Hudson Gardens

Littleton, Colorado, United States

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Hudson Gardens in Littleton, Colorado, began as the private garden of Colonel King C. and Evelyn Leigh Hudson, who operated the Country Kitchen restaurant on the property starting in 1942.

The Hudsons developed the garden over almost fifty years, cultivating a variety of plants suited to Colorado's climate on what grew into nearly 40 acres near the South Platte River. After Evelyn’s death, the Hudson Foundation was established in 1986 to preserve and develop the gardens for public education and enjoyment.

The gardens officially opened to the public in 1996 and feature a diverse mix of garden exhibits including a rose garden, water garden, alpine rock garden, wetlands, and a songbird garden, complemented by walking trails, ponds, and public art. Hudson Gardens has become a popular venue for community events, weddings, concerts, and educational programs, supported by volunteers and offering free daily admission to visitors.

The historic log building that once housed the Country Kitchen remains a cherished part of the site, now known as The Inn at Hudson Gardens, and the space continues to celebrate the Hudsons' legacy of horticulture, community, and environmental stewardship.