Standley Lake Regional Park

One of the best ways to experience Westminster’s natural beauty is by spending a day at Standley Lake Regional Park. This expansive 500-acre park centers around the glistening 100-acre Standley Lake and offers a delightful escape into nature without leaving the city. Spend the day fishing, boating, hiking the 7 miles of trails, birdwatching and wildlife viewing, picnicking and playing on sports fields. Visitors can rent canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, motorboats, and pedal boats to explore the water. Anglers of all ages will enjoy fishing for 10 different fish species including walleye, catfish, and trout. With lush cottonwood forests, wetland areas, and breathtaking Rocky Mountain views, Standley Lake Regional Park is a must-visit in Westminster.

Butterfly Pavilion & Insect Center

For a truly unique experience, head over to the Butterfly Pavilion & Insect Center. This is one of Westminster’s most popular family-friendly attractions. At the pavilion, visitors can walk through a tropical paradise filled with over 1,600 free-flying butterflies. Some of the species include monarchs, swallowtails, painted ladies, and blue morphos. The Insect Center houses over 100 interactive exhibits showcasing live insects from rainforest to desert environments. Guests will see giant walking sticks, whip scorpions, hairy tarantulas, and the world’s longest insect, the 21-inch long giant walking stick from Southeast Asia. Be sure to experience the creepy crawly fun on your Westminster trip.

Historic Downtown Westminster

Take a step back in time by visiting Historic Downtown Westminster. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this charming district transports visitors to Westminster’s early days starting in the late 1800s. The restored brick buildings house antique stores, galleries, restaurants, bakeries, and breweries set along quaint walkable streets. Some highlights of Historic Downtown Westminster include the 1913 Westminster Grange Hall, Shoenberg Farms Dairy barn built in 1920, Irving Street Historic District showcasing beautiful Victorian homes, and the 1911 Westminster Castle. Marvel at the Barth Hotel’s stunning entrance built in 1881 and stop for a bite to eat at one of the area’s farm-to-table restaurants.

City Park Recreation Center & Water World

Cool off on a hot day in Westminster by heading over to City Park Recreation Center and Water World. This large recreation complex in the heart of the city contains Westminster’s only public indoor and outdoor pools. The 25,000 square foot Water World has a leisure pool with zero-depth entry, triple water slides, splash play areas, and an outstanding view of the mountains. City Park Recreation Center features an NHL-sized ice arena, gymnasium, cardio equipment, weight room, sauna, steam room, and indoor soccer field. Families, youth groups, and sports teams will all enjoy this amazing recreation complex.

Westminster Promenade

Westminster Promenade is the city’s premier shopping, dining, and entertainment district. This vibrant area contains a lively pedestrian-friendly street lined with major stores, boutiques, restaurants, a movie theater, comedy club, and scenic plazas. Visitors can browse popular retailers like Dick’s Sporting Goods, Macy’s, Sephora, and REI or dine at diverse eateries ranging from sushi to steakhouses. The Promenade also frequently holds community events like a summer concert series, 5K races, holiday celebrations, farmers markets, art festivals, and more. It’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon, evening, or full day during your Westminster visit.

Boettcher Mansion

History buffs will love touring Boettcher Mansion. This stately Tudor Revival home was built in 1917 by Clayton Boettcher, a prominent early Westminster citizen who owned a hardware company. The historic house is situated on a hill overlooking Standley Lake and offers stunning panoramic views. Visitors can take a guided tour to see artifacts from the Boettcher family and learn about life in Westminster’s early days. Tours run on Saturdays from 10 am – 2 pm and last 45 minutes. Boettcher Mansion is also a popular venue for weddings, receptions, and other private events.

Big Dry Creek Park

Explore Westminster’s wild side at Big Dry Creek Park. Encompassing 534 acres between Standley Lake and the mountains, this natural park contains cottonwood forests, wetlands, wildflower meadows, and breathtaking views. Outdoor enthusiasts will find 9 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, jogging, and horseback riding. Two large off-leash dog parks provide space for pets to run around. Anglers can cast a line for catfish, sunfish, and trout in the creek and ponds. Wildlife viewing, picnicking, and geo-caching are other popular activities to enjoy at Big Dry Creek Park on your Westminster trip.

Westminster Legacy Trail

Westminster contains over 80 miles of scenic walking and biking trails that connect neighborhoods, parks, and attractions across the city. One of the most popular is the Westminster Legacy Trail. This 6.2 mile trail runs parallel to digit and Irving Streets, passing through open fields, wetlands, Westminster Station, and Historic Downtown Westminster. It also connects visitors to Standley Lake Regional Park, City Park Recreation Center, and Big Dry Creek Park. Walk, run, bike, or rollerblade along the Westminster Legacy Trail to experience Westminster’s natural beauty and small town charm.

How to Get Around Westminster

With a few different options for getting around, navigating Westminster is fairly straightforward. Here’s an overview of your transportation choices and tips for each:

Public Transportation

Westminster Station serves as the city’s central transportation hub. This commuter rail stop on RTD’s B Line provides access to and from downtown Denver. Visitors can also catch local buses at Westminster Station that serve routes within the city. Most Westminster attractions and neighborhoods are accessible by bus, making this an affordable way to explore. Just plan extra time, as some bus routes only run once per hour.

Taxis and Rideshares

Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft operate in Westminster. These offer a convenient and comfortable way to travel around town. However, rates can add up quickly for individual rides across multiple days. Taxis and rideshares work best for quick trips between two points or for groups splitting costs. Availability is limited in remote areas of the city.

Charter Buses

For ultimate convenience, many Westminster visitors rely on charter bus rentals for transportation. Charter buses provide door-to-door service for large groups, keeping everyone together as you travel between your hotel, attractions, and events. There’s no need to worry about parking or public transit schedules. Charter buses allow you to sightsee at your own pace with space for luggage and amenities like A/C, bathrooms, TVs, and WiFi. Whether you’re a tourist group, youth organization, or sports team, charter buses make exploring Westminster easy and enjoyable.

Ready to Get Started?

We hope this Westminster travel guide has given you great ideas for planning an amazing trip! With outdoor adventures, historic sites, shopping centers, recreation, and more, Westminster truly offers unique attractions for all interests and ages.

For seamless transportation as you experience everything Westminster has to offer, contact Charter Bus Company Westminster at 303-515-7293. As leading group transportation experts, we provide modern charter bus rentals for tourists, schools, teams, weddings, and corporate events. Our friendly staff will match you with the perfect bus for your Westminster getaway. Call today to book your charter bus and begin your Westminster travel planning!