Known for its small-town feel despite its proximity to big-city attractions, Arvada, Colorado, offers visitors a perfect blend of cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, family-friendly activities, and culinary delights.
In This Article
Arvada, nestled within the vibrant Denver metropolitan area of Colorado, is a city brimming with unique charm and captivating scenery. Positioned in the northwest region of the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), Arvada stands prominently in Jefferson County, with a quaint section stretching into the eastern lands of Adams County.
Arvada’s historic Olde Town district transports travelers back in time with its preserved 19th-century buildings and antique shops, while innovative craft breweries and farm-to-table restaurants exemplify Arvada’s contemporary identity. Throughout the year, local events and festivals showcase the city’s heritage and vibrant arts scene. Arvada’s parks, trails, and wide-open spaces provide easy access to quintessential Colorado nature and recreation.
TL;DR
- Arvada, Colorado, combines small-town charm with urban convenience near Denver.
- The historic Olde Town district features antique shops in preserved 19th-century buildings.
- Local craft breweries and farm-to-table restaurants highlight the innovative culinary scene for both residents and visitors.
- Parks, trails, and open spaces offer quintessential Colorado outdoor recreation.
Immersing in History and Heritage
Arvada embraces its long and storied past. For a glimpse into life as it was in the late 1800s, take a stroll through Olde Town Arvada. Many of the false-front brick buildings, clapboard structures, and even board sidewalks have been carefully preserved or restored. Wander through quaint shops and galleries housed within these historic spaces.
Learn about Arvada’s origins at the Arvada Flour Mill Museum, located in a restored flour mill built in 1868. Displays and exhibits tell the story of the mill’s operations and importance to Arvada’s early development. The mill produced flour for the growing community and was integral to connecting Arvada to larger markets via railroad lines.
At the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities, the state’s second-largest multidisciplinary arts complex, discover rotating fine arts exhibitions alongside performances of theater, dance, and music. Many productions and events here explore and celebrate local cultural heritage.
Reveling in Nature’s Playground
Arvada provides easy access to the great outdoors for residents and visitors alike, from gentle strolls through lush parks to ambitious summit attempts in the mountains. Start with a hike on the Van Bibber Creek Trail, following a burbling stream through pine forests and flower-filled meadows in Van Bibber Open Space Park.
In warmer months, challenge yourself on the trails, scaling 14,000-foot peaks in the nearby Indian Peaks Wilderness. Or opt for mellower walks around lakes like Brainard Lake, where the backdrop of the Indian Peaks makes even casual excursions postcard-perfect.
When winter blankets the landscape in snow, strap on Nordic skis or snowshoes to explore the peaceful solitude of these same trails and parks. Popular sledding hills offer family-friendly snow play, while ice skating rinks around Arvada provide gliding fun.
As an official gateway to the iconic Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, Arvada also serves as an ideal home base for venturing into the rugged Rocky Mountains and witnessing breathtaking alpine vistas and scenic heights. This makes Arvada one of the ultimate must-visit locations within the United States.
Celebrating Through Local Events and Festivals
Throughout the year, Arvada hosts a lineup of events and festivals that bring the community together to celebrate local culture, heritage, and creativity.
The annual Ralston Days Festival in July includes a parade, live entertainment on multiple stages, craft vendors, food trucks, a classic car show, fireworks, and more over three days of festivities. Ralston Days commemorates Arvada’s founding in 1870 by settlers searching for gold.
For holiday cheer, Olde Town Arvada transforms into a winter wonderland for the annual Christmas festivities. Carolers fill the streets while shops and restaurants serve special treats like hot cocoa and roasted chestnuts. Children can meet Santa and his live reindeer or take a horse-drawn carriage ride.
The Arvada Center presents seasonal events like pumpkin carving contests before Halloween and artisan fairs showcasing local makers. Other vibrant celebrations of visual and performing arts take place here year-round.
Savoring Local Flavors
Arvada’s dining scene celebrates Colorado flavors through the use of fresh regional ingredients. Farm-to-table restaurants source herbs, vegetables, fruits, and other produce from local farms during growing seasons. Menus shift to highlight the best of each harvest.
Innovative craft breweries concoct unique beer recipes using hops, barley, wheat, and fruits from Colorado farms. Sample a peach, pale ale in summer, or a hearty oatmeal stout in winter. Many breweries offer tours along with their taps.
For a sweet treat, indulge in small-batch ice cream, gelato, chocolate, or other decadent desserts from local creameries and confectioners. Or stop by one of Arvada’s cafes serving premium coffee and house-made pastries.
Several restaurants in Olde Town occupy historic buildings, making the dining experience just as memorable as the cuisine. Choose from options ranging from diners and delis to upscale eateries melding global flavors.
Relaxing in Comfort and Convenience
With its small-town vibe and variety of accommodation types, Arvada appeals to visitors seeking a relaxing home base. Quaint bed and breakfast establishments provide cozy, personalized lodging full of historical charm. Many are located in Olde Town, so guests can easily stroll to nearby attractions.
For more amenities, Arvada offers chain hotels and independent boutique hotels. Look for locations along the RTD G Line train route for car-free access to dining and entertainment options in Olde Town and downtown Denver.
Vacation rentals like private cottages, apartments, and condos afford home-like conveniences for longer stays, perfect for families. These spacious options often include full kitchens and common areas for gathering, in addition to comfortable bedrooms.
No matter where visitors lay their heads while exploring Arvada, they’re sure to appreciate the small-town hospitality and urban access this Denver suburb provides.
FAQ About Visiting Arvada
What are the top things to do in Arvada with kids?
Some of the most popular family-friendly activities in Arvada include exploring the Arvada Flour Mill Museum, hiking kid-accessible trails like Van Bibber Creek, ice skating at local rinks, participating in hands-on art activities at the Arvada Center, and experiencing holiday events like the Olde Town Christmas festivities.
When is the best time of year to visit Arvada?
Arvada offers appealing attractions all year long. Summer and fall showcase the city’s natural beauty with warm weather and autumn colors, while winter activities range from skiing to holiday celebrations. Arvada also hosts great events in spring.
What is there to do in Arvada at night or in bad weather?
On rainy days or at night, visit local museums and galleries like the Arvada Center, see a concert or theater performance, take a craft brewery tour, browse shops and restaurants in Olde Town, or relax at your hotel or vacation rental. Arvada offers plenty of indoor entertainment and dining options.
How easy is it to travel from Arvada to attractions in Denver?
Arvada provides convenient access to Denver attractions. Olde Town Arvada has a stop on the RTD G Line train route, which runs directly to downtown Denver. Many hotels in Arvada also offer shuttles to Denver International Airport. Once downtown, Denver’s light rail system makes getting around easy.
