The City of Wheat Ridge is a limited-service city, meaning that the city does not provide water, fire, sanitation, garbage, or public services. Wheat Ridge is an autonomous city, operating under the form of government by a municipal administrator. In this form of government, the Council is the city's governing body elected by the public, and the administrator is hired by the Council to carry out the policies it establishes. The Council is made up of eight members, two from each Council district, and an elected mayor overall.
The Council provides legislative direction, while the manager is responsible for preparing the budget, directing daily operations, and managing staff. Wheat Ridge embodies the deep roots of a city with a rich history and a strong sense of community. Its central location allows quick access to major interstates, the majestic Rocky Mountains and the services of the large metropolitan city of Denver, Colorado. With easy access from I-70, you can ski, hike or participate in a wide range of internationally renowned mountain sports in less than an hour.
The roots of Wheat Ridge were first established during the Gold Rush of 1859, when the city served as a resting place for miners on their way to the gold mining fields in the mountains. Later, it was named Wheat Ridge in honor of the golden ridges of wheat traveled by travelers passing through the Overland Trail. As the miners, who had been unsuccessful, returned to the area and began to cultivate the rich and fertile land, the community began to grow. The wheat fields were converted into fruit and vegetable gardens, attracting shoppers from all over the Denver area.
Over time, fruit and vegetable cultivation gave way to greenhouses and the largest production of carnations in the world, earning Wheat Ridge the designation “City of Carnations”. Building on this tradition of pioneering winegrowers, there are now thriving wineries across Colorado that are producing some of the world's finest wines. Modern vineyards with classic wine grape varieties have been re-established in this area's fertile climates and winemaking is once again flourishing in Colorado. The history of winemaking in Wheat Ridge dates back to 1859 when miners first settled in this area on their way to gold mining fields in nearby mountains.
The fertile land was quickly converted into fruit and vegetable gardens which attracted shoppers from all over Denver. Later on, greenhouses were built and carnations became one of Wheat Ridge's main exports earning it its nickname “City of Carnations”. Today, winemaking has become an important part of Wheat Ridge's culture with many local wineries producing some of Colorado's finest wines. With its central location providing easy access to major interstates and nearby ski resorts, Wheat Ridge has become a popular destination for wine lovers looking to explore its rich history and vibrant culture.
Winemaking has been an integral part of Wheat Ridge's culture since its inception in 1859. From its humble beginnings as a resting place for miners on their way to gold mining fields in nearby mountains to its current status as a popular destination for wine lovers looking to explore its rich history and vibrant culture, Wheat Ridge has come a long way. With modern vineyards producing some of Colorado's finest wines and easy access to major interstates and ski resorts, it's no wonder why so many people are drawn to this unique city. Whether you're looking for a relaxing weekend getaway or an exciting adventure in one of Colorado's most beautiful cities, Wheat Ridge has something for everyone. From its deep roots in winemaking to its modern vineyards producing some of the world's finest wines, there's no better place to explore Colorado's rich history than Wheat Ridge.
