Castle Rock, the county seat of Douglas County in Colorado, is a popular destination for outdoor lovers and savvy shoppers alike.
Even though Castle Rock is a town, it is home to more than 73,000 people, making it the most populated municipality in Douglas County, United States.
It is part of the Front Range Urban Corridor and the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area.
The rock outcroppings that resemble European castles used as landmarks by Native American tribes, settlers, and Western movie fans inspired the name of this town.
Hiking, bicycling, climbing, and golfing are just some of the activities available to those who like the great outdoors.
Additionally, there are numerous other attractions in the town, including a community theater and a unique theater specializing in magic and illusions, and an international art fest featuring more than 180 juried artists.
It also offers historic tours, an authentic castle, an in-line hockey rink, a multi-plex cinema, fairgrounds and event center complex, and a renaissance festival all summer-long paying homage to the Renaissance.
Many sights and activities await you here, so brace yourself for an adventure!
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This park is a 62.3-acre open area in Castle Rock constructed in parts from 1947 to 1991.
Paul Hill and John Emerson oversaw the 1987 merger of two separate parcels of land totaling 24.4 acres and 3.6 acres to establish what is today known as Rock Park.
For those up for the challenge, the park’s summit provides panoramic vistas of the Rocky Mountains and is named for a gigantic castle-like rock that David Kellogg, a gold prospector, found here in 1859.
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If you’re planning on hiking, make sure you’re prepared with proper boots because the routes are unpaved.
The location has both public and private picnic pavilions that may be reserved and picnic tables and bathrooms.
You can bring your dogs to the park as long as they have leashes on.
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Formerly Castle Rock Adventure Park, The Edge, a place for thrill-seekers of all ages to test their limits in the Rocky Mountains’ front range.
You may take a Colorado zipline tour or the Sky Trek to see what this “playground in the sky” is all about!
Experience some exciting jumps and vertical climbs on the Adventure Tower’s adrenaline-pumping features.
On the other hand, our Ninja Course may help bring out the warrior in you.
It also offers a 50-mile per hour zip line for daredevils, as well as breathtaking vistas of the surrounding area. Whatever you decide, great activities are only a short drive away from Denver.
This neighborhood skating rink aims to provide its guests with a space where they can socialize, have fun, and make lasting memories.
At The Rink at the Rock, visitors to Castle Rock may enjoy the thrill of skating in a historic downtown setting with their families.
The community of Castle Rock has a rich history of ice skating, and it is a privilege to preserve and share that legacy.
In addition to offering spectacular views of the Rock, it provides delicious food and drink and the opportunity to create lifelong memories.
The White Pavilion holds various events throughout the year.
Dedicated in 1999 to the victims of the Columbine High School tragedy, Columbine Open Space unites two open area properties to create an immense open space park.
A 390-acre conservation easement administered by the Colorado Division of Wildlife, the Douglas County Land Conservancy, and Conservation Fund is part of the open space overseen by Douglas County.
For elk and deer and several migratory birds and aquatic species such as Preble’s meadow jumping mouse, the county manages a 150-acre site that serves as a critical habitat protection area.
Hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders may enjoy a three-mile circle route that passes through a historic barn and a rock springhouse.
There is a picnic pavilion, composting restrooms, and horse trailers available for the general public’s use.
The Douglas County Fair and Rodeo, more than a century of family tradition, takes place every summer in Castle Rock.
Two entertainment stages, live music, many PRCA Rodeos and carnivals, 4-H/FFA displays involving livestock and creative arts/ag/floriculture projects, a livestock sale, carnival rides, magic performances, an “Old West Town” featuring pony rides, conventional fair food, and food trucks, are all available.
For a day, let your kids be farmers and discover how to raise eggs, apples, potatoes, and more at Discovery Ranch.
Carol Massie and Joe Givan, the magic pair behind Dream Masterz magic show, started the Theatre of Dreams Arts and Event Center.
Inaugurated in 2003, it is one of the country’s premier locations for magic shows.
With a capacity of 72, the theater hosts a range of performances year-round, including world-famous artists like magicians, jugglers, ventriloquists, mind readers, and stand-up comedians.
An exciting Wizard Camp for children and adults culminates with a magical performance by all attendees.
The theater, through private rentals, also cater to wedding receptions, birthday celebrations, and other social gatherings.
From the north to the south and all around, craft and microbreweries abound in Colorado. They make award-winning beers that range from traditional to contemporary and have a wide range of flavors.
Castle Rock’s BURLY Brewing Company stands on Atchison Way.
Even though the establishment had only been operating for a few months, it drew a devoted following of coffee fans.
With a wide selection of ales, stouts, pale ales, and American-style IPAs, there’s a beer here for everyone, regardless of their preferences.
It is open every day and serves meals from local eateries via food trucks.
Experience a Colorado outlet shopping like no other at Outlets at Castle Rock, which has been named the state’s top outlet shopping facility every year since 2015.
