Named for the Arapaho Native American tribe who once lived in the region, Arapahoe County is the third most populous county in Colorado with 572,003 residents as of 2010. Aurora is its largest city, although the county seat is Littleton.
Arapahoe County’s origins stretch back to the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush that began in July 1858 and lasted until the end of February 1861 when the Colorado Territory was created. Arapahoe considers itself “Colorado’s First County.”
Cherry Creek State Park is found in Aurora, offering an 800-acre recreational water sport destination in Cherry Creek Reservoir. The Park also boasts a large off-leash dog park open to the public for an additional fee.
Visit the Arapahoe County Government website
County Towns
- Aurora (part, extends into Adams Co)
- Bennett
- Centennial
- Cherry Hills Village
- Deer Trail
- Englewood
- Glendale
- Greenwood Village
- Littleton
- Sheridan
- Strasburg (part, extends into Adams Co)
- Watkins (part)
Adjacent Counties
- Adams – north
- Denver – northwest
- Douglas – southwest
- Elbert – south
- Jefferson – west
- Lincoln – southeast
- Washington – east
Special Events
- Jun/Sep – Hudson Gardens Summer Concert Series in Littleton
- Jul – Colorado Irish Festival in Littleton
- Aug – Western Welcome Week in Littleton
Latest in Arapahoe County
8 Best Breweries in Littleton
Just a few miles south of Denver, you’ll find several great breweries in Littleton. From Sours…
Best things to do in Aurora, CO
Denver’s eastern neighbor, and the larger city by land area (third largest in the state by…
9 Best Wineries & Cideries near Aurora
Located right outside Denver, there are many wineries and cideries in and near Aurora. Local wine…
Free Days at Denver Botanic Gardens
Escape the hustle of the city at the Denver Botanic Gardens for free! See plants and…
