Author: Bushwhack Lodge

If you find yourself in Lake City, Colorado, on a Wednesday night looking for good, wholesome fun, head down to the Pitkin Guard Armory Hall for an evening of community bingo.

Built in 1883, the Armory is a charming brick building originally constructed as the Pitkin Guard Armory and Lake City Opera House. Over the years, it has transformed from a bustling military and cultural hub into today’s beloved community center. It currently houses city offices, a gymnasium, and regularly hosts community events, making it a cornerstone of local life. It is one of the many places in Lake City listed in the National Register of Historic Places. 

The building was originally opened with a Thanksgiving Eve Ball which was “the most brilliant assemblage that ever gathered in this city.” It also hosted an annual Washington’s Birthday Masquerade. I will be bold enough to say the brilliance has only gotten brighter since those early days.

On Wednesday evenings, the historic hall comes alive as locals, tourists, families, and the occasional visitor from afar gather to test their luck and mingle. Bingo nights feature ten spirited rounds, each with its unique twist on the classic game. One minute you’re playing standard straight-line bingo; the next, you’re chasing corners or working toward an elusive blackout.

The atmosphere is cheerful and engaging, filled with laughter, friendly banter, and the occasional groan from a near miss. Winners’ triumphant shouts fill the room, and excitement builds as each number is called. My kids love marking their bingo cards, eager to see who wins next. Prizes range from cash collected from the night’s buy-ins to goodies generously donated by local businesses—snacks, T-shirts, gift cards, or tickets to local events.

These bingo nights are more than just fun—they serve a valuable purpose. All profits benefit the Lake City Visitor Center, helping fund resources that enhance visitors’ experiences and maintaining the community’s welcoming spirit. Snacks are also available for purchase, adding to the cozy, community-driven atmosphere.

Join us next Wednesday for a memorable night steeped in American spirit and local history. Be sure to check the rec schedule for all the many events.

Nestled in the center of Lake City, Colorado, our Town Park feels like the old-fashioned heart of the community. On any given summer day, you’ll find kids running barefoot in the grass, travelers chatting under the trees, and a frisbee soaring from one end to the other. My kids pass most of their summer days at this park, making memories that echo the simple, joyful spirit of small-town Americana.

A Hub of Community Life and Events

Lake City Town Park is more than a patch of green – it’s a gathering place. Throughout the year, it hosts many of the town’s beloved events and celebrations. The Fourth of July Celebration is a quintessential small-town Independence Day with races, picnics, and fireworks. The Uncorked Wine & Music Festival is an end-of-summer weekend of live music and flowing wine that draws a cheerful crowd.

It’s also the start and finish line for some legendary mountain races. Each year, ultra-runners gather at dawn in Town Park for the San Juan Solstice 50-mile run, a rugged race through the San Juan Mountains that begins right here in town. Whether it’s a marathon finish, an outdoor concert, or just a lazy day, if something is happening in Lake City, chances are it’s happening at Town Park.

Green Grass, Playgrounds, and Playful Days

When there isn’t a big event, the park is still buzzing with everyday fun. There’s a great playscape that is currently getting an upgrade. A gaga ball pit full of friendly competition. The grassy field is perfect for tossing a football or playing barefoot frisbee on a sunny afternoon.

From Boomtown to Town Park: A Bit of History

Lake City’s roots run back to the wild mining boom of the 1870s, and the Town Park’s ground has its own tale to tell. In those early days, this corner of Third and Silver Street was packed with buildings – bustling shops and boarding houses catering to prospectors. But frontier towns were notorious for fires. In 1879, a major blaze swept through Lake City’s mostly wooden downtown, destroying much of the town. Over time, many lots left vacant by those fires found new purpose. The land that is now our Town Park is one such spot – once lined with boomtown businesses, later left empty by flames, and eventually transformed into a community park. Today, it’s hard to imagine that Town  Park was born from the ashes of Lake City’s rowdy mining-era past. 

A Warm Welcome and Practical Tips

On the practical side, you’ll find the public restrooms here clean and convenient – a much-appreciated amenity for families on a day out. There is water if you need to fill a bottle, and plenty of free parking around the park’s edges. One thing to note: in order to keep the grass nice and the space kid-friendly, no dogs are allowed in Town Park. So, plan accordingly for your furry friends.

Whether you’re in town for a festival, cheering on racers, or just passing through on a lazy afternoon, make sure to stop by Lake City Town Park. It’s a place where past and present come together – where you might hear a live fiddle tune one week and children’s laughter the next. From our family to yours, welcome to the heart of Lake City! We hope you’ll love this little park as much as we do.