Aurora, Colorado: 20 Surprising Facts That Will Make You Want to Visit

Aurora, Colorado: 20 Surprising Facts That Will Make You Want to Visit

Aurora, Colorado, is a city that combines urban excitement and natural beauty uniquely, drawing in both adventurers and dreamers. It is nestled against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. Aurora reveals a tapestry of possibilities as the sun sets and the sky is bathed in a vivid array of colours.

Situated to the east of Denver, this vibrant city has a diversified population that is reflected in its rich cultural heritage. Aurora’s vibrant arts and entertainment sector, where imagination is unrestricted, is its lifeblood. Every street in the Aurora Cultural Arts District and Stanley Marketplace, two bustling hubs of neighbourhood shops and handcrafted goods, has the pulse of a community that is closely tied to its history.

Nevertheless, what makes Aurora herself is her call to the wild. With more than 100 parks, such as the vast Cherry Creek State Park, outdoor lovers can find comfort in the immaculate scenery, charming paths, and limitless leisure options. Aurora continues to be a work of art where innovation and tradition collide, where the grandeur of the surrounding peaks inspires a spirit of exploration.

Here are the 20 Surprising Facts About Aurora That Will Make You Want to Visit:

1. The City has Over 250 Parks

Photo by Max D on Unsplash

Aurora provides expansive outdoor experiences in the heart of the city, encompassing more than 6,500 acres with over 250 parks. Just south of Aurora, for instance, is the vast 1,700-acre Cherry Creek State Park. In addition to miles of hiking and biking routes, the sizable reservoir offers boating, fishing, and swimming.

A 71-mile greenbelt oasis is created closer to downtown where the High Line Canal route crosses the city. Aurora has plenty of access to wildlife along with urban conveniences, ranging from tiny neighbourhood parks to vast preserves.

2. Aurora has a Vibrant Performing Arts Scene

The only year-round professional ballet company in the state, Ballet Ariel, is a prominent feature of Aurora’s vibrant performing arts community. This thriving cultural centre offers a diverse range of dance performances and artistic expressions, drawing in both enthusiasts and artists. Ballet Ariel is a must-visit location for individuals looking for the magic of live ballet and a wide range of performing arts experiences. Its dedication to year-round excellence greatly enhances Aurora’s cultural landscape.

3. Aurora is the Third Largest City in Colorado

Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

After Denver and Colorado Springs, Aurora is the third-largest city in the state. With more people than 380,000, Aurora surpasses Boulder in population, demonstrating its significant expansion and allure. This thriving neighbourhood provides both locals and visitors with a varied and lively atmosphere, making it a major role in Colorado’s urban landscape.

4. There are Over 130 Different Languages Spoken in Aurora Public Schools

Aurora is a proudly diverse city. Students in the city’s public school system speak more than 130 different languages, which is proof of this. Children in Aurora schools speak languages that represent cultures all over the world because of the city’s sizable foreign population.

In school corridors and classrooms, one can hear voices speaking Spanish, Russian, Amharic, Vietnamese, Arabic, Swahili, and Somali. The diverse array of languages further highlights Aurora’s hospitable nature. Also, it equips pupils to prosper in a world that is becoming more interconnected.

5. Visit the Aurora Fox Arts Center which has been Open Since 1978

Jeffrey Beall, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Aurora Fox Arts Centre has been a pillar of the local theatre scene since 1978. The centre, with its unique “in-the-round” theatre, has long been known for its immersive and engrossing performances.

It has developed into a pillar of culture over time, establishing a close bond between the audience and the theatre. The Aurora Fox Arts Centre, which has a long history of staging plays, is still an important centre for creative expression and provides locals with an interesting and captivating theatre experience.

6. Aurora’s Historic Del Mar Theater Opened in 1944 is a Must-visit

Since its opening in 1945, Aurora’s Del Mar Theatre has been recognised as a gem of the film industry. For cinema buffs, this ancient theatre with its one screen continues to be a nostalgic retreat. In keeping with its history, the theatre screens both independent and classic films, allowing viewers to enjoy the wonder of the big screen in a timeless environment that evokes the allure of a bygone era.

7. The City is Home to One of the Largest Collections of Outdoor Murals in the U.S.

CameronRailton, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Aurora’s extensive mural programme makes the city’s streets function as an outdoor art exhibit. All across town, more than a hundred colourful murals cover the walls of shops and public areas.

The vibrant artwork created by regional painters encapsulates the city’s varied culture, history, and ideals in these expansive paintings. Aurora is considered one of the mural capitals of the country due to its vast collection of public art. The community’s artistic spirit is reflected in the outdoor paintings, which range from realistic portraiture to abstract designs.

8. Splash Aquatics Center is One of the Top Indoor Water Parks in Colorado

One of Colorado’s best indoor water parks, Splash Aquatics Centre offers an exhilarating aquatic experience. With features like thrilling slides, a lazy river, and lap pools, it has grown to be a popular spot for water lovers. Splash Aquatics Centre is a great option for anyone looking for aquatic fun in Colorado, drawing both families and individuals to the aquatic sanctuary to enjoy the ideal balance of relaxation and excitement.

9. Take a Tour and Tasting at Aurora’s Dry Dock Brewing Company

Greg Younger from Fort Collins, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Beer lovers will find themselves in heaven at Aurora’s Dry Dock Brewing Company, the third-largest brewery in Colorado. Through educational tours and delectable sampling, guests at their main location may learn more about the craft brewing industry.

Dry Dock Brewing Company, well-known for its tasty and varied brews, welcomes visitors to learn about the complex brewing process. They also enjoy the unique and complex flavours that have helped them gain recognition in the state’s brewing industry.

