Larkspur, Colorado facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Larkspur, Colorado
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Entering from the north
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Location of Larkspur in Douglas County, Colorado.
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  State of Colorado |
| County | Douglas County |
| Incorporated | 1979 |
| Government | |
| • Type | Home Rule Municipality |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1.59 sq mi (4.12 km2) |
| • Land | 1.59 sq mi (4.12 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 6,880 ft (2,100 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 206 |
| • Density | 129.6/sq mi (50.00/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-7 (MST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-6 (MDT) |
| ZIP code |
80118
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| Area code(s) | Both 303 and 720 |
| FIPS code | 08-43550 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2412878 |
| Major Routes |    |
| Former Routes |  |
Larkspur is a small town located in Douglas County, Colorado, United States. It is known as a "home rule municipality," which means it has the power to govern itself on local matters. In 2020, the town had a population of 206 people.
One of the most exciting events near Larkspur is the Colorado Renaissance Festival. This festival happens every year on weekends in June, July, and August, in the hills just west of town. It's like stepping back in time to a medieval fair!
The town is home to Larkspur Elementary School, which teaches students from kindergarten through sixth grade. The name "Larkspur" comes from a beautiful flower called the plains larkspur (Delphinium geyeri). A post office opened here in 1871, and the community was named for the many larkspur flowers growing nearby.
The town of Larkspur has a special vision. They want to be a friendly small town in Colorado where everyone works together. This includes having a government that listens to its people, guiding future growth to keep the town's small-town feel, offering community activities for all ages, and protecting the natural environment around Larkspur.
Where is Larkspur Located?
Larkspur is in the southern part of Douglas County. It sits in the valley of East Plum Creek. The major highway, Interstate 25, runs along the eastern side of the town. You can get into Larkspur from Exits 172, 173, and 174 on I-25.
This highway connects Larkspur to bigger cities. If you go north, it's about 11 miles (18 km) to Castle Rock, which is the main town of Douglas County. Denver is about 39 miles (63 km) north. If you head south on I-25, you'll reach Colorado Springs in about 32 miles (51 km).
The United States Census Bureau says that Larkspur covers a total area of about 1.5 square miles (3.9 square kilometers), and all of it is land.
How Many People Live in Larkspur?
The number of people living in Larkspur has changed over the years. Here's a quick look at the population from different U.S. Censuses:
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1980 | 141 | — | |
| 1990 | 232 | 64.5% | |
| 2000 | 234 | 0.9% | |
| 2010 | 183 | −21.8% | |
| 2020 | 206 | 12.6% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
Getting Around Larkspur
The main road serving Larkspur is I-25. In the past, another road called SH-18 (now Upper Lake Gulch Road) also served the town.
Besides the highways, a set of railroad tracks called the Colorado Joint Line runs through Larkspur. Both the Union Pacific and BNSF use these tracks. You can see a large bridge built by the Santa Fe at the south end of town.
