Englewood. Colorado

Englewood, CO

The Englewood of old was known for its boom during the late-1850s Colorado gold rush and its early horse-drawn trolley that ran through downtown. Today, as a part of the Denver metro area, Englewood maintains its history and independence as a city with a population of nearly 35,000 and a nationally-known medical complex that includes the Swedish Medical Center and Craig Hospital.

Water is an important part of Englewood's more recent history. After World War II, the city purchased property along the Platte Canyon and created a reservoir that today provides much of the south Denver area's water needs. Englewood has been able to use funds from water to provide excellent city services, including a new civic center and a large water park called Pirate's Cove.

The Community of Englewood

Englewood is divided north-south by Hampden Avenue and east-west by Broadway, which roughly divides the community into four quarters. The northeast section is where the medical centers are located, the southeast is where much of the city's industrial areas lie, and the southwest is home to most of the residential areas.

What to Do in Englewood

With three water slides, a lazy river, a toddler play structure and even a sandy beach area, Pirate's Cove is a great way to spend a warm summer day. Weekday admission is $14/adult and $13/child; Englewood residents get a discount. Bring in a picnic if you like or grab a slushy drink or burger at the on-site Barnacle Cafe.

Belleview Park is the largest outdoor park in the city and has a creek, picnic areas and play spots. Visit the petting zoo, inspect the life-sized airplane or take a mini-train ride around the park. Pet owners can take advantage of the large dog park with shaded area.

The downtown Englewood Civic Center is home to a large outdoor sculpture garden maintained by the Museum of Outdoor Arts. An indoor gallery features rotating exhibits and the Cabinet of Curiosities, a whimsical room with plenty of interesting items on display. Guided tours of both outdoor garden and indoor museum are available.

One Place You Shouldn't Miss in Englewood

Exploration of Flight actually lies to the east of Englewood, but it boasts an Englewood address. It's definitely worth a trip across I-25 to see the Blue Sky Gallery sponsored by Boeing, home to several interactive exhibits about the future of aviation. Flight simulators let you experience what it's like to be a pilot and you can take an actual discovery flight sitting in the left-side pilot's seat for $179. Future planned expansions will tie into Denver's Air & Space Museum and focus on more educational exhibits about the aviation industry.

Dining in Englewood

J Alexander's Restaurant is one of the several fantastic steakhouses located in Englewood, known for its wood-fired entrees. Tuscan Steak, New York Strip and Rattlesnake Pasta are well-rated dishes, but the humble cheeseburger served here is one of the best around.

For a fun twist on morning classics, stop by The Breakfast Queen. A traditional diner atmosphere with few frills other than the food, the Queen serves filling food like Chile Relleno and Eggs, a range of Benedicts, delicious biscuits and gravy and crepes with berries and Nutella.