The Meyer Ranch House, also known as the Midway House, is an iconic landmark that welcomes you to Conifer.
The Midway House, constructed in 1889, is part of a complex of buildings comprising the historic Meyer Ranch. These structures are now part of the larger 667-acre Meyer Ranch Park owned by Jefferson County Open Space.
This Queen Anne style home was termed the Midway House given its location as a stagecoach stopping point along the route from Denver to Fairplay, an hour SE of Conifer and at 8,000 feet, sits at the base of the Rockies. The Meyer family purchased the home in 1950, and the Midway House was later added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990 for its historical significance in both architecture and transportation.
The Midway House today, as seen from Highway 285
Since 2002 Conifer Area Council and Jefferson County Open Space have been working together to develop and expand trails in the Conifer region, including the Meyer Ranch property. A historic structure assessment of the Midway House was completed in 2012, and a building inspection was conducted in 2017.
In 2019, Open Space, CAC, and the Conifer Area Chamber of Commerce obtained a $50,000 grant to determine the feasibility of utilizing the Midway House as a Welcome Center, given its prominent location and iconic significance to the region. Unfortunately, the study determined that costs to bring the house up to code for public use were prohibitive.
There are several initiatives that are currently being pursued to utilize and enhance the use of the Meyer Ranch.
- Interactive information using kiosks, QR codes, and signage with photos and images
- Walking paths connecting the Midway House and outbuildings
- Expanded parking on the north side of highway 285
- Park shelters with new facilities, shade, picnic tables and benches
- Information for visitors about Conifer and Jeffco Open Space properties
- Restroom replacement/relocation
- Midway House upgrades
- Regional trail to Flying J Ranch Park
