By Prerna Kapoor, CLHMS | REAL Brokerage | October 30, 2026
Aurora is big enough that “things to do” can mean a dozen different afternoons. Start with the water: according to Wikipedia’s Aurora Reservoir entry, the reservoir covers 800 acres in the far southeastern corner of the city and has an 8.5-mile trail around it. Then there is Cherry Creek State Park, Southlands, and a small arts district on East Colfax.
If you are weighing Aurora as a place to live, my Living in Aurora guide covers the bigger picture. And if you would like to see homes near any of the spots below, my free buyer guide is the easiest first step.
Aurora Reservoir: Trail, Beach and Boats
Aurora Reservoir was built in 1989 and fills 800 acres. The same page lists a seasonal swim beach, a boat dock, a rental shack, a designated scuba area and an 8.5-mile jogging and biking trail. Only electric boats are allowed, because the reservoir also supplies drinking water to the city.
Anglers can fish for trout, walleye and catfish, and the page notes a Colorado record catfish caught there in October 2010. It also mentions a Cessna 310 sunk in 1994 as a dive attraction. The page does not list hours or fees, so check the City of Aurora before you go.
Cherry Creek State Park
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The Cherry Creek State Park page reports 3,346 acres, an 880-acre reservoir at the center and a park that opened in 1959. It lists 12 miles of paved roads and 35 miles of multi-use trails, plus camping, picnicking, bird watching and a swim beach.
There are day rentals of paddle boards, kayaks and jet skis, and a boat house with a bar and food that hosts summer concerts. The park is run by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, so confirm entry rules on their site. If you are curious about the neighborhoods around it, you can read my note on south Denver commute times too.
Southlands and Stanley Marketplace
Southlands sits at Smoky Hill Road and E-470. Per Wikipedia, it opened in 2005 and is an open-air center with about 1.7 million square feet of retail. The layout has a central plaza with a fountain in spring and summer, an ice rink in winter, and a 16-screen AMC theater. The same page mentions a number of vacant storefronts on Main Street, so stores change.
For something smaller, the Aurora page lists Stanley Marketplace, a retail and entertainment venue that opened in 2016.
Arts, History and Open Prairie
On East Colfax, the Aurora page describes the Aurora Fox Theatre & Arts Center, a 245-seat venue, and the People’s Building, with 191 retractable seats and a gallery. The Aurora History Museum has a permanent exhibit on the city and two changing galleries.
For open space, the Plains Conservation Center at 21901 E Hampden Avenue covers 1,100 acres, with a replica homestead village and shortgrass prairie. The City of Aurora took over its management in 2017. The city also manages more than 100 parks and over 6,000 acres of open space.
Quick answers
How big is Aurora Reservoir? 800 acres, with an 8.5-mile trail, per Wikipedia. Only electric boats are allowed.
How big is Cherry Creek State Park? 3,346 acres, with 35 miles of multi-use trails.
Is there a pass or fee? The pages I read do not state fees or hours. Check the City of Aurora and Colorado Parks and Wildlife for current rules.
If you would like me to line up a few Aurora homes with the spots you would actually use, I’m always happy to. No pressure. Sources (Wikipedia): Aurora Reservoir; Cherry Creek State Park; Southlands; Plains Conservation Center; Aurora, Colorado.
Prerna Kapoor | REALTOR® | Luxury Home Specialist
REAL Brokerage | 720-949-5450 | info@prernakapoor.com
CLHMS • RENE • PSA • ABR | International Sterling Society Award Winner
Prerna specializes in residential real estate across Parker, Aurora, Lone Tree, Castle Pines,
Highlands Ranch, Cherry Creek, Greenwood Village, and Centennial. She speaks English, Japanese,
and Hindi.
