Arapahoe County Volunteer Opportunities

Visitors can step back in time at 17 Mile House, a 160-year old farm which served as an important resting stop for pioneers traveling on the Cherokee/Smoky Hill wagon trails in the 1860s. This patchwork built house was used as a cattle ranch and dairy farm until 1976. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places and protected in perpetuity in 1983 after an outpouring of community support. 

This County-designated heritage area is managed by Open Spaces with support from volunteers. Volunteers lead tours of the farmhouse, interpret historical and natural history for school groups, and provide hands-on experiences during scheduled open house events. Volunteers also create interpretive displays, maintain the gardens, and care for the historic collection of artifacts.