10. Aurora has its Own Symphony Orchestra, Ballet Company and Many More

Aurora is a thriving artistic community and a cultural treasure. The city’s dedication to the arts is demonstrated by the presence of a symphony orchestra, ballet company, theatre company, opera company, and young ballet academy. Aurora is a bustling centre for artistic expression and cultural enrichment, offering a wide range of acts for both locals and tourists to enjoy, including ballets, symphonies, and theatrical shows.

11. The Aurora Sports Park is a Must-visit Location in the City

Sirspinzalot, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

With a variety of leisure activities, the 148-acre Aurora Sports Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. An 18-hole disc golf course is available for enthusiasts, and an archery range is available for archers to practise their talents.

The BMX course can be navigated by thrill-seekers, offering an additional burst of excitement. The park’s vast amenities offer a vibrant area for sports and leisure, appealing to a diverse array of interests within Aurora’s vibrant and involved population.

12. Cherry Creek Reservoir is a Popular Spot for Water Recreational Activities

Cherry Creek Reservoir is a popular spot for outdoor water sports and is situated just outside of the city. The reservoir is a well-liked location for boating, sailing, and paddleboarding because of its tranquil expanse.

Its pleasant beaches provide visitors with a spot to unwind and enjoy the sun. Cherry Creek Reservoir’s scenic location makes it a cool haven for water lovers looking for a tranquil but exciting getaway close to the city.

13. The Aurora Cultural Arts District Hosts a First Friday Festival Monthly

Ayamano2021, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The First Friday Festival, a monthly spectacular organised by the Aurora Cultural Arts District, celebrates creativity and community spirit. Every month, this energetic event fills the streets with live music, art exhibits, and delicious food trucks.

Immersed in the vibrant atmosphere, attendees can take in a wide variety of performances. The First Friday Festival has grown to be a beloved annual event that creates a vibrant and interesting environment for locals and guests to enjoy Aurora’s rich cultural diversity.

14. Aurora was One of the First U.S. Cities to get the New Electric Highway

Aurora is a leader in environmentally friendly transportation, having been one of the first American communities to use the Electric Highway. Electric vehicle (EV) drivers can now travel more conveniently and sustainably thanks to this creative network of EV charging stations positioned strategically along major routes. Aurora’s adoption of the Electric Highway places the city at the forefront of the country’s efforts to encourage clean and efficient modes of transportation, demonstrating a commitment to a greener future.

15. The City has Sworn in Refugee Police Officers from Countries

As an example of inclusive community policing, Aurora has sworn in police officers who are refugees from countries like Iraq and Myanmar. This dedication to diversity promotes mutual understanding between cultures, which strengthens ties between the community and police enforcement.

Aurora makes an effort to ensure that its police force reflects the diverse nature of the city by welcoming officers from a range of backgrounds. This fosters cooperation and confidence, which leads to a safer and more peaceful neighbourhood.

16. Aurora has the Only Cryonic Facility in the Region at the Alcor Life Extension Foundation

Ufficio Comunicazione, Azienda Ospedaliera SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, Alessandria and Biblioteca Biomedica Centro di Documentazione, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Alcor Life Extension Foundation is a modern and intriguing facility located in an industrial district of Aurora. Alcor is the largest cryonics centre in the world, specialising in the cryopreservation of human remains through extremely low temperatures.

The Aurora facility, which uses state-of-the-art technology to retain bodies at -196°C, is home to the greatest number of cryopreserved patients on the planet. Alcor gives optimism that eventually, despite cryonics being an experimental field, advancements in medicine may enable the revival of individuals who have been dead for decades.

17. The Aurora History Museum Exhibits Focus on Local History

Explore the history of the city with engaging displays at the Aurora History Museum that highlight regional history. Discover the history of the city’s agricultural roots, experience life as a frontier settler, and be in awe of the advancements in aerospace technology. The museum connects locals and visitors to the rich tapestry of Aurora’s distinct and varied history by providing an enlightening journey through time with a focus on the city’s eclectic heritage.

18. The Popular Annual Events Attract Many to Aurora

Photo by Colin Lloyd on Unsplash

Every year, Aurora organises a wide range of exciting events that attract both locals and tourists. While Global Fest highlights the city’s vast ethnic diversity, the Aurora Pride Festival honours diversity and inclusivity.

The community’s artistic spirit is celebrated during Art in Public Places Month, and the spectacular Independence Day event unites everyone in remembrance of the establishment of the country. These well-attended occasions add to Aurora’s vibrant ambience, encouraging harmony and communal enjoyment among its multicultural populace.

19. The Expansive Public Art Collection is Housed at the Aurora Municipal Center

In addition to being the centre of civic activity, the Aurora Municipal Centre offers a vibrant gallery for artistic expression. The centre is delighted to be home to a sizable collection of engaging public art pieces created by both domestic and foreign artists. Within the walls of this civic institution, residents and visitors can enjoy the beauty and inventiveness that contribute to Aurora’s rich cultural landscape thanks to the varied variety of art that improves the public area.

20. Sample the City’s Craft Beers in the Aurora Beer Trail Run by 5 Breweries

Take a lovely trip around the city’s craft beer scene by starting the Aurora Beer Trail. You’re invited to sample the distinctive brews from five breweries, making this the ideal chance to celebrate Aurora’s craft beer culture with friends. The Aurora Beer Trail provides a simple and exciting way to try the city’s rich and diverse craft beers in good company, whether you’re a beer lover or just looking for a fun adventure.

Aurora, Colorado, enthrals with its diverse citizenry, deep cultural heritage, and unwavering dedication to sustainability. With a thriving arts scene, inclusive community policing, and exciting events, Aurora is a progressive city that welcomes both locals and tourists to enjoy its distinct warmth and charm.