions: From I-25, take U.S. Route 285 (Hampden Avenue) west into the mountains. 5 miles past the C-470 junction, turn left onto South Turkey Creek Road. Drive through the canyon ½ mile and look for Tiny Town on the north side of the road.
Season: Weekends only in May and September. Daily, Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Hours:
10am to 5pm.
Cost:
Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for kids 3 to 12 years old, and free for anyone
under 3. Train rides are $1 per ride, no matter how old you are. Parking is free.