The Hutchinson Ranch was established in 1868 when pioneers Joseph Sykes Hutchinson and Annabel McPherson settled and started raising cattle. Joseph was a Union Army Captain who also served as a representative in the Colorado Territorial Legislature, and Annabel was a strong matriarch who raised four sons and continued to run the ranch after Joseph's early demise. Six generations later, the Hutchinsons are still raising cattle on the same land surrounding the Homestead.

The Hutchinson Homestead and Learning Center represents a vision initiated by Dr. Wendell F. Hutchinson to preserve some things from the past so that future generations will know how people lived and worked in those bygone days.

Upon its designation as one of Colorado's Most Endangered Places in 2003, the Hutchinson Homestead started undergoing the preservation of its century-old buildings. After 12 years of meticulous rehabilitation, the property opened to the public in 2013. With funding support from History Colorado State Historical Fund and the National Park Service Save America's Treasures Grant Program, the 140-year old buildings have been preserved and transformed into a place where the public can learn about pioneering history and the evolution of high altitude ranching.

Today, the center offers guided tours, youth programs, school field trips, birthday parties, and special events that provide engaging opportunities for youth, families, area visitors, and the local community to experience the homestead firsthand.