23 Best & Fun Things to Do in Castle Rock (CO)

In search of the best and fun things to do in Castle Rock, CO?

Castle Rock, located in the rich Denver city’s suburb, is the county seat of Douglas County in Colorado, United States. This town is a famous destination for outdoor enthusiasts and shoppers.

Despite Castle Rock being a town, it accommodates over 73,000 people, making it Douglas County’s highest populated municipality. The buttes, which look like American castles and used as landmarks by Native American tribes, settlers, and Western movie fans, brought about the name of this town.

The town has numerous recreational attractions, including a community theater, multi-plex cinema, fairgrounds and event center complex, parks, and restaurants. Among the numerous outdoor activities, you can enjoy hiking, bicycling, climbing, and golfing.

Additionally, it offers historic tours, an in-line hockey rink, and several festivals. Many sights and activities await you here, so get ready for an adventure!

Here are the best places to visit and best things to do in Castle Rock, Colorado.

Things to Do in Castle Rock, CO

1. Visit Rock Park

Rock Park
Credits: Kit Leong / Shutterstock
Rock Park

This attraction encompassed an area of 62.3-acre and was built in parts from 1947 to 1991 due to two additional separate land parcels. John Emerson and Paul Hill supervised the merger of the tracts of land in 1987.

The Park is named after a massive castle-like rock discovered by a gold prospector David Kellogg in 1859.

The rock’s peak offers a broad distant view of its surrounding. The hiking trail to the rock’s peak is short but unpaved, and as such, hikers are advised to come with proper boots. The nature of the course is excellent for those up for a challenging adventure.

The location offers both General-use and reservable private picnic pavilions, in addition to picnic tables and restrooms. You can bring your dogs to the Park, but they have to be on leashes.

A visit to the incredible Rock Park is one of the top things to do in Castle Rock, Colorado.

Address: 1710 Front Street, Castle Rock, CO 80104, USA

2. Hidden Mesa Open Space and Trail

Hidden Mesa Open Space and Trail
Credits: jaygannett / Flickr
Hidden Mesa Open Space and Trail

Hidden Mesa Open Space and Trail -a public open space with an area of 1,224-acre is managed by Castle Rock town and Douglas County. It is a natural land that separates Castle Rock from Franktown.

The open space is a conservation area for natural grassland, forest, shrubland, meadow, and riparian ecosystems. The scope of land also serves as habitats for much local wildlife like coyotes, elk, pronghorn, prairie dogs, mule deer, and raptors.

Southwards there is a 74-acre area that leans against the Gateway Mesa Open Space and Trail, offering 3.5 miles of hiking trails. In comparison, north of the highway has extensive lands that house additional seven miles of trails for cycling, hiking, and horseback riding.

Some rails are moderately easy, while others are relatively difficult and have horse trailers, picnic shelters, and public restrooms. The Hidden Mesa Open Space also has a research and demonstration orchard managed by Douglas County.

Address: 3217 CO-83, Franktown, CO 80116, USA

3. Columbine Open Space

Columbine Open Space
Credits: MilanMarkovic78 / Shutterstock

The Columbine Open Space is one remarkable open space and, as such, is one of the best places to visit in Castle Rock, CO. Columbine Open Space covers an area of 390-acres, which is obtained from the combination of two open space properties.

The Columbine Open Space was dedicated in 1999 to honor the Columbine High School shooting victims. Douglas county oversees the immense open space. The Colorado Division of Wildlife, the Conservation Fund, and Douglas County Land Conservancy administered the conservation easement of the Columbine Open Space.

The county also oversees a 150-acre area that serves as a vital habitat protection area for deer, elk, migratory birds, and aquatic species like the Preble’s meadow jumping mouse.

The destination also features a three-mile circle course that extends through a rock springhouse and a historic barn. Visitors can enjoy hiking, cycling, and horseback riding at the trail.

