Carlos' Barbers

Aurora's Plains Conservation Center offers you a chance to explore the area's natural history in a truly unique and memorable way. The admission price varies depending on the program or tour you are going on, but it is well worth it. You'll get a chance to explore the 1,100-acre Metro-close to Aurora site and you may encounter some "prairie originals" like pronghorns, prairie dogs, coyotes, owls, meadowlarks and red-tailed hawks. In all, it's a great way to see a side of Aurora's natural beauty that you otherwise wouldn't get a chance to encounter.

For a more manageable recreation trail, walkers and runners opt for the inviting 3.5 mile Westerly Creek. The trail travels north to south, and it connects Cherry Creek State Park with the High Line Canal at Expo Park. Access and parking to the trail are conveniently found at Expo Park and Utah Park.

Get a feel of what it was like to attend class in a two-room schoolhouse when you visit Aurora's Melvin School. The structure, built in 1922 and named a landmark in 1986, originally served the outlying community of Melvin. In 1949, the structure was carefully moved to make room for the Cherry Creek Reservoir. After being used as a tavern for 17 years, the Cherry Creek Historical Society moved the school to its current location on the grounds of Smoky Hill High School where it continues to be owned and maintained by the Cherry Hill School District.