DILLON, COLORADO BY JON PELLETIER

Location

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County: Summit County

HISTORY In the late 1800s, the town of Dillon was located at what is now the deepest spot in Lake Dillon. At that time a trading post and a cluster of small cabins had been established where three rivers came together in the valley. But as Denver grew, the larger city needed water storage in the high country and the small town of Dillon has to relocate to accommodate the reservoir that was built and became known as Lake Dillon

Many of the local citizens abandoned their homes and businesses to the bulldozer, or moved them to Frisco, Breckenridge, or the valley below the dam which later became Silverthorne. There were a few hearty souls, including the Bryant’s, determined to see a new Dillon built among the pines on the shores of the lake which had forced them to move. In 1960 the Arapahoe Café, along with the Community Church (now the Dillon Historic Museum) and a scattering of private homes, were moved up the hill to the site of the new town. The move was not an easy one which explains why our floors are a bit uneven and the walls are somewhat out of square. The distinctive pine paneling is just as the Bryant’s installed it many years back.From 1972 to 1987 many people knew our present building as the Tappan House. In early 1988, under new ownership and management, it was returned to its original name and reputation as a great mountain café: the Arapahoe Café. Today A Café is one of the historic landmark site buildings in Dillon.

Both the Town of Dillon and the Arapahoe Café were destined to vanish under the rising waters of Lake Dillon.

• This is the former Dillon

• Community church

HISTORY #2

Dillon was moved several times–once to be closer to the railroad, then another relocation to position it between  the Blue, the Ten Mile, and the Snake rivers. The biggest and last move however was in the early 1950’s when the Denver Water Board announced plans for the construction of a major reservoir which would flood the area. The residents were informed that they must sell their property and evacuate by 1961.

The town of Dillon, in Summit County, Colorado was originally a stage coach stop and local trading post; it was incorporated in 1883. Back in the early 1940’s, when Max and Edna Dercum were developing the Arapahoe Basin Ski Area (A Basin), Faye and Lenore Bryant were building their Arapahoe Café in the Old Town of Dillon.

Pics. EGGS & MORE

Served with Home Fries & Choice of Toastor Biscuit

Arapahoe BreakfastTwo Eggs Any Style, Bacon or Sausage7.95

Ham and Eggs Bone-In Ham Steak , Two Eggs Any Way8.95

Trout and EggsRuby Red Trout Filet, Two Eggs Any Way14.25

Dillon Omelet Sausage, Bacon, Peppers, Onions, Tomato & Cheese8.50

Taos Omelet Chiles, Tomato, Spinach, Mushrooms & Cheese8.50

Denver OmeletPeppers, Onions, Ham and Cheese8.50

Cobb OmeletChicken, Bacon, Tomato, Avocado, and Blue Cheese8.95

Ham and Cheese OmeletJust Like It Says, Lots of Ham and Cheese8.25

El Paso Scramble Three Egg Scramble with Chorizo, Chiles and Cheese7.95

Lake Hill Scramble Three Egg Scramble with House Smoked Salmon, Spinach, Tomatoes and Cheese8.95

Sara’s Scramble Three Egg Scramble with House Smoked Sausage and Cheese7.95

Al’s Special: Add Our Cracked Pepper Sausage Gravy, Green, Pork Green or Red Chili Sauce to any item for $1.50 

Arapahoe Café voted best deck/patio in Summit County, Best of Summit Awards 2010.

Important Places

Dillon Reservoir

A stop near Dillon, CO The road was great, but the traffic was horrible.

Sailing/Boating

The Ampetheater

Fly/Ice fishing

Snow shoeing

Skiing

RECREATION

EATS

Arapaho café

Credit: ArapahoeCafe.com

The final and present location for the town of Dillon was selected on the shore of the new reservoir. Today, it’s an easy walk from the Arapahoe Café to Lake Dillon. From 1972 to 1987 many people knew our present building as the Tappan House. In early 1988, under new ownership and management, it was returned to its original name and reputation as a great mountain café: the Arapahoe Café. Today A Café is one of the historic landmark site buildings in Dillon.