Horse trailers, a picnic pavilion, and composting restrooms are available for the general public to utilize. This destination is perfect for nature enthusiasts and is a great relaxation ground.

Address: 2 Faraway Pl, Castle Rock, CO 80104, USA

4. Union Bistro

Union Bistro
Credits: Union American Bistro / Facebook
Union Bistro

You can not lack where to eat in Castle Rock, as it is rich in unique restaurants. Union Bistro is one of such restaurants in Castle Rock having a refined American style. Christina and Dennis Dickey, the initial owners of Kansas City’s PB & J Restaurants, are the owners and runners of Union Bistro.

The owners also brought executive chef Kim Heideman to the restaurant, serving big and small-sized artisan meals in a country-style setting with a bar and wooden seasonal outdoor dining area.

The restaurant serves delicious dishes such as cajun spaghettini served with grilled salmon and citrus brown butter; barbecue salmon tacos served with excellent flatbreads (such as Thai flatbread), peanut sauce, and Asian-styled vegetables.

Varieties of sandwiches and burgers, such as Nashville hot chicken sandwiches, salmon burgers, and Mediterranean-style gyro sandwiches, are served daily. Martinis sold at a discounted price are available in 22 options all through Saturdays, while wines sold at half its price are available on Wednesdays at happy hour.

Address: 3 Wilcox St, Castle Rock, CO 80104, USA

5. DC Fair and Rodeo

DC Fair and Rodeo
Credits: Phebe Khalil / Shutterstock

If you want to feel the Country lifestyle, then this is the right destination for you. The Castle Rock’s Douglas County Fair and Rodeo, which takes place every summer, has been a family tradition for over 100 years.

The County Fair and Rodeo offers numerous fun and exciting features and activities, including live music, Two entertainment stages, carnivals, carnival rides, livestock, and creative arts, floriculture projects, a livestock sale, an “Old West Town” featuring pony rides, magic performances, conventional fair food, and food trucks.

At Discovery Ranch, children can enjoy being farmers for a day and learn how to raise apples, potatoes, eggs, and more. Being in the DC Fair and Rodeo is one of the best things to do in Castle Rock, CO.

Address: 500 Fairgrounds Drive Castle Rock, CO 80104, USA

6. Outlets

Outlets
Credits: J. Stephen Conn / Flickr
Outlets

The Outlets is the right destination to get the best designer brands in Castle Rock, Colorado. The Outlet is Colorado’s voted the best outlet shopping center ever since 2015, offering women, men, and children apparel. Thus, shopping at this location is one of the best things to do in Castle Rock, CO.

The site offers over 100 world-top designer brands for sale at up to 70% off retail pricing. As a result, shoppers can get more deals at a lesser amount. The top designer retailers include Kate Spade, J. Crew, Ralph Lauren, American Eagle, Francesca’s, Brooks Brothers, Gap, and others.

Additionally, several dining options include Ruby’s Diner, Villa Italian Kitchen, Starbucks, and Qdoba. Have that extraordinary shopping experience.

Address: 5050 Factory Shops Boulevard #437, Castle Rock, CO 80108, USA

7. Siena at the Courtyard

Siena at the Courtyard
Credits: Siena at the Courtyard / Facebook
Siena at the Courtyard

Siena at the Courtyard is a famous trattoria-style restaurant in Castle Rock downtown, serving nourishing Italian-American meals prepared with fresh and high-quality ingredients.

This destination serves several lunch and dinner dishes such as brick-oven-fired traditionally styled pizza or gluten-free crusts, linguine with white clam sauce, and eggplant rollatini. Also available are clever burgers and sandwich menus, including paninis, classic Reubens, taco fish wraps, and Italian-style BLT sandwiches.

You can enjoy a full four-course wine tasting featuring craft wines produced by Fisher Vineyards. There is a wide range of wine, including American, Italian, and other international white, red, and sparkling wines, with happy hour deals all through the week.

