The Chautauqua Institute was founded in 1874 on Lake Chautauqua in New York State as an outdoor religious educational and recreational experience in a summer “tent university” that was multigenerational and multidisciplinary, engaging people through the arts and nature. The movement spread throughout the country to semi rural locations near large towns with good rail service. Unfortunately, as autos became prevalent, these programs faded away for a different type of summer vacation. President Teddy Roosevelt, however, called the Chautauqua “ the most American thing in America”.

One of the first such “daughter” Chautauqua events, first to take place in Colorado, was in Palmer Lake “just down the rail” from Denver. It was held in the Glen area from 1886-1910. People would stay for days to weeks in tents or cabins or in local hotels. There were featured speakers, artists, nature talks and walks, hikes, and concerts. Some of the lecturers were even given land in the Glen as payment. 

The Palmer Lake Art Group is holding multiple visual art events during the 2024 Chautauqua from August 2-4 in conjunction with the Arts Council work to revive the Chautauqua concept for a current-day experience. Their goal is to promote the arts and humanities through performing and visual arts programs, music, hikes, and classes from a wide array of subjects for all age groups.