The small town of Frederick in Weld County is about 55 miles from downtown Denver. With a population of about 12,000 people, visitors can expect a laid-back environment and friendly people.
Frederick is surrounded by a rural landscape not far from the Rocky Mountains, home to the world-class Vail and Breckenridge ski resorts.
The town has a rich history, especially its coal mining and agricultural industries, and the stories of the town and its people are featured in the many museums and attractions in the area.
The town is also full of entertainment, breweries and family-run restaurants, and the nearby communities of Firestone, Dacono, Boulder, Erie, Longmont and Fort Lupton are home to a variety of parks and attractions.
Throughout the year, the area hosts many events and festivals, including the Celtic Festival, Chainsaws and Chuckwagons, and the Miners Festival.
Here are 15 of the best things to do in and around Frederick, Colorado.
1. Miners Memorial Hall
As an elected Colorado Historic Landmark in downtown Frederick, the original Frederick Town Hall building is an important landmark; it is also home to the Miners Memorial Museum.
The museum’s main purpose is to share and preserve the town’s history while educating residents and visitors. Various exhibits include artifacts related to the town and its people over the years, including the original mayor’s chair, old school desks, coal stoves and mining tools from the past. Tours must be arranged in advance.
2. Mirror Brewing Company
Frederick visitors looking to try some local craft beers can visit Mirror Image Brewing Company’s friendly, laid-back pub and try a variety of different options. Balefire Red, Mirror Image IPA and Tri-Town Brown are just some of the craft beers you can taste.
You can also enjoy your meal with a beer and the main focus is on different types of pizza.
3. Anderson Farms
The best time to visit Erie Anderson Farm is in the fall, when the excitement around the farm is at its peak. This is when Colorado’s oldest corn maze is open, and visitors of all ages can get lost in the 25-acre trail.
Other attractions include carriage rides, pumpkin shooting with cannons, jumping platforms, fire pits, playgrounds, and minecarts. There are also farm animals on site and it is fun to interact with them.
4. Eat at Peel Handcrafted Pizza
Food is just food until you turn it into a meal, and the best way to enjoy a perfect meal is to indulge in delicious, handcrafted dishes prepared by friendly staff in a relaxed setting , which is the perfect place to make unforgettable memories.
That’s how Frederick’s Peel’s eats. Enjoy a variety of traditional and contemporary dishes, including wood-fired pizza, mussels, pasta, salads, burrata cheese, and of course, delicious desserts.
5. Explore Pearl Street
In the heart of nearby Boulder is the historic Pearl District, a pedestrian and entertainment district spanning four blocks. It is a popular meeting place for locals and a must-see for tourists in the area. In addition to a range of storefronts including locally owned small businesses and national chains, there are a variety of restaurants, cafes and microbreweries.
Pearl Street is also the center of Boulder’s lively nightlife, with buskers taking to the streets to entertain the crowd during the warmer months. As you stroll the streets, be sure to check out the public art and sculptures in the many spaces along the way.
6. Iron
Nearby Boulder is one of the area’s must-see natural attractions and a recognized symbol of the city. The Flatirons are five massive rock formations on the slopes of Mount Green. These spectacular rock formations have been popular with rock climbers for decades, but you don’t need to do any climbing to enjoy them.
There are several hiking trails of varying skill levels in the area, and you might even catch a glimpse of some of the scribbles left by climbers in the 1940s.
7. Boulder Museum at Tebo Center
If you’re interested in seeing how Boulder became what it is today, a visit to the Boulder Museum in the heart of Tebo will take you through the history and modernity of the city. Through a variety of interactive exhibits, you will learn about the locals and local culture.
The museum also hosts traveling exhibitions, art exhibitions, and events throughout the year. The rooftop area is where you can relax and enjoy the stunning view of the nearby irons.
8. Mountain Cowboy Brewing Company
For a relaxing afternoon or evening with a premium craft beer, visitors can head to the Mountain Cowboy Brewing Company in Frederick. The beer sold here is made with hops grown on a local farm, which happens to be the largest commercial hop farm in the region.
Choose from a variety of options including Flighty Blonde Watermelon Ale, Peak Seven IPA and Lenten Loophole Lager. Food and other beverages are also sold on site. Breweries and farms can be visited.
9. Chautauqua Park
Visitors looking to spend a relaxing day breathing fresh air and enjoying nature can find more at Chautauqua Park in nearby Boulder. The park is a National Historic Landmark and hosts events and festivals throughout the year, but it’s also where you can enjoy stunning views, beautiful gardens, and several walking trails.
It’s also a great place to enjoy a bike ride or a picnic. On-site facilities include a playground, bathrooms and tennis courts.
10. Eldorado Canyon State Park
Not far from Frederick is a beautiful state park that offers plenty of opportunities to participate in a variety of outdoor activities. El Dorado Canyon State Park is home to 885 acres of natural beauty, including steep canyon walls, densely forested areas and breathtaking views.
The best place to start your visit is the Visitor Center, where you can learn more about the park and what it has to offer. Rock climbing, kayaking, fishing, horseback riding, nature viewing and bird watching are just some of the activities you can do.
There are several hiking trails, ranging from easy to difficult. One of the trails, the Rattlesnake Gulch, is a 3.6-mile trail that passes the ruins of the Crags Hotel and offers views of the Continental Divide. A picnic area is located on site.
11. National Center for Atmospheric Research
At the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, you can learn all about the weather through a variety of interactive exhibits. The building itself is a sight to behold at the top of Table Mesa. Internally, scientists are working to study a variety of weather-related events. Visitors can see the equipment used to conduct these studies.
Guided tours are provided by knowledgeable tour guides. After the tour, take a leisurely stroll along the Walter Orr Roberts Nature and Weather Trail and grab a bite to eat at the center’s cafeteria.
12. Teana Tea Factory
A trip to the Celestial Seasonings Tea Factory solves the mystery of why everyone in and around Boulder seems so laid back: Quality, herbal teas are packaged here, and the factory is the largest on the continent. Visitors can see how 8 million tea bags are packaged and distributed every day, and you don’t need to be a tea person to experience the process.
During the free tour, you will visit the fairy grass garden and the mint room. You will also have the chance to taste some of their most popular teas.
13. Peppers Fireside Grill
For food and drinks that the whole family can enjoy in a friendly environment, visitors can head to Peppers Fireside and Grille in nearby Firestone. With a wide variety of classic and unique items to choose from, even the most discerning eater is sure to find something.
Salads, soups, pastas and delicious desserts are just some of the options.
14. Back to the Tree Western Art Museum
The Leanin’ Tree Museum of Western Art in Boulder is the next best thing if you don’t want to venture outside to experience Colorado’s spectacular natural beauty.
The extensive compilation of Western art includes many works depicting the region’s beautiful mountainous landscapes and the agricultural life that shaped the land and people.
There is also a sculpture garden on site, and free tours are provided.
15. Flagstaff Hill
About five miles outside of Boulder is a beautiful natural area where the whole family can soak up the natural beauty of the area. Flagstaff Mountain and the Summit Nature Center are popular attractions in the area, with the main attraction being the hiking trails to the summit of Flagstaff Mountain. There is also an amphitheater.
Several hiking trails vary in difficulty, so beginners and experienced hikers alike can head to the summit, where spectacular views await. There is also a nature center at the summit with interactive displays that showcase the geography and wildlife of the area. The Flagstaff House restaurant offers locally inspired dishes, but there is also a picnic area if you are packing your own lunch.
Where to Stay: Best Hotels in Frederick, Colorado
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