Top things to do in Nederland Colorado
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Things to Do in Nederland, Colorado – a perfect day trip from Boulder

Last Updated on January 30, 2025 by Polly Dimitrova

A small alpine town located at the foothills of Roosevelt National Forest, Nederland Colorado has quite the history to tell. Once a booming trading post, Nederland is now a hidden gem and idyllic destination to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city life. Some visit for the mountain sceneries, others for the charming local coffee shops and restaurants – either way, there are a few unique things to do in Nederland, Colorado!

Check the Historic Train Cars and Grab a Coffee


The Train Cars Coffee is easily our family’s favorite thing to do in Nederland, Colorado. From our 2-year-old son who is obsessed with trains, my husband who absolutely loves donuts and me always in need of coffee, we went to the Train Cars Coffee every single day (besides Christmas day since they were closed)!

As you already can guess by the name the café is made out of three train cars put together. They are all at least a century old and have their own unique story. Dating back to 1906, the Pullman Car was one of the last plush wooden coaches. Retired back in 1970, it now serves as the main dining area of the café. Built in 1910, the caboose once featured sleeping bunks for 8 men, a stove and coal box, and more. Nowadays, it is the car you first enter into. Heading to the back, visitors will also find the Circus car from 1872! What originally started as a railway post office car, then became an advertising car that toured with Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show, now holds the “relaxing/play” zone where you can find a piano and various board games.

From the smell of freshly-baked donuts as soon as you enter the door, to the unique cozy atmosphere, the Train Cars Coffee is a must-visit when visiting Nederland, Colorado!

Take a Spin on the Carousel of Happiness


The Carousel of Happiness is not only a magical spot for children, but it also has such a unique and interesting story! It all began when Scott Harrison came back from Vietnam and rescued a 1900 Loof Carousel in Utah. It took him 26 years to hand-carve 57 unique animals and bring the carousel back to life.

While in Vietnam, he received a small music box, he would carry with him around and would listen to as a distraction from the war. His inspiration is what made the carousel a reality and what of Nederland’s best attractions!

While the story is truly admirable, there is nothing better than seeing your children’s little faces light up with joy as they spin on the Carousel of Happiness. We ended up going numerous times as per our 2-year-old’s request and he got to choose what animal to ride each time.

If you are planning on a family day trip from Boulder, the carousel is one of the best things to do in Nederland, Colorado!

Stroll the Streets and Shop Local


With a total area of 1.6 square miles, Nederland is a very small but lively alpine town. All the primary attractions and things to do are located within walking distance from one another. It is best to park your car by the Carousel of Happiness and then proceed to walk everywhere else. Strolling through the town’s streets will not take you too long either, but there are a few fantastic boutiques for clothing, jewelry, art, souvenirs and more. Many of these offer hand-made items by local artists so it is a great way to find unique gifts. Some of our favorite shops are:

  • Natures Own – for gemstones, crystals and fossils
  • Rustic Moose Shop – for souvenirs, gifts and small houseware pieces
  • O’Neil Rocky Mountain Art – for art pieces

Visit the Mining Museum


As a huge mining center during the 19th Century, Nederland has quite the history to tell! The Mining Museum calls out to all history buffs, who would like to dive further into Boulder County’s rich heritage. Engines, trams, mining tools and even an entire Panama Canal steam shovel are some of the artifacts portraying parts of the Colorado’s history in the period between the 19th and early 20th centuries. Check out the mineral display, take a closer look at what the miner’s lives looked like or take your try at panning for gold. The museum is generally only open on weekends and offers free admission, but it is definitely one of the places to visit in Nederland, Colorado.

My Son looking at the turtles at Wild Bear Nature Center - one of the best things to do in Nederland Colorado

Stop by the Visitor Center


If you want to learn more about Nederland and the surrounding area, you should definitely plan on stopping by the visitor center. It is located right in the middle of the city. Chat with a local, grab a souvenir or pick up a leaflet with some free information.

