Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), located 10 minutes from downtown Denver, is nearly 17,000 acres, making it one of the largest urban wildlife refuges in the United States. It consists of open lakes, wetlands, prairie grasslands, and woodlands. Due to its proximity to Denver, one of the Refuge's primary goals is to provide environmental education programs for urban school children. Each year, thousands of visitors come to the Refuge to appreciate its wildlife, view the scenic habitat, and learn about native prairie species. The Arsenal has been called "a significant habitat island for wildlife" and "a place to renew the relationship with nature." Popular activities include interpretative programs, environmental education, fishing, wildlife observation, and photography.
Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR is 10 minutes from downtown Denver and 30 minutes from the Rocky Mountain foothills. It is located in Commerce City, Colorado, a Denver suburb located in Adams County. To get to Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR from downtown Denver, take I-25 north to I-70 east. Exit at Havana Street and head north. Enter through the South Gate located at 56th Avenue and Havana Street. From Denver International Airport, take Pena Boulevard south to 56th Avenue heading west. Turn north on Havana Street and enter through the South Gate.