Bowl at a retro theater or travel even further back in time while panning for gold. Discover both agricultural history and an emerging restaurant scene, along with vibrant urban parks boasting miles of trails and seasonal festivals. While there’s a lot to love about this northwest suburb, these ten things to do in Wheat Ridge are a good place to start.
Clancy's Irish Pub
7000 West 38th Avenue
You don’t have to wait for St. Patrick’s Day to come back around for some great craic — Clancy's is a worthy stop year-round. Famed as Colorado’s longest-running Irish bar, this mainstay has served Guinness, Smithwick’s and Harp on tap since the ‘70s. Order a pint or a tipple of Irish whiskey alongside bangers and mash, shepherd’s pie and more comforting fare. The pub’s snug corners are especially inviting on live music nights.
Crown Hill Park
9357 West 26th Avenue
Though hikes in the foothills are a quick drive away, Crown Hill Park provides an even easier escape. Encompassing 229 acres, it’s one of the largest urban parks in the metro area. Walk, bike or even horseback ride along 10.2 miles of interconnecting trails. Many loop around Crown Hill Lake, which is open to fishing, as well as the wildlife sanctuary surrounding Kestrel Pond, a popular site among bird watchers. However, given nesting waterfowl, the sanctuary is closed through June 30. Still, there’s plenty to explore elsewhere. Find ample parking on the south side of Crown Hill, along with picnic tables and restrooms.
The Werks is the latest addition to Gold’s Marketplace.
Korey David
2625 Kipling Street
Gold's Marketplace is located near the southwest corner of Crown Hill Park, just across Kipling Street. After a walk around the trails, visit this recently renovated complex for a tasty bite. Tenants include Queen City Collective Coffee, Rich Spirit Bagels (a sister concept to Bakery Four) and Ester’s, a great pick for a sit-down weekend brunch. Come afternoon, sip a marg on Illegal Pete’s patio or check out the Werks. This eclectic new addition to the market offers burgers and beers, plus a bike shop and six bowling lanes.
GetRight's pastry case is stocked with sweet and savory goods.
GetRight's
6985 West 38th Avenue
Though unassuming, the dining scene in Wheat Ridge is solid — in part, thanks to GetRight's. This award-winning bakery, pizzeria and sandwich shop concept landed on Westword’s most recent list of restaurants we can’t live without. It’s not uncommon to see a line out the door, but the wait is well worth it. Order signatures like its jambon beurre sandwich and maritozzi brioche buns to understand the hype and revisit often, as the menu is constantly changing.
Clear Creek Trail
This paved, 24-mile path spans from north Denver to Golden, with seven miles intersecting Wheat Ridge. For the best scenery, stick to the segment between Harlan and Youngfield Street, which lies along the town’s greenbelt. There are several access points with parking. However, Anderson Park (home to August’s annual Carnation Festival) is especially ideal with grassy areas, picnic tables, playgrounds and a public pool. Prospect Park features similar amenities, plus bird watching along Tabor Lake, fishing on Bass Lake and even prospecting at the nearby Arapahoe Bar Gold Panning Park.
Larson's Ski & Sport
4715 Kipling Street
Already thinking about next ski season? While you debate an Epic versus Ikon pass, get a tune-up at Larson's Ski & Sport. This independent, family-owned shop has occupied its Wheat Ridge outpost since the early ‘90s. Friendly, knowledgeable staff can help you get fitted with snow sport rentals and new gear. The selection also includes windsurfing and stand-up paddleboarding equipment, so pop in to browse year-round.
The Bardo Coffee House
6150 West 38th Avenue
Like its South Broadway and Lakewood locations, the Bardo Coffee House in Wheat Ridge keeps locals caffeinated until the wee hours. Order a signature latte, cozy up next to the fireplace and hang out until midnight. It’s a third place for students and remote workers, and with plenty of seating, also a great spot for groups. Host your next book club or community event here to help keep the limited late-night coffee scene alive.
Wheat Ridge Historic Park
4610 North Robb Street
During the gold rush of 1859, Wheat Ridge was a rest stop for miners. Those who didn’t strike rich later returned to the area to grow golden wheat, then fruit orchards and vegetable farms cropped up. Later, in the 1970s, Wheat Ridge was the world’s largest carnation producer. Learn more about the town’s settlers and agricultural past at the Wheat Ridge Historic Park. Notable structures include the pioneer sod house, a National Historic Site; and the Coulehan-Johnson cabin, which was built on Colorado's first registered homestead. Other buildings and artifacts can be viewed during Friday operating hours and special events, like autumn’s annual cider day. Pick apples at a local orchard, then crush and press them by hand at the family-friendly fest.
Heinie's Market
11801 West 44th Avenue
Though Wheat Ridge is more urban than agrarian these days, several markets offer local and regional fare. Established in 1950, Heinie's is especially loved for its wide selection. Shelves are more sparse this time of year, though still well stocked with pickled goods, salsas, canned fruit and preserves. Summer brings in a flourish of fresh produce — Colorado cherries in mid-June; Olathe sweet corn, Rocky Ford melons, Palisade peaches and Grand Junction tomatoes come July; and much more through the harvest season. The house-roasted hatch and Pueblo chiles are not to be missed.
Wheat Ridge Lanes
6595 West 38th Avenue
Knock down a strike at Wheat Ridge Lanes, one of the metro area’s most historic bowling alleys. Open since 1958, this nostalgic community hub caters strictly to leagues on Tuesdays through Thursdays from 6:30 to 10:00 p.m., as well as Sundays from noon to 3 p.m. But otherwise, its twelve lanes are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Lace up your shoe rentals, order from a surprisingly good food menu and revel in some retro fun.