Address: 333 Perry St Ste. D, Castle Rock, CO 80104, USA

8. Miller Activity Complex

Miller Activity Complex
Credits: irin-k / Shutterstock

The Phillip S. Miller Activity Complex, commonly known as the MAC, is a recreational facility with an area of 64,000square-foot located inside 300-acre Philip S. Miller Park. The MAC offers a broad range of indoor and outdoor sporting activities for visitors regardless of age.

This attraction features half-sized synthetic turf sporting fields, a complete indoor pool, and an aquatic center possessing four 25-yard lap lanes, a vortex whirlpool tub, a water slide, zero-entry lanes, and a water table.

In addition, batting cages, a 16-bed trampoline, batting cages, an 18-hole golf simulator, and a 7.4-mile trail featuring a 200-steps challenge staircase are also available. Children can play in the 2.5-acre adventure playground.

Other amenities include a children’s splash pad, picnic pavilions, and a lounge with a fireplace located outdoors. Enjoying these numerous sporting activities is one of the best things to do in Castle Rock, CO.

Address: 1375 Plum Creek Pkwy, Castle Rock, CO 80109, USA

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9. Castle Rock Historical Society and Museum

Castle Rock Historical Society and Museum
Credits: J. Stephen Conn / Flickr
Castle Rock Historical Society and Museum

The Castle Rock Museum is in the old Denver & Rio Grande Railroad Depot, built-in 1875. In 1996, the society was able to buy the old Railroad Depot and establish a museum for Castle Rock and nearby towns. The museum was then opened in October 1997.

The Denver and Rio Grande Depot was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974 and the Castle Rock Register of Local Landmarks in 1994, making the museum building its prime artifact. The building still has the original interior features like the old ticket window and luggage area, which has 125 years old graffiti on its walls.

The mission of this establishment is to educate, celebrate, and unite people interested in the protection of the heritage and culture of Castle Rock, Colorado. The Historical Society has continued operating the museum and expanding its activities.

You can view exhibitions such as Rhyolite, Continental Divide Raceways Special Exhibit, and Cindy Welch paintings exhibit in this small museum to be enlightened about the history of Castle Rock. They also organize events which include talks and walking tours of the town.

This attraction center is open from Tuesday to Saturday.

 Address: 420 Elbert Street, Castle Rock, CO 80104, USA

10. Castle Rock WineFest

Castle Rock WineFest
Credits: Master1305 / Shutterstock

Castle Rock WineFest is one of the top events in Castle Rock, Colorado, held outdoors in the grassy region of Bison Park in the Meadows and was first held in 2004. The WineFest takes place every third weekend in July. This event is for those above 21 years of age.

The Castle Rock WineFest attracts wine lovers from across Colorado for an unlimited tasting of over 180 brands of Colorado’s finest wines from over 24 wineries. You can also participate in the funny Grape Stomp, and if you are not still satisfied, ensure to visit the UN’Wine’ Garden, where patrons can buy a cold craft beer local to the area.

In addition to the wines, one can access great food trucks, artisan vendors, and live music from local bands. Since the event’s inception, the event has rapidly gained popularity and keeps getting better each year.

Wine tasting at Castle Rock WineFest is one of the exciting things to do in Castle Rock, CO. Come share in one of Colorado’s finest events.

Address: 1390 Clear Sky Way, Castle Rock, CO 80109, USA

11. Briccy’s Coffee

Briccy's Coffee
Credits: portumen / Shutterstock

If you are still curious about what to do in Castle Rock, Colorado, then be sure to visit Briccy’s Coffee. Briccy’s Coffee is a popular location among locals in Castle Rock, Colorado, and it is greatly loved.

This coffee shop serves hot and cold Coffee, coupled with beverages like tea, chilled drinks, and juices. There are numerous sweets like muffins and gelatos for those who like sweet things. Briccy’s Coffee is reputed to have good customer service a relaxing ambiance, and their products are offered at an affordable price.

