There was a movie about the things you can do in Denver when you’re dead but a better question would be what can you do when you’re alive in Aurora? Nestled in between Denver and Buckley Air Force Base and just south of the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, this city offers a number of different culture and recreational activities that are sure to fit almost any person interested in visiting Colorado. Ranging from fishing competitions to art exhibitions the events cover everything from exciting to intellectual.
For those who enjoy the natural beauty of when visiting Colorado venturing to Aurora can be worthwhile, especially if you happen to be an avid fisherman and angler. One of the larger events that take place annually is the $10,000 trout catching competition at the Aurora Reservoir which awards, as the name implies, a whopping $10,000 to the winner! This is not the only fishing competition that takes place in Aurora though, in addition to the $10,000 competition Aurora holds a Fall Fishing Competition in October with the largest fish earning a $3,000 prize and an additional $300 award for the largest in each species! I doubt there is a better way to spend your Colorado vacation than relaxing and winning some prize money! To help round out the competitions there is also the Night of Fishing event where anglers can enjoy a relaxing evening of fishing.
Another fun event to look forward to in October is the Colorado Punkin Chunkin Contest! This is an event that is partnered with the World Championship Punkin Chunkin Association (WCPCA). This includes event categories for mechanical, torsion, and youth contestants. If you’re the engineering type and looking for things to do in Colorado you can take part in the competition or just sit back and watch the big orange squashes fall from the sky in a frenzy of explosions.
Aurora will also be sponsoring a Trails Day on June 4th in which visitors can participate in a 5k run/walk as well as take part in a bike exploration of all the trails that the city has to offer. These trails are comprised of more than 1,800 acres of develop park lands and over 6,000 acres of undeveloped natural areas! This city also boasts 7 award winning municipal golf courses for the avid golfer visiting Colorado.
If getting down and dirty with nature isn’t your cup of tea, Aurora also offers a number of intellectual pursuits as well. Beginning on November 15th and ending on December 18th the Aurora History Museum is holding their Gateway to the Rockies Art Exhibit which features a wide array of different art forms including paintings, photography, and miniature pieces that show off the natural beauty of Colorado. This event is admission free with a wine and cheese reception event on November 18th and showcases a number of different local, regional, and national artists. The pieces that are presented for the show are also available to purchase should one catch your eye!
Aurora is also home to the 22 different historical landmarks, one of which is the Aurora Fox Arts Center which was built shortly after the Second World War. The theater is located in the downtown art district. Also on July 4th they will be holding their 11th annual Light Up the Night Fourth of July Spectacular which boasts the largest display of fireworks in the entire metro area! This not only includes a stellar fireworks presentation but also live music and other festivities.
If You Go
Aurora is located 9.2 miles down Highway 287 heading east from Denver.
Want to learn more about the parks and recreation areas? Contact 303-739-7160 or fax 303-739-7143 or email [email protected] or [email protected].
For more information on Trails Day contact Crystal Yusten @ 303-416-0936 or contact via email at [email protected].
To learn more about Aurora’s art district email any questions to [email protected] or visit their site http://auroraartsdistrict.com
Evan Witt is an Illinois native with a degree in English Literature from Lake Forest College, and as a frequent visitor to Colorado, he enjoys fishing, camping, hiking, and photography.