Business Details
Experience Historic Colorado Hospitality at Glen Eyrie Castle
Glen Eyrie was founded in 1871 as the home of William Jackson Palmer, a Civil War general and founder of Colorado Springs. Since 1953, it has served as the headquarters of The Navigators, a Christ-centered organization committed to hospitality and spiritual renewal. Our property combines historic charm with modern amenities, offering guided castle tours, award-winning afternoon tea, overnight accommodations, and event hosting.We specialize in creating transformative experiences through scenic hiking trails, geological tours, and retreat programs designed to draw guests closer to what matters most. With 727 acres of pristine Colorado landscapes and seven distinct lodging options, we provide unparalleled opportunities for reflection, celebration, and connection.
Services
Castle Tours
Afternoon Tea
Overnight Stays
Event Hosting
Guided Hikes
Highlights and features
- We combine 150 years of historic preservation with modern hospitality innovations
- Our Christ-centered mission shapes every guest experience
- Unique combination of castle accommodations, geological education, and spiritual retreats
- Award-winning afternoon tea service in a 19th-century Music Room
- Adjacent to Garden of the Gods with exclusive hiking access
What people say
Spiritual refreshment
Breathtaking scenery
Exceptional service
Historic charm
Peaceful setting
Services
Castle Tours
Explore our 1871 National Historic Landmark with expert guides who reveal architectural marvels and 150 years of Colorado history. Daily public tours and special Black Friday super-tours examine General Palmer's legacy and castle renovations. Educational groups can schedule customized historical and geological tours focused on the Rocky Mountain region.
Afternoon Tea
Savor our award-winning seasonal tea experiences featuring handcrafted pastries, specialty teas from Ethical Tea Partnership suppliers, and elegant castle ambiance. Available Wednesday-Sunday in the historic Music Room, with holiday Yule Tea service and dietary accommodations available. Perfect for intimate celebrations and Colorado Springs visitors seeking refined hospitality.
Overnight Stays
Stay in one of our 95 uniquely decorated rooms across seven accommodations, including castle premier suites and rustic lodges. Packages include scavenger hunts, spiritual retreats, and celebration packages with sparkling cider and gourmet treats. Enjoy mountain views, wildlife encounters, and wireless internet throughout the property.
Event Hosting
Host conferences, weddings, or private events in our 150-year-old castle or modern facilities accommodating up to 250 guests. Special packages include team-building scavenger hunts and spiritual renewal retreats. Adjacent to Garden of the Gods with exclusive hiking permits available for event attendees.
Guided Hikes
Explore our 727-acre property with expert-led geological hikes revealing evidence of ancient floods and mountain formation. Summer guided hikes examine local ecosystems and wildlife including bighorn sheep. Photography permits allow professional shoots in designated scenic areas with advance reservations and liability waivers.
People
Dace Starkweather
General Manager
Dace brings over a decade of hospitality experience at four-diamond guest ranches to Glen Eyrie's leadership. He holds graduate degrees in hospitality management and biblical archaeology, combining operational excellence with spiritual mission. Prior to becoming General Manager, he developed expertise managing historic properties with dual commercial and non-profit purposes.
Derek Strickler
Director of Operations
Derek has over 20 years of operational leadership experience at Glen Eyrie and Eagle Lake Camps. A Colorado Christian University graduate in Organizational Management, he oversees daily operations while balancing his family life with three daughters. His background in construction management adds technical expertise to property maintenance and upgrades.
Tom Brubaker
Director of Business & Revenue Management
Tom leads revenue strategy with an MBA from University of Washington and tech industry experience. He transitioned to non-profit hospitality management in 2019, bringing data-driven approaches to Glen Eyrie's business development. His focus on creating unique guest experiences aligns with the property's mission-driven heritage.
Tim Hart
Director of Finance
Tim has served in financial leadership at Glen Eyrie since 2007, after his spiritual journey with The Navigators began during university. He combines business acumen from his finance degree with mission alignment, ensuring fiscal responsibility supports the organization's Christian purpose. An avid cyclist, he values intergenerational ministry opportunities.
Meaghan Hart
Director of Guest Experience
Meaghan has advanced through multiple roles at Glen Eyrie since joining in 2005, developing comprehensive guest service strategies. Her business management degree from University of Arizona informs her approach to hospitality operations. She emphasizes creating spiritually meaningful guest experiences while maintaining high service standards.
Questions
Can I visit Glen Eyrie without a reservation?
Casual visits require brief timed drive-thru passes available Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:30pm when not conflicting with guest activities.
Are pets allowed on the property?
Glen Eyrie is pet-free, except for ADA-defined service animals. This policy maintains our serene environment for all guests.
What makes your afternoon tea unique?
We serve seasonal menus in historic castle music rooms using ethically sourced teas, with dietary accommodations and optional champagne upgrades.
Can I photograph the castle interior?
Photography permits only grant outdoor access. Castle interior photography requires special arrangements as part of event packages.
What historical significance does Glen Eyrie have?
Founded in 1871 by Colorado Springs pioneer William Jackson Palmer, our castle showcases Victorian architecture and regional history in a National Historic Landmark setting.
