Things to do & places to visit in Nederland, Colorado, United States

Nederland city in Colorado, United States. Timezone: America/Denver, current date and time: Monday, May 06, 2024, 17:05.

Top things to do (17)

Top places to visit (17 attractions)

5.0 Carousel of Happiness (255 reviews)
- We loved it. Aptly named!
Monday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Rides & Activities

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. Rides are now $3, or 10 for $25. 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, storytelling booth and do-it-yourself puppet theater. The Carousel is available to rent for birthday parties and private events, and is fully accessible for people with disabilities. See more..
5.0 Caribou Ranch Open Space (19 reviews)
- Make sure it's open.
Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

One of my favorite hikes. Easy, beautiful, and historical. Once the path of a tourist train, then a destination for rock n rollers, including Elton John, Joe Walsh, Billy Joel, Michael Jackson, Chicago and lots more who recorded at the recording studio that burned in the 1980s. Just make sure it's open as it often closes to protect the environment and wildlife. See more..
5.0 The Carousel of Happiness (8 reviews)
- YES! Come be Happy!
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Bridges

You have to stop here! Get the 10 ride tickets- you'll want to keep picking different animals to ride. Soak up the, stories, warm fuzzies, inspiration, art full of love, care and memories....what is not to love. See more..
5.0 The Candy Man (5 reviews)
- Teens loved this place
Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

Lots of variety. Cool displays, had some vintage candy brands and my teens enjoyed shopping. Will visit again. See more..
5.0 The Wings Of Lace Boutique (4 reviews)
- Elegant Casual
Speciality & Gift Shops

Loved the Jamaican sales lady who handed me so much to try on. You could tell she liked her job. Loved all the styles on long flowing tops, tight leggings, flowing skirts, tank tops to complete the look and oh yes, the jewerly and scarfs. I bought a most beautiful showy long necklace for only $32 and a multi colored scarf you can wear with almost anything. It was made by women in Vietnam. I loved the shop and wished I had more time. My husband was waiting for me in the car to go hiking. A must visit if you like fashion!!! See more..
4.5 The Very Nice Brewing Company (39 reviews)
- Great spot
Monday: Breweries

Great beer in a great place-wish we had been able to spend more time. We love Nederland and this brewery is first class. See more..
4.5 The Alpaca Store and More (30 reviews)
- Fun stop in Nederland
Speciality & Gift Shops

We were visiting Estes Park. Someone suggested we drive the Peak to Peak Scenic drive. We wound up in Nederland. So glad we did. It's a funky tiny old town. Basically one street to walk down. Noticed the store on the other side of the main road that goes through the town. The owner is such a neat person. Really enjoyed visiting with him. Beautiful merchandise. Had just intended to look around, not buy anything. Started to leave twice but kept turning around one more time to look at a beautiful reversible alpaca ruana. Could not leave without it. I love, love it. A must stop in Nederland. See more..
4.5 Nederland Mining Museum (25 reviews)
- Saturday Afternoon Visit
Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Passing through Nederland, the museum is convenient to stop in for a tour of the gold, silver and tungsten eras in the area. The displays are interesting and unusual in some cases. The docent is a geologist who knows mining inside and out and brings the mining equipment and materials to life with stories and demonstrations. More than worth a stop and visit if you’re in the area. There’s even an antique bar that was rescued from a long gone area saloon! Even if mining isn’t your thing, this is a cool place. See more..
4.5 Hessie Trailhead (19 reviews)
- Great family backpacking trip
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails

We went to Woodland Lake with our four kids under 11 and our dog. We absolutely loved it. It was so hard to leave. August turned out to be a great time of year for it. Mosquitoes weren’t bad. We went in on a Thursday had the lake to ourselves. See more..
4.5 Nature's Own (14 reviews)
- A must see
Monday: Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

A science and nature store featuring gemstone jewelry, fossils, minerals, science toys and books opened in 1986. Usually open from 11 am until 6 pm. Occasionally closed due to weather, road conditions or staffing. See more..
4.5 Indian Peaks Wilderness, Rainbow Lakes (5 reviews)
- Indian Peaks Wilderness for a family
Spent More than 3 hours Hiking Trails

We went into Woodland Lake from Winter Trailhead not far from Nederland, CO. It was beautiful! 5+ miles in, almost 2K ft elevation gain starting at just over 9K ft, and we were feeling every bit of it. We brought our four kids, ages 4-11 and dog, and they all showed some grit. It was sure worth it. Nobody wanted to leave. And it’s located just down from Skyskraper reservoir. We visited Estes Park the few nights before and went though Rocky Mt National Park. What beautiful country! See more..
4.0 Mud Lake Trail (11 reviews)
- Easy Hike or Bike Near Nederland
Spent 1-2 hours Bodies of Water • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails

Mud Lake Open Area is just north of Nederland providing an easy glimpse of the mountains after perusing and eating your way through town (it is much prettier than the sound of the lkae’s name). The area consists of a couple of one mile loops for either hiking or biking and you bring your dog)s) on a leash. For those that would a like simple stroll or fast jog through a peaceful mountainous area, this open space is great. The loops start around 8350 feet and go no more than 8600 feet. I walked every loop and trail and totaled 4.8 miles. If you want more, starting in July the Caribou Ranch Open Space opens next door to which you can hike. There is also a nice picnic area. See more..
4.0 Wild Bear Nature Center (1 review)
- Small, but free! And educational!
Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums • Natural History Museums • Science Museums • Children's Museums
Wild Bear Nature Center is Boulder County's only all-ages non-profit nature center, open 7 days a week to the public. Wild Bear is free to visit, and regularly has special programs and camps throughout the year. See more..
3.5 Eldora Mountain Resort (217 reviews)
- Beautiful skiing day in Nederland, Colorado at Eldora
Monday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Ski & Snowboard Areas

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. See more..
3.5 Frozen Dead Guy Days (3 reviews)
- Crazy and fun!
Cultural Events

The charm is the crazy premise and small town vibe. Coffin races! Polar plunge! Turkey bowling! Frozen t-shirt contest! It's a hoot, but don't come expecting a slick big-city commercialized event because that's not what this is. You don't actually need a wrist band to watch most of the craziness, but it's nice for you to pay for one to help this very small town provide this festival. Google Frozen Dead Guy ahead of time to read the back story. The festival makes more sense if you know the story of Grandpa Bredo. Also, it's March in Colorado. Be prepared for mud. See more..
St Rita's Catholic Church (0 review)
Churches & Cathedrals
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The Caribou Room (0 review)
Spent 2-3 hours Theaters
Twenty minutes west of Boulder, CO nestled in the Rocky Mountains, The Caribou Room is the perfect venue for concerts, wedding receptions, corporate events, and private parties. The Caribou Room is a premier concert venue and events center located in Nederland, Colorado. See more..