Looking for the best things to do in Golden Co this weekend? Golden Colorado is a great little village just outside of Denver. Known for its gorgeous Lookout Mountain, great golf course, and of course the famous Coors brewery. To help you plan out your perfect weekend in Denver, we have put together a list of the absolute best things to do in Golden Colorado.
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Things to do in Golden Co : Lookout Mountain
Lookout Mountain is a Rocky Mountain foothill. It is one of the best things to do in Golden Co. The Utes, an American Indian group, were the first recorded residents. They used the peak as a lookout point for the surrounding area. The peak provides a clear view of downtown Denver, which is only 12 miles to the east.
At the top of Lookout Mountain, you can find the grave of Frederick Cody. Frederick Cody is the real name of famous frontiersman Buffalo Bill. The City of Denver owns and administers the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave. This museum was established to honor the memory of Buffalo Bill. In the museum you can find many objects linked to Buffalo Bull and his influence on American Society.
Lookout Mountain is a popular destination for visitors and locals. Here you can find great hiking, mountain riding, and cycling. It is important to mention Lookout Mountain is quite steep. You will, however, have amazing views over Golden, Denver and the Front Range. Don’t miss out on one of the best things to do in Golden Co.
Best tours taking you to Lookout Mountain
Golden Gate Canyon State Park
The majority of the Colorado Rockies are part of national forests. Sadly they have no special status. One exception however is the Rocky Mountain National Park. Here there are a few tiny portions designated as state parks. Golden Gate Canyon State Park lies 30 miles west of Denver. It is a tiny region of wooded hills and valleys roughly 5 by 2 miles in size. There are three roads and 11 marked trails passing through it.
Golden Cate Canyon State Park is not very high. The elevations only range from 10.400 feet to 7.700 feet. There are no impressive granite ridges or wide-reaching panorama’s. Because it is an easy park to hike, Golden Gate Canyon is popular with families. There are great spots for camping, hiking, and horseback riding.
Head here in late summer for beautiful meadows and wildflowers. In winter when it snows, the Golden Gate Canyon State Park is perfect for skiing and winter sports. Looking for things to do in Golden Co? Then the Golden Gate Canyon should be on your list when traveling with your family.
Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum
The Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum is the perfect day out for those interested in Geology. Here you can find mining artefacts , meteorites and fossils. The museum also houses gemstones and a large walk-through mine.
he displays in this museum span no less than two floors. There are more than 2500 catalogued specimens. It is one of the best things to do in Golden Co for those who like geology.
At the start of the tour you can watch an introduction movie about the geology of the area. There are also displays about essential materials and UV minerals. At the Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum you can see the Miss Colorado Crown and moon rocks from Apollo 15 and 17. Who knew there were things to do in Golden Co that would take you past a piece of history?
The museum also contains murals by Irwin Hoffman. These Murals were first shown at the Golden Gate International Exposition in 1939. Now they found a place in the main gallery. These murals depict the history of mining.
Things to do in Golden Co - Buffalo Bill Grave and Museum
William F. Cody, who was born in 1846, lived in the Old West to the fullest. His buffalo hunting prowess earned him the moniker “Buffalo Bill.” Buffalo Bill’s Wild West shows were popular all over the Western world. He left an indelible image of the American West. This is one of the most popular things to do in Golden Co.
The museum depicts William F. Cody’s life, times, and legend. Exhibits on Buffalo Bill’s life and Wild West shows. You can also find Native American artifacts and firearms, on display. The Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave houses Sitting Bull’s bow and arrows. Keep an eye out for Buffalo Bill’s show outfits. You will also find Frederick Remington’s “Portrait of a Ranch Hand,” and other amazing artifacts dating from the Wild West!
Visit William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody’s one and only burial. You should visit the park. The park is part of the Denver Mountain Parks Program. Here you can stop for panoramic views over the great plains and the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
The park attracts over 400,000 visitors each year. Don’t miss out on things to do in Golden Co!
Best Things to do in Golden Co: Buffalo Bill Tours!
Things to do in Golden Colorado - Coors Brewery tours
Do you like a nice cold can of Coors? Why not visit the Coors Brewery! The brewery sits at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. It is the world’s largest single-site brewery. Here you can see and taste traditional brewing! The Coors Brewery has been thriving since 1873. They have now grown to be one of the largest breweries in the country.
At the Coors Brewery you can take a 30-minute tour. During this tour you can look at the malting, brewing, and packaging operations. The tour guide also highlights the beer’s history and the staff’s love for brewing. In the exhibition hall you can find vintage images and neon signs as well as old beer cans and bottles!
