Cherry Creek State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cherry Creek State Park |
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 Cherry Creek State Park
Location in Colorado
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| Location | Arapahoe County, Colorado, USA |
| Nearest city | Aurora, CO |
| Area | 3,346 acres (13.54 km2) |
| Established | 1959 |
| Governing body | Colorado Parks and Wildlife |
Cherry Creek State Park is a large state park located in Arapahoe County, Colorado, United States. It's a great place to explore nature and enjoy outdoor activities. The park has a natural prairie and wetland area. In the middle of the park is a big reservoir, which is like a large lake. This reservoir covers about 880 acres (3.6 km²).
The reservoir is used by many different types of boats. You can see powerboats, sailboats, and paddle crafts like kayaks. On the north-western side, there's the Cherry Creek Marina and Yacht Club. Here, people can keep their boats. They also host special events.
On the north-eastern side, you'll find a large swim beach with sand. There's also plenty of parking nearby. The park has 12 miles (19 km) of paved roads. It also has 35 miles (56 km) of trails. These trails are perfect for running, biking, and horseback riding.
Cherry Creek State Park offers many fun things to do. You can go camping, watch birds, or even try cross-country skiing in winter. Fishing is also a popular activity. There's a special area for flying radio-controlled aircraft. You can also have a picnic with friends and family. The park also has an outdoor shooting range.
During the summer, you can store your boat at the park's dock. If you don't have a boat, you can rent jet skis, paddle boards, and kayaks for the day. There's a new boat house that overlooks the water. It hosts concerts during the summer and serves food.
What Animals Live in Cherry Creek State Park?
Cherry Creek State Park is home to many different animals. More than 40 types of mammals live here. You might spot an eastern cottontail rabbit hopping around. Coyotes, beavers, and muskrats also make their homes in the park.
Other animals you might see include raccoons and weasels. There are different kinds of ground squirrels. You can also find mule deer and white-tailed deer. Keep an eye out for black-tailed prairie dogs. They are fun to watch as they scamper around their burrows.
When Was Cherry Creek State Park Established?
Cherry Creek State Park was officially created in 1959. This means it has been a protected area for over 60 years. It was set aside to preserve its natural beauty. It also provides a place for people to enjoy the outdoors.
What Is the History of Cherry Creek State Park?
Cherry Creek State Park has an interesting history. On August 15, 1993, a very special event happened here. The park hosted a large outdoor mass for World Youth Day. This event brought an estimated 500,000 people to the park. Pope John Paul II led the mass. It was a huge gathering of young people from all over the world.
