Located in the stunning northern area of Douglas County Colorado, Highlands Ranch is one of this region’s most beautiful and active communities, one with not only a rich history, but an even richer future. Highlands Ranch is most recognized for its residential character and charm, so much so that this small Colorado town has become the most ideal place to raise family. The strong and well-respected school district that Douglas County provides has become a leader in public education throughout the state and the nation as well. The area is also known for having one of the most pleasant and enjoyable climates throughout, with almost 300 days of sunshine every single year. These key features all culminate in creating one of the most ideal places for most anyone to live in, especially those looking for an ideal locale in which to raise a family.
Highlands Ranch History
Before being occupied by Spanish and then French explorers to North American, Highlands Ranch was originally home to several Native American tribes including the Ute, Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes. Conveniently located just 12 miles south of the great metropolis of Denver, the young city of Highlands Ranch has grown much since its first modern residents took residence here in 1981.
The region was then included as part Thomas Jefferson’s Louisiana Purchase in 1803, as was the whole eastern flank of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. Though the Louisiana Purchase was one of the major turning points in America’s growth as a nation, the area that was to be Highlands Ranch remained officially unsettled for 56 years. Only until Dad Rufus “Potato” Clark decided to acquire 150 plus acres of land from the United States government did Highlands Ranch start to be considered a place to settle. Eventually, with the help of Highlands Ranch’s rich soil, Clark became known as the "Potato King of Colorado,” causing others to take notice of this hidden gem of Colorado landscape.
Highlands Ranch Parks and Recreation
Being the picturesque mountain community that it is, Highlands Ranch provides its residents with beautiful landscapes and engaging terrain, from over 70 miles of natural and paved hiking trails to over 2,000 acres of wide open space spanning the whole of Highlands Ranch. With 22 parks throughout the city, there is an area for everyone’s interests to be set free. These parks include: Tanks Park, a 20,000 square foot skate park; Cheese Park Historical Park, a community garden and wildlife observatory; and the Civic Green Park, featuring an events stage over a tranquil fountain.
Highlands Ranch Arts and Culture
The diverse nature of Highlands Ranch, and its proximity to Denver, lends to a variety of cultural experiences and opportunities unique to the area. With an ever-growing community such as Highlands Ranch, arts and culture play prominent roles in the identity of the area. Be sure to check out the Wildlife Experience Museum and its 315-seat “Extreme Screen Theater” for an “almost being there” nature experience, or take a short trip to the Smithsonian Affiliated and American Association of Museums accredited Littleton Historical Museum, housing a open to the public research center and “living history” experience for its patrons.
Highlands Ranch Attractions
The community of Highlands Ranch also pride themselves on hosting well over 100 events every year; including ice cream socials, an annual Fourth of July gala and dozens of free park concerts throughout the summer season. These events, though all different and unique in their own ways, have a major theme running through all of them; these events showcase a community that cares about its citizens.
Redstone Park
For all those skateboard enthusiasts in the family, Highlands Ranch has just the place for you! Redstone Park is a city-run skate park where participants can enjoy a variety of challenging yet accessible bowls, boxes and street courses. And parents, Highlands Ranch’s Redstone Park provides your son or daughter a safe and maintained outlet for their skating without the worries of community backlash.
Fido’s Field
Fido’s Field is a designated off-leash area for your canine companion within Highlands Ranch. Fido’s Field allows for exercise, socialization, and general stress relief for both pup and person.
For more information on Highlands Ranch CO visit the official website by clicking here
For the Metro Highlands Ranch Website click here
For the Highlands Ranch Chamber of Commerce website click here
For more information on other areas within my website click on an area below:
Denver Guide
Castle Rock Guide