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Westminster, Colorado: Where Fun Never Takes a Break – Best Places to Visit and Things to Do!

Westminster is a Denver suburb and it does not pretend otherwise, which is the point of staying here. Beds cost less than they do downtown and the drive in is short. The parks and the trails are free, Standley Lake included. The Butterfly Pavilion and Adventure Golf and Raceway are where the money goes if you have children with you. Everything else is a walk.

Planning a trip to Westminster, Colorado? You are in luck. This city blends outdoor adventure, historical landmarks and modern attractions in a way that makes it worth the stop. Family, friends or solo, there is a version of it in Westminster.

Outdoors people do well here, because the parks and trails run right through the city. Standley Lake Regional Park through to Big Dry Creek Trail, and you can hike, bike and fish across all of them. And for something louder, head to Adventure Golf and Raceway for mini-golf or go-kart racing.

Key Takeaways

• Westminster, Colorado offers a diverse range of activities and attractions for all types of travelers.
• Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the city’s parks and trails, while thrill-seekers can head to Adventure Golf and Raceway.
• History buffs can visit Westminster’s many historical landmarks, and foodies can indulge in the city’s culinary scene.

Westminster: The City with a Twist

Welcome to Westminster, the home rule municipality in the Denver metropolitan area that is more interesting than the label suggests. This city has a personality of its own and it shows once you get into it.

Start with the location. Westminster sits just northwest of Denver, which puts you close to everything without being inside it. You get the city when you want it and quiet when you do not.

But what really sets Westminster apart is its quirky charm. This city is full of surprises, from its funky public art installations to its offbeat attractions. For example, did you know that Westminster is home to the world’s largest teapot? You can snap a photo with this giant landmark at the Celestial Seasonings headquarters.

For something more active, Westminster has the space for it. The city runs over 60 parks and 240 miles of trails, which covers most interests. And you can get out on the water at Standley Lake Regional Park with a stand-up paddleboard.

Then the food and drink. Westminster runs a broad set of restaurants and breweries, from classic pub fare through to international cuisine. And with over a dozen breweries in the city, the craft beer takes care of itself.

So for a city that is equal parts easy and odd, Westminster, Colorado is the one. It holds up.

The Great Outdoors of Westminster

Looking for the scenery and the landscapes around Westminster? You are in luck. There are outdoor activities and places to visit that put you straight into it. Here are a few of the best:

Standley Lake Regional Park

On the shores of Standley Lake, this park handles hiking, fishing and wildlife viewing. With over 3,000 acres of land, there is room to spread out. Watch for bald eagles, coyotes and whatever else lives out there. And you can rent a boat or a paddleboard and get onto the water.

Big Dry Creek Trail

This trail works for a leisurely stroll or a harder hike. It winds through the heart of Westminster with the surrounding landscape opening either side. Watch for wildlife along the way, and bring the camera.

Westminster Center Park

This park is known for its English theme, which runs to replicas of Big Ben and the Thames River. Walk it slowly, or take a picnic and stay put with friends and family. And there is a playground for the kids.

Peter Pan Park

Locals call this one Peter Pan Park and the name has stuck. It is a popular natural attraction with the same English theme, replicas of Big Ben and the Thames River included. Walk it slowly or take a picnic with friends and family. And there is a playground for the kids.

With this many outdoor activities and places to visit in Westminster, something will suit. So grab the hiking boots, pack a picnic and go.

Chasing Butterflies and Insects

Ready to spend a morning among butterflies and insects? Westminster’s Butterfly Pavilion and Insect Center is where that happens.

The Butterfly Pavilion and Insect Center

Step into a tropical rainforest with hundreds of butterflies moving around you. The Butterfly Pavilion and Insect Center is one of the larger butterfly houses in the country, bigger than most on the East Coast, with many varieties of butterflies to see. It is where kids learn the life cycle of these winged creatures.

Butterflies not your thing? The Insect Center covers the rest of it. Tarantulas, beetles and a hissing cockroach, all close up. They will not bite, probably.

