America 250 and Colorado 150 Celebrations in Douglas County

In 2026, communities across the country will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States, while Colorado celebrates 150 years of statehood. These milestone anniversaries present a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reflect on the stories, places, and people that shaped our communities.

Douglas County’s open spaces, historic sites, and cultural institutions offer living connections to the events that shaped Colorado’s early development. Through partnerships with local organizations the County will create opportunities for residents to engage with these stories in meaningful ways.

Step inside the stories that shaped our community.

In 2026, Douglas County is hosting a series of events that invite residents to experience the open spaces and historic sites that are living connections to Colorado’s path to statehood.

Historic Exhibit - “Thriving Through Time: Adaptation on the Palmer Divide” (January - December)

Step into the story of Douglas County like never before. “Thriving Through Time: Adaptation on the Palmer Divide” is a new exhibit showcasing the largest public collection of historic artifacts assembled by the County to date. From mammoth hunters and early Indigenous communities to gold rush pioneers and modern-day water innovators, this exhibit explores how people have adapted and thrived in the unique environment of the Palmer Divide for thousands of years.

Visitors will discover:

Fossils and tools from prehistoric life in the region
A converted oil wagon that tells a story of agricultural innovation
Artifacts from early mining and settlement
A call to protect local archaeological sites from vandalism and loss

Plan Your Visit

Location: Parker Water & Sanitation District (PWSD) headquarters, 13939 Ancestry Drive, Parker, CO
Hours: Open during PWSD’s regular business hours, typically Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Cost: Free and open to the public
Age Range: All ages

Historic Exhibit - "Tracks Across Our Land" (March - December)

Tracks Across Our Land is a temporary exhibit developed through a partnership between the Town of Parker and the Douglas County History Repository. Located inside the Old School House building, the exhibit highlights artifacts and stories that trace the evolution of transportation across Douglas County – from Indigenous trails to stagecoach routes, railroads, and modern highways.

Artifacts on display include stone tools and projectile points from pre-contact archaeological sites, stagecoach-era horseshoes and ceramics, railroad spikes and maps, historic license plates, and early automotive parts.

Plan Your Visit

Location: Parker Schoolhouse on Mainstreet (19650 Mainstreet, Parker, CO)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., through the end of 2026.
Cost: Free and open to the public.
Age Range: All ages

Lecture - Russellville: Land of Golden Opportunity (June 18)

The talk this evening will entertain you and give you a picture of Douglas County before and after Colorado became a State. Learn about Gold Miners and the first settlement in Douglas County. Archaeologist Norma Miller and her daughter Laura Miller will present a PowerPoint slide conversation on the archaeological investigations of the Russellville area including military encampments during the Civil War. A question-and-answer period follows the talk. Artifacts are on display at the Parker Water & Sanitation Headquarters.

Plan Your Visit

Location: 13939 Ancestry Dr, Parker, CO, 80013
Date & Time: Jun 18, 2026, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Cost: Free and open to the public.
Age Range: Adults
RSVP: Russellville Lecture RSVP

Family Fun - Douglas County's Annual Fall Festival (Sept. 26)

This family-friendly event brings the community together to enjoy the outdoors while learning about responsible land stewardship and the natural resources that make Douglas County special. Join us for food trucks, games and family activities, guided hikes (including special access areas, and meet rangers, first responders, and wildlife and outdoor experts.

Plan Your Visit

Location: Sandstone Ranch Open Space
Date & Time: Saturday, Sept. 26
Cost: Free and open to the public.
Age Range: All ages

Display - Moments That Made Us (March - December)

Moments That Made US is a History Colorado campaign that explores our nation’s founding principles and shares multiple perspectives from some of the United States’s most significant moments. They show how the nation has advanced the founders’ ideals, and when we’ve fallen short, inviting us to reflect on what it means to be American.

They show us that our story was never inevitable. We shaped it at every turn.

Plan Your Visit

Location: The display cases outside of the Philip S. Miller Building garage (100 Third St., Castle Rock)
Date & Time: Always open to the public.
Cost: Free
Age Range: All ages
After your visit: Provide your feedback.

Family Fun - Drone Show at the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo

Enjoy a record-breaking drone show celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Unites States and Colorado’s 150th birthday.

Plan Your Visit

Location: Douglas County Fair & Rodeo (500 Fairgrounds Drive in Castle Rock)
Date & Time: Friday, July 24. Time to be announced.
Cost: $6.27
Age Range: All ages

America 250 and Colorado 150 celebrations are happening across the state in 2026. Learn more on History Colorado’s event calendar.

Rolling hills with a new farm and old farm in the back ground

Prairie Canyon Ranch Open Space barn (left) and saloon (right)

Miksch Helmer Cabin in Roxborough

Manhart Dry Goods and Grocery Store

Historic artifacts displayed at Parker Water

Parker Water and Sanitation District Headquarters Exhibit

Sandstone Ranch

Manhard Family & House, Sedalia