History: Parker, Colorado, located about 20 miles southeast of downtown Denver, was established in 1864, by Alfred Butters, and was originally named Pine Grove. Native Americans had previously utilized the area for seasonal hunting. When gold was discovered in Colorado in 1858, thousands traveled to Colorado by way of old Native American hunting trails; many of which ran along Cherry Creek. This is when new settlements began to emerge.

Pine Grove came to be when Alfred Butters had built a tiny one-room building to handle mail, supply provisions, and provide a place to leave messages. Butters’ place quickly became a refuge for travelers, and was named the Pine Grove Way Station. The building had changed ownership a handful of times, and eventually the building was relocated to main street, expanded, and was renamed the 20 Mile House. The 20 Mile House was eventually sold to James Sample Parker in 1874. From there, the town truly began to flourish, and in 1882, the settlement’s name was officially changed to Parker.

What it’s known for: Parker has the convenience of being close to the big city of Denver, yet offers that cozy hometown feel. Downtown Parker is also known as Old Town Parker - right on Mainstreet is where many of Parker’s signature events occur, including summertime festivals, carriage rides at Christmastime, and the Parker Farmer’s Market! During the summer months, O’Brien Park hosts Movies in the Park, a free family-friendly event. In June, downtown Parker is taken over by the Parker Days Festival. You can find carnival rides, live shows, and food trucks; all part of a long, fun-packed weekend!

Restaurants, Parks, & More: Parker has plenty of restaurants to choose from. What are you in the mood for? From Italian to Mexican, or Japanese to Indian, there’s a Parker restaurant to satisfy your craving. Check out Hickory House for their delicious barbeque. The Opa Grill offers Greek cuisine. And if you’re in the mood for pasta, then Portofino Pizza & Pasta is an absolute must.

Mainstreet in Downtown Parker is just a short walk from one end to the next, and with restaurants and shops lining the street, there is a little something for everyone.

Like the rest of Colorado, Parker has so much to offer to people who love the great outdoors. There are so many trails to choose from, like the Baldwin Gulch, French Creek, or High Plains Trails. The list goes on, and pedestrians, bicyclists, and equestrians alike can find the trail that is right for them. Take your four-legged companion to the off-leash dog park. Nearby, you can also find a disc-golfing course. During the summer months between Memorial Day and Labor Day, H2O’Brien Park is an outdoor waterpark, which makes it a great summer spot for families! Parker also has a few golf courses to choose from. So no matter what calls you outdoors, Parker has a little bit of everything to offer.

Schools: The majority of Parker schools are part of the Douglas County School District No. Re 1. Douglas County School District is ranked 16th out of the 124 school districts in the state of Colorado. Parker Core Knowledge Charter School serves grades kindergarten through eighth grade, and is ranked as the best K-8 school in Parker. Chaparral High School, home of the Wolverines, serves grades 9-12, and is ranked as the best high school in the school district.

Parker, Colorado really seems to have it all. It is conveniently close to Denver, yet has its own small town feel. The parks and trails offer so much to every adventurer, and downtown always seems to have something going on, whether it’s festivals, or just plain hometown tradition.