The Butterfly Pavilion and Insect Center also runs educational programs for all ages. Pollinators and why they matter to the ecosystem, or the wider world of arthropods.

So what are you waiting for. Head to the Butterfly Pavilion and Insect Center and give it a morning.

Westminster’s Historical Gems

History readers do well in Westminster, and the good things are not obvious. Landmarks through to artifacts, here are the city’s most interesting historical sites.

Westminster Castle

You cannot miss the towering Westminster Castle, a strong example of Romanesque Revival architecture. Built in 1892 as a university, it now serves as a private residence and event space. The interior is closed to visitors, so walk the grounds and look at the facade instead.

Legend has it that the castle is haunted by the ghost of a former student who died falling from the bell tower. Believe that or not, the gardens are worth the walk either way.

More to Explore

Westminster’s history does not stop at the castle. Walk the city’s historic district for the charming Victorian homes and buildings dating back to the 1800s. And the Westminster Historical Society Museum holds the artifacts and the rest of the story.

Wherever you go in Westminster, there is a piece of history in it. So grab the walking shoes and go and find it.

The Thrill of Sports in Westminster

Looking for sports in Westminster? There are options here. This city carries enough to fill a day comfortably. Here are three of the best:

Walnut Creek Golf Preserve

Golfers should make the Walnut Creek Golf Preserve. The course is good-looking and hard enough to keep experienced players honest. With 18 holes and the Rocky Mountains sitting behind it, the round takes care of itself. And the course is run on eco-friendly lines, which is worth something.

AMC Theater

For a film, head to the AMC Theater in Westminster. The latest movies are all there. Comfortable seating and decent snacks, and the room does the rest.

Fat Cats

For a full day of activities, head to Fat Cats. This entertainment center runs bowling, go-karts and bumper cars. There is a rope activity course for anyone wanting to test their agility. And mini-golf on top of that, which is more than most places manage.

Golfing, fitness, or simply some good old-fashioned entertainment, Westminster covers all three. Go and use it.

The Foodie’s Guide to Westminster

Here for the food in Westminster? There are options. Here are two spots worth going out of your way for:

GQue Championship BBQ

For barbecue, GQue Championship BBQ is the place to be. This award-winning restaurant turns out some of the best smoked meats in the area. Brisket through to pulled pork, all of it covered. And the meat candy is the order for anyone who takes pork seriously.

And the sides hold up alongside the meat. The mac and cheese is creamy and cheesy and the cornbread comes out sweet and light. There is a good run of local beers on draft to wash it down.

Kachina Southwestern Grill

For Southwestern cuisine, Kachina Southwestern Grill is the spot for you. The tacos, enchiladas and margaritas are the best in the city. And the pork carnitas tacos are the order, with the pork cooked properly and the toppings fresh.

The room matters as much as the food here. The restaurant runs a rustic, southwestern look with a cozy patio worth sitting on. And the margaritas are strong enough to handle the spice.

So there are two spots to work with in Westminster. Barbecue or Southwestern cuisine, neither will let you down.

A few things on this page want saying plainly. The park with its English theme, its Big Ben and its Thames River is a municipal park with a clock tower, not a piece of London. The Butterfly Pavilion is genuinely good and genuinely indoors, which counts for a lot in a Colorado winter. Standley Lake is the real draw and it costs you a parking fee. And the mountains you can see from most of this city are not in it.

Retail Therapy in Westminster

Need some retail therapy? Westminster has it covered. The latest fashion trends or an unusual souvenir, both are here.

Orchard Town Center

The best shopping in Westminster is at the Orchard Town Center. This open-air shopping center runs over 90 stores, popular retailers like H&M, Sephora and Victoria’s Secret among them. And the dining runs from fast food through to sit-down restaurants.

What sets Orchard Town Center apart is what happens outside the shops. Through the summer months there is live music and there are movies on the center’s lawn. And in the winter there is an ice skating rink.

