Location: Nederland
Top Things to do in Nederland
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Top 10 Things to do in Nederland, United States
The Town of Nederland (/ˈnɛdɜːrlənd/ NED-ur-lənd), is a Statutory Town located near Barker Meadow Reservoir in the foothills-danielle of southwest Boulder County, Colorado, United States. As of the 2010 census it had a population of 1,445.
Restaurants in Nederland
1. Carousel of Happiness
Overall Ratings
5 based on 205 reviews
The Carousel of Happiness is Nederland Colorado's magical menagerie featuring 56 whimsical, hand-carved animals on a restored 1910 Looff carousel, turning to the music of a 1913 Wurlitzer band organ. Scott Harrison was a 19-year-old Marine Gunner serving in Vietnam where the gift of a music box and the image of a carousel in a mountain meadow calmed him. Many years later, after rescuing an abandoned carousel, he began carving what would become a whimsical menagerie. It took him a little over 26 years to hand-carve the 56 animals and a dedicated group of volunteers helped bring the carousel to life in the little mountain town west of Boulder. The fully-enclosed Carousel of Happiness turns to the music of a restored 1913 Wurlitzer Band Organ, and is home to a gift shop, toy store and do-it-yourself puppet theater. The Carousel is available for birthday parties and private events, and is fully accessible for people with disabilities.
Reviewed By LittleKings - Austin, Texas
The carousel is always something we try to make a special adventure to, 30 or so minutes outside Boulder and an hour or so spent there exploring and riding multiple times.
2. Roosevelt National Forest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Roosevelt National Park offers many and varied opportunities for recreation. You can do most anything, from hunting to nordic skiing. For winter activities, a choice location is, despite its unpropitious name, Deadman Road near Redfeather Lakes.
Reviewed By DiveMoreWorkLess - Colorado
The Roosevelt National Forest features stunning views along mostly dirt roads that can be quite bumpy and narrow, with numerous switchbacks. There are several pull out areas along the way, however, and some picnic and camping areas throughout the park. Day passes and camping fees for overnight can be required depending on the location.
The Poudre River runs along much of the main road through the forest and there are plenty of fishing opportunities as long as you possess a current fishing license for the season.
There are also numerous hiking trails for those who are not faint of heart. Be prepared for quick weather changes in the higher elevations and bring your camera. This time of year (in the fall) the leaves of the aspens are just starting to change color from green to vibrant yellow, orange and red.
3. The Very Nice Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By Mike A - Denver, Colorado
This is a pretty small brewery. That being said, the beer was VERY drinkable, I really enjoyed the Monk's Phunk. The Very Nice Pale Ale was also pretty good, unfortunately, they were out of Steffies Heffe, which probably really hit the spot after a day of hiking! I'll be back for sure.
4. Nederland Mining Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By HeatherColoradogirl - Erie, Colorado
We stopped for a bathroom stop and s rated more than 1/2 hour and it was such well spent 1/2 too. They have it set so well, self tour and so many photo opportunities. Large equipment and small, all from eras gone by. Love the rusted machines with wildflowers growing amount them. One machine dug out the Panama camel and ended in the Colorado Mountains, then here to entertain us. Free and lots of info from staff.
5. Eldora Mountain Resort
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 168 reviews
Eldora is just 21 miles from Boulder and 45 miles from Denver. Avoid the stress of I-70's notorious congestion. Eldora is a locals-friendly mountain, relaxed and unpretentious. One of Colorado's best kept secrets for families. There's something for everyone - steeps, bumps, glades, terrain park, groomed corduroy for cruising. A Children's Center where learning to ski or snowboard is fun. 40km of x-country and snowshoe trails. Free close-in parking and RTD bus service that drops you 50ft from the lift.
Reviewed By Liz M - Texas Gulf Coast, Texas
I bought a multi- day pass, 4 day pass. I opted to not buy the insurance on the pass. 5 runs in skiing, less then 2 hours, I had an accident and hurt my knee. I went to the medic station for assistance. They were wonderful. I was done with skiing from the accident. Later, I went to see if they would offer me any form of a refund from the pass and they would NOT. They would NOT even work with me. Poor customer service.
6. Caribou Ranch Open Space
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By flickrmac
Had been thinking of going here for years. Then read about the famous red barn / recording studio burning down, though not completely. Well, finally went last week and it was well worth it. 1) The hike itself is very easy with minimal elevation gain, and mostly smooth trails. 2) We missed most of the fall foliage, but still had some gorgeous aspens. Definitely need to go next September. 3) There is an extra loop trail with a connection to an old mining camp which is very interesting. The loop, when taken clockwise, brings you back to the ranch's famous red barn. 4) Be sure to read the history of the ranch itself - well worth knowing the whole story. Max 3 hours to do the main trail, loop, and seeing the Blue Bird mining campsite.
7. The Alpaca Store and More
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By Susan T - Cleveland, Georgia
My husband and I stopped in Nederland for lunch and to walk around. We were welcomed as we entered the store; Roy was very friendly and helpful. The store was amazing-- beautiful garments!! There were the most beautiful sweaters and outerwear, plus gloves, hats, socks, and etc. We ended up buying a lovely dressy alpaca jacket, gloves, and socks. Stop in and I'm sure you will find something wonderful to take home plus meet a nice man.
8. Hessie Trailhead
Overall Ratings
5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By Colo-Mtn-Hiker - Broomfield, CO
The Hessie Trail is just west of Nederland. You take the road past the high school and through the quaint little town of Eldora and then onto a maintained dirt road. About a mile in you will start to see parking designated on the left. Eventually you will find a standard trailhead – turn around here then find a spot to park (probably room for a 100 cars). If you are adventurous and have an all-wheel drive with clearance you can continue on for another half mile and park.
This trail is so popular that there is a free shuttle from Nederland that drops people off every 15 minutes during the summer/fall weekends. Highly recommended by those having used it.
After you hike for half a mile you come to a foot bridge. From here you can stay on the main trail for about as long as you want (including long overnight hikes). The trail eventually branches out to many different destinations. I have hike here 3 times and gone on 3 routes, all of which were great. Many people like to moderate hike to Lost Lake (3-4 mile round trip).
By far the best time to visit is when the aspen leaves are turning. It is a bit crowded on the trail but the colors are spectacular.
9. The Candy Man
Overall Ratings
5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By Jermoozle - Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Cool place. Great taffy. Great chocolate covered pretzels and peanut clusters. Homemade chocolate, hand dipped on site. Taffy also homemade. Fresh homemade cotton candy. Pricey but not unusual for the only place of its kind in the middle of the mountains.
10. Mud Lake Trail
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By cohighplainsdrifter - Erie, Colorado
The Mud Lake trailhead accesses the several trails around and near Mud Lake. The trails aren't particularly rough or challenging, but do provide a nice hike through the forest, with several spots for views north toward the Indian Peaks. The area was heavily explored by prospectors, evidenced by the old trenches and pits scattered through the park. Mud Lake itself may be a relic of historical mining activities, as explained on the display plaques at the park.
The trails are open to cyclists, so be prepared to share the space. The trails are dog-friendly with leashes required. There are no amenities, so bring a hat, sunscreen, and water. The park is reached from Route 72 from Nederland, and then west on CR 126.
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