Top 15 Attractions in Frederick, Colorado

Situated approximately 55 miles from the Denver metropolitan area, the quaint town of Frederick in Weld County boasts a population of around 12,000 residents. Visitors to Frederick can anticipate a relaxed atmosphere complemented by welcoming locals.

Frederick is enveloped by a rural setting and is conveniently located near the Rocky Mountains, where acclaimed ski resorts such as Vail and Breckenridge are situated.

This town possesses a rich historical background, particularly in relation to its coal mining and agricultural sectors. The narrative of Frederick and its inhabitants is represented in numerous museums and attractions throughout the region.

In addition, the town is home to various recreational facilities, breweries, and family-operated restaurants. Nearby communities such as Firestone, Dacono, Boulder, Erie, Longmont, and Fort Lupton offer an assortment of parks and attractions.

Throughout the year, several events and festivals are hosted in the area, including Celtic Fest, Chainsaws and Chuckwagons, and Miner’s Day.

Below are 15 prominent activities to experience in and around Frederick, Colorado.

1. Miners Memorial Museum

Designated as a Colorado Historic Landmark, the original Frederick Town Hall is a significant site in downtown Frederick, serving as the home of the Miners Memorial Museum.

The primary objective of this museum is to share and preserve the town’s history while providing educational insights to residents and visitors alike. Among the various exhibits are artifacts related to the town and its populace over the years, including the original mayor’s chair, vintage school desks, a coal stove, and historic mining tools. Tours must be arranged in advance.

2. Mirror Image Brewing Company

Individuals visiting Frederick who are interested in sampling local craft beer can do so at the inviting and relaxed taproom of Mirror Image Brewing Company, where a variety of beer options are available. Highlighted choices include Balefire Red, Mirror Image IPA, and Tri-Town Brown.

Additionally, food options are provided to accompany your beverage, with a special focus on various pizza types.

3. Anderson Farms

The optimal time to visit Anderson Farms in Erie is during the autumn months when the farm buzzes with excitement. This season marks the opening of Colorado’s oldest corn maze, providing opportunities for visitors of all ages to explore the expansive 25 acres of trails.

Additional attractions include wagon rides, pumpkin cannon launches, jump pads, fire pits, a playground, and mine cars. Visitors can also enjoy interaction with farm animals on-site.

4. Enjoy a Meal at Peel Handcrafted Pizza

Food transcends mere sustenance when it becomes a thoughtfully curated meal, and this is precisely how Peel in Frederick crafts an exceptional dining experience. Relish in a diverse selection of both traditional and contemporary dishes, which include wood-fired pizzas, mussels, pasta, salads, burrata, and delectable desserts.

5. Explore Pearl Street

Located in the heart of nearby Boulder is the historic Pearl Street district, a vibrant pedestrian mall and entertainment venue that spans four blocks. It serves as a popular gathering place for locals and a noteworthy attraction for visitors. The area features a diverse array of storefronts, encompassing both independent small businesses and established national retailers, alongside a variety of dining establishments, cafés, and microbreweries.

Pearl Street is also central to Boulder’s dynamic nightlife, with street performers frequently entertaining spectators during the warmer months. As you stroll along the street, take time to appreciate the public art and sculptures that enhance the ambiance.

6. The Flatirons

Adjacent to Boulder lies one of the region’s most iconic natural wonders: the Flatirons, which serve as a recognized symbol of the city. These five prominent rock formations are located on the eastern slope of Green Mountain. While they have long attracted rock climbers, visitors can still appreciate their magnificence without engaging in climbing activities.

Multiple hiking trails of varying difficulty levels are available in the vicinity, and you may even encounter ancient markings from climbers dating back to the 1940s.

7. Museum of Boulder at the Tebo Center

If you are interested in understanding the evolution of Boulder, a visit to the Museum of Boulder at the Tebo Center will guide you through the city’s history to contemporary times. By engaging with various interactive exhibits, you will gain insight into local culture and the people who have shaped the area.

The museum also features traveling exhibits, art shows, and a variety of events throughout the year. The rooftop space offers a place to unwind while enjoying extensive views of the adjacent flatirons.

