Spur your curiosity
CSU Spur’s programs inspire youth to tackle real world problems through hands-on, experiential education. At CSU Spur, we want students to see themselves as leaders in their homes, schools, and communities — and we want to broaden their exposure to careers so they realize they can be anything they want to be! CSU Spur’s rotating programs connect children to scientists, researchers, veterinary experts, and faculty through live demonstrations, hands-on experiments, and interactive experiences. The future needs these young people, and getting students interested in food, water, and health starts now!
CSU Spur is free and open to all educational groups — school groups, field trips, after-school programs, summer camps — as well as individuals and families looking for a more “self-guided” experience. We look forward to hosting your group at CSU Spur!
CSU Spur is on the grounds of the National Western Center – a 5-minute walk from the Stock Show. Consider adding a CSU Spur visit, if your are bringing students for a field trip at the National Western Stock Show.
We are currently accepting requests for Summer 2024.
Join the Spring 2024 waitlist or be notified when Fall 2024 opens.
Please note:
- Reservations are required to bring a group to CSU Spur.
- All CSU Spur education programs are FREE to school groups.
- Transportation (bus) reimbursement is available for qualifying schools.
Homeschool takeover at CSU Spur
A fun, educational, and FREE experience for homeschoolers of all ages!
Connecting youth to our future
CSU Spur is made up of three buildings, each with unique and ever-changing educational programs that allow children and families to connect to food, water, and health.
Health
In the Vida building students can observe live veterinary procedures on dogs and cats, horses help with human therapies, and horses build their strength or rehabilitate on underwater treadmills. Vida will provide opportunities to learn about animal and human health through active observation and engagement.
Food
In the Terra building students will connect with where their food comes from by learning about the sustainable food system, controlled agriculture, urban gardening, nutrition, and getting hands-on experience in an on-site teaching kitchen.
Water
In the Hydro building students can connect with Denver Water researchers evaluating water quality, learn about water conservation and sustainability, and take their own water samples and learn about natural environments. An outdoor backyard garden space provides a place for exploration and connects students to the nearby South Platte River.
Free educational experiences
Classroom Programs and Guided Tours
Visit CSU Spur for programs focused on animal health in the Vida building and food and agriculture in the Terra building, both of which are now open to the public. Programs at CSU Spur will offer opportunities for students to engage with veterinary staff leading animal surgeries, virtual reality animal anatomy experiences, and demonstrations of how horses can support human physical and mental health.
Self-guided Experiences
School groups are welcome to visit our facility for self-guided tours and experiences. Groups and chaperones will be provided maps and exhibit guides, and tours can be arranged to meet the needs of your group.
Virtual Programs
The CSU Spur team is building virtual program offerings to complement in-person experiences, and provide curriculum to schools that are unable to visit the site.
Bring CSU Spur to Your School or community event
In partnership with CSU Spur, the mobile outreach education lab – Sci on the Fly – delivers programming inspired by actual CSU research, including gaming computers teaching youth about the deep connections between humans, animals, and the environment, digital microscopes, and programming that highlights career opportunities in virology and anesthesiology. Learn more, or to request the education lab visit your facility, please submit a form.
In partnership with CSU Spur, the mobile outreach education lab – Sci on the Fly – delivers programming inspired by actual CSU research. High-end gaming computers run advanced team-based programs focused on teaching youth across Colorado about the deep connections between humans, animals, and the environment. Digital microscopes are also available, as well as additional programming that highlights career opportunities in virology and anesthesiology.
Learn more, or to request the education lab visit your facility, please submit a form.
Questions? For more information, please email csuspureducation@colostate.edu or download the flyer. We look forward to receiving your questions and inquiries, and we will strive to respond within three business days.
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
© 2024 Colorado State University System.
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!