24 Best Places and Things To Do in Golden, Colorado

Golden, Colorado is a charming city located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. It is known for its picturesque scenery, rich history, and outdoor recreational opportunities. Here are some of the best places and things to do in Golden, Colorado:

1. American Mountaineering Museum

American Mountaineering Museum

Image Source: https://www.uncovercolorado.com/museums/american-mountaineering-museum/

The American Mountaineering Museum is located in Golden and is dedicated to the history of mountaineering. You can learn about famous mountaineers, see historic climbing gear, and explore interactive exhibits.

2. Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave

Image Source: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-buffalo-bill-museum-and-grave-golden-colorado

The Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave is located on top of Lookout Mountain, just outside of Golden. You can learn about the life and legend of Buffalo Bill, see historic artifacts, and take in stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

3. Clear Creek Trail

Fishing

Image Source: https://www.visitgolden.com/outdoors/hiking/clear-creek-trail-water-park/

Clear Creek is a popular spot for whitewater rafting, and there are plenty of outfitters in Golden that offer guided trips. It’s a thrilling way to experience the natural beauty of the area.

4. Colorado Railroad Museum

Image Source: https://www.visitgolden.com/listing/colorado-railroad-museum/1204/

The Colorado Railroad Museum is located in Golden and is dedicated to preserving the history of railroading in Colorado. You can see historic trains, learn about the role of railroads in shaping the region, and take a ride on a steam locomotive.

5. Golden History Museum & Park

https://assets.simpleviewinc.com/simpleview/image/fetch/c_limit,q_75,w_1200/https://assets.simpleviewinc.com/simpleview/image/upload/crm/goldenco/097_cchp-421x561_0FEE6885-FADC-465D-A7CFE387BFCF5A55_979882ed-39f9-4434-a8e8abad6a7f31a3.jpg

Image Source: https://www.visitgolden.com/listing/golden-history-museum-%26-park/1225/

The Golden History Museum & Park is a fascinating destination for anyone interested in the history of Golden, Colorado, and the American West. The museum is located in downtown Golden and offers visitors a chance to learn about the city’s rich history through interactive exhibits, artifacts, and special events.

6. Foothills Art Center

Image Source: https://www.visitgolden.com/listing/foothills-art-center/1212/

The Foothills Art Center is located in downtown Golden and features a variety of art exhibitions throughout the year. It is a great place to see works by local and national artists and to learn about the art scene in the region.

7. Lookout Mountain Nature Center

Field of purple wildflowers with the Nature Center building as a backdrop, taken by Anne Friant.

Image Source: https://www.jeffco.us/1281/Lookout-Mountain-Preserve-and-Nature-Cen

The Lookout Mountain Nature Center is located just outside of Golden and offers educational exhibits and programs on the local flora and fauna. You can also hike on nearby trails and take in the stunning views from Lookout Mountain.

8. Lookout Mountain

Image Source: https://www.tripadvisor.in/Attraction_Review-g33447-d142973-Reviews-Lookout_Mountain-Golden_Colorado.html

Another popular attraction on Lookout Mountain is the Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve. This nature center offers educational exhibits and programs on the local flora and fauna, as well as hiking trails and stunning views of the Rocky Mountains.

9. Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum

https://www.colorado.com/sites/default/files/styles/slideshow_slide_medium/public/listing_images/profile/2783/bldglookoutmtn.jpg.webp?itok=rd4lPlwW

Image Source: https://www.colorado.com/museums/colorado-school-of-mines-geology-museum

The Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum is a fascinating museum located on the campus of the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado. It is home to one of the largest collections of minerals, fossils, and gems in the world, and offers visitors a glimpse into the earth’s geological history. The museum has several exhibits that showcase the diversity and beauty of minerals and rocks. The Mineral Hall features over 15,000 minerals from all over the world, including rare and unique specimens. The Fossil Hall displays a variety of fossils from different eras, including dinosaurs, mammoths, and trilobites.