8. Mountain Cowboy Brewing Company

For a tranquil afternoon or evening dedicated to enjoying quality craft beer, many visitors flock to the Mountain Cowboy Brewing Company in Frederick. The beers produced here utilize hops sourced from a local farm, which is the largest commercial hops operation in the region.

Guests can select from an assortment of flavors, including Flighty Blonde Watermelon Ale, Peak Seven IPA, and Lenten Loophole Lager. Food and various beverages are also available for purchase on-site, and tours of both the brewery and the farm can be arranged.

9. Chautauqua Park

For visitors seeking a peaceful day immersed in nature, Chautauqua Park, located in nearby Boulder, provides a splendid environment. As a designated National Historic Landmark, the park hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, while also offering breathtaking views, exquisite gardens, and numerous walking trails.

The park is ideal for bike rides or picnicking. Available amenities feature a playground, restrooms, and tennis courts.

10. Eldorado Canyon State Park

Located not far from Frederick, Eldorado Canyon State Park encompasses 885 acres of stunning landscapes, offering ample opportunities for a range of outdoor activities. This state park is characterized by its dramatic canyon walls, verdant forested areas, and breathtaking vistas.

To begin your exploration, the visitor center is an excellent starting point to gather information on the park’s offerings. Activities include rock climbing, kayaking, fishing, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, and bird watching, among others.

Various hiking trails exist, catering to different skill levels. One popular route, Rattlesnake Gulch, spans 3.6 miles and leads adventurers by the ruins of the Crags Hotel, granting picturesque views of the Continental Divide. Picnic areas are also available within the park.

11. National Center for Atmospheric Research

At the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, guests can delve into the intricacies of weather phenomena through a variety of interactive exhibits. The building itself is an architectural marvel perched atop Table Mesa. Inside, scientists are engaged in rigorous studies regarding weather-related occurrences, and visitors can observe the equipment employed in these investigations.

Guided tours led by knowledgeable staff are available. After your tour, consider taking a leisurely walk along the Walter Orr Roberts Nature and Weather Trail and enjoy refreshments at the center’s cafeteria.

12. Celestial Seasonings Tea Factory

A tour of the Celestial Seasonings Tea Factory reveals the reason behind the laid-back vibe found in Boulder and its surrounding areas: quality herbal tea is produced here, and this factory is the largest in North America. Visitors can observe the process where eight million tea bags are packaged and distributed daily, and the experience is enjoyable even for those who may not be avid tea enthusiasts.

During the complimentary tour, you will have the opportunity to explore the Celestial Herb Garden and the Mint Room, while also sampling some of their most renowned tea varieties.

13. Peppers Fireside Grille

For a dining experience that the whole family can enjoy in a welcoming atmosphere, visitors often choose Peppers Fireside Grille in nearby Firestone. Offering an extensive selection of both classic and innovative dishes, there is something to satisfy even the most selective palate.

Menu offerings include salads, soups, pasta, and exquisite desserts, ensuring a delightful culinary experience.

14. Leanin’ Tree Museum of Western Art

If an outdoor adventure to appreciate Colorado’s stunning natural scenery isn’t on your agenda, the Leanin’ Tree Museum of Western Art in Boulder serves as an excellent alternative.

The extensive collection of Western Art includes numerous pieces that depict the region’s beautiful mountain landscapes and the agricultural lifestyle that shaped the land and its inhabitants.

A sculpture garden is available on-site, and complimentary tours can be enjoyed by all visitors.

15. Flagstaff Mountain

Approximately five miles outside Boulder lies a beautiful natural area where families can immerse themselves in the picturesque surroundings of the region. Flagstaff Mountain & Summit Nature Center ranks among the premier attractions in the area, highlighting various hiking trails that lead to the summit of Flagstaff Mountain, along with an outdoor amphitheater.

With multiple hiking paths varying in difficulty, both novice and experienced hikers can reach the summit, where breathtaking vistas await. The nature center at the summit features interactive displays showcasing the area’s geography and wildlife. The Flagstaff House Restaurant serves locally-inspired dishes, while picnic areas are available for those who prefer to pack a meal.