Karval Colorado — Home of the Annual Mountain Plover Festival

Karval Colorado came into existance with the second “homestead act of 1908”. This act allowed individuals to apply and settle on 320 acres of land. If they satisfied the government requirements the property became theirs. A portion of these requirements were they live on the property for a period of three years, build a residence, and plow a required number of acres. Prior to this time Til Hershberger located near a spring at the head of Adobe Creek. He arrived there and established a residence in approximately 1874. He remained there until his death in l944. Prior to 1908 there were other scattered cattle and sheep ranches located in the area. Gulick Kravig was the first postmaster of the office established in 1911. He had the privilege of naming the post office. Having come from a valley in Norway called Kars Valley, he suggested using the first three letters Kar and Val making the name Karval which has been used since.

From the late teens until the fifties, Karval was a thriving community. During that period some of the business included three grocery stores, a black smith shop, garage, two fuel distributers, a bean elevator, creamery, ice house, two churches and a school. At present there is one store and cafe, three churches, a community building, a k-12 school and “on line school” and a state fishing and wild life area.

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Birdwatchers come to Karval Every April for the Mountain Plover Festival:

The Mountain Plover Festival Held the last weekend of April, the festival offers bird watching, country hospitality, wildlife viewing, western entertainment, antiques, arts, crafts. A photography contest and an evening of star gazing. The main feature is observing the Rocky Mountain Plover. (More information.)

Other Events in Karval:

Hunting – The area offers the following species. Antelope, deer, prairie dog, and coyotes.
Annual Friendship Circle Rummage Sale and Lunch – This is held at the Karval Community Building on a designated date in November and April.
Photography – Some opportunities include windmills, wildlife, fences, old buildings, tumble weeds, sunsets, clouds, western brandings, and many others.