Wheat Ridge “roots” were first established during the Gold Rush of 1859, when the City served as a rest stop for miners headed to mountain gold camps. It was named Wheat Ridge for the golden ridges of wheat noted by travelers passing along the Overland Trail.

As unsuccessful miners returned to the area and began farming the rich, fertile soil, the community began its growth. Wheat fields were converted to fruit orchards and vegetable fields, attracting buyers from all across the Denver area. Wheat Ridge is less than 15 minutes from Downtown Denver

Eventually the fruit and vegetable farming gave way to greenhouses and the largest production of carnations in the world, earning Wheat Ridge the designation of “Carnation City.” Over the years the area has been known for apples, strawberries, cherries, raspberries, currants, plums, black berries, Pascal celery, and other vegetables.

Lutheran Medical Center was founded in 1903 as the Evangelical Lutheran Sanitarium in response to the influx of tuberculosis. As tuberculosis was cured, the Center shifted its focus to general care.

The City was incorporated in August, 1969. The City operates under a Council-Manager form of government with an elected mayor and two Council members from each of the four districts.

Wheat Ridge encompasses 9.5 square miles and has an altitude of 5,459 feet. The population is a little over 30,000. There are more than 300 blue-sky days per year.

The city maintains 24 parks, 274 acres of open space, four lakes and more than seven miles of nationally recognized trail along Clear Creek. The city operates a 70,000 square foot recreation center and an active adult center.