The city of Westminster is located within both the Jefferson and Adams counties in Colorado, United States. It is considered a northwest suburb of the city of Denver. Only 9 miles south-southwest of the Colorado State Capitol lies the Westminster Municipal Center. As of April 1, 2010, the population is projected to be 106,114, making it the 7th most populous city within Colorado and the 237th most inhabited city within the US. Westminster is a member of the Denver-Aurora-Broomfield, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area and the Denver-Aurora-Boulder Combined Statistical Area. Money magazine ranked Westminster as the 24th best place to reside within the US during the month of July, 2006.
It was after the discovery of gold on Little Dry Creek during the year 1858 that people began to settle within the region of Westminster. Four years later in 1862, the newly created Homestead Act helped bring in more eastern settlers which helped to strengthen the small community. Pleasant DeSpain was the first permanent settler in Westminster. He built his house on 160 acres of farmland in the year 1870. As time wore on, the area became called DeSpain Junction. Soon after DeSpain constructed his house, other settlers started to follow suit. One of the most prominent was a horse breeder, Edward Bruce Bowles. His huge brick home still stands at present and is being used as a local Museum. C.J. Harris was another early settler. He originated from Connecticut and was a famous real estate developer. The city of Westminster was inspired to change it's name to Harris and, during 1911, Westminster City was incorporated. Then again, when Westminster was incorporated it went through one more name change to Westminster, to honor the local Westminster University.
The city of Westminster prides itself on offering a large assortment of recreational, historic, and artistic activities. The Bowles House Museum offers a unique chance to turn back the clock and experience the way life used to be. It is situated in a farmhouse constructed between 1871 and 1876. Those who are interested in insects and butterflies will be drawn to the city's Butterfly Pavilion and Insect Center. There are interactive displays which provide insight into conservation, invertebrates and science. There is an absolutely spectacular indoor tropical rainforest which is home to over 1,200 live butterflies. To see a beautiful Rocky Mountains view, climb up the 181 stairs at Westminster's City Hall to the bell tower. One more popular spot is the Westminster Promenade, that is an outdoor area which comprises numerous entertainment places and stores. There are some play areas meant for kids, as well as numerous cafes, trails and restaurants.
There are several nature trails in the city of Westminster, that has an open space system. Part of this open space system is the Big Dry Creek Trail, which stretches over about 10 miles from Standley Lake to the eastern boundary of Westminster. There are some other trails situated along the Farmers' High Line Canal, Walnut Creek, and Little Dry Creek. Land has been preserved by the city within the Standley lake Regional Park, the Westminster Hills area, as well as several other areas which have historic significance to the city. Some facilities, such as Westminster City Park and the City Park Recreation center, provide exciting recreational activities for the residents of the city. There are two stunning golf courses in Westminster: the Legacy Ridge Golf Course and the Heritage Golf Course at Westmoor.