Choose wisely. Connect locally.Add your business 
Parker is a fast-growing town in Douglas County, about 25 miles southeast of downtown Denver, on the high plains with views of the Front Range. It began as a stage stop called the Twenty Mile House on the trail to Denver and later took the name of early settler James Parker.
Today Parker blends suburban comfort with a small-town heart along Mainstreet, where the historic Ruth Memorial Chapel, O'Brien Park and the PACE Center host concerts, theater and community festivals such as Parker Days each summer. Restaurants and breweries line the old downtown, and holiday events draw crowds in winter.
The Cherry Creek Regional Trail runs through town for walking and cycling, and open spaces such as Salisbury Park and Hidden Mesa Open Space offer prairie trails and mountain views. Castlewood Canyon State Park lies a short drive south, and Denver is under an hour away.
The Parker Arts, Culture and Events Center on Mainstreet stages touring musicals, concerts, comedy and community theater, and has a free art gallery. Its outdoor plaza connects to O'Brien Park. Book popular shows early, and arrive in time for dinner at one of the nearby downtown restaurants.
The heart of old Parker, lined with restaurants, breweries, boutiques and a few historic buildings from the town's stagecoach and farming days. It is walkable and busy on summer evenings and during festivals. Park once and stroll between O'Brien Park, the PACE Center and Ruth Memorial Chapel.
A shady park in the center of downtown Parker with a playground, splash pad, lawns and a band shell. It hosts summer concerts, farmers markets and many town festivals, and Cherry Creek runs nearby. It is a good place for a picnic with takeout from Mainstreet; restrooms are on site.
One of Parker's largest parks, with sports fields, a playground, picnic shelters and an equestrian area, plus open space trails linking to Cherry Creek. On clear days you can see Pikes Peak to the south. It is busy on game weekends, so come on weekday mornings for a quiet walk.
A small white wooden chapel from Parker's early days, preserved on Mainstreet as a reminder of the town's frontier past. With its steeple and simple interior, it is a favorite for weddings and photos. Admire it from outside on a downtown walk; the interior opens for events and occasional tours.
A paved and gravel trail following Cherry Creek north through Parker toward Cherry Creek State Park and Denver. It passes cottonwoods, wetlands and open fields with views of the mountains. Great for biking, running or a family walk; access points are near downtown and along Parker Road.
A Douglas County open space between Parker and Franktown with an easy trail across rolling prairie and up to a mesa with sandstone outcrops. Look for deer, hawks and spring wildflowers, with views of Pikes Peak. There is little shade, so bring water and a hat. Dogs on leash are allowed.
Parker's biggest annual event, held each June around downtown and O'Brien Park, with carnival rides, live music on several stages, arts and crafts booths and festival food. It draws big crowds from across the Denver area. Use the shuttle or arrive early, as downtown parking fills quickly.
No reviews yet. Been to Parker? Be the first to share your experience.
Share what you loved, what to skip and tips for other travelers.
Log in to write a reviewBeen to Parker? Add your best shots to the gallery.
Log in to add photosPhoto: Jeffrey Beall, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Mountain Mike Johans…, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Jacob Montgomery, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Jacob Montgomery, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Viephoto Studio, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Jacob Montgomery, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Estherpackard, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Unknown photographer, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Mountain Mike Johans…, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Hudacko, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Hudacko, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Jacob Montgomery, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
