Exploring the Major Landmarks of Arvada, Colorado

Arvada is a charming suburb located just northwest of Denver, Colorado. Founded in 1870, this historic city has plenty of unique landmarks and attractions for visitors to explore. Here’s an in-depth guide to the major landmarks of Arvada, Colorado.

Historic Downtown Arvada

The heart of Arvada lies in its quaint downtown area. Downtown Arvada features over 100 shops, restaurants, and galleries housed in historic brick buildings dating back to the late 1800s. Some of the top landmarks in historic downtown include:

Olde Town Arvada Square

This pedestrian-friendly outdoor plaza contains flowering gardens, a fountain, and spaces for outdoor concerts and events. The square is surrounded by charming shops and restaurants.

Arvada Flour Mill

Constructed in 1878, this restored flour mill now houses shops, offices, and restaurants. Don’t miss the free history exhibits on the second floor.

Ralston Cemetery

Arvada’s earliest settlers are buried in this cemetery just north of Olde Town Square. Notable graves include Benjamin F. Wadsworth, Arvada’s founder.

First Presbyterian Church of Arvada

Built in 1902, this historic church features stained glass windows and a rare working pipe organ. Enjoy free organ concerts on the first Tuesday of each month.

McIlvoy House

Built by local doctor Elbert McIlvoy in 1886, this Queen Anne-style home is now a museum chronicling Arvada’s early history.

Arts and Culture

Arvada has a thriving arts and culture scene. Some of the top cultural landmarks include:

Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities

This expansive campus includes two theaters, an art gallery, and classrooms. Catch a play in the outdoor amphitheater or indoor black box theater.

Festival Park

Each summer, this outdoor amphitheater comes alive with concerts, theater performances, and festivals. Don’t miss the annual Arvada Days Celebration.

Arvada Historical Society & Museum

View rotating exhibits about Arvada history and heritage in this museum located in the historic Redman House.

Wadsworth Boulevard

Arvada’s “Museum District” along Wadsworth Blvd. includes the Arvada Center, the acclaimed Ballet Nouveau Colorado dance school, and Steuben’s Food Service landmark restaurant.

Mission Viejo Plaza and Library

The plaza adjacent to the public library hosts a diverse slate of community events and classes year-round. Inside, the library houses over 138,000 volumes.

Outdoor Recreation

With an average of 300 days of sunshine per year, Arvada offers plenty of opportunities to experience the outdoors. Top outdoor landmarks include:

Ralston Creek Trail

This paved 7-mile trail follows Ralston Creek through the heart of Arvada and into neighboring Wheat Ridge. Walk, run, or bike the entire length or just enjoy scenic segments.

Majestic View Nature Center

Located on a bluff overlooking Arvada, this free nature center has interactive exhibits and extensive hiking trails with panoramic views.

Lake Arbor Park & Golf Course

In addition to an 18-hole golf course, Lake Arbor offers picnicking facilities, tennis courts, a batting cage, and an off-leash dog park set on 117 acres.

Apex Recreation Center

Families flock to this massive recreational complex with indoor and outdoor pools, gymnasium, fitness classes, batting cages, and a skate park.

Pattridge Open Space

Peaceful prairie grasslands and wetlands habitats make this 160-acre open space perfect for wildlife viewing and photography.

Historic Homes & Neighborhoods

Many of Arvada’s oldest neighborhoods contain restored 19th and early 20th century homes now listed on historic registers. Top historic residential landmarks include:

Reno Park Neighborhood

Many original farmhouses from the late 1800s still stand in this quiet neighborhood west of Olde Town. Tour the historic homes on West 57th Ave.

Flour Mill Lofts

Inside the restored Arvada Flour Mill are these unique loft apartments with exposed brick and soaring ceilings.

Gold Strike Historic District

Arvada’s first residential subdivision, settled in 1872, contains Victorian, Queen Anne, and early Denver square homes.

Oberon Neighborhood

Denver Square homes and Craftsman bungalows abound in this designated historic district near Oberon Middle School.

