Located northwest of Denver, Arvada is a city with a population of just over 100,000, making it one of the ten most populous cities in the state.
Parts of Arvada are located in Jefferson and Adams counties, which together with Denver, Westminster and Thornton make up the largest metropolitan area in the state.
Just outside the city limits, Colorado’s countryside leads to vast forests and mountains unrivaled in most states. Visitors from all walks of life have a rich selection of activities at their disposal to suit a wide range of interests.
Here are 15 things to do in and around Arvada, Colorado.
1. Kussler Museum
Named after its founder, Clive Cussler, the Cussler Museum houses an impressive collection of rare cars that have been restored to near original condition.
If you recognize the name, it’s probably because Clive Kussler is a bestselling author who happens to love classic cars.
The museum’s collection features dozens of cars, including many defunct brands such as Studebaker and Auburn; most of them are from the turn of the century to the mid-1960s,
Most visitors spend an hour or two on site, and the museum is conveniently located on West 69th Avenue in Arvada, close to other area attractions that you might want to check out as well.
2. Indian Tree Golf Club
With so much open space sprawling in all directions, it’s no wonder that Arvada’s Indian Tree Golf Club only plays for just over 7,000 yards.
The course offers a delightful mix of tricky hazards, manicured greens and fairways, and some of the most spectacular views imaginable, according to golfers who know it.
For those who don’t want to spend four or five hours on the link, there is a shorter 9-hole option that is a favorite among seniors and those who play with younger people.
Facilities at the facility include a driving range, putting and chipping areas, as well as an on-site pro shop and restaurant.
3. Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge
Comprising more than 70 acres of protected wilderness, the Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge has existed for nearly two decades and is home to an impressive variety of flora and fauna, many of which are unique to the region.
The sanctuary consists of highland forest, bush and wetland areas and is open to guided tours, and staff also offer regular educational opportunities and workshops for people of all ages.
For many visitors, their time at the two ponds is one of the most educational and memorable of their Colorado trip.
The two ponds are located on West 80th Street in Arvada, and admission is inexpensive.
4. Arvada Center for Arts and Humanities
The Arvada Arts and Humanities Center is a gem of a community resource that is often overlooked by all but the savviest visitor.
Located on Wadsworth Avenue near the city center, it consists of a cultural center, museums, galleries and classrooms, offering guests a wealth of activity options.
Opened in the mid-1970s, the center is now one of the largest facilities of its kind in the state.
The Arvada Center offers a variety of annual performances, from recitals and guest speakers to plays, children’s works and classical music.
5. Odyssey Brewery
According to the impartial marketing department of Colorado’s largest brewery, there is something special about the water in the Rocky Mountain state.
While this is a difficult claim to prove, the state does have more than its fair share of world-class breweries, and Odyssey Beerwerks is one of Arvada’s most popular breweries.
Open all week, Odyssey’s pub is a mecca for beer lovers who prefer small-batch beers to the often bland national brands. Their seasonal selections range from hoppy IPAs to pumpkin- and marshmallow-infused porters.
They are located in an unassuming area but the interior is modern and inviting and they also have outdoor seating.
6. Old Town
Olde Town Arvada is the ideal destination for those who want to stretch their legs, shop or catch a show after a good meal.
Most guests appreciate the unique and delightful blend of tradition and modernity in Olde Town. It’s filled with trendy restaurants and locally-owned boutiques selling everything from art and Native American jewelry to sportswear and children’s clothing.
During the warmer months, the Old Town is also a popular spot for live entertainment. It tends to come alive in the afternoon hours before shows, when restaurants and bars offer revellers deals on food and drinks.
7. The Imperial Casino Resort Spa
Located on Main Street in the mountain town of Blackhawk, the Monarch Casino Resort Spa is a convenient escape destination for those craving country views and mountain air.
Just an hour’s drive from downtown Denver on Highway 119, the resort offers guests a variety of amenities and activities, including gaming, world-class dining, and a variety of massages and holistic wellness treatments.
Monarch might not be suitable for families traveling on a budget, but it might just be the perfect option for childless couples looking to spend a romantic night or two in a truly unforgettable setting.
