Belmar Park

Natural Oasis in the City

Belmar Park spans 132 acres right in the heart of Lakewood, Colorado, offering a slice of tranquility within the urban landscape. With its rolling grasslands, mature trees, and serene water features, it's hard to believe you're still in the city once you step onto one of the trails. It feels like a nature retreat within city limits.

At the park's center, you'll discover the stunning Kountze Lake, a 17-acre body of water that's become a hotspot for local wildlife. The small island in the middle represents a bird sanctuary, making this one of the best places in the area for birdwatching. On any given day, you might spot ducks paddling along, geese taking flight, cormorants drying their wings, red-winged blackbirds calling from the reeds, or if you're lucky, a majestic heron standing still as a statue in the shallows.

But birds aren't the only residents here. The park teems with diverse wildlife - turtles sunning themselves on logs, fish darting beneath the surface, squirrels chasing each other up trees, and even industrious beavers going about their business. The wetlands area functions as an estuary and stopover for migrating birds, contributing to local conservation efforts.

Explore the Trails

Nearly two miles of trails meander through the park, taking you through surprisingly varied landscapes and ecosystems. Whether you're walking your dog, going for a morning jog, biking with friends, or even horseback riding, these paths offer lovely views of nature with the mountains creating a picturesque backdrop in the distance.

You'll come across both paved and unpaved options here. The smooth, paved sections are perfect if you're rollerblading, skateboarding, or need wheelchair accessibility. Meanwhile, the dirt paths offer a more rustic experience if you're in the mood for a nature hike. Don't worry about difficulty - most trails keep to relatively flat terrain, making them accessible for all ages and fitness levels. And when you need a breather, you can find plenty of benches along the way to sit and soak in the surroundings.

If you're visiting with kids, head to the northwest corner where a traditional turf area houses a fun playground - a wonderful spot for little ones to burn off some energy while you relax nearby.

Step Back in Time

One of the park's most unique features is Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park, a fascinating 20th-century history park and museum right on the grounds. This living museum combines indoor and outdoor exhibits, featuring historical buildings that have been carefully relocated from around Denver and Lakewood.

You can wander through structures dating back to the 1930s, check out the vintage Estes Motel from the 1950s, or peek inside the tractor shed with its collection of antique vehicles. The visitor center houses interesting exhibits and a gift shop where you can pick up a souvenir, while the surrounding grounds are dotted with historical artifacts and educational displays.

During summer, the park's amphitheater comes alive with concerts and community events, adding a touch of culture and entertainment to your visit.

White stone railing overlooks Kountze Lake at Belmar Park

Everything You Need

The park offers most of the essentials for a comfortable visit. You'll discover several picnic areas throughout, including some charming gazebos on the west end that provide perfect spots for an outdoor meal. While proper picnic tables are somewhat limited, the expansive grassy areas make for ideal blanket picnics when the weather's nice.

When nature calls, portable toilets are available within the park, but you'll find cleaner facilities inside the Heritage Lakewood building during its open hours. Dog lovers will appreciate that four-legged friends are welcome, provided they stay on leash, and you can find waste bags and trash cans conveniently placed along the trails.

The park sits right next to the Lakewood Library and near other city amenities, making it easy to incorporate into your day. Parking is available behind nearby buildings, but it can fill up quickly during special events, so plan accordingly.

A Conservation Success Story

Beyond recreation, Belmar Park is a vital conservation area within Lakewood, helping preserve local plants and animals while giving people a place to connect with nature without leaving the city. The wetlands and lake system play a particularly important role in supporting the area's biodiversity, making your visit not just enjoyable but environmentally meaningful too.