Westminster
Westminster is located in western Adams County and northeastern Jefferson County northwest of Denver. The city was settled in 1859 and over the years it has overgone various name changes. In 1911 was finally named, “Westminster” after Westminster Castle which began construction in 1891. The castle can still be seen today near the intersection of 83rd Ave and Federal Blvd and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as Westminster University.
Westminster has an extensive trail system with about 150 miles of trails that go through open space providing access to wildlife, views, and natural beauty. Part of this trail system includes Big Dry Creek Trail, Little Dry Creek Trail, Farmers High Line Canal, Rocky Mountain Greenway trail, and U.S. 36 Bikeway. Some of these trails can be found at Standley Lake Regional Park. The park has about 2000 acres of open space land surrounding the lake and is a multi-use recreation and water storage facility. Hiking, biking, camping, fishing, power boating, and paddling are a few of the recreation opportunities offered. On the northwest side of the lake, a pair of bald eagles have taken up residence there since 1993. In addition to the bald eagles, other wildlife that can be viewed are coyotes, red foxes, bull snakes, burrowing owls, mule deer, rock squirrels, rabbits, and prairie dogs.
In addition to the trails and open space, Westminster has 6 recreation centers, 2 golf courses, an outdoor pool, Christopher Fields Softball Complex, City Park Soccer Fields, a disc golf course, a skate park, and an Ice Center at the Promenade.
One unique feature of Westminster is The Butterfly Pavilion. It was the first stand-alone Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited non-profit invertebrate zoo in the world. It features 5 exhibit areas each with a unique touch experience. You can walk through a rainforest with 1600 free-flying tropical butterflies, hold Rosie the famous tarantula, see a coral reef up close and more.
Westminster has 2 shopping and dining centers, The Westminster Promenade and The Orchard Town Center. Both feature multiple dining options and movie theaters, with the Orchard Town Center featuring over 85 retailers at its outdoor mall.
Commuting to Denver is no problem with RTD’s B Line, offering commuter rail service between Downtown Denver and Westminster Station. Commuting to Boulder is just as easy using the Flatiron Flyer, a rapid bus transit service that can take you to Boulder, Denver, Broomfield, Louisville, and Superior.
Sound like a place you would like to live?