Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield

Denver is the capital of the Southwest state of Colorado. Just east of the Frost Range of the Rocky Mountains, Denver was nicknamed the Mile High City because of its elevation - one mile above sea level. There are nearly three million residents in the Denver-Aurora area. Founded as the capital of the state in the late 1800's. Denver has served as the third and final capital since the statehood in 1876.

Denver Botanic Gardens has operated over 50 years and is one of the premier gardens of the United States and a public site for the community and visitors to enjoy. The Chatfield location offers 750 acres of wildlife. Located in Southern Jefferson County, with the Deer Creek running alongside it, Denver Botanic Gardens, is a non-profit organization, offering free days to Colorado residents throughout the year. The Gardens serve as a model of conservation, as the organization is environmentally green inside and out, from water conservation to administrative practices.

Over the course of 23 acres, you can stroll from one type of garden to another. In some parts of the Gardens, there are native Colorado trees that are 500 years old The Denver Botanical Gardens strives to connect to visitors in unique ways: through color, through a diverse offering of plants, with viewings that are low for children and viewings that are high for adults. On-site horticulturalists are always available to visiting members of the public to answer questions on gardening. The Gardens host musical concerts and other enjoyable events which are listed on their calendar. During some parts of the year, certain flowers are highlighted through special event flower-shows. Other times of year, visitors are allowed to purchase certain types of bulbs and flower seeds. Classes and camps are offered throughout the year for all ages, from young children to adults. Art exhibits are also held, with the quiet beauty of the Colorado foliage in the background.

Some highlights of visiting the Denver Botanical Gardens are the amenities:

• Educational presentation at the Earl J. Sinnamon Visitor Center
• Children's play area
• Glimpses of weddings that are held on site (so are business events)
• Bird watching and nature trails
• Annual Events: Corn Maize, Pumpkin Festival, and Trail of Lights

At the Denver Botanic Gardens, this winter lights show brightens up the night sky against a soft backdrop of snow and includes ice sculptures, which may weigh hundreds of pounds, sawed to perfection by expert carvers.

Hotels range from $40-200 per night, depending on amenities. Here is a sampling of offerings:

The Holiday Chalet - $$$$

The Hilton Garden Inn - $$$$

The Comfort Inn - $$$

The Ramada Inn Denver - $$

The Econo Lodge Denver - $$

Prepare for snow weather in the heart of winter, complete with hats, gloves, boots and mittens. In the summer months, temperature reach into the 90's. A few days each summer, Denver is hotter than 100 degrees.

There is more to do, see, and experience in the Southwest:

California - Celebrate on the California Coast

Nevada - Sin City! Free Las Vegas!

Colorado - Grand Canyon West & The Skywalk

New Mexico - Art & Nature Await in New Mexico

Texas - Top 5 Things To Do in San Antonio

Arizona/Utah - Monument Valley Tribal Park

Southwest - An Overview of the Southwest Region of the USA

Train Trips In The Southwest