For souvenirs to take home, head to the Orchard Town Center’s Colorado Store. The gifts there run to the state’s culture and scenery. Colorado-themed clothing through to handmade jewelry, and something will suit.

So grab the wallet and take it to Orchard Town Center. And take a break in the middle for the outdoor entertainment.

Getting Around Westminster

So you have made it to Westminster, Colorado. Now the question is how you get around this city. Here are the transportation tips that matter.

Travel

Start with getting here. From out of town you will likely fly into Denver International Airport. From there you rent a car, take a taxi, or use a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft to reach Westminster. The roads in Colorado move faster than you expect, so pay attention.

Transportation

Once you are in Westminster, there are a few ways to move around. Rent a bike and take the city on two wheels if you like. There are walking trails and paths throughout the city, which is the slower and better option.

If walking and biking are not the plan, Westminster has public transportation that works. The RTD bus system runs across the city. And there are several stops along US Route 36, which runs right through the heart of Westminster.

US Route 36

Then there is US Route 36. This highway runs from Rocky Mountain National Park eastward through Kansas and beyond, and it passes right through Westminster. The scenery along the way is the best Colorado gives you, towering mountains through to rolling plains.

Be warned, though. US Route 36 gets busy, particularly at rush hour. So if you are planning on driving, give yourself the time.

A Peek into Westminster’s Arts and Culture Scene

Westminster takes its arts and culture seriously and there are places to prove it. The Westminster Promenade through to City Hall and the Bell Tower, there is a version for most tastes.

Westminster Promenade

The Westminster Promenade is the cultural hub, with art galleries, theaters and museums on it. Contemporary art or historical artifacts, something will catch your eye.

One attraction people mention at the Promenade is a maze made out of corn, which is a seasonal thing rather than a fixture, so check before you plan around it. It works well for families with children when it is running.

City Hall

City Hall is the other cultural hotspot in Westminster. The building itself is worth looking at, with the architecture and the detail on it. Inside there are art exhibits and installations covering the city’s history and culture.

The piece that stands out at City Hall is a sculpture made entirely out of recycled materials. It says something about how the city thinks about sustainability and creativity, and it is worth the look.

Bell Tower

The Bell Tower is a cultural landmark in Westminster and a good-looking structure in its own right. It houses a variety of art exhibits and installations. The recycled materials in its construction are the detail people repeat, and they point at how the city thinks about sustainability.

Inside are art exhibits and installations covering the city’s history and culture. The piece that stays with you is a sculpture made entirely out of old car parts. It is a genuinely good use of material and worth seeing.

Westminster’s arts and culture scene is worth the time. There is enough here that something will capture your imagination.

Westminster’s Unique Attractions

Westminster, Colorado holds a couple of attractions you will not find elsewhere. Here are two of our favorites:

Big Ben

Yes, Westminster has its very own Big Ben. It is not the size of the one in London, and it is still worth the walk. The clock tower stands in Westminster City Park and it photographs well. Just be ready for the chime on the hour.

Obelisk

For something a little more unusual, head to the corner of 84th Avenue and Federal Boulevard to see the Obelisk. This towering structure is said to stand 125 feet tall and to carry over 9000 square feet of gold leaf. It is a sight either way. Just look both ways before you cross to it.

So there are two of Westminster’s odder attractions. Local or visiting, both are worth the detour.

The Best of Westminster’s Natural Beauty

Westminster holds some of the better natural landscapes in Colorado. Nature lover or simply after a peaceful escape from the city, something here will suit. Here are the best places in Westminster for it:

Standley Lake Regional Park

To get clear of the city, Standley Lake Regional Park is the spot. This 3,000-acre park holds a 1,000-acre lake, which covers fishing, boating and water sports. Hiking and biking trails wind through the natural habitats around it. And it is a good place for nature photography, so bring the camera.

