CSP - Hartsel Schools Traditional Geocache

Hartsel Schools

This geocache is part of Colorado's South Park GeoTour, which means you can win prizes by finding 20 or more caches. Visit our website for more information and to download your GeoTour Passport!

Container Type: Lock & Lock
Code Location: Inside container
Access Info: This cache is located on Hartsel Fire Protection District property.
Winter Access: Same

Formal education first came to the small community of Hartsel in the 1880s as ranching expanded in the surrounding area and the Colorado Midland Railway brought tourists to enjoy the local hot springs. The grade school, the larger of the two buildings, was moved to the site sometime between the 1890s and 1910, but didn’t receive its belfry until the 1920s or 30s. The rear of the grade school was actually constructed as a separate school 10 miles south of Hartsel but was moved to its present location in the 1950s when attendance declined in that area. The one room high school, currently the Hartsel Library, was constructed around 1915 and was previously located adjacent to the Hartsel Hot Springs Hotel. It was moved to its current location in the 1930s. Classes at the Hartsel Schools ceased in 1965 but the buildings continue to function as important gathering places for the community.

Hartsel students in the 1940s, courtesy of the Park County Local History Archives

Park on Valley Drive in Hartsel and walk into the community park. Please be sure that you don't block the emergency vehicles exiting the neighboring fire station.