Program closures: The Greenhouse is undergoing renovation and is closed to the public; it will reopen in mid-April (subject to change). We apologize for any inconvenience.
We’re excited to see you soon!
CSU Spur is focused on engaging PreK-12 students, families, and visitors around the topics of food, water, and health through real-world experiences. CSU Spur connects and inspires visitors through the ability to watch ongoing research, to see behind-the-scenes of services, and to watch professionals at work.
Visit CSU Spur for a day of activities with the kids, to spend time with friends in a beautiful outdoor space, to watch veterinarians at work, see horses rehabilitate on underwater treadmills, take a cooking class, talk to experts about how to grow your own food, and visit our rooftop greenhouse. View a calendar of all timed activities and demonstrations.
Interested in volunteering?
Know before you go:
- CSU Spur is free and open to the public year-round.
- Monday-Friday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
- 2nd Saturday of every month: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (closed all other Saturdays)
- Closed Sundays
- Guided tours of all three buildings are offered most months; register for a tour. (Please note: a tour is NOT required to visit Spur.)
Bring your group to CSU Spur!
In addition to self-guided experiences, CSU Spur is free and open to school groups, field trips, after-school programs and summer camps, and more!
Three buildings for food, water, and health
Explore exhibits and art installations in and around all three buildings, and engage in hands-on educational activities at various stops throughout the campus.
VIDA
Vida focuses on animal and human health. Check out equine-assisted services, live animal surgeries, horses walking on underwater treadmills, virtual reality, and more! Explore Vida.
TERRA
Terra focuses on food and agriculture. Check out rooftop greenhouses, sensory testing, a teaching and commissary kitchen, vertical gardens, the CSU Impact(o) Map, and more! Explore Terra.
HYDRO
Hydro focuses on water. Check out Denver Water’s water quality laboratory, the Hydro Backyard, a stream table, theater space, artist studios, a farm-to-table cafe, and more! Explore Hydro.
Discover your Spur
For PreK-12
For PreK-12
Learn moreFor adult learners
For adult learners
Learn moreFor families
For families
Learn moreFor faculty
For faculty
Learn moreFor scientists
For scientists
Learn moreFor event planners
For event planners
Learn moreGetting Here
BY CAR
CSU Spur is located northeast of I-25 and I-70 in Denver, between the Washington Street and Brighton Boulevard exits, and free parking is available in Lot N (see map and driving directions below).
BY RIDESHARE
The Denver Connector Microtransit Program offers free rides within the Globeville and Elyria-Swansea neighborhoods weekdays between 6 a.m.-8 p.m.
BY BIKE
The South Platte River bike trail connects directly to CSU Spur. The campus has bike racks.
BY TRANSIT
CSU Spur is served by the N Line from Union Station and the 47th Avenue & Brighton Boulevard bus stop; however direct connections from these stops to the campus are part of future phases of National Western Center construction, and travel from these stops to CSU Spur is not recommended at this time.
Getting to Spur
Parking (download the map in English or Spanish)
- Dumb Friends League and Temple Grandin Equine Center clients park in client parking on the west side of the Vida building.
- All other visitors and staff please follow signs for guest parking on the north side of the Vida building.
Driving directions
- Take I-25 to I-70 east
- Travel east on I-70 to Washington St. (exit 206)
- Turn north onto Washington St.
- Turn east onto E. 47th Ave.
- E. 47th Ave. turns into E. 46th Ave.
- Turn north onto National Western Drive
Address for GPS: 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216
Hours
Monday-Friday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
2nd Saturday of every month: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (closed all other Saturdays)
Closed Sundays
Location
4777 National Western Dr.,
Denver, CO 80216
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All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Equal Opportunity Statement
JOCELYN HITTLE
Associate Vice Chancellor for CSU Spur & Special Projects, CSU System
Jocelyn Hittle is primarily focused on helping to create the CSU System’s new Spur campus at the National Western Center, and on supporting campus sustainability goals across CSU’s campuses. She sits on the Denver Mayor’s Sustainability Advisory Council, on the Advisory Committee for the Coors Western Art Show, and is a technical advisor for the AASHE STARS program.
Prior to joining CSU, Jocelyn was the Associate Director of PlaceMatters, a national urban planning think tank, and worked for the Orton Family Foundation. She has a degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Princeton, and a Masters in Environmental Management from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies.
Jocelyn grew up in Colorado and spends her free time in the mountains or exploring Denver.
TONY FRANK
Chancellor, CSU System
Dr. Tony Frank is the Chancellor of the CSU System. He previously served for 11 years as the 14th president of CSU in Fort Collins. Dr. Frank earned his undergraduate degree in biology from Wartburg College, followed by a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Illinois, and a Ph.D. and residencies in pathology and toxicology at Purdue. Prior to his appointment as CSU’s president in 2008, he served as the University’s provost and executive vice president, vice president for research, chairman of the Pathology Department, and Associate Dean for Research in the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. He was appointed to a dual role as Chancellor in 2015 and became full-time System chancellor in July 2019.
Dr. Frank serves on a number of state and national boards, has authored and co-authored numerous scientific publications, and has been honored with state and national awards for his leadership in higher education.
Dr. Frank and his wife, Dr. Patti Helper, have three daughters.
We’ll see you Saturday!
2nd Saturday at CSU Spur is 10 a.m.-2 p.m. this Saturday (April 13)! The theme is the Big Bloom.
Hope to see you there!