• Menu
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Uncover Colorado Logo

  • Blog
  • Activities
    • Year-round
      • Brewery Tours
      • Casinos & Gaming
      • Colorado Brands
      • Federal Lands
      • Food & Dining
      • Ghost Towns
      • Gondola & Chairlifts
      • Hot Springs
      • Mine Tours
      • Museums
      • Paintball
      • Public Parks
      • Scenic Drives
      • Shopping
      • Sports Teams
      • State Parks
      • Train Rides
      • Transportation
      • Wildlife
      • Zip Lines & Aerial Parks
    • Spring, Summer & Fall
      • Amusement Parks
      • ATV Rentals
      • Biking
      • Boating
      • Camping
      • Drive-In Theaters
      • Fishing
      • Golf Courses
      • Hiking
      • Horseback Riding
      • Rock Climbing
      • Tubing & Paddling
      • Waterfalls
      • Whitewater Rafting
    • Winter
      • Cross Country Skiing
      • Dog Sledding
      • Ice Climbing
      • Ice Fishing
      • Ice Skating
      • Skiing & Snowboarding
      • Sleigh Rides
      • Snow Tubing
      • Snowmobiling
      • Snowshoeing
  • Events
    • January
    • February
    • March
    • April
    • May
    • June
    • July
    • August
    • September
    • October
    • November
    • December
  • Lodging
    • Budget Hotels
    • Historic Hotels
    • Luxury Hotels
    • Bed & Breakfasts
    • Cabins & Glamping
    • Casinos with Lodging
    • Dude Ranches
    • Hot Spring with Lodging
    • Wineries with Lodging
    • Campgrounds
  • Towns
  • Trip Planner
  • Search
  • Blog
  • Activities
  • Events
  • Lodging
  • Towns
  • Trip Planner
Mainstreet Downtown Parker Colorado
Mainstreet in Parker. Photo: Jeffrey Beall

Parker, Colorado

FacebookTwitter

Parker is famous for its unique Western-Victorian downtown and its hometown vibe that it has strived to preserve amid growing prosperity. For 22 years, Parker has been named a Tree City USA for its excellent urban forestry.

The second largest town in Douglas County housing 58,512 people, Parker is now the 19th most populous municipality in the state. It boasts 250 acres of parkland and over 900 acres of open space sitting at 5,869 feet, guaranteeing a great experience for locals and tourists alike.

Popular outdoor activities for nature lovers include horseback riding, hiking, cycling, fishing, and nature walks. The townโ€™s museum and PACE Center (Parker Arts, Culture & Event) are also worth a visit for their rich art, culture, and historic collection.

History

Parker CO Main Street Trick or Treating
Trick or treating on Main Street in Parker. Photo by: Chris Morin

From being a hunting area for American Indians to a refuge for travelers seeking gold and fortune in the 1850s, the Town of Parker has experienced growth and progress in terms of population and industry over the years. The town has evolved from many names like Pine Grove and 20-Mile House before its present name today.

The town was incorporated in 1981. Originally, Parker only had one square mile of land and 300 residents during its incorporation. Now, the town has expanded to 20.8 square miles with thousands of residents enjoying the area.

Main Attractions

Picnic pavilion by a lake
Picnic pavilion at Reuter-Hess Recreation Area. Photo by: Town of Castle Rock

Rueter-Hess Reservoir Recreation – An invaluable source of water to the Douglas County residents, the Reuter-Hess Reservoir has recently added recreation activities to its master plan.

The ones that are already available include paddleboarding, special events, photography tours, National Trails Day guided tours, fishing, Open Swim race, birding watching, and wildlife viewing. Dogs are also welcome but must be on a leash. Drones are not allowed in the reservoir to maintain the water quality.

Discovery Park – Located just next to the town’s library, this relatively new 1.5-acre park hosts events and performances throughout the year. It has a performance stage for concerts, which are available to the public for free every summer. Various public arts can also be seen throughout the place.

Parker Ice Trail is available during winter, seven days a week. A Play Fountain attracts people of all ages, particularly during the summer months. With its programmable water jets and color-changing LED lights, the fountain is quite a sight.

