Centennial, Colorado, located in Arapahoe County, has a population of 100,377 as of the 2010 Census. It’s the tenth most populous area in the state of Colorado and its 2001 incorporation was actually the largest in history. Plus, it’s ranked as the 15th safest city in the entire country. A great place to settle down right?

The City of Centennial was formed on February 7, 2001, from portions of unincorporated Arapahoe County, including the former Castlewood and Southglenn census-designated places. The citizens had voted to incorporate on September 12, 2000, choosing Centennial as the official name during the vote. The name reflects Colorado’s admission to the Union as the 38th state in 1876, the centennial year of the United States Declaration of Independence. The state of Colorado is nicknamed the “Centennial State.”

Incorporation was approved by 77% of the voters, and the population of the area at over 100,000 made it the largest incorporation in U.S. history as of its creation. The city was incorporated in large part to prevent further annexations of unincorporated areas by the city of Greenwood Village in an attempt to improve its tax base.

Centennial covers 27.9 square miles. It’s roughly divided in half by Interstate 25, with most of its business and entertainment centers lying west of the highway. It has many hills, gullies, and ravines, and its open spaces are usually joined by recreational trails and parks, including Dry Creek Dam, DeKoevend Park, the Highline Canal Trail, Willow Creek Trail, as well as Big Dry Creek and Little Dry Creek Trails. Centennial hosts most native wildlife and is a good reflection of  Colorado’s ecosystem.

One great thing about Centennial is its proportion of walking and biking routes that interlace the area. The city offers more than 100 parks, 100 miles of trails and 4,000+ acres of open space. Highlights include the Goodson Recreation Center, a full-service facility, located on S. University Blvd. near Arapahoe Rd. The Family Sports Center on Peoria St. includes the Sports Dome and Family Sports Golf Course.

Centennial’s city owned parks, trails and open spaces are great places for friends and families to run, cycle or relax. These natural spaces are one of the reasons that residents love this city so much - the lush natural areas preserve the environment but are also a great benefit to the residents. Some city owned parks include Cherokee Trail Park, Parker Jordan Centennial Open Space, and Centennial Center Park.

There are plenty of things to do in Centennial Colorado. If you’d like to get sporty, here are a few options. Snobahn is an indoor ski and snowboard facility that is all ages and is year round! For more than 37 years, Geo Tours Whitewater Raft Trips has been one of the best choices for white water raft trips. Castle Rock Zip Line Tours feature 10 thrilling zip lines that fly over 2 miles of beautiful Colorado open space.

There are many places to rent equipment as well. Mountain Side Gear Rental makes it easy for people to spend time in the outdoors by renting premium camping equipment. Golden Bike Shop rents bikes so you can get out on the multiply trails in the area. Outbounds Ski and Board rents and sells affordable new and used ski and snowboard equipment. There is plenty of places of explore in the area.

Centennial is filled to the brim with entertainment for the whole family. Dart Warz is a premier indoor foam dart battlefield. Lollipop Park is an indoor children’s amusement park with 6 European amusement park rides and two inflatables for children. The Clue Room is a live escape game where players are trapped in an unfamiliar room to find clues, solve puzzles, and work together!

Want to catch a bite? There are plenty of options for any kind of cuisine. Try Hodsons Bar and Grill, which features roasted chicken and slow roasted prime rib. Farro Italian Restaurant promises to be a fun neighborhood gathering place offering reasonable, innovative food in a friendly, casual atmosphere. Udom Thai serves both traditional Thai dishes and street dishes infused with a wide range of vivid flavor.

Waters Edge Winery provides you with a warm and inviting 2,500 square foot of winemaking and wine tasting. Water 2 Wine ferments all wines they make on site with access to over 100! Two22 Brew provides beer-lovers a way to give charitably to local causes through the beer they drink.

If you’d like to take a step back in time, visit 17 Mile House. It’s a 155-year old farm which served as an important resting stop for pioneers traveling on the Cherokee/Smoky Hill wagon trails in the 1860’s. The heritage area includes a historic house, red barn, silo and milk shed, as well as two replica windmills and 30 acres of open space.

Ultimately, you can’t get bored in Centennial! What’s your favorite part of the city?