About

About Us

Drawing Closer to What Matters

A Bit of History

“I found the magnificent Pikes Peak towering immediately above at the elevations of over 14,000 ft., topped with a little snow.I could not sleep anymore with all the splendid panorama of mountains gradually unrolling itself…”-Palmer, in a letter to Queen upon his discovery of Glen Eyrie.

Founded in 1871, Glen Eyrie was the home of William Jackson Palmer. Palmer was a Brigadier General in the Union Army during the Civil War, president of The Denver and Rio Grande Railroad, and founder of Colorado Springs. Palmer and his wife Mary “Queen” Mellen made Glen Eyrie their home. They had three daughters, Elsie, Dorothy, and Marjorie.

General Palmer died in 1909, and the Palmer sisters left the estate untouched for several years before finally selling it. The estate changed hands several times. In 1938 the property was purchased by an oil baron from Texas, George Strake.

The Strake family turned Glen Eyrie into their summer home, repairing and building up the property. It was not to last, however. The flood of 1949 wreaked havoc on the land, and with their children now grown, they determined to put Glen Eyrie back on the market.Glen Eyrie was purchased as the headquarters of The Navigators in 1953, following an ambitious and miraculous campaign to raise the down payment of $100,000 dollars in only six weeks.

Today the Navigators still maintain Glen Eyrie as their headquarters as they live out their mission “To know Christ and make Him known, and help others do the same.” In addition, the hospitality ministry at Glen Eyrie strives to draw our guests closer to what matters by inviting people to join us for historic Castle tours, teas, overnight stays, personal retreats, conferences and more. Visitors can grab a coffee and browse books and gifts in the Glen Eyrie Bookstore, located in the historic Carriage House, or have afternoon tea served in the Castle Music Room. Guests can also stay overnight in the Castle or in one of the other six lodges on property. Wildlife is abundant, the views are spectacular, and a memorable experience is always waiting!Learn more about the Navigators

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about our 150 years of history

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Our Mission

To create meaningful experiences through God-honoring hospitality with every visit.At Glen Eyrie, we promise to stay true to our Navigator legacy by purposefully and thoughtfully inspiring wonder through our hospitality, nurturing of guests, and in the natural beauty of God’s creation. In this place of breathtaking grandeur, we create a uniquely sacred environment that opens the heart, mind, and soul to moments of reflection, discovery, heartening change, and genuine personal transformation, bringing our guests closer to what truly matters in life.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Can I drop by to visit and walk through the castle?
Unfortunately you can’t walk through The Castle without making a reservation for a Tour, Tea, or Overnight Stay. To make a reservation, please call us at 719-265-7050.
Can I hike at Glen Eyrie?

Glen Eyrie allows guests with a Tea, Tour or Overnight reservation to hike on the property provided the guest signs our waiver of liability prior to hiking. Waivers may be obtained at the Front Desk in the Carriage House.

What time is the Front Desk Open?
The Front Desk is open from 8:ooam to 9:00pm.
How far is Glen Eyrie from the Colorado Springs airport?

We are located about 17 miles northwest of the Colorado Springs Airport (approximately 25 minutes) See our Contact page for a map and directions.

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Are pets allowed on property?

Pets are not permitted on the property, or to be kept in a vehicle. This exclusion does not apply to service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please be aware of herds of Bighorn sheep, deer, and a flock of turkeys.

Can I come and take pictures at Glen Eyrie?

We do not allow professional photography on our property unless you have been contracted for an event. If you are here as a guest for a Tea, Tour, or Overnight Stay you are welcome to take snap shots. See our photography policy on the “Visit Us” page.

How close are you to Garden of the Gods?
We are next door neighbors with Garden of the Gods! Hop in the car and drive over in less than a minute, or take the paved trail to walk, run, or bike over to the Garden of the Gods park.
Is alcohol or marijuana allowed on the property?
To respect every guest experience, Glen Eyrie is an alcohol and marijuana free property.