Boasting backyard Rocky Mountain views, Lafayette, Colorado is proud of its rich cultural heritage, unique neighborhoods, a vibrant economy and a healthy lifestyle for 24,000 residents. Started on 150 acres of land gifted by top-notch farmer Mary Miller as a tribute to her late husband, Lafayette Miller, this small city continues to thrive and provide a nurturing environment for all who love Mother Nature.
Perched along the northern boundary of the Mile-High-City of Denver, just west of I-25, horse property in Lafayette, horse ranches in Lafayette and the Greater Denver, Colorado horse properties are just a few gallops from both city amenities and national forests. The distinct hometown feel weaves through new and old neighborhoods and you’ll see plenty of pastures and barns as well as horsetails waving in the breeze. Homes for sale in Lafayette’s historic neighborhoods include an occasional horse property for sale in Lafayette and there are estates for horses in Lafayette, but most Lafayette ranchettes for sale and larger horse ranches in Lafayette are woven throughout the well-planned open space areas such as Heron Lake, Bullhead Gulch, The Farm, Rock Creek or the Greenlee Wildlife Preserve.
The city is proud of its community improvements and recognition as a Tree City USA, a certification held since 1995, for its management of urban forests, tree planting and Arbor Day festivities. And don’t be surprised if the Colorado lifestyle that appreciates fitness trails, hard-surface biking trails, easy walks and wheelchair walks, dog-friendly parks, nature classes, and beautiful golf courses compels you off of the couch and onto your horse. You’ll find many a kindred spirit as you pack up your lovable Tobiano and head for the Arapaho National Forest or Rocky Mountain National Park.
Though folks here have given up their ox-teams, wagon trains and stagecoaches, the wild-and-wooly history of the nomadic Utes, Arapahoe and Cheyenne along with the European gold seekers has left behind some tall tales. Bison hunts and fortune hunts drew some homesteaders, but the rugged conditions and instability left every man for himself. And not all were tame!
Over time, however, the area welcomed the stability of agricultural operations. Mary Miller’s was one of the best. While she developed 1250 acres of the cleanest, most orderly and best-managed farm in the State, she raised six children alone. And she raised oats, corn, wheat, hay, trees, grapes, currents, gooseberries, raspberries, strawberries, horses, cattle and hogs. Shedding, granaries, fencing, a barn, a house and a coal-mining operation could all been seen during a horseback tour of the property. In addition, Mrs. Miller founded a bank, becoming the only female bank president in the world.
At the time, the primary employer was Rocky Mountain Fuel Company and things did get a bit tough when natural gas replaced coal. The town also had a brick works and a power station that provided electricity to Boulder, Louisville, Longmont and Fort Collins. Of course, in the modern era, residents travel easily to Boulder, Denver and via the Denver International Airport throughout the world for employment. Many are employed here, though, like the Boulder Valley School District’s faculty who provide a local high school, middle school, elementary schools and a charter school.
Speaking of taming that shrew that hides within. Your horse may be able to assist. You’ll find that to understand the horse, you’re going to be working on yourself. Your horse will teach you about yourself and help you to master your universe. What a perfect place to let that happen— here between the mountains and the plain!