Westminster Hills Off-Leash Dog Park

Travelling with a dog, the Westminster Hills Off-Leash Dog Park is the one to make. This 420-acre park sits in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains with room for a dog to actually run. And there are hiking trails through it with the views to match.

Big Dry Creek Trail

The Big Dry Creek Trail is a 12-mile trail through the heart of Westminster. It works for hiking, biking or a leisurely stroll. You pass through several natural habitats along the way, wetlands and prairies included. And the local wildlife shows up, deer and rabbits and birds.

Butterfly Pavilion and Insect Center

For an unusual nature stop, the Butterfly Pavilion and Insect Center is the one. This indoor facility holds more than 5,000 animals, butterflies and spiders and other insects among them. And the exhibits cover the natural habitats of the area.

Somewhere peaceful or something more active, Westminster covers both. So pack the bags, grab the camera, and go and see this Colorado city properly.

Westminster: More than Just a City

You might think Westminster, Colorado is simply another city on the outskirts of Denver. It is not. This small town holds plenty, from the parks through to the odder attractions.

Start with the location again. Westminster is one of the better places to be if you want Denver close without living in it. Downtown is a short drive away, so you get the city without the traffic and the crowds.

What about things to do in Westminster itself? There are plenty. The Butterfly Pavilion holds over 5,000 butterflies and it works for kids and adults equally. It is also somewhere to sit quietly, which is rarer than it sounds.

For something a little more active, check out Adventure Golf and Raceway. This place runs mini-golf through to go-karts, and a whole day disappears into it easily.

Westminster also has the parks and the outdoor spaces. Standley Lake Regional Park handles hiking and fishing and sits minutes from the city center. And for somewhere quieter, Big Dry Creek Trail is the walk.

So Westminster is more than a city on a map. It works for living, working and the time in between. Family-friendly activities or outdoor adventures, there is plenty of it in this charming town.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-rated restaurants in Westminster for a foodie like me?

You are in luck, because Westminster has the dining options. For delicious BBQ, head over to GQue Championship BBQ. For authentic Mexican cuisine, check out La Casa Del Rey. And for sushi, Sushi North is the one.

Are there any hidden gems in Westminster that tourists often overlook?

There are. Westminster is known for the Butterfly Pavilion and Standley Lake Regional Park, and the quieter places get missed. Take a stroll through Westminster’s Historic Art District for the art galleries and studios. Or head over to the Westminster Hills Off-Leash Dog Park and let the dog run.

Can I visit Westminster without breaking the bank?

Yes. Westminster has plenty that costs little or nothing. Take a hike along the Big Dry Creek Trail or the Westminster Promenade Trail for the views over the city. Or head over to the Westminster Recreation Center for affordable fitness and recreational activities.

Is it true that Westminster has a secret underground tunnel system?

We can neither confirm nor deny a secret underground tunnel system in Westminster. If you find one during your visit, tell us.

Frequently asked questions about Westminster, Colorado

What is Standley Lake Regional Park actually like?

It is a working drinking-water reservoir with a park wrapped around it, and that single fact shapes everything you can do there. Swimming is not part of the deal, but boating, paddleboarding and fishing are, and there is a rental operation in season. The trails run along the shore and out into open grassland rather than into forest. Bald eagles nest here and the closures that protect them are real. Check the season before you drive out there, because it changes what is open.

Is the Butterfly Pavilion worth the ticket?

For children, yes. The tropical conservatory is warm and full of movement, and the loop through it takes exactly as long as you want it to take. The invertebrate side of the building is the part adults tend to remember afterwards, tarantulas included. It is indoors from end to end, which makes it the obvious wet-day answer. Go on a weekday morning if you can manage it.

Which Westminster trail should you walk first?

Big Dry Creek Trail. It runs the length of the city, paved for most of that, and you can join it almost anywhere you like. What you get is wetland, prairie and the backs of neighborhoods rather than wilderness. That is honest, and it is still a good walk. The Standley Lake trails are the alternative if you would rather have water on one side of you the whole way.

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