Reservations for public events can be made 24/7 by clicking on the Events & Programs tab and selecting the event of your choice or choosing a category from the drop-down menu. Reservations can also be made by telephone, 303-688-5555, with an event coordinator. Ticket payment in full is required upon making reservations.
We operate in rain or shine conditions during events. We suggest all guests keep a close eye on weather reports when snow or rain is expected to make appropriate travel plans and dress accordingly. Occasionally, management will decide to cancel an event due to heavy snow in which case, guests are notified of cancellations via email and phone number provided at the time of reservation. Please review our Refund/Cancellation policy for more information.
Reservations can only be made to attend a Public Event. As Cherokee Ranch & Castle is located on private property, we do not allow guests to enter any part of the property unsupervised. Entrance without a reservation or invitation is considered trespassing and is unlawful.
The Castle has designated handicapped parking as well as a marked drop off area near the courtyard entrance. There is ramp access to the main level of the Castle where all performances, presentations and meals take place. The second and third levels of the castle are stair accessible only. If guests are unable to access higher levels while on a tour, our hosts will show them to a waiting area and answer any questions or provide additional insight.
Please call Ranch Manager, Rafael Miranda, at 303-888-5297 as soon as possible. You can also call the main line 303-688-5555 ext. 111.
Most of our public events are for recommended ages 10 and up. We do not offer children’s menu’s or pricing for most events. Family and child-oriented events are described as such on specific event pages such as community events and Princess Parties.
Alternate menus, if available, are available when checking out for an event. Cherokee events are catered, therefore dietary needs should be communicated upon making reservations to ensure accommodation. Dietary needs can be noted upon making reservations online or by contacting an event coordinator.
The Castle does not have overnight accommodations. The nearest lodging is located in the town of Castle Rock.
Cherokee Ranch & Castle Foundation is a 501c3 non- profit charitable organization. The Foundation is the private deed holder of the entire historic site and all its contents. Douglas County does not own or operate any part of Cherokee Ranch & Castle Foundation, but holds a Conservation Easement over the property, permanently ensuring preservation.
The Douglas County History Research Center is working with the Cherokee Ranch & Castle Foundation to correct a common misconception about the ownership of the land and home that formerly belonged to Tweet Kimball.
Many publications state that Tweet Kimball donated the Cherokee Ranch and Castle to Douglas County upon her death in 1999. This statement is incorrect. In 1999, Tweet Kimball deeded the Cherokee Ranch and Castle to the Cherokee Ranch & Castle Foundation, with the mission of enhancing cultural life in Colorado and providing youth and adult educational opportunities. Mrs. Kimball left ownership of the castle and ranch to the foundation and not the county.
In 1996, Douglas County began a ten-year phased purchase of a conservation easement on the ranch for $2 million to protect the wildlife habitat, agricultural heritage, and historic attributes of the Cherokee Ranch. A conservation easement does not transfer ownership. Instead, in a conservation easement, a property owner agrees to certain restrictions, often including not subdividing or developing the property, but retains private ownership of the land. The Douglas County website states that the ranch is privately owned by the Cherokee Ranch and Castle Foundation and "permission from the Cherokee Ranch & Castle Foundation is required to enter."
The Cherokee Ranch & Castle Foundation requests the help of the local historical societies and other stakeholders in promoting the accurate description of the ranch’s transfer of ownership in 1999.