10. Golden Gate Canyon State Park

https://www.colorado.com/sites/default/files/styles/slideshow_slide_medium/public/listing_images/profile/5089/2014_golden_gate_state_park_0091.jpg.webp?itok=KCc_e6rS

Image Source: https://www.colorado.com/state-parks/golden-gate-canyon-state-park

One of the highlights of the park is its hiking trails. There are over 35 miles of trails that wind through forests, meadows, and up to high mountain peaks. The trails range from easy to strenuous, so there’s something for every level of hiker. One popular trail is the Panorama Point Trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

11. Mother Cabrini Shrine

mother-FI.jpg

Image Source: https://www.visitgolden.com/listing/mother-cabrini-shrine/3348/

Mother Cabrini Shrine is a religious shrine located just outside of Golden, Colorado. It was built in honor of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, who was the first American saint to be canonized by the Catholic Church. The shrine is a peaceful and serene place that offers visitors a chance to reflect and pray. It features a beautiful chapel with stained glass windows and a statue of Saint Cabrini, as well as several outdoor areas for meditation and prayer.

12. Clear Creek Whitewater Park

Image Source: https://www.tripadvisor.in/Attraction_Review-g33447-d8617194-Reviews-Clear_Creek_Whitewater_Park-Golden_Colorado.html

Clear Creek Whitewater Park is an exciting destination for anyone who loves whitewater sports. It’s located in the heart of downtown Golden, Colorado, and offers visitors a chance to experience the rush of the river in a safe and controlled environment. The park features several man-made structures, such as boulders and drops, that create rapids and waves in the creek. This creates a fun and challenging course for kayakers, rafters, and other whitewater enthusiasts.

13. White Ranch Park

Image Source: https://www.visitgolden.com/listing/white-ranch-park/5072/

White Ranch Park is a beautiful park located in the foothills just outside of Golden, Colorado. It covers over 4,000 acres and offers visitors a wide range of outdoor activities, from hiking and mountain biking to horseback riding and wildlife viewing. One of the highlights of the park is its extensive trail system. There are over 20 miles of trails that wind through forests, meadows, and up to high mountain peaks. The trails range from easy to strenuous, so there’s something for every level of hiker or biker. One popular trail is the Rawhide Trail, which leads to a scenic overlook with views of the surrounding mountains.

14. Winters Park

Image Source: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g33447-d1830195-Reviews-Matthews_Winters_Park-Golden_Colorado.html

One of the highlights of the park is its extensive trail system. There are over 6 miles of trails that wind through the foothills, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The trails range from easy to strenuous, so there’s something for every level of hiker or biker. One popular trail is the Morrison Slide Trail, which leads to a scenic overlook with views of Red Rocks Park and the city of Denver.

15. North Table Mountain Park

Image Source: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g33447-d8616234-Reviews-North_Table_Mountain_Park-Golden_Colorado.html

One of the highlights of the park is its extensive trail system. There are over 15 miles of trails that wind through the mesa and offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and Denver skyline. The trails range from easy to strenuous, so there’s something for every level of hiker or biker. One popular trail is the North Table Loop, which leads to a scenic overlook with views of the Front Range and the city of Golden.

16. Jeffco Open Space Parks

https://www.uncovercolorado.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/2013-03-02-JCOS-South-Valley08-800x400.jpg

Image Source: https://www.uncovercolorado.com/public-parks/jefferson-county-open-space/

The parks within the system offer a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, mountain biking, fishing, camping, and horseback riding. One of the most popular parks within the system is the Apex Park, which offers over 9 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, as well as stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

17. Apex Park

Image Source: https://www.tripadvisor.in/Attraction_Review-g33447-d560059-Reviews-Apex_Park-Golden_Colorado.html

Apex Park is a beautiful park located in Golden, Colorado, and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The park covers over 700 acres and features a stunning network of hiking and mountain biking trails that wind through the foothills and offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

18. Astor House Museum

Astor House Golden CO.jpg

Image Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astor_House_(Golden,_Colorado)

The Astor House Museum is a historic building located in the heart of Golden, Colorado. The museum is housed in a beautiful Italianate-style building that was built in 1867 and served as a hotel for over 90 years. Today, the Astor House Museum offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history of Golden and the surrounding area. The museum features a variety of exhibits and displays that highlight the city’s past, including its mining history, its role in the development of the West, and its cultural heritage.

