A thriving agricultural town, Arvada claimed the title “Celery Capital of the World”, but there’s more to the area than its produce. Rooted in history, the community can trace its origins back to the Gold Rush era - in fact, its Olde Town provides guests with more information on how miners played a key role in establishing the community, which is the site of the first documented gold strike in Colorado. While not as glittery, Arvada’s art scene is also something that shouldn’t be missed. Besides its cultural attractions, it also features a number of beautiful natural features that serve as tourist magnets. Check out this list for the top things to do in Arvada, Colorado.
1. Catch the latest flick at Elvis Cinemas
If you want to catch the latest flick at a price that can’t be beaten, be sure to head over to Elvis Cinemas, a theater that recalls the cinemas of the ‘80s and '90s, so the movie watching is already an experience in itself. Movie ticket prices here are usually priced between 3 to 5 USD, with tickets selling at a cheaper price before 6 pm.
Elvis Cinemas
Address: 5157 W 64th Ave, Arvada, CO 80003
Website: Elvis Cinemas
Price: 3 - 5 USD
2. Learn more about Arvada's story at the Historic Olde Town
What better place to begin your tour of the town than by learning about it? The Historic Olde Town provides visitors a glimpse of what the area looked like at the turn of the century. It even features the Flour Mill Museum, which was built in the 1920s and still houses the old equipment used for milling flour. Once you’ve had your fill of visiting the buildings that look straight out of the old movies, you can enjoy some refreshments at one of the cafes and restaurants in the area. Alternatively, you can check out the shops in the neighborhood.
Historic Olde Town Arvada
Address: Arvada, CO 80002
Website: Historic Olde Town Arvada
3. Explore the gorgeous surroundings of Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge
The Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge is the smallest urban unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System, which covers upland and wetland areas, as well as three ponds. This refuge does not just protect the fauna, it also serves as the home of a variety of wildlife. Guided tours are offered on-site. There are also hiking trails that you can traverse if you want to do some exploring by yourself, and take gorgeous photographs of the wildlife and the beautiful surroundings while on the way.
Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge
Address:9210 W 80th Ave, Arvada, CO 80005
Website: Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 7am - 7pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
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4. Spend some time surrounded by greenery at McIlvoy Park
Over a century ago, the property that would come to be known as McIlvoy Park was donated by Mrs. Clemency McIlvoy Park to the town of Arvada. Since then, the plot of land has been converted into green spaces to give locals and tourists alike space where they can enjoy a place to commune with nature. There’s a playground if you want to bring your kids someplace to play. You can enjoy a picnic here as well, but do note that there are no covered areas for seating.
McIlvoy Park
Address: Arvada, CO 80002
Opening hours: 5am - 11pm (daily)
5. Marvel at the vintage cars in Cussler Museum
If you’re a fan of vintage cars, a visit to Cussler Museum should not be missed. This establishment has a sizeable collection of antique cars and accessories. If you want to learn more about the stories of these vehicles, be sure to have a chat with the guides - they’ll be able to give you information about the vehicles housed in the museum. The collection gets replaced yearly, so if you plan to organize an annual trip to the town, be sure to schedule a visit here so you can see which cars in the collection have changed.
Cussler Museum
Address: 14959 W 69th Ave, Arvada, CO 80007-7508
Website: Cussler Museum
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (May - Sep)
Price: 10 USD for adults, 8 USD for seniors, 5 USD for children
6. Embrace nature's beauty at the Majestic View Nature Center
The Majestic View Nature Center is aptly named, as it allows its visitors to enjoy the fantastic views of rolling hills and a gorgeous lake, with mountains in the background. These images are not just a static image: they can also spend some time there to commune with nature. There are even wildlife exhibits and a kids’ activity area to allow children to learn more about the park’s features. There are trails that visitors can also take if they want to do exploring of their own.
Majestic View Nature Center
Address: 7030 Garrison St, Arvada, CO 80004-1641
Website: Majestic View Nature Center
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 3pm (closed on Sun and Mon)
7. Taste different types of whiskey at School House Kitchen and Libations
The claim to fame of School House Kitchen and Libations is its whiskey collection: it features over 1,400 different types of this drink, one of the largest collections in the country. The school-themed presentation of the orders and the general ambiance of the restaurant add to the experience. Besides the drinks, there are family-friendly meals that are offered here. There are also items on the menu for vegans and vegetarians if you follow this type of diet.
School House Kitchen and Libations
Address: 5660 Olde Wadsworth Blvd, Arvada, CO 80002-2533
Website: School House Kitchen and Libations
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 11pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 11pm
8. Attend an art class at Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities
Ever wanted to take classes in the arts but you’ve never had time to do so? Why not fulfill this dream by joining a lesson or two at the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities? Classes on painting, pottery, and the performance arts are offered for people of all ages here. If you have neither the time nor the inclination to take a lesson, you can still catch a show here at the venue. Theatrical productions and musical concerts are held here regularly. Food and beverages are offered so you don’t have to worry about skipping a meal if you’re going to watch a performance.
Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities
Address: 6901 Wadsworth Blvd, 2 ½ miles north of I-70, Arvada, CO 80003-3448
9. Stroll around Tennyson Knolls Park
If you’re traveling with a pet or with your kids, you can take them to Tennyson Knolls Park, a child- and dog-friendly facility. It features a large open space where they can enjoy running around or playing games. There is a playground for smaller children, while bigger children who love sports can play at the basketball and tennis courts. There are also paved areas where they can ride their bikes.
Tennyson Knolls Park
Address: 4505 W 61st Pl, Arvada, CO 80003
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
10. Try out the brews at Spice Trade Brewing
If you’re a beer enthusiast, make sure not to skip out on visiting Spice Trade Brewing, a brewery that has won several awards and which operates out of the Yak and Yeti Restaurant. They take pride in their unique brews, which they say are inspired by the traditions and ingredients from all over the world, especially India and Nepal. Regardless of your preference, whether it’s IPAs, stouts, or ales, you’ll find something that matches your tastes, or you can be adventurous and try out the unique brews offered by this establishment. Top beers include the Chai Milk Stout and Jalapeno Lena.
Spice Trade Brewing
Address: 7803 Ralston Road, Arvada, CO 80002
Website: Spice Trade Brewing
Opening hours: 11am - 9pm (daily)
11. Organize an event at Lamar Street Center
Planning to organize an event while at Arvada? Consider holding it at Lamar Street Center, which offers plenty of room, regardless of what size or type your event may be, whether it be a meeting room, a wedding reception, or something even bigger. Motorcycles and vintage cars decorate the venue and give it a unique ambiance. The staff at Lamar Street Center can link you to service providers, including caterers and designers, who can help you make your event even more memorable.
Lamar Street Center
Address: 5889 Lamar St, Arvada, CO 80003-5616
Website: Lamar Street Center
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm; Sat - Sun: 24 hours
12. Play a game at Indian Tree Golf Club
If you’re a golf enthusiast, you can play a round of golf even while on holiday at the Indian Tree Golf Club. The course is well-maintained and offers enough challenges for intermediate and expert players. Golf lessons are offered here as well, for those who want to pick up the sport. There’s an on-site clubhouse where you can grab refreshments before or after you play.
Indian Tree Golf Club
Address: 7555 Wadsworth Blvd, Arvada, CO 80003
Website: Indian Tree Golf Club
Opening hours: 6am - 12am (daily)
13. Sip on unique concoctions at The Arvada Tavern
The Arvada was one of, if not the first establishments to offer drinks right after the Prohibition Era. In fact, it holds the first and longest-standing liquor license in town. They offer unique cocktails, wines, beers, and classic American food such as burgers and chicken wings. Mocktails are also offered for those who don’t drink alcohol. Live music is played here as well.
The Arvada Tavern
Address: 5707 Olde Wadsworth Blvd, Arvada, CO 80002-2534
Website: The Arvada Tavern
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 4pm - 12am; Fri - Sat: 4pm - 2am
14. Enjoy a cold one at Odyssey Beerwerks Brewery & Taproom
Odyssey Beerwerks Brewery & Taproom is another option that you can try if you want to taste the local brews, as well as those originating from other countries. While small, they have plenty of varieties to offer, including specialty brews offered seasonally. Kombucha is also available for non-beer drinkers. Live music is played during weekends. There’s also a food truck offering some snacks.
Odyssey Beerwerks Brewery & Taproom
Address: 5535 W 56th Ave #107, Arvada, CO 80002
Website: Odyssey Beerwerks Brewery & Taproom
Opening hours: Mon: 12pm - 9pm; Tue - Thu: 3pm - 9pm; Fri: 2pm - 11pm; Sat: 12pm - 11pm; Sun: 12pm - 7pm
15. Learn more about the town's history at Arvada Historical Society
If you want to learn more about the history of the town, get in touch with the Arvada Historical Society to have a deeper understanding of the rich history of Arvada. The group manages the Arvada History Museum and they offer guided tours around the Arvada Flour Mill Museum (the tours can be arranged on appointment).
Arvada Historical Society
Address: 7307 Grandview Ave, Arvada, CO 80002
Website: Arvada Historical Society
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 6pm; Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 1pm - 5pm
Price: Free
Golden memories in Arvada
Miners played a key role in making Arvada what it is now. Today, the town offers a different kind of gold to travelers - visiting here would allow them to bring home wealth in terms of stories, knowledge, and experiences. Dig up your own share of golden memories by planning your visit here today.