Wild Bear Nature Center


The Wild Beat Nature Center is one of the best things to do in Nederland with children. With various hands-on interactive exhibits it is the perfect place to let your little ones learn and explore. Our 2-year-old particularly loved digging and finding fossils and the little corner with animal and nature themed books. Currently located next to the Carousel of Happiness, the Nature Center will be expanding and moving to a much bigger and more modern facility. The new building will have direct access to thousands of wild acres and numerous classrooms, dedicated spaces and community areas. We cannot wait to visit the New Center on our next visit to Nederland, Colorado!

Augustina’s Winery


As a wine enthusiasts at heart, I managed to convince my husband we had to try some of the local wines! So we managed to sneak away for two hours and get a little date while the in-laws were taking care of our little one. The Augustina’s Winery was the ideal spot on a very windy and cold winter afternoon.

Tempted by the numerous options of local wines, we opted for a wine tasting and we could have not been happier. We each chose 5 different wines and the lady generously filled our glasses on each one! We spent an hour or so sipping on delicious wine and admiring the snowy storm outside.

The Augustina’s Winery is relatively small with only a handful of spots to sit, but we strongly recommend it as one of the best things to do in Nederland, Colorado.

Spend time in the Outdoors


Located at the foothills of Roosevelt National Forest and Indian Peaks Wilderness, Nederland can be used as an entryway to the remarkable Colorado’s outdoors! Within short driving distance, visitors can find stunning mountain lakes and hundreds of miles of hiking trails.

Visiting with a 2-year-old during some of the coldest winter days, unfortunately we were not able to explore as much as we would have liked, however, we truly enjoyed the small little path beginning next to the pedestrian bridge near the visitor center and running along the Middle Boulder Creek. It was very flat and easy and ideal for our toddler to run around and collect “rocks” along the way. It passes by Chipeta Park, which has both a smaller and bigger playground, ideal for children from various ages.

Some other hiking trails you might be interested in checking out are:

Go Skiing at Eldora Mountain Resort


Visiting during the winter months, it would have been a shame if we did not plan a quick ski trip to Eldora Mountain Resort. Only 5 miles away from Nederland and 20 miles away from Boulder, it is the closest ski resort in the area. It is definitely much smaller than other popular Colorado ski resorts, however, its convenient location is unbeatable.

We visited on a very windy and cold December day, but thoroughly enjoyed the slopes. It is always best to check the trail and lift status beforehand and plan accordingly. While you can never go wrong with a day of skiing in the mountains, we were slightly disappointed by the “check-in process”. Upon arrival we we told that they are fully transitioning to an online system and everything needs to be booked through their website. We were asked to leave the building and only return once we have made our reservation online. The website failed numerous times and it took us close to 40 minutes to get tickets and rent ski gear. Definitely an inconvenience. So if you are also planning on skiing at Eldora, make sure to book online beforehand!

Take the Peak-to-Peak Scenic Highway


Depending where you are traveling from, you might even take the peak-to-peak scenic highway on your way to Nederland. The 55-mile byway starts at Estes Park, continues through Allenspark, Raymond, Warm, Nederland and connects with I-70 to the South. As Colorado’s first scenic highway, it was constructed in 1918 and provides remarkable views of the Rocky Mountains along the way. If you are planning on staying in Nederland, Colorado for a few days, you can take the peak-to-peak scenic highway as a day trip. The views are truly unmatched and you will find various quaint and picturesque locations for a pit stop. While many recommend taking the drive during the autumn months for a chance to witness the marvelous change of seasons, we enjoyed the winter snowy scenery as well.

Where to Stay in Nederland, Colorado


As a relatively small city Nederland is a fabulous choice for a day trip from Boulder. Since we were visiting family over the Christmas holidays, we ended up staying in Nederland for a week or so. The accommodation options are fairly limited, but there are a few lodges or mountain cabins to choose from.

Boulder Creek Lodge

Located at the heart of the city, Boulder Creek Lodge provides the best access to everything you would want to see and do in Nederland. The rustic cabin atmosphere will definitely make you feel like you are in the mountains. Book a second-floor room with a small balcony overlooking the peaceful waters of the Boulder Creek for a romantic-weekend getaway.

