Unless you’ve been living under a Mile High rock, chances are you’ve been to the breathtaking Botanic Gardens on York Street, which is undoubtedly the most magnificent and popular natural oasis in Denver. But have you been to their equally incredible location at Chatfield Farms? About a thirty minute drive south of the city, lies this lovely expansive native plant refuge and farm that offers beauty and respite to all who enter. Next time you want to escape the stress and speed of urban life, grab your friends and family and explore the sweet serene grounds of the amazing Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms!
Nestled in the foothills of south Jefferson County, is an expansive 750-acre plant refuge and working farm, with deep roots in Colorado's agricultural history.
In the late 1800s, German homesteader Frank Hildebrand settled with his family along the banks of Deer Creek and established a farming and ranching operation that would eventually span over 2,000 acres and is now listed on the National Registry of historic Places.
Hildebrand and his growing family called this clapboard-covered log and wood farmhouse home, and the structure remains in tact along with its gardens and summer kitchen along North Deer Creek.
About a dozen surviving structures remain on the historic ranch site, including a stable, wagon shed, granary, ice house, wood shed, and functional blacksmith shed.
The charming Deer Creek Schoolhouse, built in 1874, closed its doors in the mid-1900s and is a living testament to the dramatic changes in education during those transformative decades.
Along with the eye-popping array of vibrant plant life, is the opportunity for extraordinary birdwatching, so be sure to bring your camera and binoculars!
There's also a magnificent, one-of-a-kind butterfly house with 100s of native species of butterflies and over 50 types of native plants, as well as roughly 20 nectar-rich types of plants from elsewhere.
The Lavender Garden is the newest addition to Chatfield Farms and was established in 2015. The garden spans almost one acre, contains over 800 plants of 14 varieties of lavender, and will have you dreaming of the perfectly purple fields of Provence in full bloom.
On Saturday, July 16 from 10am-6pm, Chatfield Farms will host their 1st Annual Lavender Festival. The FREE family-friendly event will have novelty vendors, food, live music, hay rides, crafts, and more, so don't miss it!
Chatfield Farms is open daily from 9am-5pm. Admission for members is free and is only $5 per passenger vehicle for non-members. What a steal for such a serene slice of heaven!
If you want to seek rest and recreation at another remarkable refuge in the Mile High City, check out our feature on the 15,000-acre Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge with over 300 species of animals right here in the metro area!
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