Over 100 of the most sought-after designer brands globally are available here for up to 70 percent off retail pricing at the outlet mall in Castle Rock, located in the Denver metropolitan region.
High-end designer retailers include Kate Spade, J. Crew, Ralph Lauren, American Eagle, Francesca’s, Brooks Brothers, and Gap for women’s, men’s, and children’s clothing.
Additionally, there are several food options at the outlets, including Italian, burgers, sandwiches, and Starbucks coffee.
Castle Rock’s annual Colorado Artfest has been running in Festival Park close to the town’s center for over 30 years now.
Plenty of parking is available on site at the local fairgrounds; there are also frequent free shuttles to get you to and from the event.
More than 100 musicians from throughout the United States participate each year, including a wide variety of entertainment, cuisine, and activities for children.
If you are in town the weekend following Labor Day, save aside some time in your schedule for this two-day event, which is free to attend.
The Phillip S. Miller Park’s Phillip S. Miller Recreational Complex, known as the MAC, is a 64,000square-foot facility that houses a broad range of indoor and outdoor athletic activities for visitors of all ages.
In addition to its synthetic turf sporting fields, the facility features a 25-yard indoor pool and aquatic center with zero-entry lanes, a water table, vortex whirlpool tubs, and a water slide.
A 16-bed trampoline, batting cages, and a golf simulator are also available.
Young visitors may play in a 2.5-acre adventure park, while the 7.4-mile trail network includes an impressive 200-step challenge staircase.
Other features include picnic areas, a splash pad for youngsters, a lounge outdoors with a fireplace.
The Jim Engh-designed Red Hawk Ridge Golf Course in Castle Rock, Colorado, measures 6,900 yards for a championship layout.
Scrub oak and natural grasses occupy the fairways of the course that has tremendous elevation variations.
It also offers more than 35 turf stations, including a practice bunker and target greens, for golfers of all ability levels to work on their game.
PGA-certified instructors are on hand to educate guests of all skill levels in a full-service pro shop that offers bespoke club fits.
In addition to lunch and supper service, the Clubhouse Grill offers delicious American-style cooking.
The Castle Rock WineFest, held in July each year, draws wine connoisseurs from all across the state to this particularly affluent portion of town, recognized as a wine center.
Over 100 brands and kinds of Californian wine are on display at the outdoor event, which is popular with both wine connoisseurs and novices alike.
Even if kids aren’t allowed at the event, you’ll still find plenty of fantastic food and entertainment – but you’ll need a babysitter.
Unlike many other states in the western United States, Colorado has remained untouched, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Locals in Castle Rock, Colorado, love Briccy’s Coffee on Wilcox Street, one of the region’s many independent coffee shops.
Yes, there’s a lot of coffee here, hot and cold, but they also have chilled drinks, teas, and juices on their list of available beverages.
If you’re starving, there are plenty of sweets like gelato and muffin available.
Customers have praised the friendly personnel, laid-back vibe, and inexpensive rates.
It’s a popular hangout for people on the move and those looking for some quiet time and a lot of caffeine.
The Rhyolite Gallery, an art gallery downtown, is Castle Rock’s sole fine arts gallery.
Native jams and preserved food, local honey, soaps, candles with locally inspired scents, books about the area, and CBD essentials are available inside the gallery.
Greeting cards, postcards, wall calendars, tee shirts, hoodies, patches, and buttons are all available as well.
Whether you’re a collector or a creator, they can help you find your next addition or connect with artists!
They hold receptions now and then where you may meet and greet the artists, drink, and connect with other art enthusiasts.
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It has been nearly 100 years since the Denver Museum of Art opened its doors to the public, and the museum’s permanent collection has expanded to contain approximately 70,000 pieces.
Aside from Native American art, there are works from throughout the world that you may have never seen before.
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The museum is only an eight-minute drive from Castle Rock and consists of several sections representing different times, countries, and media.
All year long, a range of seminars and programs, in addition to social activities, are available, allowing visitors to get to know the artists better.
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Just six a minutes’ ride away from Castle Rock, this park is one of Colorado’s most extensive open space trails.
Hidden Mesa Open Space Trail spans more than 1,200 acres.
You may spot deer, fox, prairie dogs, and elk in the protected ecosystems around the route, especially in the early morning and the afternoon; many of them roam at the paths in the park.
Moderate to challenging trails abound, ensuring that most tourists will find something they enjoy.
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Four minutes away from Castle Rock, Denver Botanic Gardens provides a brief escape from the hustle and bustle of its urban setting.
The gardens provide a peaceful setting for a stroll among various exotic and native trees and flowers.
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There is a lot of live entertainment at the on-site open-air theater throughout the summer months.
It’s easy to get through the garden’s many sections thanks to well-marked paths that offer many places to relax. Also, there’s a playground for youngsters to enjoy.
With an abundance of attractions, a wide variety of recreational activities, and events in and around Castle Rock, Colorado, you’ll always find a reason to visit this charming town.
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