Arvada, Colorado
Colorado gold history, Olde Town character and a lively Front Range community between Denver and the foothills.
Olde Town and Colorado History Meet Here
Arvada connects Colorado’s early gold history with a vibrant historic downtown, independent businesses, arts, trails and Front Range scenery.
A Colorful Tribute to Arvada
This artwork celebrates Arvada’s Olde Town character, Colorado gold-rush history, Front Range scenery and local landmarks.
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Arvada, Colorado Souvenir Mug
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Bring home a colorful piece of Arvada, Colorado.
Shop the Arvada Mug →Where Colorado Gold History Meets a Modern Main Street
Arvada's story reaches back to June 22, 1850, when Lewis Ralston found gold in the creek that now bears his name. The discovery is recognized by the Colorado Historical Society as Colorado's first documented gold discovery. The town was formally named and platted in 1870, and the historic heart of the community survives today as Olde Town Arvada.
Olde Town blends preserved historic character with independent shops, restaurants, galleries, breweries, cafés and community events. Beyond downtown, Arvada offers a major arts campus, nature centers, creek trails and wide-open Front Range views.
Gold, Farms, Railroads & Celery
After the early gold discovery, settlers established farms throughout the Ralston and Clear Creek valleys. Arvada became an important agricultural community supplying Denver and nearby mining camps with produce. Crops included wheat, corn, oats, berries, melons and vegetables, and the city was once known as the “celery capital of the world.”
Benjamin Franklin Wadsworth helped lay out the original nine-block townsite. His wife, Mary Ann, selected the name Arvada after her brother-in-law Hiram Arvada Haskins. The railroad later became another backbone of the growing community, a history still reflected around Olde Town.
What Arvada Is Known For
Arvada connects Colorado's earliest gold-rush history with one of the Front Range's most recognizable historic downtowns. Add a strong arts community, local food and drink, extensive trails, vintage automobiles, mountain views and easy access to Denver, and Arvada has an identity all its own.
Symbols That Tell the Story
Ralston Creek Gold
The 1850 discovery along Ralston Creek predates the better-known 1858–59 Colorado gold rush.
Olde Town
Historic architecture, walkable streets and locally owned businesses make Olde Town Arvada the city's cultural heart.
Railroad Heritage
Rail transportation played a major role in Arvada's development and remains part of the downtown story today.
Arts & Culture
The Arvada Center brings professional theatre, concerts, galleries, classes and cultural programming to the community.
Trails & Open Space
Ralston Creek Trail, Majestic View and nearby open spaces connect urban Arvada with prairie, wetlands and Front Range scenery.
Front Range Views
Arvada sits between Denver and the foothills, with expansive mountain views woven into everyday life.
Unique Small Businesses in Arvada
Arvada's independent-business scene is especially concentrated in Olde Town, where longtime local favorites share the district with artisan shops, restaurants, breweries and creative businesses.
Rheinlander Bakery
A longtime family-run European-style bakery known for strudel, pastries, cakes and a broad selection of dietary-alternative treats.
Balefire Goods
An artisan jewelry gallery and working metalsmith studio featuring handcrafted pieces and custom work.
Electric Cherry Shop + Studios
An eclectic Olde Town shop blending records, vintage clothing, art, gifts and creative community culture.
Scrumptious
An old-time candy shop and micro-creamery serving house-made ice cream alongside nostalgic sweets and bottled sodas.
Outside The Box
Two companion shops in one historic Olde Town building featuring gifts, Colorado souvenirs and home and garden décor.
Stone Cellar Bistro
A chef-owned Olde Town bistro focused on seasonal cooking, Colorado ingredients and French-inspired technique.
New Image Brewing Company
An Olde Town craft brewery and neighborhood taproom known for rotating beer releases and a casual local atmosphere.
Bread Winner's Cafe
A family-owned Olde Town breakfast and lunch café with brunch favorites, coffee and a relaxed downtown setting.
Business information was checked against current local listings and the Olde Town Arvada directory. Details can change; visitors should confirm directly before making a special trip.
Places to Know in Arvada
Olde Town Arvada
Arvada's historic downtown district combines turn-of-the-century character with shops, restaurants, galleries and events.
Visitor hub: 7307 Grandview Ave
Phone: (303) 420-4769
Website: oldetownarvada.org
Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities
A major cultural campus with theatre, concerts, free art galleries, classes and arts programming.
Address: 6901 Wadsworth Blvd
Phone: (720) 898-7200
Website: arvadacenter.org
Majestic View Nature Center
An environmental education center connected to an 80-acre park with prairie, wetlands, trails, gardens and mountain views.
Address: 7030 Garrison St
Phone: (720) 898-7405
Cussler Museum
A seasonal museum preserving more than 100 rare and vintage automobiles collected by adventure novelist Clive Cussler.
Address: 14959 W 69th Ave
Phone: (303) 420-2795
Website: cusslermuseum.com
Gold Strike Park
At the confluence of Clear Creek and Ralston Creek, this historic site commemorates Colorado's first documented gold discovery.
Ralston Creek Trail
Arvada's longest and most complete public trail follows the creek through parks, open space, wildlife habitat and historic areas.
History and visitor information researched from the City of Arvada, Olde Town Arvada, Arvada Center and Cussler Museum.