A capsule history of Tallgrass is contained in the name: the tallgrass prairie, once the domain of the Arapahoe and Cheyenne Indians, where buffalo roamed and pronghorn antelope played eons before the arrival of the first trappers, traders, and pioneers.

For a peek back at the roots of this scenic community, Tallgrass residents need look no further than the adjacent 1100-acre Plains Conservation Center, a serene landscape of gently rolling hills populated by scattering of teepees, sod houses, and windmills. Devoted to the cultural and natural history of Colorado, programs allow visitors to experience 19th century life on the high plains first hand.

For example, the Prairie Field School immerses students in prairie life with wagon rides through wildlife habitat and opportunities to tackle meal preparation and other chores as accomplished by the Plains Indians and early homesteaders.

Sounds as if it's miles from nowhere? Not really. The ambiance might recall the late-1800s, but the convenience is definitely 21st century. Tallgrass is situated just east of E-470 at the East Quincy interchange, close to Marina Park and Grandview Park (an off-leash canine heaven) at Quincy Reservoir and just a few miles from Cherry Creek State Park and Reservoir.

One of the region's newest superhighways, E-470 provides residents with speedy commutes to the Colfax Avenue and I-70 commercial corridor, DIA, and the shopping centers, business parks, and recreation areas of the southeast metro-area.

Southlands, a new town-center-style mall at E-470 and Smoky Hill Road, offers scores of stores in an exciting blend of big box retail, specialty shops, and fine restaurants.

Built by prominent national builders Richmond Homes, D.R. Horton, Ryland, and Capitol Pacific the ranch and two-story homes at Tallgrass come in a range of sensible floor plans. Area schools belong to award-winning Cherry Creek schools, one of the finest systems in the nation.