A Wild Day at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge

May 13, 2025 | by Cheryl Gass

Tucked just outside Denver lies a place where bison roam, mule deer graze, and prairie dogs chirp beneath the wide Colorado sky.

Looking for a weekend adventure that’s close to home but feels worlds away? The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is a hidden refuge just north of the city near Denver International Airport.

With 15,000 acres of restored prairie, 20 miles of family-friendly trails, a scenic bison drive, and an interactive visitor center, it’s the perfect mix of nature, history, and wildlife wonder.

From Chemical Plant to Wildlife Sanctuary

This land has a wild backstory. Built in 1942 after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Arsenal was originally a chemical weapons site for WWII. After the war, the Army leased parts of the land to private companies—most notably Shell Oil, which used it for agricultural chemical production.

Later, during the Cold War, the site even helped fuel the Apollo 11 mission by producing rocket fuel. But years of use left the land contaminated, and by 1982, all production had ceased.

In 1987, the site was placed on the EPA’s Superfund list, and the focus shifted to environmental cleanup and restoration. Today, the land is a thriving habitat managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, home to over 300 species of wildlife, including bison, bald eagles, deer, and endangered black-footed ferrets.

Our Family Adventure

We began our visit at the visitor center, where the kids explored hands-on exhibits about the refuge’s wildlife and history.

One unexpected hit? A rotary dial phone! I showed the kids how to spin the dial, just like I used to do at my grandmother’s house. They were fascinated—and a little confused!

Right outside, we visited an exhibit with a live black-footed ferret—an endangered species and one of the stars of the refuge. It sparked a fun memory of the pet ferret I briefly had as a kid (it was cute but had a habit of nibbling fingers!).

Trails, Prairie Dogs, and Birdsongs

We set off on the Discovery Trail, where we stumbled upon a lively prairie dog town. The kids were captivated, watching the little critters pop in and out of their burrows and chirp at each other.

We also saw a variety of birds, including one cheerful singer perched on a fence, belting out its own tune. If you’re into birdwatching, bring binoculars or a guidebook—this place is a haven for feathered friends!

A Peaceful Surprise at Lake Mary

We continued our hike toward the Lake Mary Loop, making our trek about two miles round trip. Just as we reached the lake, we were rewarded with a breathtaking sight—a herd of eight mule deer, calmly grazing.

They occasionally looked up at us, especially when one of the kids got a little too excited and started bouncing around. It was a beautiful, peaceful moment.

And just when we thought the wildlife show was over, we spotted a group of wild turkeys strutting through the grass on our way back!

The Bison Drive: A Grand Finale

Before heading home, we took the 11-mile wildlife drive through the refuge. This slow-paced, 45-minute loop offers scenic views and the chance to see the refuge’s most famous residents: bison!

We were not disappointed—herds of bison roamed freely across the prairie. I’ve never seen so many in one place—not even in Yellowstone. It was absolutely awe-inspiring and the perfect way to wrap up our adventure.

Plan Your Visit

If you have a free weekend, make time to explore the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge. Whether you hike, drive, or just enjoy the scenery, you’re in for a memorable experience.

From its fascinating history to the abundance of wildlife, this place offers something for everyone—and it’s free to visit!

For more info: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/rocky-mountain-arsenal