8. Van Bieber Open Space Park
Travelers to Arvada can experience the Rocky Mountains without spending a fortune or countless hours in a car. For those who prefer nearby attractions without admission, Van Bieber Open Space Park is a must-see.
Van Bibber includes upland meadows and wetland areas that can be experienced from the paved and well-marked trails that meander through the park.
The park is not as well-appointed as other regional parks, but its appeal lies in its appeal as it generally attracts a less respectful, outdoor type of crowd that tends not to make noise and leave a distraction pile of garbage.
9. Coors Field
Coors Field, home of the Major League Baseball Colorado Rockies, covers nearly 80 acres near the capital city.
Unlike other baseball stadiums in boisterous East Coast cities like New York and Philadelphia, the crowds at Coors Field tend to be laid-back, content to enjoy the game and the mountain air, no matter how good their team is.
Baseball games aren’t as cheap as they used to be; tourists should be prepared to shell out big bucks for tickets and food, but they rank high on many travelers’ itineraries for a memorable and family-friendly vacation.
10. Molly Brown House Museum
The Molly Brown House Museum is a unique area attraction that was once the home of a famous and gorgeous woman, often referred to as “The Unsinkable Molly Brown” because she survived the sinking of the Titanic in 1912.
When Molly was a teenager, her family made a fortune in mining, and when the house was bought in the 1890s, it cost $30,000, a fortune by the standards of the time.
The home and museum receive thousands of visitors each year, most of whom are delighted to learn about the life and times of this interesting woman. Guided tours are provided, and the entrance fee is not expensive.
11. Colorado State Capitol
Located on East Colfax Avenue in downtown Denver, the Colorado State Capitol is very similar to the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., built in the 1890s from local granite.
The building’s golden dome towers nearly 20 stories into the Colorado sky and is currently home to the Colorado State Assembly and the offices of the governor and lieutenant governor.
Despite adequate security measures, visitors who want a quick look around can enter the area near the Capitol. Those who want to go deeper and behind the scenes can take a guided tour.
12. Larimer Square
Larimer Square is full of shops, restaurants and other local businesses, so it’s a good idea to check the layout online before taking a special trip.
Conveniently located on Larimer Street between 14th and 15th Streets, the Historic Plaza is located along the city’s public transit routes, making it easy and cheap to get there from the rest of the city.
The history of the square dates back more than 100 years, when the city was flooded with gold coins. Historic and modern buildings complement each other, including a bookstore, coffee shop, and the state’s first post office.
13. Empower Field at Mile High
Empower Field at Mile High, home to the NFL Denver Broncos, is 5,280 feet above sea level, hence the name.
Completed in 2001, the stadium is largely funded by local taxes; it is now one of the NFL’s top venues.
Watching games at Empower Field during the regular season isn’t as difficult as it once was; crowds at games have been dwindling over the past few years. For those who will be visiting during the low season, the stadium hosts live entertainment and guided tours led by knowledgeable staff.
14. Forney Transportation Museum
With an impressive collection of transportation memorabilia and refurbished trains, planes and buses, the Forney Transportation Museum is a unique attraction that has been around for over 6 years.
Many of the museum’s treasured pieces have interesting historical context, such as an airplane that belonged to Amelia Earhart, and a handcrafted Indian motorcycle once owned by the founder of the now-defunct company.
Although much of the museum is history-focused, there are also a variety of interactive exhibits that are engaging and educational for young and old alike, and there are plenty of knowledgeable staff around to answer questions.
15. Morrison Museum of Natural History
Thousands of years ago, the land of what is now Colorado was filled with dinosaurs of all shapes and sizes. Their bones are often found by geologists, paleontologists and amateur rock hounds.
The Morrison Museum of Natural History is located in Morrison Township, a half-hour drive west of downtown Denver. It is a well-respected institution recognized by the Smithsonian Institution for its groundbreaking work and world-class exhibitions.
The museum opens at 10 a.m. and offers visitors three regularly scheduled daily tours. While reservations are not required, it is wise to call ahead to reserve your space, especially if you will be visiting during peak hours.
Where to Stay: Best Hotels in Arvada, Colorado (CO)
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