How Did Kremmling, Colorado Get Its Name?
Tucked between the Colorado River and the high mountain ranges of Grand County, the town of Kremmling, Colorado, has a name that sparks curiosity. Is it a Native American word? A mining term? A local geographic reference? The true story traces back to a single German immigrant and a turn-of-the-century general store that became the heart of the community.
The Man Behind the Name: Rudolph “Kremmling” Kremling
Kremmling is named after Rudolph Kremling, a German immigrant who arrived in the area in the late 1800s. Like many settlers of the time, he was drawn to the untamed opportunity of the American West. In the early 1880s, Kremling opened a general store on a ranch near the confluence of the Blue and Muddy Rivers—what would become the heart of the town.
Kremling’s store quickly became a vital outpost for nearby ranchers, homesteaders, and travelers. As the area's population grew, the community informally referred to the spot as “Kremling’s”—shorthand for where people gathered to trade, get supplies, and swap news.
A Misspelled Legacy Becomes Official
In 1904, when the Denver, Northwestern & Pacific Railway extended its line to the area, the growing settlement needed a formal name for maps, mail, and transportation logistics. When officials submitted “Kremling” as the name of the town, a clerical error added an extra “m.” Instead of correcting it, the misspelled “Kremmling” stuck—and it’s remained ever since.
It’s not the only town in the West with a name born of a bureaucratic mistake, but it’s one that locals now wear with pride.
From Supply Stop to Outdoor Playground
While its name came from a humble general store owner, Kremmling has grown into a destination for adventure seekers. Today, it’s known as the “Sportsman’s Paradise” for its world-class fishing, hunting, rafting, and access to public lands. But its name remains a nod to the entrepreneurial spirit of a German settler who saw potential in the Colorado wilderness.
Quick Facts About Kremmling’s History
Founded: 1880s (as a ranching and trading post)
Incorporated: 1904
Original Name: Kremling’s Store
Geographic Location: Between Steamboat Springs and Silverthorne, in northwest Grand County
Nickname: The "Crossroads of the Rockies" due to its location at several regional highway junctions
Final Thoughts
The story of how Kremmling, Colorado got its name is a reminder that small beginnings can leave a lasting mark. One man’s store, a growing settlement, and a spelling error led to a name that continues to define this rugged and beautiful part of the Rocky Mountains.