Best Western Plus

Nature lovers and fans of the great outdoors absolutely love the Morrison Nature Center, and for plenty of good reasons! This venue is the perfect avenue by which you can encounter some of Aurora's natural beauty. The Morrison Nature Center is located on Star K Ranch, which is over 200 acres and is part of the Sand Creek Regional Greenway. This Greenway is a 14-mile trail system that connects Aurora to Denver and Commerce City, and that long stretch of nature offers plenty of excellent opportunities to see some of the area's most amazing wildlife in its natural habitat.

From the highest climactic notes to the sweeping grandeur of the big finale, watching an opera is truly a feast for the senses. You can feast your eyes on several productions that Opera Colorado stages throughout the year. The company regularly stages three operas (four performances each) at the beautiful Ellie Caulkins Opera House at the Denver Performing Arts Complex. The professionals both on stage and behind the scenes are truly committed to presenting the most impressive performances and high-class entertainment that the company has become known for throughout its distinguished tenure.

William Smith was an Aurora pioneer who went from raising sheep on his humble property to eventually founding Aurora's Public Schools and donating the land for Del Mar Park. See where this prominent Aurora figure lived by visiting the William Smith House that was built in 1910 and named a landmark in 1986. The home remained in the family until 1983 when Smith's daughter Margaret, passed away. The house is now a privately owned residence, but you can still stroll by and snap photos from the sidewalk.

Aurora's Sand Creek Regional Greenway prides itself as offering wilderness in the city. That claim is definitely true, as the 14-mile trail connects the High Line Canal in Aurora to the South Platte River Greenway in Commerce City. Along the way, it passes through Denver as well as the newly formed Stapleton community. The trail is a favorite of walkers, outdoor recreation enthusiasts, nature lovers, horseback riders, and dog lovers who are highly encouraged to have their pets on a leash when they visit.