This refuge has enough ecosystems to keep you coming back for years with prairie, woodlands and wetlands. Not only does it encompass these three ecosystems, it caters to all with both walking trails and driving trails. The walking trails are plentiful and the driving trail is a leisurely 9 mile trip.
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| Bison herd in the distance with the Rocky Mountains in the background. |
The land where the Refuge now sits, has a long history that started with land hunted by Plains Indians, settled by early pioneers and used as a weapon manufacturing arsenal during WWII before eventually being reclaimed and designated a refuge where endangered species like the bison and the black-footed ferret have been re-introduced into their native environment.
The Visitor Center consists of a gift shop which helps to support the Refuge and carries everything from post cards to snacks, trinkets and sweatshirts. A small museum showcases not only the history of the Refuge but some of the animals who now live there with many of the exhibits being interactive as well. Last but not least, there is a Visitor Center Discovery Room for the kids with all kinds of interactive learning experiences for them to learn about the animals living here as well as conservation efforts.
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| History of the Arsenal through 1960 in the museum. |
There is an abundance of literature as well as a newsletter that gives dates and times for special activities at the Refuge. The best part is that almost all the programs are free. The only programs I noticed were not free were those associated with fishing season, in which case a Season Fishing Pass is required.
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge
6550 Gateway Road
Commerce City, Colorado
303.289.0930
For more information, here are two websites:
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