Erie, Colorado, is a statutory town located in Boulder and Weld counties. The city of Erie is a part of the Denver-Aurora, CO Combined Statistical Area and the Front Range Urban Corridor. Erie is just west of Interstate 25, and the town has easy access to Denver International Airport, Interstate 70, and Colorado’s entire Front Range Urban Corridor. According to the United States Census, the city currently has a population of over 30 thousand.

Geography Of Erie, Colorado

Erie is in the Southwest part of Weld County, at 40°2′25″N 105°3′28″W. The town extends west into the territory of eastern Boulder County. Erie is bordered to the south by the city of Broomfield and to the southwest by Lafayette. In the 2020 United States Census, the town of Erie had a total area of 12,696 acres, including 64 acres of water. The city sits at an elevation of 5,130 feet.

History And Growth Of Erie, Colorado

Erie was already settled and named by 1867; however, the town would not be incorporated until November 16, 1974. The first board of trustees was prominent community members: Richard Van Valkenburg, John T. Williams, John A. Rowe, Joseph Wharton, and George Meller. Erie was a unique mining town because local coal miners outrightly owned land or houses within the city, while in other coal mining towns, the miners set up temporary camps.

Coal was discovered in Erie in the 1860s. In 1870 the Denver-Pacific Spur Railroad was established, and in 1871, the Boulder and Denver railroad was built, connecting Brighton and Boulder. The railroad eased the transport of coal to the surrounding communities helping the town’s fast growth in the Colorado area.

Erie was devastated by major floods in 1890, 1920, and 1972 necessitating the construction of a dyke in nearby Coal Creek after the floods of 1972. The Panic of 1893 and the Great Depression negatively impacted Erie and led to a decline in coal output. After World War 2, the demand for coal dropped drastically, and most of the mines in the area had already shut down operations by 1960.

Modern Erie

Modern Erie has experienced tremendous growth and is an economic hub. Its proximity to top learning institutions, good infrastructure and proximity to the Denver International Airport make it an attractive option for prospective residents.

Major Industries And Employers

Although Erie’s great days of coal mining are over, the town still offers employment to its residents, with professional and scientific sectors, Health Care and Social Assistance, Manufacturing, Mining, and oil and gas extraction being the biggest employers. The major employers in the city are;

  • Magnum Plastics and Safeway
  • The University of Colorado in Boulder
  • Boulder Valley School District
  • St. Vrain School District

Learning Institutions In Erie

Erie offers top learning institutions that are guaranteed to safeguard your child’s future and adequately prepare them for life. Erie is also served by the Boulder Valley Re2 School District and St. Vrain Re1j School District, which are exceptional choices. Some of the schools within Erie are;

Erie High School. This institution offers a comprehensive selection of rigorous and enriching core subjects such as journalism, electives, athletics, and leadership programs. This institution also boasts a unique Academy of Engineering and Aerospace four-year program for students interested in pursuing aviation.

Erie Elementary School. This elementary school is a community that nurtures academic excellence and is a huge promoter of lifelong learning through its STEM-focused instruction. This approach trains the children in creative thinking, problem-solving, and inquiry. The school also supports various co-curricular activities such as running club, drama club, band, choir, and PTCO sponsored events.

Boulder Valley School District

Peak to Peak Charter School
Angevine Middle School
Meadowlark Pre-kindergarten through 8

Private Schools

  • The Alexander Dawson School
  • Vista Ridge Academy
  • Holy Family High School

Colleges And Universities

  • Aims Community College
  • Colorado Christian University
  • Colorado School of Mines
  • Community College of Denver
  • Johnson and Wales University
  • Regis University
  • University of Colorado, Boulder
  • University of Denver

Recreational Activities In Erie

Aside from above-average school and job opportunities, Erie offers several attractions that you can visit to relax and escape the daily hustles of life. Some of the most popular attractions are;

  • Erie Community Park – It is a 41 thousand acre establishment with plenty of picnic shelters, a massive playground, and a sports field. There are also multiple walking trails and a public skate park
  • Lil Buckaroo’s Petting Zoo – If you are an animal lover, this is the place for you as it allows you to pet your favourite animals while you learn about animal welfare and sustainable farming. Some of the animals at this zoo are; Nigerian goats, miniature cows, sheep, pot-bellied pigs, and alpaca.
  • Bike trail Erie – The Erie single tracks are located at the Sunset Open Space. The space offers breath-taking views of the Front Range and over three miles of trails that cater to all skill levels.
  • Fishing – Off-Highway 287 is the Earie Lake which offers a perfect spot for the fishing of bluegill and trout. Nearby Thomas Reservoir is also a great spot for wildlife spotting and Fishing.
  • Hiking – To the East of Erie, many open parks have hiking trails to be explored, with White Rocks, South Teller Farm, and Niwot Loop trailhead being popular routes.
  • Erie Town Fair and Balloon Festival – This event in May has over 200 vendors, sunrise hot air balloon launches, and live entertainment. It is a widely popular event and is sure to meet your expectations.

Neighborhoods In Erie

Erie, Colorado, is one of Colorado’s best places to live, giving residents a rural feel and a family-friendly environment. Some of the popular residential neighbourhoods include;

  • Meadow Sweet Farm
  • Orchard Glen
  • Old Town Erie
  • Northridge