Location: Golden
Top Things to do in Golden
- 1. Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum
- 2. Lookout Mountain
- 3. Golden Gate Canyon State Park
- 4. Mother Cabrini Shrine
- 5. Buffalo Bill Grave and Museum
- 6. Lariat Loop National Scenic Byway
- 7. Colorado Railroad Museum
- 8. Golden Visitors Center
- 9. Clear Creek History Park
- 10. Lookout Mountain Nature Center
What to do and see in Golden, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Golden is the Home Rule Municipality that is the county seat of Jefferson County, Colorado, United States. Golden lies along Clear Creek at the base of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. Founded during the Pike's Peak Gold Rush on June 16, 1859, the mining camp was originally named Golden City in honor of Thomas L. Golden. Golden City served as the capital of the provisional Territory of Jefferson from 1860 to 1861, and capital of the official Territory of Colorado from 1862 to 1867. In 1867, the territorial capital was moved about 12 miles (19 km) east to Denver City. The United States Census Bureau estimates that the city population was 18,867 in 2010.
Restaurants in Golden
1. Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 215 reviews
Reviewed By Suzanne I - Carmel, Indiana
Whenever we visit the Golden area we make time to visit this amazing museum. There is no set admission fee but donations are gladly accepted. The display cases include amazingly beautiful minerals from the Colorado area as well as from different regions around the world. As this is a small museum, our visits usually take under an hour, but it all depends on how long you want to spend gazing at the incredible displays! Visually stimulating even for children.
2. Lookout Mountain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 718 reviews
Scenic mountain near Denver and home of the Buffalo Bill Cody gravesite and museum.
Reviewed By RARCO-RRodgersWrites - Arvada, Colorado
When you're near Denver, be sure to head straight west, following the route of the gold prospectors, to Golden, CO, and Lookout Mountain. The scenery is one-of-a-kind! Take time to hike or to visit the Boettcher Mansion, Genessee Park, the Buffalo Lookout, Buffalo Bill's Grave & Museum, Colo. School of Mines, and more while you're out there!
3. Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 233 reviews
This area is particularly good for snowshoers.
Reviewed By Lynne W - Parker, Colorado
The Golden Gate Canyon park is one of the most relaxing quick destinations available in Colorado. Plentiful wildlife, helpful Rangers, a darling visitors center!
Trails from easy to advanced, and of course the friendly Colorado residents.
Who could ask for anything more?
Lynne Wright HGTV Featured Realtor Colorado Resident
4. Mother Cabrini Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 164 reviews
Reviewed By Ann M - Houston, Texas
Along the path there are benches and markers. So you can rest and show how many you have climb. There are many place for prayer the chapel where you can light candles, near the Holy Water area a chapel on the bottom floor, the church inside, and the top of the stairs. The gift shop has candles and so does the chapel where you light the candles. This is such a beautiful place.
5. Buffalo Bill Grave and Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 984 reviews
Gravesite and museum dedicated to the life and times of Buffalo Bill Cody.
Reviewed By DoozerLaFae
The museum has good displays and interesting information, including a short documentary that plays on loop. They are working on an additional American Indian area. The grave is well kept. The gift store is kind of like those at gas stations on highways—random and of questionable quality with a few legitimate things (like books) added in. Good kid corral dress up area.
6. Lariat Loop National Scenic Byway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 80 reviews
Reviewed By Kate T - Bardstown, Kentucky
We started the loop in Golden, passing the Coors brewery. From there we went trough miles of gorgeous canyons with the river running beside us. People were everywhere taking advantage of the beautiful day hiking, biking, fishing, rafting and even rock climbing. Next we came to Idaho Springs which had a welcome center and museum. It was a cool little town I'd like to take more time to explore in another trip, but we left the loop from there to drive up Mt. Evans. After coming back down the mountain we joined back up on the loop around Bergen Park and continued on to Evergreen. We stopped there for lunch and I fell in love with the town. There were several restaurants, shops and beautiful homes all along the water. We continued the loop to Morrison and a stop to see Red Rocks Amphitheater. This was a great route to take and there was certainly more to see and enjoy.
7. Colorado Railroad Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 477 reviews
Lose track of time year-round at our Depot Museum and 15-acre railyard featuring over 100 engines, cabooses and coaches, Garden and HO layouts, renowned library and roundhouse restoration facility with working turntable. Special events and train rides behind a vintage steam locomotive throughout the year. Train rides each Saturday. Visit our website for group rates, events and information.
Reviewed By Ron0001 - Chicago, Illinois
Our first time ever on a Polar Express so we have nothing to benchmark off of. The experience was cool and our son enjoyed it, but we felt for the price it wasn't worth it. You start out in a room with members from your...MoreThank you for visiting the Colorado Railroad Museum for a Polar Express Train Ride and for taking the extra time to leave your feedback, I have shared your comments with our staff.
8. Golden Visitors Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 64 reviews
Reviewed By TMWildMed - Ithaca, New York
Very friendly staff. Lots of info. Golden ticket offers deals around town. Conveniently located downtown.
9. Clear Creek History Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 75 reviews
Pioneer life in the hills and canyons near Golden was harsh, difficult, and not for the faint of heart. Most who survived in the beautiful, if inhospitable region, succeeded as farmers and ranchers. Relive the experience by exploring the blacksmith shop, log cabins, hay barn and root cellar. Visit with our heirloom-breed chickens and discover a buzzing beehive. On select days, interact with costumed interpreters who enliven the landscape with cooking and blacksmithing demonstrations. Step inside the one-room Guy Hill Schoolhouse and take a seat in a student’s desk, but don’t wisecrack to the school mistress!
Reviewed By Paul G - Tucson, Arizona
We toured the morning after Mother Nature had covered her in a blanket of white.
It was quiet, peaceful and the perfect way to tour the park. Not many buildings were open, but still provided a very good insight into early Golden.
Combined with the park walk, this is a worthwhile venture
On a note of information. As this is right downtown, Leave your car at your hotel and walk, it is well worth the exercise.
10. Lookout Mountain Nature Center
Overall Ratings
4 based on 82 reviews
Connect with nature at this 110-acre park. Inside experience exhibits that depict migrating birds and reveal secrets of the ponderosa pine forest. Visit the Discovery Corner and Observation Room. Outside stroll trails winding through forest and meadow, picnic beneath towering pine trees or join a naturalist-guided program.
Reviewed By Arcee_CO - Wheat Ridge, Colorado
This free Nature Center is a small combined museum and rest stop. But-- it is the drive directly up Table Mountain (just 10 miles) from downtown Golden that makes this memorable. Perfect for business visitors to the city who don't have time to drive to the serious Rocky Mountains 30-40 miles further. Get a local or friend to drive you (or just drive yourself) up the safe but narrow road for memorable views and a walk in the real pine forest. Friendly County rangers will give you the history and wildlife facts and views. Hint: you can also drive here from the west, off I-70, but if you have been to the 12,000 foot tall Rockies, this is just a casual snapshot.
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