Westminster, Colorado

Westminster is a city that puts history, recreation, culture, and arts high up its priority list. With a lot of places to visit and activities to try for all ages, Westminster guarantees a unique experience for every tourist.

A Home Rule Municipality located in the Adams and Jefferson counties, Westminster houses over 114,832 people as of 2020 in its total area of 33 square miles. It is the eighth-most populous city in Colorado and sits at an elevation of 5,384′. In 2006, the city made it to the 24th spot as one of the best places to live in the USA by Money magazine.

History

Westminster Colorado Hidden Lake — Hidden Lake in Westminster. Photo by: Kent Kanouse

Westminster was originally an area filled with ponds and home to buffalos, antelopes, and other wildlife. The national limelight turned to the area in 1858 when gold was discovered on Little Dry Creek. This quickly attracted people wanting to make a better fortune.

The Homestead Act of 1862 granted an area of public land to any U.S. citizen who was willing to settle and improve the land for at least five years. It made a lot of people stay in the are to settle instead of continuing to California. In 1911, the city was incorporated into the union and, in honor of Westminster University, given the name it has today.

Main Attractions

Historic brick house — Historic Bowles House in Westminster, CO. Photo by: Bpvideo

Bowles House Museum – An Italianate brick house built in 1871, the museum was once a farmhouse owned by Edward Bruce Bowles and his wife Mahalia Elizabeth Longan. Being home to the second pioneer settler in Westminster, the museum was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.

Butterfly Pavilion and Insect Center – The Butterfly Pavilion houses more than 5,000 animals and 1,600 butterflies in its indoor tropical rain forest. The place is also open to events like parties, meetings, and corporate events. Spend a day of learning and fascination in this Westminster wonder.

Community Gardens – Westminster maintains several community gardens that provide sanctuary for busy residents and tourists looking for a quick, relaxing break. Among them are the Allison Community Garden, Elm Tree Gardens, Westminster Garden, and Windmill Community Garden.

Westminster Promenade – An outdoor pedestrian village offering quite a number of choices of restaurants and entertainment sites. This one-stop spot features movie theaters, a bowling center, a famous insect zoo, and play areas for children.

Recreation

Lake with mountains in background — Standley Lake Regional Park with a view of the mountains in the back. Photo by: Cathy McCray

Camping – Standley Lake Regional Park offers tent and RV campsites as well as glamping setups for rent. The park has great outdoor recreation activities to enjoy such as bicycling, wildlife viewing, and boating.

Fishing – Standley Lake will be your best bet for casting a line with 1,200 acres of water to explore. There are large and smallmouth bass, perch, and trout in these warm waters.

Golfing –

Legacy Ridge Golf Course was designed to cater to players of any skill level. This course offers an opportunity for a challenging game. It has four tee boxes on every hole, wide fairways, and a relaxing landscape.
Walnut Creek Golf Preserve is the first-ever Golf Preserve in the state, home to over 77 species of wildlife and a variety of native plants, making it an Audubon Certified Signature Sanctuary. Covering an area of 215 acres, this award-winning course not only offers a great game but also a spectacular view of greeneries, a breathtaking landscape, and marvelous views of the mountains.

Hiking – The city boasts 150 miles of multi-purpose trails within its area. They include the Little Dry Creek Trail, Farmers’ High Line Canal Trail, Rocky Mountain Greenway, US 36 Bikeway, and Big Dry Creek Trail to name a few.

Accommodations

Hyatt hotel — Hyatt Place Westminster lit up at dusk. Photo by: Hyatt

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Booking.com

Westin Westminster – This four-diamond hotel offers a classy, cozy experience for any traveler. Request a room on a higher floor for beautiful views of the Rocky Mountains.

Hyatt Place Denver/Westminster – If you’re looking for luxury, you’ll definitely find it here. The rooms are simply designed but all of them have floor-to-ceiling windows for maximum natural light. Your stay also includes a complimentary hot breakfast bar.

Quality Inn & Suites Westminster – Situated in the perfect spot close to town, hiking trails, and shopping. The rooms are spacious and the property includes a business center, fitness area, and an indoor heated pool.

Read about the best hotels in Westminster.

Dining

Inside of seafood restaurant — Big Mac & Little Lu’s surf and turf restaurant in Westminster, CO. Photo by: facebook.com/BMLL2851

5280 Burger Bar – Great, modern place to grab a burger paired with a large selection of beer or cocktails.

Big Mac & Little Lu’s Seafood – This restaurant and grocer hybrid spot has friendly staff serving up surf and turf. Be sure to snag a reservation because it can get busy.

ANA’s Mexican Grill – A casual eatery featuring a menu filled with classic dishes like burritos, enchiladas, and margaritas.

Special Events

Person handing child candy for halloween — Trunk or Treat event in Westminster, CO. Photo by: facebook.com/cityofwestminsterco

Jun – Summer Block Party – A kid-focused party to celebrate the start of summer. Free dinner is provided, and there will be a bounce house, movie screening, fire truck rides, and more to enjoy.

Oct – Trunk or Treat – A spooky night of free candy and costume contests held at St. Anthony’s North Hospital.

Dec – Holiday Lighting Ceremony – City Hall becomes a winter wonderland complete with sleigh rides, live music, food vendors, and plenty of twinkling lights to celebrate the start of the holiday season.

Dec/Jan – Living Lights – Immersive holiday light experience at the Butterfly Pavilion that includes aerial acrobats, glowing exhibits, and a kid-friendly dance party.