19. American Mountaineering Museum

https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/553e910ce4b0770c4ca6ba23/1437591166403-HC58XUE1TBOLB86AO152/image-asset.jpeg?format=750w

Image Source: https://www.mountaineeringmuseum.org/about

The American Mountaineering Museum is a fascinating museum located in Golden, Colorado that is dedicated to the history and culture of mountaineering in the United States. The museum is located in a historic building that was once home to the Golden Masonic Lodge. The museum features a variety of exhibits and displays that showcase the history of mountaineering in the United States, as well as the equipment and techniques that have been developed over the years. Visitors can explore exhibits that highlight the achievements of famous mountaineers, including photographs, artifacts, and information about their expeditions and accomplishments.

20. Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum

Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum

Image Source: https://www.visitgolden.com/listing/rocky-mountain-quilt-museum/1253/

The Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum is a unique museum located in Golden, Colorado that is dedicated to the art and history of quilting. The museum features a vast collection of quilts from around the world, including historic and contemporary quilts, art quilts, and traditional quilts. The museum’s exhibits showcase the many different styles, techniques, and cultures represented in the world of quilting. Visitors can explore exhibits that focus on specific themes or styles, such as the art of Japanese quilting or the history of quilting in the American West.

21. Heritage Square

Image Source: https://www.tripadvisor.in/Attraction_Review-g33447-d254524-Reviews-Heritage_Square-Golden_Colorado.html

Heritage Square is a family-friendly amusement park located in Golden, Colorado. The park features a variety of attractions, including carnival rides, a zip line, a magic theater, a miniature golf course, and a mining-themed roller coaster. One of the main draws of Heritage Square is its charming old-western style, which is reflected in the park’s architecture and design. The park is designed to look like a 19th-century mining town, complete with wooden sidewalks, old-fashioned storefronts, and vintage mining equipment.

22. Mount Galbraith Park

Blue skies above a lush green mountainscape, taken by Anne Friant.

Image Source: https://www.jeffco.us/1335/Mount-Galbraith-Park

Mount Galbraith Park is a beautiful natural area located near Golden, Colorado. The park features a variety of hiking trails that wind through scenic landscapes and offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The park’s main trail, the Mount Galbraith Loop Trail, is a moderate 4.2-mile hike that takes visitors through a variety of landscapes, including grassy meadows, rocky outcroppings, and shady forests. Along the way, hikers can enjoy views of nearby mountains, including the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater.

23. Triceratops Trail

https://assets.simpleviewinc.com/simpleview/image/upload/c_fill,f_jpg,h_500,q_65,w_1400/v1/clients/goldenco/Triceratops_trail_b0393a9e-0574-439e-be6a-6d2c65bcb0c7.jpg

Image Source: https://www.visitgolden.com/outdoors/hiking/triceratops-trail/

The Triceratops Trail is a short but scenic hiking trail located in Golden, Colorado. The trail is named after the numerous triceratops fossils that have been found in the area, making it a popular destination for dinosaur enthusiasts and hikers alike. The trail is a 1.7-mile loop that winds through open meadows and rocky outcroppings, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Along the way, hikers can see evidence of the area’s ancient history, including rock formations and fossilized dinosaur footprints.

24. Centennial Cone Park

https://www.jeffco.us/ImageRepository/Document?documentID=695

Image Source: https://www.jeffco.us/facilities/facility/details/Centennial-Cone-Park-4

Centennial Cone Park is a beautiful natural area located near Golden, Colorado. The park offers a variety of hiking and biking trails that wind through rolling hills, grassy meadows, and stunning forests, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the area.

Golden, Colorado is a beautiful city with plenty of things to see and do. Whether you’re interested in history, outdoor recreation, or just soaking up the local culture, there is something for everyone in Golden.