The Optical Gallery

The Centennial House is one of Aurora's most significant pieces of history for various reasons. The structure is a Queen Anne Victorian-styled home and is the oldest of the nine houses Donald Fletcher built to begin developing a new community east of Denver. The community's original name, Fletcher, was later changed to Aurora. The home was one of the first in the area to feature plumbing and has had both its interior and exterior restored to reflect its original 1890s appearance. Tours are available, but you must call to reserve your time.

The Denver Zoo has a pedigree almost as impressive as those of the animals it houses. Established in 1896, the facility is by far the city's most popular attraction as it welcomes over one million visitors every year. You'll find over 4,000 animals here that represent 700 species. See leopards, king cobras, black rhinos, coral reef fish, elephants, zebras, vampire bats, gorillas and much more. The kids will also enjoy the petting areas and highly informative special exhibits scattered throughout this highly entertaining venue.

For the past several years, the Aurora Fox Arts Center has carried on the tradition of providing great theatrical entertainment by delivering consistently excellent performances to the delight of many audiences. The building itself is an historic landmark located in the city's East End Arts District, the epicenter of performing arts in the area. There is always an enticing array of entertainment on the schedule that includes plays, musicals, children's theater, and concerts, as well as performing classes for theater-lovers of all ages.

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.