Westminster’s commercial identity has shifted significantly over the past decade with the redevelopment of the old Westminster Mall site into The Orchard Town Center and Westminster Promenade — walkable, mixed-use commercial districts that have become the neighborhood’s de facto town center.
The outdoor access is a genuine draw. The Big Dry Creek Trail, Standley Lake Regional Park, and several community parks offer excellent hiking, cycling, and wildlife viewing. Standley Lake — a reservoir with fishing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding — is one of the best outdoor amenities in the northern suburbs.
The dining scene has grown more interesting with the area’s increasing diversity. Westminster has excellent Vietnamese, Korean, Mexican, and East African restaurants, particularly along Federal Boulevard and in the commercial corridors near Sheridan Boulevard. The choices here often rival or exceed what you’d find in trendier Denver neighborhoods.
The Butterfly Pavilion — a family-focused insect zoo and natural history attraction — is a Westminster institution and one of the best family outings in the metro. The Denver Roller Derby team also calls Westminster home, playing at 1STBANK Center in nearby Broomfield.
Getting around: Westminster is most accessible by car, though RTD’s Route 120 connects to downtown Denver and the B-Line light rail gives access to the U.S. 36 corridor toward Boulder. US-36 is one of the most bike-commuter-friendly highways in the country, with a separated trail running its entire length.