Small AirBnb Cabin

We stayed in a cute cabin only a 5-minute walk away from the downtown area. This was one of the best AirBnb places we have ever stayed at. It has a unique character with various art and décor pieces. It might have not been the most toddler-friendly, especially if you are planning on using the indoor fireplace. The beds were extremely comfortable and it felt extra cozy once it started snowing outside.

Ameristar Casino

We passed by Black Hawk on our way to Nederland, and it looked like an extremely popular area. Once a mining town, Black Hawk is now a famous entertainment and gambling destination. While this is not our cup of tea, many seem to stay at Black Hawk since it is only a 30-minute drive away from Nederland. The hotel options there are plentiful with Ameristar Casino Black Hawk being one of the most popular ones.

Book your Stay at Nederland

Where to Eat in Nederland, Colorado


With a population of less than 1,500 people, Nederland is a fairly small town with just a handful of places to eat. After a week of staying in Nederland and the local’s knowledge, we found 3 great spots worth stopping by and grabbing a bite at:

CROSSCUT PIZZERIA & TAPHOUSE

The Crosscut Pizzeria and Taphouse is probably the most popular restaurant in Nederland. It receives a huge number of ski enthusiasts during the winter as they are heading back home from Eldora Mountain Resort. Unfortunately, they do not take reservations and the wait can be quite long during the weekend. The wood-fired pizza and craft beer, though, are definitely worth it. Try to grab a table outside overlooking the creek on a warm sunny day!

Busey Brews Smokehouse & Brewery

Everyone loves a good brewery combined with freshly smoked meats, right? If this is you too, make sure to head to Busey Brews Smokehouse and Brewery, located at the heart of Nederland, Colorado. Similar to other spots in town, the place is small and can get crowded, so try stopping by earlier in the day. Brisket, ribs or turkey breast – it is all extremely delicious and toddler approved! We strongly recommend getting the BBQ platter and getting 2 different types of protein and sides!

Kathmandu Restaurant

As a family who is not into Asian food, the Kathmandu Restaurant exceeded our expectations! They have a huge menu of Himalayan and Nepali inspired meals that you can order online from. Alternatively, visitors can head straight to their cozy eatery and choose between what is freshly made and available at their buffet section. Regardless if you are a vegetarian, gluten-free or have any other dietary restrictions, you will be able to find something to satisfy your taste buds at Kathmandu Restaurant!

Tips for Visiting Nederland, Colorado


  • As someone coming from California and only 60 feet of elevation, I was not prepared for the elevation at Nederland. Located at 8,234 feet, the town is pretty well situated within the mountains. I have to admit that I struggled with a bit of altitude sickness for the first few days.
  • You can definitely plan a day trip from Boulder to Nederland and hit most everything you would want to see in just a few hours. We have always preferred fully immersing ourselves in the area that we are visiting, so we recommend two to three days – so ideally a weekend getaway.
  • Located in the foothills of the mountain, Nederland is slightly remote. As a result prices tend to be a bit higher, especially for general things from the grocery store. We recommend packing your own snacks and water and bringing diapers and wipes if traveling with little ones.
  • Similarly to the previous note – there is only one gas station in Nederland and the price is significantly higher than gas stations in Boulder. Make sure to fill up your gas tank before heading to Nederland if you are traveling on a budget.
  • Nederland, Colorado is great for a romantic weekend getaway with plenty of slow walks and yummy food. At the same time, though, there is enough for a day or two of fun for families traveling with children.
  • Only 45 miles away from Denver, Nederland is pretty easily accessible. You can even take public transport from Boulder to Nederland by jumping on the NB1 bus from downtown Boulder bus station.
  • Fun Facts: Locals refer to the town as “Ned”. The town’s motto is “Life Is Better Up Here”.
  • The town had quite a few different names before it was officially named Nederland. The funny thing is that a Dutch company bought a silver mine in town back in 1874. That is when the town earned its name Nederland and has stayed the same ever since.

Have you been to Nederland, Colorado? What are your favorite things to do in Nederland? Let us know in the comments section below!

Disclosure: Some of the links in this article are affiliate ones. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

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