Boulder, Denver, and Colorado Springs tend to be the three Colorado cities that get the most attention, but Aurora, a town that is both vibrant and brimming with energy and charm, ranks right up there among some of the state’s top travel destinations.
If you’re planning a visit to the Centennial State in the near future, keep watching to hear Viewcations picks of the best things to do in Aurora, Colorado.
Wings Over The Rockies
Established in 1994 on the site of the former Lowry Air Force base in Denver, Wings Over The Rockies has long been considered the state’s official, and not to mention definitive, air and space museum. Anybody that considers themselves a fan of aviation will fall head over heels in love with this fantastic, feature-packed museum.
The facility showcases more than 50 iconic aircraft. There is also a hyper-realistic flight simulator that allows aspiring pilots to sit in the cockpit and try their hand at piloting a variety of planes. The museum further has numerous exhibits to explore and loads of events that take place throughout the year.
All of your flight dreams can come true at Wings Over The Rockies. Plus, you’ll get to learn about the past, present, and future of flight, both terrestrially and in space.
Cherry Creek State Park
Visitors to this well-managed state park can enjoy a lung full of fresh air out in the great outdoors. The park has been dubbed ‘Denver’s Spacious Backyard Playground”, and that nickname is backed by the sheer number of things to see and do.
Te park surrounds a massive 880-acre reservoir. It’s natural prairie environment draws in thousands of visitors during the summer months, but is a bit more laid-back and serene in the fall. While visiting, you can enjoy outdoor activities like kayaking, hiking, picnicking, biking, horseback riding, camping, and even RC airplane flying. If you happen to own a firearm, you can make a day out of target practice over at the park’s family shooting range.
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12 Miles Stables
If you love horses and horseback riding as much as we do, then we recommend devoting a day to visiting 12 Mile Stables which can be found inside Cherry Creek State Park. This facility offers daily tours, including a very scenic horseback tour, hay rides, birthday parties, day camps, and much, much more.
It’s a fabulous place to visit for those traveling with children, and guests of all ages can enjoy a fun and unique day in the mountains.
Aurora History Museum
Established in 1979, the Aurora History Museum remains dedicated to the preservation and display of artifacts related to the history of Colorado and Aurora. The museum presents a rotating line-up of exhibits throughout the year, but there is also a permanent exhibit called Growing Home. This exhibit features a restored 1913 trolley and more than 100 photographs and objects.
Admission is always free, and the museum is open every day of the week except for Monday. If you’re unable for some reason to visit in person, you can always take a virtual tour online.
Dry Dock Brewing Company
Colorado is famous for having some of the best craft breweries, and Dry Dock Brewing Company is among one the best in the state. Since opening in 2005, this award-winning brewery has rapidly expanded. It’s located in southeast Aurora and continues to serve up some of the best and most innovative fermented creations.
They won their very first gold at the 2006 World Beer Cup just six months after opening. In 2009, they won the Brewers Association Small Brewery of the Year Award. Since then, they have won countless other awards and accolades for excellence.
Our favorite brew on offer is Dry Brewing Company’s fantastic Hazy IPA. If high IBU hoppy beers aren’t your thing, give their equally delicious Apricot Blonde Ale a go, as it’s their most popular brew. After completing your tour, be sure to grab a six-pack to take back to the hotel!
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge
This gigantic nature preserve is located right outside of Aurora and boasts a rich history. If you’re looking for a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of city life, this is the perfect place to escape into mother nature’s arms.
For a romantic date idea, consider watching a sunset here, as it’s easily one of the best places in Colorado to do so. You might even spot a deer, bison, or other wild animal from one of the refuges’ many vista points.
Originally, The Rocky Mountain Arsenal was a hunting ground for Aurora’s first nation inhabitants, but in 1942 during the second world war, it was turned into a chemical manufacturing facility. After the war was over, it served as an agricultural chemical plant.
In 1987, the plant was closed down due to rising environmental concerns. After more than 330 species of wildlife, including the heavily endangered and protected bald eagle, were found on the site, $2.1 billion was invested into cleaning up all of the hazardous waste left behind by the chemical plants. It was then transformed into the wildlife refuge that it is today.
Aurora Reservoir
Along with the nearby Quincy Reservoir, this is one of the best places for Aurora residents to enjoy some fun in the sun at the reservoir’s fabulous beach and swimming areas. The 820-acre reservoir is very popular with folks who enjoy watersports like canoeing, jet skiing, windsurfing, and even scuba diving.
The water in the reservoir is so clean and clear that it’s used as source of drinking water for the surrounding community. How cool is that? The reservoir is not only recreational, but it’s also functional! You can easily spend a full day lounging, hiking, exploring, and splashing about with friends at the reservoir. We recommend bringing everything you need to have a picnic because the setting is just perfect for the whole family to enjoy.
Southlands
This modern Main Street is located in the heart of downtown Aurora in it’s southeast corner. For years, Southlands has been a central hub for dining, shopping, fashion, and entertainment. It’s a great place to gather with family and friends as the atmosphere is wholesome, clean, comfortable, convenient, and downright charming.
The focal point of the area is the must-visit Southland’s outdoor lifestyle center. It’s surrounded by a community plaza, vibrant main street, a theater, a top-notch health club, several entertainment venues, dozens of retail stores, and some of the best restaurants in town.
Some of the most noteworthy dining spots and shops in the area include Barnes and Noble, American Eagle, Best Buy, H&M, Tokyo Joes, and Ted’s Montana Grill.
Arapahoe Park
This world-renowned horse-racing park is famous for hosting Arabian Horse, Quarter Horse, Paint Horse, and thoroughbred horse racing events. The racing season typically goes from May to August, and the track is home to famous races like The Mile High Futurity and the Mile High Derby.
It’s a pretty incredible place just to spend the day, even if you’re not interested in placing any bets, as the atmosphere is always lively and exciting. When watching the horses do their thing, you can sit back, chat with your friends, enjoy an ice-cold beverage, and even enjoy a delectable meal.
The Colorado Freedom Memorial
This memorial is the very first of it’s kind in the US dedicated to Coloradans who made the ultimate sacrifice in any of the branches of military service throughout all the wars that the country has participated in.
The structure stands 12 feet high and is constructed out of granite and glass. Each of the memorial’s glass panels are mindfully placed intentionally to reflect the blue skies and towering mountains that surround it.
The memorial bears the names of more than 6,000 people who lost their lives or went missing in action. The names are grouped by war but they’re not in any kind of alphabetical order. This choice too was intentional as it was meant to reflect the true chaos experienced by soldiers in war.
If you are a veteran, Viewcation would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your service.
With that, we’ll go ahead and wrap this video up. Hopefully, you’ve enjoyed taking this little tour of Aurora with us. Did you know that Aurora, Colorado, is the third biggest city in Colorado and that it’s home to some of the top craft breweries in the state? Share your thoughts with us in the comments, and if you’ve already had the pleasure of visiting Aurora before, take a moment to let our viewers know what some of your favorite things to do are in and around the city.
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As always, thanks for watching and safe travels.