1881 Park – About to Make History.

1881 Park, one of Windler’s showcase gathering spaces, is getting ready to debut this July. The park is an imaginative ode to the pioneer homestead that once thrived on the land where it sits.

Join us for the 1881 Park Grand Opening on Tuesday, July 9th, 4–7 p.m. Help us dedicate this historic land and honor the Windler family with a first pour at The Coop, a first romp around the adjacent dog park, food truck deliciousness, and lively conversation with new members of the Aurora community.

A Look Back

In 1881, just six years after Colorado became a state, an industrious settler named Henry Windler founded his own homestead when he purchased 80 acres of land on the high prairie in what is now Aurora, Colorado. Over the next near century, Henry and his family built and nurtured a dryland farm that ultimately encompassed 800 acres and functioned as a dairy and cattle ranch. In the earliest days, Henry would travel weekly by horse and wagon to Denver to sell his butter, milk and eggs. The trip, now around a 25-minute drive, would take him from sunup to well past dark.

More Than Just a Park

1881 Park has artfully preserved this extraordinary history by thoughtfully repurposing some of the original farm buildings and adding new exciting amenities that will make time spent here well worthwhile.

Out back, the Welcome Wagon opens up to a refreshment bar where guests can grab a drink, snack, or just strike up a conversation. It’s part information hub, part hangout, and entirely Windler.

What You’ll Find:

Anna’s Place, The Coop and the firepit: This group of modern farmhouse-style buildings recreate the Windler farm proper. Grab a bite at Anna’s Place, raise a glass at The Coop brewery, and gather with family and friends at picnic tables or at the outdoor firepit plaza, built with vintage homestead bricks.

Barney the Owl & The Yard: Kids of all ages will thrill at the site of this massive wooden climbing owl. Barney anchors The Yard, a large creative playspace perfect for an afternoon of fun.

Dog Park: Just outside The Coop, this enclosed park welcomes dogs of all sizes and breeds!

The Barn: The original farm barn has been refurbished and the interior is currently under construction as a self-guided tour of homestead life and dry land farming  where guests can a collection of historic images, implements and antiques that chronicle life on the Windler homestead.

Original Silos: These imposing structures once held harvested grain. Today they anchor The Yard and serve as a visual reminder of days gone by.

The Meadow: Just beyond The Coop, The Meadow is a wide open lawn that will host community events including movie and music nights under the stars and seasonal get togethers.

Additional amenities are also planned with a vision to include a pump track, campground, beach, and hammock grove for relaxing, plus orchards and community gardens.

Connecting the Past with the Present

1881 Park is unique in its purpose, providing not only a place for community-building today, but also a peek back at Colorado’s proud and determined past. It is a modern hub where residents and visitors can explore the homestead’s history, connect with neighbors, enjoy exceptional amenities, and experience the best of life at Windler. 

Coming Soon — The 1881 History Walk:

This self-guided tour will showcase original farm implements, equipment, and artifacts that bring the story of this dryland farm to life — and show how heritage and vision can shape something truly remarkable.

Check Out Our Progress in the Above Video