Exploring the Sports History of Arvada, CO: A Journey Through Time

Arvada, CO is a town full of rich history and outdoorloving, communityoriented people who take pride in their sporting traditions. From football to rodeo to cycling, there are many places where sports fans can explore the history of athletic competitions that have taken place over the last 50 to 150 years.

One great place to start is The Arvada Flour Mill Museum (Easley Rd & Upham St, Arvada, CO 80003), which showcases exhibits on local sports heroes such as crosscountry skiing champion Lyle Nelson and Olympic swimmer Mary T. Meagher. Visitors can learn about early bicycle racing at Ralston Central Park (5850 Garrison St, Arvada, CO 80002) and see how farming techniques evolved at Clear Creek Valley Farms (10600 W. 58th Ave., Arvada).

For those interested in rodeo culture and cowboys legendary feats from the past century should visit Indian Tree Golf Course & Saddle Club (7555 Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada). This club offers horseback riding lessons as well as access to its historical museum giving visitors insight into cowboy hats; chaps belts worn by famous riders like Ben Johnson Jr., Casey Tibbs or Prineville Buster Welch.

Another historic site worth visiting is Robert Frost Elementary Schools gymnasium now renamed Oberon Middle School (7300 Quail St #1034, Westminster). Here basketball legend Wilt Chamberlain played his first high school game for Overland High School against Wheat Ridge High during a tournament in December of 1953. Theres also McIlvoy House Museum (7307 Grandview Ave., Olde Towne) it houses relics from decades ago when baseball was all America wanted.

No trip would be complete without paying homage to one of the most beloved sports figures in Arvadas history, Glenn Morris. The towns famous Olympic decathlon gold medalist has a dedicated park named after him with a statue and several athletic fields for visitors to enjoy (Corner of Kipling St. & Ralston Rd., Arvada).

In summary, Arvada, CO is full of charming spots that allow visitors to explore the towns sporting heritage. From rodeos to basketball to cycling, there are plenty of venues where you can immerse yourself in local history while enjoying the outdoors. With so many attractions on offer across multiple locations those interested should take their time when exploring the sports history of this bustling picturesque Western frontier town.

Websites:

https://www.arvadahistory.org/

https://arvadacenter.org/museumandgalleries/

Twitter handles:

@ArvadaFdnHist

@IndianTreeGolf

@WheatRidge_CO