Things to Do in Palmer Lake
Small-town Tri-Lakes living at 7,200 ft — reservoir trails, star lighting, and Lewis-Palmer schools
Dining & Nightlife
- Breweries & Taprooms
- Palmer Lake Pub (craft beer, pub grub, overlooking the lake)
- Coffee Shops
- Lake & Lantern Cafe (quality coffee, community gathering spot)
- Farmers Market
- Seasonal community markets; Monument Farmers Market nearby
Notable Restaurants
- O'Malley's Steak Pub (family-owned since 1986, breakfast/lunch/bar)
- Speed Trap Bistro (beloved local brunch and dinner spot)
- 105 Social House (small plates, craft cocktails)
- Rock House Ice Cream (lunch + ice cream, heart of town)
Arts & Entertainment
- Community Center
- Tri-Lakes Center for the Arts (304 Hwy 105 — fine art exhibitions, live music concerts, educational programs)
- Theater
- Palmer Lake Art Group (visual arts workshops, discussion groups, social networking for artists)
- Public Art
- Palmer Lake Arts Council (est. 2021) — public art installations, popup shows, theater, concerts; Dotson Cabin art exhibitions
Annual Events
- Palmer Lake Star Lighting (iconic holiday hillside star, visible from I-25)
- Beulah Arts and Crafts Festival (community tradition)
- Palmer Lake Art Group monthly shows
- Chili Supper (annual community fundraiser)
Parks & Outdoors
- Palmer Lake Reservoir Trail — short hike to stunning upper and lower reservoirs at the base of Ben Lomond Mountain
- New Santa Fe Regional Trail — 14+ miles connecting Palmer Lake to Monument and the Air Force Academy
- Palmer Lake Recreation Area — 36 acres, fishing, hiking, biking
- Glen Park — town park, picnic areas, community events
- Ben Lomond Mountain — challenging summit hike with panoramic Pikes Peak views
Pet-Friendly Living
- Off-Leash Dog Parks
- Fox Run Dog Park (5 acres, nearby in Monument/Springs); 13 off-leash parks within 20 miles
- Pet-Friendly Trails
- New Santa Fe Regional Trail (17 mi, leashed); Palmer Lake Regional Recreation Area trails (flat, lakeside); Ben Lomond Mountain (leashed)
- Vet Clinics
- Veterinary clinics in Monument (5-10 min): Woodmoor Vet Hospital, Monument Vet Clinic, Banfield
- Dog-Friendly Patios
- O'Malley's, Palmer Lake Pub, and 105 Social House welcome dogs on patios
FAQ — Palmer Lake
What outdoor recreation is available in Palmer Lake?
The Palmer Lake Reservoir Trail is a short but scenic hike to the upper and lower reservoirs at the base of Ben Lomond Mountain. The New Santa Fe Regional Trail extends 14+ miles connecting Palmer Lake to Monument and the Air Force Academy. The Palmer Lake Recreation Area offers 36 acres for fishing, hiking, and biking. Ben Lomond Mountain provides a challenging summit hike with panoramic Pikes Peak views. Glen Park hosts town events and picnic areas.
What dining options are available in Palmer Lake?
Palmer Lake has a small but well-regarded dining scene centered on the town’s core: • O’Malley’s Steak Pub — locally owned since 1986, breakfast, lunch, and bar • Speed Trap Bistro — beloved local brunch and dinner spot • 105 Social House — small plates and craft cocktails • Rock House Ice Cream — lunch and ice cream in the heart of town Palmer Lake Pub offers craft beer and pub grub with lake views. Lake & Lantern Cafe serves quality coffee.