Amoung the several counties of the Greater Denver area, Jefferson County is the second largest in population. It covers the western metropolitan area and reaches into the scenic Rocky Mountains and Pike National Forest. It was the mountain gateway through which many passesbys traversed in their pursuit of the great gold and silver rushes of earlier days.

The Jefferson County economy is highly industrialized, a major center for businesses specializing in geotechnology, materials, mining and energy.

The major cities and vacation attractions of Jefferson County are listed below.

Lakewood is the largest city (pop. 125,000) of Jefferson County and is home to the gigantic Denver Federal Center, one of the largest employers in the area.

Lakewood Heritage Center
797 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood, CO; (303) 987-7850;
Open: Tues-Fri 10AM-4PM / Sat-Sun 12-4PM; Admission: $2 Adult / $1 Child (3-12);
Free Admission every third Sunday of the month.

This place is a combination museum and historical landmark. The visitor center houses local cultural and history exhibits as well as displays of work by local artists. Next door are several historical structures including 1880's farmhouse, 1920's schoolhouse and the barn gallery.

Other Lakewood services:

Lakewood Restaurant Guide - Reviews, menus, specials and pricelist.
Lakewood Hotel Directory - Room search and reservation service.
Special Vacation Packages for Lakewood - Great deals to the best vacation opportunities.

Arvada is the second largest city in Jefferson County.

Other Arvada services:

arvada Restaurant Guide - Reviews, menus, specials and pricelist.
Arvada Hotel Directory - Room search and reservation service.
Special Vacation Packages for Arvada - Great deals to the best vacation opportunities.

Golden is the county seat for Jefferson County. It is also home to the prestigious Colorado School of Mines as well as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

Colorado Railroad Museum
Many steam engines and railcars alongside historic museum.

Buffalo Bill Memorial Museum and Grave
987-1/2 Lookout Mountain Rd, Golden, CO; (303) 526-0747;
Museum Open Daily: 9AM-4PM; Admission: $3 Adult / $1 Child (6-15);
Museum located on an incredible vista atop Lookout Mountain is dedicated to legendary frontier scout pony express rider and showman William F. Cody (Buffalo Bill [1846-1917]). His name comes from his days as a buffalo hunter for the railroad camps. Many artifacts include his gun collections, costumes from his Wild West shows and dime novels. His gravesite is nearby.

Coors Brewery
13th Ave and Ford St, Golden, CO; (303) 277-BEER;

The world's largest single-site brewing facility. Free 30-minute tours available Mon-Sat 10AM-4PM.

Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum
1111 Washington Ave, Golden, CO; (303) 277-0377;
Museum and working resource center for quilters located in Golden, CO. Rotating exhibit will feature over 150 new and old quilts.

Other Golden services:

Golden Restaurant Guide - Reviews, menus, specials and pricelist.
Golden Hotel Directory - Room search and reservation service.
Special Vacation Packages for Golden - Great deals to the best vacation opportunities.

Other Wheat Ridge services:

Wheat Ridge Restaurant Guide - Reviews, menus, specials and pricelist.
Wheat Ridge Hotel Directory - Room search and reservation service.
Special Vacation Packages for Wheat Ridge - Great deals to the best vacation opportunities.

Dinosaur Ridge Natural National Landmark
Outside Red Rocks Amphitheater, Morrison; (303) 697-DINO;
Free Admission; Hours variable; [Dinosaur ]
Hillside bearing many dinosaur bones and tracks as well as other plants and fossils. Site of the first ever discovery of dinosaur bones in the western United States in 1887. Contact the visitors center for more info and directions. The original bones are on display at the adjacent museum (see below).

Morrison Natural History Museum
501 State Route 8, Morrison, CO; (303) 697-1873;
Displays contain the first original dinosaur bones recovered from the digs at Dinosaur Ridge (see above).

Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre

640-acre parkland with hiking trails along the foot of the Rocky Mountains. One of the best scenic spots in greater Denver where 1-million year old sandstone has been colored a deep-red by oxidized iron-ore.

Also famous for the 10,000-seat natural amphitheater. For info on concerts and special events. (303) 697-4545 or (303) 640-2637.


Tiny Town and Railroad

Other Morrison services:

Morrison Restaurant Guide - Reviews, menus, specials and pricelist.
Morrison Hotel Directory - Room search and reservation service.
Special Vacation Packages for Morrison - Great deals to the best vacation opportunities.

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Horse Magazine-of-the-Month Club makes finding the latest horse riding tips and techniques easier than ever. Each month a different horse magazine is delivered to your doorstep for one year. This is simply the best way to receive a variety of the best.