It’s a famous destination for people on the move and those seeking caffeine and some quiet time. Spending some time at this coffee shop is one of the best things to do in Castle Rock, CO.

Address: 140 S Wilcox Street C, Castle Rock, CO 80104, USA

12. Rhyolite Gallery

Rhyolite Gallery
Credits: SeventyFour / Shutterstock

The Rhyolite Gallery is the only fine art gallery and gift shop in the heart of Castle Rock downtown. The Gallery was founded by Nick Lucey, Castle Rock Artist Cooperative founder, and president, for local art to be prominent in Castle Rock, Colorado.

The Gallery features paintings, fine art photography, sculpture, and other artistic works. This attraction also offers local honey, jams, preserves, soaps, scented candles, books about the locality, CBD products, postcards, greeting cards, calendars, t-shirts, hats, buttons, stickers, patches, and other gifts.

This destination also holds artist receptions to meet and greet artists and other art lovers. They are open from Tuesday to Saturday. The Rhyolite Gallery is a must-see attraction in Castle Rock, Colorado.

Address: 505 2nd St, Castle Rock, CO 80104, USA

13. The EDGE

The EDGE
Credits: aounphoto / Shutterstock

The Edge, previously known as Castle Rock Adventure Park, is the destination for an electrifying experience. It gives room for every age group to test and discover their limits at the Rocky Mountain front range.

You can tour the Colorado zip line or the Sky Trek to behold the breathtaking view of the playground from above and the distant view of its surroundings as well. It also offers a 50-mile per hour zip line for the audacious.

Enjoy the exciting jumping experience and vertical climbs on the Adventure Tower’s thrilling features. In addition, our Ninja Course may bring out the warrior in you.

Enjoying unlimited fun in this attraction is one of the fun things to do in Castle Rock, Colorado.

Address: 1375 W Plum Creek Parkway, Castle Rock, CO 80109, USA

14. Denver Botanic Gardens

Denver Botanic Gardens
Credits: Chris Myers / Flickr
Denver Botanic Gardens

Denver Botanic Gardens, which is just four minutes away from Castle Rock, covers more than 24 acres. The garden presents a vast array of gardens and collections showing diverse plants from all over the world.

The Gardens explain and celebrate their western identity and peculiar climate and geography. This destination connects people to plants through botanical beauty, conservation, art, education, and sustainable living.

Denver Botanic Gardens possesses a peaceful environment, perfect for a stroll among different foreign and local trees and flowers. There are well-marked trails that show relaxation spots and a playground for children to have fun.

You can also enjoy numerous live entertainments at the open-air Theater located in the garden all through summer. When in Castle Rock, Colorado, ensure to visit this location as it promises an experience you cannot forget.

Address: 1007 York Street, Denver, CO 80206-3014, USA

15. The Rink at the Rock

Credits: Vit Kovalcik / Shutterstock

The Rink at the Rock is an attraction that is suitable for the whole family. Enjoy the thrill of gliding on ice in this fascinating destination in Castle Rock, Colorado.

The Rink at the Rock is a small ice rink that operates seasonally, usually from November to February. The objective of this skating rink is to offer visitors an area where they can have fun, socialize, and make lifelong memories.

This Castle Rock’s social center offers lovely views of the rock, mouthwatering food and drinks, and gives its visitors memories that will last a lifetime. The destination also has a white pavilion for holding different events all through the year.

This Castle Rock attraction is open all week during the winter season

Address: 414 Perry St, Castle Rock, CO 80104, USA

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16. Colorado Artfest

Castle Rock’ celebrates an art festival known as Colorado Artfest every year. This two-day festival, which has been held for more than 30 years, has become a summertime tradition for locals and art lovers.

This reputable Castle Rock art festival allows you to delight in the artistic talents of over 170 artists from across the USA exhibiting a wide range of creative works, from life-size sculptures to photography and jewelry. There are numerous opportunities to appreciate and buy art during this event.