USMC CPL David M. Sonka Dog Park –ย Named for Corporal David Sonka who was killed in action in Afghanistan with his military dog, it is the first dog park in the Town of Parker. It features around five acres of open space where your pooch can play off-leash. It also includes drinking fountains, an agility course, a small dog area, and shade structures.

Recreation

Parker Colorado McCabe Meadows Open Space
McCabe Meadows Open Space. Photo by: Cathy McCray

Camping – There are no campgrounds in town. Your best bet is to head north to the Cherry Creek State Park Campground in Aurora. Read about the camping near Aurora, Parker, and Brighton.

Disc Golf – Westcreek course is just adjacent to the dog park. It offers a fun and challenging course complete with 18 holes and obstacles for players to enjoy.

Fishing – Bingham Lake is a local favorite. It is a small 30-acre lake within The Pinery and has largemouth bass, crappie, walleye, and bluegill.

Hiking –ย The town is filled with multi-use trails for hiking, so you are sure to find the perfect one for whatever type of adventure you want. These include:

  • Baldwin Gulch Trail
  • Cherry Creek Trail
  • East-West Trail
  • French Creek Trail
  • Newlin Gulch Trail
  • Parker Equestrian Trail
  • Prairie Voice Loop
  • Preservation Park & Trailhead
  • Sulphur Gulch Trail
  • Tallman Gulch Trail
  • Flat 14ers
Trail along Cherry Creek
View from the Cherry Creek Trail, a 24 mile maintained trail that ends in Parker, CO. Photo by: Cathy McCray

Parker Recreation Center –ย A one-stop place for fitness and sports enthusiasts, the townโ€™s recreation center features state-of-the-art facilities.

These include a triple gymnasium and auxiliary gymnasium, cardiovascular and circuit equipment, multi-station and free weights, fitness studios, a cycling studio, lap pool with shallow end, activity pool with zero-depth entry, lazy river, water slide, aquatic climbing wall, and play structure, and a therapy pool. It also offers fitness and sports classes.

Public parks –

  • Auburn Hills Community Park
  • Bar CCC Park
  • Bayou Gulch Regional Park
  • Challenger Regional Park
  • Iron Horse Park
  • Living Wheel Park
  • McCabe Meadows
  • O’Brien Park
  • Preservation Park and Trailhead
  • Railbender Skate & Tennis Park
  • Salisbury Equestrian Park & Sports Complex
  • Salisbury Park North Expansion
  • Stroh Ranch Soccer Fields
  • Tallman Meadow Park
  • Twenty-Mile Historic Park
  • Flat 14ers

Accommodations

red farmhouse
The Red Farmhouse Bed & Breakfast in Parker, CO. Photo by: facebook.comredfarmhousebedandbreakfast

This section contains referral links. If you click through and take action, we may receive a commission, at no additional cost to you.



Booking.com

The Red Farmhouse Bed & Breakfast – A cozy B&B inside of a bright red, rustic-style house. There are 4 suites to choose from, and each comes with spacious rooms and a hearty breakfast.

Hampton Inn & Suites Parker – With multiple Certificates of Excellence awarded by TripAdvisor, this spot is sure to be perfect for any type of traveler. The rooms are set up as studios and are notorious for how large they are.

Read about the best hotels in Parker.

Special Events

Parker Colorado July 4th Fireworks Night Sky
Fireworks in Parker, CO. Photo: Patrick McKay

Feb, Jun, Aug, Nov – Annual Run Series – Four family-friendly races are hosted by Parker Recreation every year. The proceeds from each event benefit the scholarship program of the town. Itโ€™s a great way to help others while having fun with the community. Take your pick or try them all:

  • February – Love ’em or Leave ’em Valentine’s Day 5K/10K
  • June – Cattle Crossing 5K & Family Fun Trek
  • August – So Long to Summer 5K/10K
  • Thanksgiving – Turkey Day 5K FUN Run/Walk

May – Senior Stroll – An annual event in celebration of the National Senior Health & Fitness Day where granny and grandpa can engage in a one-mile fun walk, socialize with friends, and enjoy delicious refreshments and giveaways for free.

