The Town of Castle Rock is the county seat of Douglas County, Colorado. It’s named after a prominent castle tower-shaped butte just north of the town. A park, picnic area and public access is provided to climb to the top of the rock. In 1874, when Douglas County redrew the eastern border, Castle Rock was founded and made the county seat. The town has grown in recent years and has expanded into a more urban environment. A notable annual event for Castle Rock was the PGA golf tournament, the International, held in Castle Pines Village from 1986 through 2006 at the Castle Pines Golf Club.

More Town Facts

Original residents of the area were the Arapahoe and Cheyenne Indian tribes who lived in the regions between the Arkansas River and the South Platte. In 1862, the Homestead Act and the possibility of gold in the area drew settlers including Jeremiah Gould who was the first to own land near “The Rock”. Even though the prospect of gold drew people in, the discovery of rhyolite stone was responsible for the settlement becoming permanent. When the Denver and Rio Grand Railroad came through the area, the town began to grow faster. Castle Rock Historic Museum chronicles the changes that the town has seen from the late 1800′s to the present day.

Because of the location, from Castle Rock you can see Pikes Peak, Devil’s Head and Mount Evans. The area has juniper trees, Ponderosa pine woodlands and large meadows. The geology is fascinating and includes many outcroppings, mesas, cliffs, canyons and of course the town’s namesake; the butte that is Castle Rock. It is home to many animals including, Black bear, Mountain lions, badgers, coyotes, Mule deer, Gray fox, chipmunks, porcupines and skunks. The landscape begins to change as you get farther south from Denver and Pinon Pine and Gambel Oaks become part of the terrain. These are the home of the Colorado Hairstreak Butterfly which is the Official State Insect for Colorado. In the blue skies above you may see many beautiful and predatory birds including the Golden Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk and Peregrine Falcon.

Castle Rock is a nice community with many things to see and do, and is a wonderful place for a vacation while in Colorado. Close to the main I-25 corridor, it’s a quick trip in any direction and offers the convenience of an urban setting, while maintaining a historic legacy and rural feeling.  Castle Rock welcomes you to stop by for a visit.

Castle Rock Local Attractions

Castle Rock Outlet Mall - Over 120 brand name stores invite you to visit the Castle Rock Outlet Mall.  There should be something for everyone here, and at a great discount! Whether you want to shop till you drop, or just take a tour, have lunch and people watch…. this is the place to be.

Historical Museum – In 1875 a trim small train depot was erected on third street in the bustling new village of Castle Rock. It was constructed of Rhyolite building stone native to the area around Castle Rock and designed in the style of the period with wide eaves supported by drop-pendant brackets. The stone work was finely detailed on corners or building edges or around sills and lintels. The Depot was moved from trackside to its present location in 1970, and was carefully restored by the Castle Rock Historical Society in 1996 for use as a local history museum. The building still retains the original interior features such as the old ticket window and baggage area with 125 years of graffiti on its walls.The Castle Rock Museum is located in downtown Castle Rock. The museum is open to visitors Wednesday through Friday from noon to 5 PM and Saturday from 11 AM to 4 PM. Admission is free. If you’re bringing a group of ten or more, please call ahead to make arrangements.

Renaissance Festival – The Castle Rock Chamber wishes to welcome you….. In nearby Larkspur, every summer the Renaissance Festival is held to the delight of thousands of fans. Good King Henry invites you to spend the day when you attend the Colorado Renaissance Festival.  Go on a magical tour through time and legend.  As you wander down the village streets and pathways of the Colorado Renaissance Festival, ready thyself to revel with master revelers, watch artisans create original works of their ancient craft and be taken in by the tantalizing aromas of roast turkey legs, steak on a stake, fresh baked goods and much more. Featuring a cast of hundreds of authentically costumed merrymakers living and working throughout the village and performing for your pleasure. Upon the Festival’s seven stages, the illusion of a rollicking 16th Century festival day is created.  Impromptu encounters with the royalty and peasantry of Tudor England are commonplace.  You’ll meet all kinds, from jousters to jugglers to minstrels or maidens fair, all schooled in the of interactive theatre!

Castle Rock Photo Gallery

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