Did you know that the fascination of Red Rocks goes as far back as 1750, at least? It wasn't called Red Rocks then, and there wasn't a man-made stage. It was simply a gathering of gorgeous red rocks with great acoustics in a natural amphitheater. Spearheads on neighboring mountains suggest that ancestors of the Ute tribes enjoyed this place, too.

In 1928, Denver bought what was then called the Garden of the Titans and renamed it Red Rocks Park. Around this time, George Cranmer was hired as the Manager of Parks and Improvements. Cranmer had recognized the Garden of the Titans' amazing acoustics on his first trip there in high school, which had set his imagination on fire. He immediately went to work on an idea he'd been playing with for a while—a stage at Red Rocks.

While Cranmer was creating the plans for Red Rocks, President Franklin D. Roosevelt was forming the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) as part of the New Deal program, formed in response to the Great Depression. The CCC created new construction jobs, and it was the government's way of putting young men and U.S. land to use while also fueling the economy. CCC workers were paid $1.00 a day. The CCC went to work on Red Rocks in 1936 and finished it in 1941. CCC work crews fashioned seats and the stage to build the Red Rocks amphitheater we know and love today.

But the amphitheater isn't the only attraction at the 640-acre site, though it is the most well-known. The park also includes two hiking trails, one of which I hiked during my most recent trip to Morrison. There's also the Ship Rock Grille, a restaurant with dishes for everyone, and the Hall of Fame, with gorgeous pictures of bands and artists in song, not to mention several exhibits with bits of Red Rocks history. I love the way Red Rocks has been designed to branch out from being just an amphitheater! Even better, one of the ways it's branched out is by sharing its history.

Deon Wolfenbarger, principal of Three Gables Preservation, prepared the successful nomination for Red Rocks to become a National Historic Landmark, a designation that became official on August 5. Designation as a National Historic Landmark is "the highest honor for historic sites in the U.S.," Wolfenbarger informed me. "Red Rocks is one of the most unique historic sites in the nation, not just Colorado."

One of of my favorite events is the Easter Sunrise Service at Red Rocks. It's been running annually since 1947 and is one of the most famous sunrise services in the nation. It incorporates magnificent music, stunning sermons, and jaw-dropping sunrises into a performance you don't want to miss. This non-denominational service is a perfect start to Easter Sunday—yes, even if you have kids, as long as they're willing to wake up super early! You need to get there before 5:00 a.m. so you have a chance of getting a seat. The Easter Sunrise Service has become a tradition in my family. It's a fantastic production, with lots of variety in the style of the sermon and the style of music, but never a disappointment! Last year, a band of Korean drummers played for us at the end of the service. Never had I seen such coordination or such a fascinating mix of dancing and drumming.

If you haven't realized it yet, I love Red Rocks National Historic Landmark! I love hearing music there, and I love gazing at the surrounding vista. Whether there's a concert, a hike, an event, or even a birthday party that looks fun, if it's being held at Red Rocks, make sure you go. Take this opportunity to create a lifelong memory of beauty, excitement, and joy.

Dig in deeper! Learn more about the history of Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre.