Historic Boulder
It’s true that Boulder is on the cutting edge of scientific research. And you can bet the University of Colorado’s students and grads have their sights set on the future. But reminders of historic Boulder – from downtown’s lovely brick facades to crumbling cemeteries with surprising bits of history – whisper tales of a distant and fascinating past, inviting you to take a peek back into the events that made Boulder the place it is today.
Day One
Start your day exploring the Colorado Chautauqua District, an area that is a favorite of weekend revelers for its hiking trails winding up into the iconic Flatirons. The adjacent grounds of Chautauqua Park were actually developed in 1898 as a place for cultural and educational summer retreats. Today, Chautauqua continues to offer workshops, lectures, live music and plenty of hiking. Visit the Chautauqua Ranger Cottage for suggested hikes or a great spot to photograph the majestic Flatirons. After your hike, relax on the patio of the historic Chautauqua Dining Hall for lunch. And if you’re visiting during summer, be sure to take in a concert at the acoustically delightful Chautauqua Auditorium, a favorite stopping place for musicians such as Shawn Colvin and the Indigo Girls.
Check into the Hotel Boulderado for a unique stay at Boulder’s oldest hotel. The hotel’s name is a combination of the words “Boulder” and “Colorado,” reportedly coined so that no guest would forget where they had stayed. Built in 1909, the Hotel Boulderado has become a National Registered Landmark and is a member of the National Trust’s Historic Hotels of America. A magnificent stained-glass ceiling nooks filled with Victorian furniture and dark, oiled woodwork throughout reveal the hotels early roots.
After check-in, spend the evening exploring Pearl Street Mall [possible to link to in historic downtown Boulder. Stroll along the popular pedestrian mall, lined with the city’s acclaimed restaurants, bookstores, boutiques and sidewalk cafes. Take note of the informational plaques along the mall, which highlight the area’s history and show photographs of what Pearl Street looked like centuries ago.
Day Two
Start your day with a tour of Boulder’s historic neighborhoods. This self-guided tour explores six different historic neighborhoods, all within walking distance of the Hotel Boulderado. Free guides are available at the Boulder Visitor’s Center, located one block south of the hotel at the corner of 13th and Pearl Street.
Banjo Billy’s Bus Tour is another way to discover Boulder’s historic districts and is a one-of-a-kind experience in itself. Hear ghost tales, crime stories and accounts of Boulder’s colorful past while sitting on a couch, recliner or saddle.
In the afternoon, visit the Boulder History Museum located in the Harbeck-Bergheim House in The Hill neighborhood. The museum features topical exhibitions and artifacts from its collection of over 35,000 historic objects donated by Boulder-area families over the past 60 years. In addition, the museum offers kids ages 4-10 a fun, interactive experience in the Discovery Room. The room includes a 19th-century schoolroom where children can dress up in clothing and complete schoolwork just like children 100 years ago.
Consider a twilight tour of Columbia Cemetery to end today’s explorations of historic Boulder. Located on Ninth Street between College and Pleasant streets, Boulder’s first permanent cemetery dates back to 1870 and contains the graves of prominent Boulder pioneers and notable figures such as Mary Rippon, the University of Colorado’s first female faculty member and one of the first women professors in western America. Take some time to simply walk among the granite and sandstone gravestones in the shadow of the Flatirons, and read fascinating gravestones commemorating those who died in mining accidents or of more unusual means, such as “a broken heart.”
Day Three
Start today’s tour by traveling up Boulder Canyon (Highway 119) to the town of Nederland. While in Nederland, visit one of the many historic sites including the Gillaspie House Museum, Nederland Mining Museum, Bucyrus Steam Shovel and Nederland Town Hall.
Continue your journey on Highway 72 (Peak to Peak Highway) to Estes Park (about an hour-long scenic drive). While in Estes Park, visit the grand old Stanley Hotel, made famous in part by the movie “The Shining,” and take a ghost tour. The charming town of Estes Park offers plenty of shopping and dining options for lunch. You may even see elk wandering through town!
Estes Park is located at the entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park. You may want to spend some time driving or hiking around the park to view wildlife such as elk, mountain sheep and many smaller high altitude critters. As evening nears take a leisurely drive back to Boulder on Highway 36. For a night out on the town visit the historic Boulder Theater, a favorite Boulder landmark whose oft-photographed art deco exterior dates back to 1936.
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