Tucked along a beautiful stretch of the North Fork of the South Platte River, McGraw Park is one of Bailey’s true hidden gems. Managed entirely by the Park County Historical Society and its volunteers, the park is more than a picnic stop—it’s a place where history, recreation, and community come together.

I sat down with Jim Glenn, board member of the Historical Society, to learn more about McGraw Park’s past, present, and future. Jim’s background is as varied as the park itself: a 23-year Air Force veteran, a lifelong lover of trees and botany, and a longtime local realtor. His passion for Bailey’s history shines through in every story he shares.

A Park Rooted in Bailey’s Pioneer Past

McGraw Park sits on one of Bailey’s earliest homestead sites, dating back to the 1860s. Settlers built cabins here along the river, drawn by fertile land and the nearby mining boom. The park preserves Bailey’s oldest surviving cabin, (the Entriken Cabin) built in 1864, as well as a Railroad Waystation, a one-room schoolhouse, and even a Denver South Park & Pacific Railroad caboose.

These landmarks tell the story of Bailey’s early role as both a railroad stop and a stagecoach hub. Before the highways, this was where travelers rested, freight was unloaded, and supplies moved in and out of mining towns further west. When the railroad arrived in 1878, Bailey became a key stopover, connecting the high country to Denver and beyond.

The Park County Historical Society officially established McGraw Park in 1969, saving these buildings from being lost to time. Volunteers and donations turned scattered remnants of Bailey’s past into a living-history park that locals and visitors can enjoy today.

Each building in the park has a story to tell, and thanks to volunteers like Jim, visitors can explore these stories through tours, interpretive signs, and even frequently asked question booklets created for curious guests.

Mission & Purpose of PCHS

McGraw Park is just one way the Park County Historical Society carries out its broader mission across the county.

Their Mission:

The Park County Historical Society (PCHS) is a preservation organization promoting the history and prehistory of the County through awareness and education for the citizens of Park County. The organization is dedicated to preservation, collection, and stewardship through cooperation and communication.

Their Purpose:

To educate the public on Park County's history

To discover, mark, and preserve buildings and sites of historic or prehistoric significance

To collect, preserve, and display items used by historic and prehistoric cultures prior to 1940

McGraw Park perfectly reflects this mission—bringing history to life while creating a welcoming place for learning and community connection.

More Than Just History

While history is the heart of McGraw Park, recreation plays an important role too. Visitors often stop to picnic, walk the riverside trails, or use the park as a launch point for kayaking. Families enjoy treasure hunts that tie into local lore, like the legend of the Reynolds Gang’s buried treasure.

The park also serves as a gathering place for community events, from Bailey Day celebrations to the new Quick Draw McGraw 2-Mile Race and Fall Fest this October 25. Check-in for race starts at 8:30am with Race at 10am. Fall Fest is at 4pm.

Powered by Volunteers

One of the most remarkable things about McGraw Park is that it runs entirely on volunteers—there is no paid staff. From gardening to guiding tours, from building trails to repairing 160-year-old cabins, cataloging hundred-year-old artifacts, everything is maintained by community members.

“We probably have 30 volunteers,” Jim shared. “Some tend the gardens, some act as docents, and some maintain 160 buildings. We could use help moving big boulders to the entry sign if someone could help us out. Every contribution matters.”

The gardens, now adopted by families and local businesses, are particularly stunning.  As Jim puts it:
“People come here for history, but why not have a beautiful place to enjoy while they’re learning?”

Ways to Get Involved

The Historical Society is always looking for people who want to lend a hand—or even just a curious mind. Opportunities include:

• Volunteering: as a docent, gardener, or project helper
• Researching: they have several historic items that need identifying
• Donating or becoming a member (as little as $15/year for seniors, $20 for individuals, or  $35 for family memberships)

Open House Events are held on the first and third Saturdays each month from 11am to 3pm from June through October and visitors can always learn more at parkcountyhistory.com.

A Community Treasure

Whether you’re standing inside Bailey’s oldest cabin, imagining the clatter of stagecoaches arriving, or climbing aboard a 20th-century railroad caboose, McGraw Park connects today’s visitors with the rich heritage of our town.

Jim sums it up best:
“We want people to come, enjoy the park, learn some history—and then spend time in Bailey. Eat here, shop here, explore here. That’s how we keep the community thriving.”

There is so much fascinating history to learn about the area at McGraw Park, we encourage you to check out their website and spend some time at the park. The depth of photos, articles and information is a history buff’s dream.

Upcoming October Events

Open House - Saturday October 4th & 18th 11am to 3pm

Potluck and Bingo - Saturday October 11th 5pm

Quick Draw McGraw 2 mile Trail Race & Walk - Saturday October 25th 10am (check in at 8:30)

Fall Fest - Saturday October 25th 4pm to 8pm

Contact Info

McGraw Park

PO Box 563,

39 Wellington Lake Rd

Bailey, CO 80421

parkcountyhistory.com

Jim Glenn, email