Enjoy live main stage entertainment at rapid succession, featuring over 100 famous musicians from across the United States. Children are not left out as there’s an imagination zone just for them. You can also exercise your taste buds with tasty food and beverages from vendors.

The attraction has lots of parking spaces at the local fairground. Free shuttles are also available to get you to and from this destination. There is something fun for every age group at the Colorado Artfest at Castle Rock, and as such, attending this event is one of the best things to do in Castle Rock, CO.

Address: 300 2nd St, Castle Rock, CO 80104, USA

17. Crave Real Burgers

Crave Real Burgers
Credits: Kim Singdahlsen / Flickr
Crave Real Burgers

Crave Real Burgers‘ is a famous chain of Colorado burger joints in Castle Rock, Colorado. It was established in 2010 by Jeryn and Jeff Richard, the previous owners of Castle Rock’s Old Stone Church Restaurant. The Crave Real burgers have won awards in Denver Burger Battle for over five years.

The trendy diner also has branches in Highlands Ranch and Colorado Springs. The Crave Real Burgers serves locally-raised Colorado beef burgers with unique toppings, such as jalapenos, tempura-fried cream cheese, grilled pineapple, raspberry barbecue sauce, and coffee-dusted onion straws.

This diner also serves exquisite sandwiches prepared through inspiration gotten internationally and standard milkshakes containing alcohol. A bite of Crave Real Burgers is one of the best things to do in Castle Rock, CO.

Address: 3982 Limelight Ave, Castle Rock, CO 80109, USA

18. Red Hawk Ridge Golf Course

Red Hawk Ridge Golf Course
Credits: pisitnamtasaeng / Shutterstock

Castle Rock’s Red Hawk Ridge Golf Course, which encompasses an area of 6,900 yards, was designed by Jim Engh, a renowned architect. The Red Hawk Ridge Golf Course was opened to the public in 1999 and featured an exceptional view.

The Course fairways are filled with natural grasses and scrub oak and are characterized by significant elevation variations, scenic rolling grounds, and a beautiful distant view. This destination features five sets of tees, 35 turf stations, target greens, a practice bunker, and a putting green for golfers of all experience levels.

Also available is a full-service pro shop that offers PGA-certified instructors to enlighten visitors of all skill levels and bespoke club fittings. Enjoy tasty American-style cuisine for lunch or dinner at the Clubhouse Grill in this location.

This outstanding attraction in Castle Rock, Colorado, is not missed.

Address: 2156 Red Hawk Ridge Dr, Castle Rock, CO 80109, USA

19. Castle Cafe

Castle Cafe
Credits: J. Stephen Conn / Flickr
Castle Cafe

Castle Café is a pleasant American-style pub situated in the previous Castle Hotel and Bar building, built in the late 19th century. It served as a famous dance hall and location where travelers visit briefly before continuing their journey through the early 20th century.

At present, the hotel space is now a chilling pub famous for its world-renowned pan-fried chicken entrees, usually served with home-style side dishes including cracklin’ gravy and mashed potatoes, blue corn chicken enchiladas,

Burgers and sandwiches are also available and are served at lunch and dinner. The bar in the location offers full bar service. The Castle Cafe is one of the top attractions in Castle Rock, Colorado.

Address: 403 Wilcox St, Castle Rock, CO 80104, USA

20. Theatre of Dreams Arts and Event Center

Theatre of Dreams Arts and Event Center
Credits: Pitchayaarch Photography / Shutterstock

Are you seeking an intriguing magical show? Then, you don’t want to miss the Theatre of Dreams Arts and Event Center as in Castle Rock, Colorado.

This attraction is among the top magical shows centers in the United States. Magician Joe Givan and Carol Massie, the couple behind Dream Masterz magic show, established the Theatre of Dreams Arts and Event Center in 2003.

The Theater, which can accommodate 72 guests only, displays a wide array of engaging performances all through the year by world-renowned artists such as magicians, mind readers, jugglers, stand-up comedians, and ventriloquists.

