Industry/Commerce - Civic Plaza
Past Industry
Some of the first recorded human inhabitants, the Ute Indians, frequented the area for hunting in the summertime. As people migrated west across the United States, hunters and trappers moved through the area. Three French fur trappers traveling down the Yampa River are said to have named Steamboat Springs in 1865 when they heard the chugging sound of a paddle wheel steamer. However, it turned out to be the sound of one of the many mineral springs.
The town of Steamboat Springs was incorporated in 1900. The railroad arrived in Steamboat Springs in 1908, marking a period of growth for the town and a boom for commercial industries like coal mining, farming, and ranching. Key industries in the early days included coal mining, agriculture, health and recreation, tourism, and hunting. A 1910 newspaper article reported nearly 1,000 tons of coal per day were shipped from the area.
The train depot, located on 13th Street, was considered one of the largest livestock shipping centers of the west. Hay production contributed to area’s economy with oats, wheat, barley and rye. For a short time, strawberries were a key export, shipped across the country and giving name to Strawberry Park.
Arts and Culture were a vital component of the community and economy since the early days. Lulie Crawford was the area’s first artist/painter, and Perry-Mansfield Performing Arts School and Camp was relocated to Strawberry Park in 1914.
With over 150 different mineral springs within a two-mile radius, Northwest Colorado was touted as a healing destination across the country. Signs at either entrance to town advertised the benefits of the famous Lithia Spring and Heart Spring (located inside of Old Town Hot Springs).
Outdoor recreation was marked by the arrival of ‘The Flying Norseman,’ Carl Howelsen. When local Marjorie Perry saw Howelsen at the Hot Sulphur Springs Winter Carnival flying off a ski jump, she knew he needed to come to Steamboat Springs. In 1914 the first Winter Carnival took place on Woodchuck Hill (currently Colorado Mountain College) with locals jumping alongside professional ski jumpers.
Howelsen built the first ski jump at Howelsen Hill, and established a ski club, now known as the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club. The historic Howelsen Hill, a city park today, is the oldest operating ski area in North America and has produced more winter Olympians than any other town.
Present Industry
Farming and ranching remain principal industries in the area with Routt County among the leaders in the state for cattle and sheep production. The Yampa Valley is known for its high-quality hay due to the mountain surroundings, long winters and fertile soil. Many ranches, often run by the same family for generations, have been placed in conservation easements.
As a result of the pandemic, Steamboat Springs saw an influx of people wanting to call the Yampa Valley home. Building boomed and many residents, whether part-time or year-round, work remotely, boosting the local economy and construction industry
As green and renewable energy initiatives grow across Colorado to combat climate change, the area is experiencing a similar growth in alternative energies across Northwest Colorado. Whether its wind, solar, or water powered sources, the diversification of power is transitioning away from coal.
The abundant outdoor recreation continues today with opportunities that span the spectrum across all four seasons. Several leading outdoor companies call Steamboat Springs and the Yampa Valley home today, which provided the perfect place for product testing every day.
Tourism continues to drive the region today with a comprehensive airline program, scenic byways, two ski areas, acres of wilderness areas, miles of trails, the mighty Yampa River and numerous waterbodies including lakes, reservoirs, rivers and creeks, and a strong heritage and cultural element are just the tip of the recreational opportunities.
Since the first tales of its healing waters, Steamboat Springs is fortunate to be home to a strong healthcare industry including a major hospital, senior living, hospice care, a variety of professional primary care services and a locally based air medical transport agency. In addition, the fountain of youth can be soaked up by visiting the two signature hot spring facilities including the downtown one which still has the original heart spring chugging away.
Neighbors reaching out over fences lending a helping hand whenever needed was the way of life in the early years. 100+ non-profit organizations continue to carry on that same philosophy today.
Early tribes, trappers and homesteaders survived on what they could harvest and catch. These days, culinary delights run the gamut from the quick and easy to wild and exotic and appeal to taste buds of all ranges. Locally sourced agricultural items still grace many restaurant menus. You can also wet your whistle from a number of bars, local craft breweries and distilleries.
Retail shops grace more than main street these days with many businesses becoming local staples by operating for more than 25 years. Industries have expanded west of town and remain vibrant at the mountain village as well.
Today, downtown Steamboat Springs is a state certified creative district with over 17 galleries, home to a diverse collection of organizations dedicated to arts & culture. Festivals, live music, outdoor free concerts, seminars and educational speakers ensure a diversity of tastes for the community.