The Denver real estate tycoon Charles Alfred Johnson and his wife Alice built Cherokee Castle between 1924 and 1926. By the time they were finished with it, Charleford, named for the Johnson's sons Charles and Gifford, and designed by the renowned Denver architect Burnham Hoyt, rambled to 26 rooms and more than 10,000 square feet.

The Johnsons owned the castle for 30 years until philanthropist Tweet Kimball purchased the property in 1954 and renamed it Cherokee Castle. Tweet assembled one of the most eclectic art collections in the country, still on view at the castle. She lived at the castle until her death in 1999. In 1996 Tweet's vision to turn the land, castle, and its collections into a permanent legacy for the people of Colorado became a reality through the establishment of the Cherokee Ranch & Castle Foundation. The Foundation is committed to preserving the natural environment, enhancing cultural life in Colorado, and providing educational opportunities devoted to western heritage, wildlife, and the arts. Today, visitors enjoy castle tours with trained docents, English-style afternoon teas, art & antiques, wildlife watching, and cultural programs.