The centerpiece of Palmer Lake, of course, is the body of water that is as central to the town’s story as the bordering train tracks.
Gen. William Jackson Palmer founded the Denver-Rio Grande Railroad and the city of Colorado Springs to the south. Here, by 1872, his trains from Denver would stop and passengers would get off for a refreshing break. One of these passengers was Dr. William Findlay Thompson, a dentist who saw the potential for a resort community. He went about expanding the town into what it is.
The lake that inspired him continues to be enjoyed.
Residents and visitors share space along the shores, fishing and paddling out on stand-up boards and kayaks. The 36-acre Palmer Lake Recreation Area also includes a playground and nine-hole frisbee golf course.