Road Trip from Brighton to Lakewood, Colorado
Are you planning a road trip from Brighton to Lakewood, Colorado? This article will guide you through the top museums, parks, and landmarks that you don’t want to miss along the way.
Fun Fact: The distance between Brighton and Lakewood is approximately 20 miles and can be covered within half an hour.
Halfway Point: Commerce City, CO - This vibrant city is known for its beautiful parks and wildlife refuge areas. You can explore the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, a protected area that is home to over 330 species of wildlife, including bison, coyotes, and bald eagles.
The trip from Brighton to Lakewood is relatively short, spanning just over twenty miles and taking less than thirty minutes by car. However, there are several exciting places you can visit during your journey. Here are our top five picks for places to visit:
- Rocky Mountain National Park - Located about an hour’s drive northwest of Lakewood, this national park is a must-visit for nature lovers. The park boasts over 415 square miles of rugged mountain terrain and a vast array of wildlife and plant species.
Point of Interest Recommendation: Trail Ridge Road - This scenic drive runs through the heart of the park, passing through several stunning alpine landscapes and offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
- Colorado Railroad Museum - Located in Golden, just a short distance from Lakewood, this museum is home to over 100 pieces of historic railroad equipment. Visitors can enjoy a hands-on experience exploring classic trains and learn about the history of railroading in Colorado.
Point of Interest Recommendation: Take a Ride on the Steam Engine - The museum offers an exciting steam train experience where visitors can take a ride on a train that once served the mining towns.
- Butterfly Pavilion and Insect Center - This unique facility is an indoor butterfly garden and bug zoo in Westminster. It is home to over 5,000 animals from around the world and features interactive exhibits that provide visitors with an up-close look at live insects and butterflies.
Point of Interest Recommendation: Hold a Tarantula - One of the most exciting experiences at the pavilion is the opportunity to hold a tarantula. You can also learn about the individual butterflies, watch them hatch and get to see bees and ants harvest and live in a defined environment.
- Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater - Located in Morrison, just a few miles away from Lakewood, this stunning natural venue has been hosting concerts and other events since the early 1900s. This unique outdoor venue carved into giant red rocks is the perfect venue for music lovers.
Point of Interest Recommendation: Movie on the Rocks: During summer months, you can watch your favorite flick while enjoying your time in the park.
- Denver Art Museum - Finally, head up to Denver to visit the Denver Art Museum, home to more than 70,000 works of art from around the world. Visitors can explore the permanent and special exhibitions showcasing stunning works of art from different genres.
Point of Interest Recommendation: Frederic C. Hamilton Building - This impressive structure designed by architect Daniel Libeskind is a work of art in its own right, housing numerous art collections and exhibitions.
In conclusion, this road trip from Brighton to Lakewood presents visitors with a variety of exciting destinations to explore, from natural landscapes to indoor exhibits and iconic museums. With these five top picks and point of interest recommendations, there’s no reason not to embark on this unique adventure. Enjoy your road trip!