The Theater holds an incredible Wizard Camp for children and adults, which concludes with a magical performance by the campers. The Theater also offers private rentals for wedding receptions, birthday parties, and other social and corporate gatherings.

Address: 735 Park Street C, Castle Rock, CO 80109, USA

21. Gateway Mesa Open Space Park

Gateway Mesa Open Space Park
Credits: jaygannett / Flickr
Gateway Mesa Open Space Park

The town of Castle Rock procured Gateway Mesa Open Space Park in 1999, and it is managed by both Douglas County and the Colorado Open Lands organization.

The Park is built on lands previously owned by Jan and Chuck Hewitt. They wanted to create a retirement home on the property but transferred ownership to the city to conserve the land’s natural resources and fantastic cliff scenic surroundings.

Presently, the Park displays rare native vegetation for public parklands, such as Douglas fir trees, ponderosa pines, Gambel oaks, and different native grasses. Habitats are protected to accommodate various animals, including mountain lions, coyotes, wild turkeys, bobcats, and migratory birds.

At the Park’s parking lot, you’ll find trailheads, including the link that abuts Mitchell Creek Canyon Trail. This beautiful Open Space Park in Castle Rock, Colorado, is an excellent destination for nature enthusiasts.

Address: 4678 CO-86, Castle Rock, CO 80104, USA

22. BURLY Brewing Company

BURLY Brewing Company
Credits: Kishivan / Shutterstock

Among Castle Rock’s top craft microbreweries is BURLY Brewing Company, established by George Goodman in 2018. BURLY Brewing Company, a popular attraction in Castle Rock, Colorado, offers a vast selection of ales, stouts, and American-style IPAs.

The brewery uses a traditional brewing style to create one-of-a-kind variants of beer. It changed its initial home brewing operation to a 10-barrel brewhouse and an expansive taproom facility for general use.

The company offers numerous Beers, including its Blonde Beer’d Golden Ale, Hipster Juicebox IPA, Sailor Take Warning Red IPA, RaspBURLY Wheat Ale, Don’t Fear the Reaper Chili Ale, and Hundred Acre Honey Brown Ale. There’s a beer for everyone regardless of what they prefer.

The BURLY also features 24 taps of the brewery’s beers that are accessible at all times, in addition to year-round, seasonal, and one-off variants. The brewery is open every day and serves meals from local eateries like Colorado Pizza Company and Uncle Tapas via food trucks.

A taste of this excellent brewing company beer is one of the top things to do in Castle Rock, CO, especially for beer lovers.

Address: 680 Atchison Way Suite 800, Castle Rock, CO 80109, USA

23. The Barn Antiques and Specialty shops

 The Barn Antiques & Specialty Shops
Credits: The Barn Antiques & Specialty Shops / Facebook
The Barn Antiques & Specialty Shops

The Barn Antiques and Specialty shops situated in downtown Castle Rock, Colorado, were opened to the public in May 1998. The Barn offers an exceptional shopping experience and has also evolved to become a source of entertainment.

The Barn building has an early 20th-century business architectural style. The interior has a comfortable ambiance, so it is referred to as ‘Barn Therapy.’ The Barn Antiques and Specialty Shops specialize in Shabby chic, offering antiques for vintage enthusiasts.

The attraction offers women’s and children’s clothing, home décor, soaps, candle, even furniture, and a fascinating array of rare items from around the world to please anyone’s taste. The Barn is open from 10 am to 6 pm daily. Shopping in this unique, magical shop is one of the top things to do in Castle Rock, CO.

Address: 400 3rd Street, Castle Rock, Colorado 80104, USA

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Plan a trip to Castle Rock

Castle Rock town is rich in attractions, recreational activities, and events, which offer an educational, exciting, relaxing, and fun-filled experience for the whole family. You don’t want to miss this great town. 

Start planning your trip to Castle Rock, make your bucket list of places to visit in Castle Rock, CO. Have a fun trip!