Our History

First established in 1892, the Park County Welcome Wagon was tasked with encouraging railroad workers and their families to stay in the area despite our unforgiving winters and harsh working conditions.

Since then, the wagon has welcomed generations of Park County residents through the sharing of our secrets.

These secrets are what separate our beloved county from the wolves.

If you have any moments to share from Park County Welcome Wagon’s history - please email us - secrets@parkcountywelcomewagon.com

Park County Secrets

Welcome to Park County. We’re happy you’re here. As they say, you can’t stop the wind in Park County - you can only try to guide it. New people will keep coming here and in order for our culture to thrive (not hide) we must welcome them.

Despite our small population our county has a unique culture and landscape which might be the reason you decided to move here. This culture may be hard to understand for those who just got here - it can feel like we have big old secrets. To preserve, maintain and grow what makes Park County special, we want to share these “Park County Secrets” in hopes that we can all feel we are welcome.

Here goes!

• Say hi to strangers
• Wave at cars you pass, especially on 2 lane and gravel roads
• Talk to your neighbors when you pass by them
• Right to Privacy - even though we say ‘hi’, it’s ok to move on quickly
• Give people space, in person and in parking lots
• Open doors for people
• Park County runs on Volunteers
• We try to solve our own problems - but it’s ok to ask for help
• Offer help if you’re able
• Ask for help or advice with little things - it builds goodwill
• Stay off your phone when talking to service workers
• Treat people who serve you like neighbors
• Talk to people in line with you

Have a secret to add? Write to us: secrets@parkcountywelcomewagon.com

The (Not So) Secret Park County Directory

Sign Up to Join the Welcome Wagon

Our welcome wagon runs on volunteers. It’s our belief that everyone new to our county needs to be welcomed by at least one real person who shares our secrets at least once.

We also want to continue to welcome people who have lived here the whole time as well as those who are seasonal - the more we welcome and share the secrets, the stronger our community and culture becomes.

We will always have a list - we need people who want to go out and welcome! It’s fun and feels great! We also have regular events that are easy & fun for the whole family!

Email: secrets@parkcountywelcomewagon.com