Rich Colorado heritage with a global influence
By Lexi Reich
In Douglas County, one woman’s indomitable spirit has left an enduring mark on the Colorado landscape. Tweet Kimball, a visionary rancher and art aficionado, transformed Cherokee Ranch & Castle from a mere piece of land into a living museum of history, culture and conservation. This 3,400-acre estate, now a beacon for adventurers and history enthusiasts alike, owes much of its charm and significance to Kimball’s passionate stewardship.
James Holmes, executive director of Cherokee Ranch & Castle, has a personal connection to Cherokee Ranch dating back to the mid-1990s. Holmes competed in show jumping and boarded horses with a friend whose property adjoined the ranch, giving him early familiarity with the land. Although he initially knew little about Kimball or the castle, his involvement deepened in 2002 when he was invited to evaluate Kimball’s antiquarian book collection, particularly her first editions of Winston Churchill’s writings. Today, he describes the property as “many things”—a house museum, an event center, an active cattle ranch and a wildlife conservation area.
Kimball lived at Cherokee Ranch from 1954 to 1999, during which she indulged in her love for Santa Gertrudis cattle, European art and antiques. “She amassed a significant collection housed within the castle, which was her home,” Holmes says. “Her gift to Colorado in 1996, establishing the property as a foundation, ensured that Cherokee Ranch would be preserved for public enjoyment.”
Built in the 1920s, the architectural marvel of the castle itself is a significant draw. It sits atop a cliff, offering panoramic views of the Front Range and surrounding countryside. Designed by Burnham Hoyt, the same architect who later created the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre, the castle boasts a unique blend of locally sourced rhyolite stone and petrified wood. “It’s built in an Irish baronial style, with turrets and rooms that reference that period,” Holmes notes. “It’s a structure with its own unique style and flavor.”
Yet the historical significance of Cherokee Ranch extends beyond its architecture. “Cherokee Ranch was the first property in Douglas County to be placed under a conservation easement in 1996,” Holmes says proudly. “This public-private partnership was a pioneering move in Colorado, emphasizing land conservation and sustainable practices.”
Education is a cornerstone of Cherokee Ranch’s mission. Holmes highlights its diverse educational programs, including the Discovery Series, which features lectures by citizen scientists on topics ranging from indigenous artifacts to geology. “We have a large deposit of petrified wood on the property dating back 55 million years; we educate visitors about everything from these ancient logs to the ranch’s current conservation efforts,” he explains.
The castle tours, led by volunteer docents, offer an immersive journey through time. “Our tours cover Tweet Kimball’s personal history, the ranch’s history predating her and its evolution since her passing,” Holmes says.
But Cherokee Ranch is not just about history and education; it is a thriving cultural hub. The ranch hosts various events, from afternoon tea and yoga sessions to concerts and art shows. “We have a vibrant cultural arts program supported by Scientific and Cultural Facilities District funding,” Holmes says. “Our events range from plein air painting sessions to a comprehensive concert series that runs year-round.”
One particularly exciting initiative is the upcoming sculpture park, featuring 36 stone sculptures from Zimbabwe’s Chapungu Sculpture Park. “This project highlights the global connections we are fostering,” Holmes says. “It’s a celebration of traditional stone sculpture practices from Zimbabwe, curated by Roy Guthrie and Marcey Mushore.” This initiative will add an international dimension to Cherokee Ranch’s already rich cultural offerings.
As Holmes reflects on his decade-long journey as executive director of Cherokee Ranch, he emphasizes the importance of public engagement. “Our mission is to interpret and share the story of Cherokee Ranch in all its facets, from its past to its present,” he says. “We want visitors to experience this place and leave inspired.”
Many say that the legacy of Kimball casts a warm hue over Cherokee Ranch & Castle. It’s a place where history whispers through ancient petrified wood, where art and nature converge in harmony, and where visitors can feel the heartbeat of Colorado’s cultural heritage. Whether one’s drawn by the architectural splendor of the castle, the stories of its past or the cultural events that breathe life into its present, Cherokee Ranch & Castle invites us to be a part of its ongoing story.
Cherokee Ranch & Castle
6113 N. Daniels Park Rd.
Sedalia
303.688.5555
