By order of Sheriff Darren Weekly, Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in place for unincorporated areas of Douglas County. Ordinance No. O-012-004 restricts open burning, the use of fireworks, portable fireplaces/fire pits and campfires in the unincorporated areas of Douglas County.
Limited-time tours offer rare access to an active archaeological excavation site
Posted on May 21, 2026 2026Historic and Natural ResourcesNews and Events
Update, May 22, 2026: All available tour reservations are filled. Our thanks to everyone for their interest and participation!
What can the past teach us about Douglas County today?
As part of Douglas County’s efforts to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States and Colorado’s 150 years of statehood, the Board of Douglas County Commissioners has proclaimed May 2026 as Archaeology and Historic Preservation Month, recognizing the people, places and stories that shaped our community.
To help mark the occasion, Douglas County is offering limited-time public tours of an active archaeological excavation site in the Franktown area from Tuesday, June 2, through Thursday, June 4.
The site is part of a State Historical Fund grant project to excavate an archaeological area threatened by erosion. A portion of the site was originally excavated by the Colorado Department of Transportation in the 1970s. This current phase will use modern technology to better understand the site’s stratigraphy, stabilize the remaining area and support education in responsible site stewardship.
Tours will be offered at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. each day and will last about one hour. Space is limited to 15 people per tour, and all ages are welcome.
For site security and preservation reasons, the exact meeting location will be shared only with registered participants. Participants are asked not to share the private location outside of their tour group.
Sign up for a tour at Excavation Tours – Douglas County
(Please note, all available tour reservations have been filled.)
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