July – Parker Stars and Stripes Celebration – The town’s own way of celebrating Independence Day every 4th of July; full of music, entertainment, and food trip for the whole family.

Sep – Parker Oktoberfest – Three-day celebration of German heritage held in mid-September. Kick-off fall with beers, bratwurst, and traditional song and dance. Feeling strong? Enter the stein hoist competition.

Nov – Holiday Carriage Rides – Tour Downtown Parker after Thanksgiving in the townโ€™s annual carriage rides, where you can enjoy a 25-minute ride that will take you from Discovery Park, through downtown Main Street, and to Oโ€™Brien Park.

Dec – Christmas Carriage Parade – Held every second Saturday of December annually, event-goers can witness a parade of creatively designed wagons, horse-drawn carriages, surreys, and stagecoaches from all over Colorado. Awards and prizes await the best entry for each category. The event is free for all spectators.

Activities near Parker

Colorado Companies:

  • Colorado Hemp Honey

Ice Skating:

  • Parker Ice Trail at Discovery Park

Landmarks:

  • Cherry Creek

Museums:

  • Vehicle Vault

Performing Arts:

  • PACE Center

Public Parks:

  • Challenger Regional Park (2mi)

State Parks:

  • Castlewood Canyon State Park (11mi)
  • Roxborough State Park (28mi)

Towns:

  • Aurora (16mi)
  • Castle Pines (10mi)
  • Castle Rock (13mi)
  • Colorado Springs (57mi)
  • Deckers (43mi)
  • Denver (25mi)
  • Franktown (10mi)
  • Highlands Ranch (13mi)
  • Littleton (20mi)
  • Lone Tree (8mi)
  • Monument (37mi)
  • Roxborough Park (29mi)
  • Sedalia (17mi)

Transportation:

  • Lyft
  • South Suburban Taxi
  • Uber

Latest in Parker

Denver Halloween Skeleton Window

5 Spookiest Haunted Houses by Denver

What better way to celebrate fall than getting spooked with your friends and family at some…

5 Spookiest Haunted Houses by DenverRead More

downtown niwot with charming storefronts

14 Charming Main Streets in Colorado

Colorado charms its visitors with its stunning landscape, from towering mountain peaks and deep canyons to…

14 Charming Main Streets in ColoradoRead More

image of fireworks over a lake

4th of July Firework Shows in Colorado

Celebrate the 246th anniversary of our nationโ€™s birthday with these 4th of July fireworks displays in…

4th of July Firework Shows in ColoradoRead More

Haykin Family Cider, CO

9 Best Wineries & Cideries near Aurora

Located right outside Denver, there are many wineries and cideries in and near Aurora. Local wine…

9 Best Wineries & Cideries near AuroraRead More

View more Parker articles

Primary Sidebar

Join our Colorado travel community

Enter your email below and grab our free locals' guide and monthly what's up designed to help you live your Colorado life and uncover fun things to do. โ€”and never miss out again.

Douglas County

  • All Towns
  • Douglas County
  • Aurora
  • Castle Pines
  • Castle Rock
  • Deckers
  • Franktown
  • Highlands Ranch
  • Larkspur
  • Littleton
  • Lone Tree
  • Parker
  • Roxborough Park
  • Sedalia

Footer

Get In Touch

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Resources
  • Disclaimer
Facebook Instagram Pinterest Twitter

Disclosure: Uncover Colorado is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Things To Do

  • Travel Blog
  • Colorado Activities
  • Colorado Events
  • Colorado Towns
  • Colorado Hotels
  • Colorado Restaurants
  • Colorado Transportation
  • Made in Colorado

Cheers! Mile High Happy Hour shares showcases Denver neighborhoods' restaurant happy hours.

Winter Activities

  • Federal Lands
  • Ghost Towns
  • Hot Springs
  • Ice Skating
  • Ski Resorts
  • Snow Tubing
  • State Parks
  • Train Rides

Copyright © 2023 ยท Uncover Colorado | Sitemap | Advertise