The '17 Mile' name refers to its distance from the original center of Denver in the 1860s.
The farmhouse was built in stages, with the original core dating back to the 1860s.
It served as a station on the Smoky Hill Trail, a common but dangerous route for westward-bound gold seekers.
The property contains a rare example of a vernacular-style barn that has undergone significant structural stabilization.
Archeological surveys of the site have uncovered items used by families who lived there across three different centuries.
17 Mile House Farm Park is a preserved 19th-century stagecoach stop located on the historic Cherokee Trail. The property features a restored farmhouse, original red barn, and a silo that reflects Colorado's early agricultural development. The site served as a vital resting point for pioneers traveling toward Denver during the Gold Rush era. It is currently managed by Arapahoe County as a historic park and open space. Visitors can explore the grounds to view artifacts and interpretive signage detailing the lives of 1800s settlers. The landscape includes native grasslands and trails connecting to the larger Cherry Creek regional trail network. It functions primarily as an educational heritage site rather than a traditional museum.
The front porch of the farmhouse with the iconic red barn in the background.
Bring water and sun protection, as the site has minimal shade near the historic structures.
Check the official Arapahoe County website for 'Open House' event dates, as the interior of the house is not open for self-guided walk-ins daily.
Wear comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes to navigate the gravel paths and unpaved terrain around the barn.
Attempting to enter the farmhouse buildings on days when the park is not hosting an official public event.
Open only on specific scheduled 'Open House' dates throughout the year; check the official county calendar before visiting.
Stay on marked trails and do not climb on agricultural machinery or historic fences.
