Attractions and Places To See around Aurora - Top 20

Aurora offers several natural attractions for outdoor enthusiasts. You can visit Marjorie Perry Nature Preserve, known for its soft-surface trails through diverse habitats and opportunities for birdwatching. Other notable natural areas include Cherry Creek State Park, offering an 880-acre reservoir for boating, fishing, and hiking, and the Aurora Reservoir, ideal for non-motorized boating and an 8.8-mile trail. The Plains Conservation Center provides a glimpse into the region's shortgrass prairie, wildlife, and cultural heritage.

Yes, Aurora is rich in history. The Colorado State Capitol, an impressive 1890s building, houses the state legislature. You can also explore the Aurora History Museum, which features permanent and changing exhibitions on local history. The DeLaney Farm Historic District showcases Aurora's agricultural past with restored farm buildings from 1866, including the unique DeLaney Round Barn. Additionally, the Colorado Freedom Memorial honors Coloradans killed in action.

Aurora boasts a vibrant cultural scene. The Aurora Cultural Arts District (ACAD) is a 16-block hub for creativity with performance venues, studios, and galleries. The Aurora Fox Arts Center, originally built in 1946, hosts live music, theater, and art exhibitions. You can also find the Vintage Theatre for engaging plays and musicals, and The People's Building, a cultural center supporting local artists.

Absolutely. Many natural areas are great for families, such as Marjorie Perry Nature Preserve and the Platte River Trail, both of which are listed as family-friendly. The Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch is ideal for families to engage with wildlife and participate in educational programs. The Aurora History Museum also offers engaging exhibits for all ages.

For shopping and dining, Stanley Marketplace is a vibrant indoor marketplace with shops, eateries, and art installations. Southlands is another popular mall offering various shops, dining options, and entertainment. Aurora's dining scene is diverse, with nearly 300 local restaurants offering international cuisines. Craft beer enthusiasts can also explore local microbreweries like Launch Pad Brewery.

Yes, there are several hiking opportunities. You can find trails at places like Marjorie Perry Nature Preserve. For more extensive options, explore the nearby hiking routes such as the easy Utah Park Trail or the moderate Denver Orbital Trail - Segment 14. You can find more details and routes in the Hiking around Aurora guide.

Aurora offers a variety of cycling routes. The Platte River Trail is a paved multi-use trail perfect for cycling. Other popular routes include the Aurora Reservoir Trail, and longer options like the Cherry Creek Trail North loop. For a comprehensive list of routes, check out the Cycling around Aurora guide or the Road Cycling Routes around Aurora guide.

Yes, several attractions in and around Aurora are wheelchair accessible. Union Station Denver and the 16th Street Mall are both noted for their accessibility. Many parks and nature centers also offer accessible paths, such as the boardwalk at Jewell Wetland Park, allowing visitors to observe nature without disturbing the ecosystem.

Aurora provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. Marjorie Perry Nature Preserve is a great spot to observe herons, ducks, frogs, and turtles. The Plains Conservation Center is home to bison and pronghorns. Bluff Lake Nature Center, a 123-acre wildlife park, offers a tranquil setting to see prairie dogs, rabbits, and various bird species, while Jewell Wetland Park is known for its diverse bird and amphibian populations.

The 7/20 Memorial is located at the City of Aurora Municipal Center's Water-wise Reflection Garden. It serves as a place of remembrance, offering a message of comfort, peace, hope, and strength, honoring the victims, families, and survivors of the 2012 Aurora theatre shooting.

The Stanley Marketplace is a unique destination in Aurora. Once the Stanley Aviation manufacturing plant, it has been transformed into a vibrant indoor marketplace featuring a variety of shops, eateries, and art installations. It blends history, commerce, and community, offering a dynamic experience for visitors.

Yes, Aurora features several interesting art installations. Hogan Park at Highlands Creek is home to the 21-foot-tall 'Umi Sculpture' by Daniel Popper, which blends nature and humanity, and 'Liberty,' a 58-foot mirrored sculpture by Michael Benisty. Additionally, you can explore the Colfax Canvas Murals, which offer a self-guided audio tour of public art installations.