A visit to the Coors Brewery is one of the best things to do in Golden Colorado for those who like beer!
Colorado Railroad Museum
The Colorado Railroad Museum is a non-profit organization. It is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and displaying railroad memorabilia. From rare documents and images to actual train cars, it has it all. It is one of the best things to do in Golden Colorado for families.
The museum lies on a fifteen-acre plot of land in Golden, just in front of Table Mountain. The Colorado Railroad museum opened in 1959. It houses large collection of narrow gauge trains and locomotives.
Narrow gauge railroads were popular in Colorado. This was because the Rocky Mountains’ tight canyons and other restrictions.
The museum offers narrow gauge train rides on particular days, known as “Steam Up Days.” Every Saturday you will be able to board one of their three Geese cars!
Old photographs, historical records, and a miniature railroad are all housed in the museum building. The bottom level houses an exhibition hall that changes with the seasons. The structure is a reproduction of a depot from the 1880s.
If you like trains, head to the souvenir shop and library. Over 10,000 railroad-related books are in the library’s collection. The gift shop is designed to look like a vintage general store. On site, there is also a shaded picnic area.
Looking for things to do in Golden Colorado that are a nice day out for the whole family? Then head to the railroad museum!
Things to do in Golden Colorado: Lariat Loop National Scenic Byway
The Lariat Loop Byway is a 40-mile scenic road. The loop allows you to relive early 20th-century motoring experiences. Thanks to the loop you can experience the most beautiful views in the foothills. The Lariat Loop allows you to experience sharp turns and twisting roads. Get ready for stunning views and waysides during your trip!
This scenic mountain drive combines two historic routes. First you have the Lariat Trail Scenic Mountain Drive. This route ascends Lookout Mountain. Then there is the Bear Creek Canyon Scenic Mountain Drive. This scenic drive descends Lookout Mountain.
These drives were part of scenic loops designed and marketed by Denver in the 1915-1920’s. The goal was to help Coloradans explore the mountains near Denver by car.
If you are not into hiking but you do want to explore the foothills, then the Lariat Route is one of the best things to do in Golden Colorado!
Golden History Museum & Park
The history of Denver and Golden are rich in color and mystery. The Golden History Museum teaches you all about Golden’s distinctive individuals and sites. The museum takes you through the history with exhibitions and programs. You will find relics dating back to as early as 1938. This is one of the best things to do in Golden Co for those who want to learn more about the history of Golden Colorado.
The museum tries to combine history and arts-education. The original staff of the museum were all artists. These artists were comissioned to paint portraints of the foundais and historic landscapes. The museum opened in 1938 as part of the Works Progress Administration.
The artists created detailed dioramas and carved wooden frames. The museum houses a diverse collection of historic and modern artwork. Almost all art was created by artists visiting and living in the area.
In the salon of the museum you can find a permanent collection. There are also rotating exhibitions by local artists.
Things to do in Golden: White Ranch Park
White Ranch Park in Golden, Colorado is the largest and most visited park in Jefferson County. There are plenty of things to do for visitors.
Most of the park is free to enter for the public. Some parts require a permit. The park spans 20 miles of rocky terrain with meadows. Here you can find amazing rock formations and paths of varied difficulty. The White Ranch Park also offers campgrounds and gorgeous panoramic views.
White Ranch Park is one of the best things to do in Golden Co for families who want to explore the foothills or want to go camping!
Golden City Brewery
Charlie and Janine Sturdavant, two geologists, created Golden City Brewery in 1993. Charlie began brewing German-style ales in the old machine shop behind their historic Golden home. They had filled the home with discarded dairy tanks. Want to taste some nice local beer? Then Visiting the Golden City Brewery is one of the best things to do in Golden Co!
The tasting room was housed in their sunroom and served Red Ale and Pale Ale in 1/2 gallon growlers and kegs. These were sold to the local community.
For more than 25 years, they’ve been serving good beer in Golden, but that’s not the whole tale. They’ve also added wines and cider from the connected winery. The wines and ciders are also made onsite on the premises.
Best things to do in Golden Co: Tours to the Golden City Brewery
Lieze Neven is a globetrotting travel writer and expat currently based in Nepal. With a passion for exploration, she has lived in Dubai, the UK, and Belgium, alongside her international teacher husband. Her parents live in France and she tries to visit Paris at least once a year. Together, they travel the world looking for the best hotels, experiences and food locations have to offer!