Rock Rest Cottage

Built of distinctive rainbow-hued rhyolite stone, this rare example of a miner’s cottage from 1877 is a museum today.

Reno Hill Neighborhood

Arvada’s first pilot subdivision from 1955 showcases mid-century modern home design.

Schools & Educational Facilities

Arvada offers top-rated educational facilities including these notable institutions:

Red Rocks Community College – Arvada Campus

This campus of Colorado’s largest community college system occupies a state-of-the-art LEED Gold certified building.

Oberon Middle School

Arvada’s oldest remaining school building educates 6-8th grade students in the historic 1913 stone building.

Jefferson Academy K-12

A tuition-free public charter school focused on academic excellence, with programs like International Baccalaureate.

Jefferson Center for Mental Health

This nonprofit community center partners with schools on behavioral healthcare and substance abuse prevention and treatment.

Apex Park and Recreation District

The recreation center offers over 1,700 diverse classes and programs annually.

Arvada Boys & Girls Club

This nonprofit provides after-school programs and summer camps with a focus on youth development.

Places of Worship

Arvada has dozens of welcoming places of worship, including these landmark faith communities:

Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church

This ELCA Lutheran congregation is housed in a distinctive circular sanctuary with soaring blue stained glass.

Shambhala Meditation Center of Colorado

Meditate, take a class, or attend a retreat at this tranquil Tibetan Buddhist center and monastery.

Adat Shalom Synagogue

Colorado’s first Reconstructionist Jewish congregation formed in 1969 and built their landmark synagogue in 1991.

The Rising Church

A vibrant, inclusive church meets in the Lake Arbor Golf Clubhouse. They’re known for outreach programs for the needy.

Saint Joan of Arc Parish

This Roman Catholic parish has served Arvada since 1955 and now includes a church, school, and community center on 32 acres.

Arvada United Methodist Church

Founded in 1903, this historic congregation still worships in their original stone chapel in Olde Town.

Restaurants & Breweries

Arvada boasts a fantastic food scene. Here are some of the city’s most popular and landmark restaurants and breweries:

The Bluegrass Coffee & Bourbon Lounge

By day it’s a hip coffee shop, at night it transforms into a cozy bourbon bar with live music. A true Arvada gem.

Denver Biscuit Company

This local chain serves up creative fried chicken and oversized biscuit sandwiches, omelets, and more for breakfast and lunch.

Steuben’s Food Service

Housed in a mid-century car dealership, this restaurant epitomizes modern American comfort food. Don’t miss the sticky toffee pudding.

Rhein Haus

Bavarian pretzels, sausage, and beer flow freely at this lively German beer hall with communal tables and lawn games.

The Olde Town Tavern

Arvada’s oldest bar (circa 1901) slings craft beers and elevated pub grub in a cozy, historic setting on Olde Town Square.

School House Kitchen and Libations

Housed in a former 1916 schoolhouse, this restaurant celebrates Colorado seasonal cuisine and handcrafted cocktails.

The Grid Bar and Grill

This family sports bar serves American classics like burgers, wings, and weekend brunch. Huge patio, dozens of TVs.

Homegrown Tap & Dough

Artisan Neapolitan-style pizzas and fresh salads with Colorado craft beer, wine, and cocktails in a hip, modern setting.

4 Noses Brewing Company

Famous for their flagship Bout Damn Time IPA, this bustling taproom always has a stellar lineup of craft beers on tap.

New Image Brewing Company

Arvada’s first craft microbrewery opened in 2016. Stop by their tasting room to sample small-batch beers.

Cannonball Creek Brewing Company

These award-winning brewers always have a diverse, rotating selection of craft beers available in their lively taproom.

From historic neighborhoods and unique architecture to a vibrant arts scene, delectable cuisine, and outdoor escapes, Arvada truly offers an array of memorable landmarks for visitors to discover. Use this guide to explore the best of this Denver suburb.