Rural Community
While offering many opportunities for urban and suburban lifestyle choices, Douglas County continues to provide rural lifestyle opportunities which are truly unique to the Colorado Front Range. Characterized by ranching and equestrian uses, historic village centers, preserved open space, and a broad variety of rural residential choices – Rural Douglas County truly has something for everyone.
Rural Lifestyle Benefits
Nearly half of the County’s 843 square miles is devoted to the rural lifestyle and its many associated benefits: dark skies at night, peace and quiet, connections to wildlife, a feeling of space, native vegetation, and scenic vistas. Residential parcel sizes range from 2.5 – 100’s of acres, with everything in between. Equestrian facilities abound, and the annual Douglas County Fair and 4-H Clubs provide youth with the chance to connect to agriculture, animal husbandry, and a variety of other rural-based activities.
Authentic Rural Communities – Franktown, Sedalia, and Louviers
Douglas County’s rural communities include Franktown, Sedalia, and Louviers. These historic centers encompass much of the County’s frontier settlement history. These special places provide business and cultural activities in a small-town atmosphere.
Open Space and Recreational Opportunities
The County has over 300 square miles (40% of the County’s land area) set aside in national forest, state and local parks, and conserved open space. The County has preserved11% of its non-urban land area for open space to accommodate continued agricultural, environmental, and open space uses. These areas shape and separate the County’s various urban and rural communities, while providing a host of passive recreational opportunities. Miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails wind through the County’s diverse and stunning landscapes.
Links:
4-H - CSU Cooperative Extension »
Douglas County Fair and Rodeo »
Douglas County Fairgrounds, Planned Events »
Douglas County Historic Preservation, Sites, and Resources »
Douglas County Open Space (environmental discussion, maps to trails and open spaces, and more) »
