Located on the site of blacksmith A.G. Bimson’s Stone Shop and current-day Little Thompson Valley Pioneer Museum, The Little Thompson Valley Pioneer Courtyard provides an elegant yet rustic atmosphere for weddings and events. The stone shop, erected in 1893, borders the west side of the courtyard and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The east courtyard is bounded by the Elmer Carlson Building, erected in 1940, and now serving as the museum annex.

The courtyard also plays host to several other historic buildings from Berthoud’s history as well as the Society’s trademark windmill. The 1902 A.G. Bimson barn is fronted by a stage. The 1916 Meadow Hollow School once sat in a valley west of Berthoud that is now covered by Carter Lake. This charming tiny white building still contains many of the original features from when it was the primary school for Berthoud’s children. The Bunyan Observatory is a replica of the astronomical observatory Berthoud banker John Bunyan built in his backyard in 1933. Built in 2004, the observatory is an exhibit during museum hours and a site for public stargazing events hosted by the Berthoud Historical Society. Finally, the 1864 Charles Meining cabin, with period furnishings and appointments, graces the North end of the courtyard.

Throughout the courtyard are tastefully planted borders in a prairie planting style of native grasses and wildflowers.