Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Lafayette, Colorado

Lafayette is a city with a population of around 25,000, situated in the northwestern corner of the Denver metropolitan area.

It is positioned just east of Boulder and west of Interstate 25, Colorado’s principal north-south thoroughfare that extends from Wyoming in the north to New Mexico in the south.

In recent years, the region has developed into a significant establishment for technology, primarily due to its proximity to the University of Colorado, a leading research institution recognized for its contributions.

Those visiting Lafayette can choose from various recreational opportunities, encompassing natural, historical, and cultural attractions alongside numerous annual festivals and events.

Here are 15 activities to engage in while visiting Lafayette, Colorado.

1. Indian Peaks Golf Course

The Indian Peaks Golf Course is an 18-hole, par-72 facility conceived by the legendary Hale Irwin, having opened its doors in the early 1990s.

It stretches just over 7,000 yards from the longest tees, offering various options that cater to seniors, children, and women who prefer not to play from the men’s tees.

Guests have often highlighted that the course boasts stunning mountain vistas, elevation changes, a balanced combination of sand and water hazards, and spacious fairways that provide a challenge without overwhelming them.

It is advisable to reserve your tee time ahead of visiting during peak hours.

2. Pho Café

Although many visitors are pleasantly surprised to discover an authentic Vietnamese restaurant in a small Colorado town, patrons commonly agree that Pho Café offers genuine and lively dishes at reasonable prices.

For those unacquainted with pho, it is often regarded as the national dish of Vietnam.

This clear broth soup is accompanied by rice noodles and features ingredients such as sliced beef, bean sprouts, and onions. It is both nutritious and satisfying.

Located on South Public Road in Lafayette, Pho Café also offers other Southeast Asian dishes including spring rolls and fried noodles.

3. Waneka Lake Park

Colorado is replete with local, state, and national parks, and for outdoor enthusiasts, the options can be extensive.

Situated just outside the city limits, Waneka State Park serves as an excellent destination for those wishing to enjoy the natural beauty of Colorado without embarking on lengthy drives into the mountains.

The park features a sizeable lake popular among kayakers and paddle boarders, with pedal-powered boats available for rental at a nominal fee.

A scenic path encircles the lake, stretching over a mile, making it an ideal location for birdwatchers seeking unique Colorado species.

4. Ras Kassa’s Ethiopian Kitchen

With the University of Colorado nearby, Lafayette attracts a diverse population of students and faculty, many of whom relish exploring eclectic dining options in their leisure time.

Ras Kassa’s Ethiopian Kitchen, located on South Public Road, is often considered one of the area’s hidden culinary treasures.

The menu features a variety of items seasoned with exotic spices and vegetables, along with meat options.

The Ethiopian injera bread is particularly popular, often complemented by lentils and peas as primary ingredients.

5. Lafayette Peach Festival

Despite the stark contrasts in climate, soil, and growing conditions between Colorado and Georgia, the former produces its share of delicious peaches, and Lafayette proudly hosts an annual festival celebrating this fruit.

Held in mid-August, this festival, according to estimates, sees visitors consuming tens of thousands of pounds of fresh peaches, along with salads, smoothies, pies, and ice cream.

With a blend of antiques, arts and crafts, contests, and an extensive array of food and beverage choices, the festival is exceptionally popular, offering many activities for children as well.

6. Lafayette Brew Fest

Although it has only been established for six years, the Lafayette Brew Festival has rapidly gained recognition as one of the region’s most eagerly anticipated annual events, typically occurring in mid-September at Festival Plaza near the downtown area.

This brew festival features over 20 local microbreweries, all located within approximately an hour of Lafayette.

Admission is complimentary, allowing visitors to explore a wide range of beer choices with diverse flavors and ingredients.

Live entertainment and excellent dining options are also guaranteed.

7. Romero’s K9 Club & Tap House

Generally, Colorado residents are fond of both their beers and their dogs. For enthusiasts of both, one establishment in Lafayette stands out above the rest.

Romero’s K9 Club & Tap House offers an extensive selection of locally crafted beers, alongside ample outdoor space for canine companions to roam freely.

Both locals and visitors appreciate the affordable beer options, sheltered outdoor seating, and relaxed atmosphere that encourages socializing with fellow dog owners and beer aficionados.

While Romero’s does not provide food, food trucks frequently operate in the vicinity, serving delicious meals.

8. Lafayette Oatmeal Festival

According to nutritionists and dieticians, oatmeal is recognized as a natural superfood, abundant in vitamins and fiber.

For nearly 25 years, Lafayette has hosted an annual festival celebrating oatmeal, commencing in mid-January with a hearty breakfast.

The event features a family-friendly 5K run, accommodating individuals looking to walk at their leisure.

Numerous activities for children are also available, making it a cost-effective, enjoyable, and health-conscious way to spend a few morning hours at Pioneer Elementary School, running from 7:30 AM until noon.

9. Downtown Aquarium

Located on Water Street in Denver, the Downtown Aquarium opens daily at 10 AM and closes at 9:00 PM from Sunday to Thursday, extending its hours to 9:30 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.

The aquarium showcases a remarkable variety of aquatic life housed in extensive aquariums that together hold more than one million gallons of both fresh and saltwater.

Numerous interactive exhibits are available, providing ideal stimulation for inquisitive young minds. For families, time spent at the aquarium often stands out as one of the most cherished experiences of their visit to Colorado.

The venue also features a well-regarded restaurant for those seeking a meal.

10. Fair Winds Hot Air Balloon Flights

With vast blue skies, towering mountains, and pleasant summer weather, Colorado offers an ideal setting for hot air ballooning.

Located just minutes from both Denver and Lafayette in Estes Park, Fair Winds Hot Air Balloon is one of the leading providers of hot air balloon tours in the region.

Their season typically spans from May to November, with daily flights available in varying durations, appealing to those seeking value.

Visit their website for seasonal promotions; once you select your preferred package, arrangements can be made online.

11. History Colorado Center

Since its opening to the public in April 2012, the History Colorado Center has been dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich historical narrative of Colorado.

The state-of-the-art facility, which incurred costs exceeding $100 million, took over three years to construct. Most visitors regard it as a world-class venue, well worth a visit.

The museum’s exhibits cover the pre-pioneer era when various Native American groups inhabited the area, as well as more contemporary history.

Managed by the city’s historical society, admission prices are relatively low compared to larger cities.

12. Pearl Street Mall

Boulder, known for its vibrant university atmosphere, is especially famous for its unique shops, restaurants, and art galleries. For those seeking retail therapy, the Pearl Street Mall is a prominent destination.

Visitors often find themselves spending more time here than initially intended, with a plethora of dining, shopping, and entertainment options catering to varied tastes and ages.

During the warm summer months, live performances frequently occur in the courtyard adjacent to the restaurants and bars. Offers on food and beverages are typically available to attract weary shoppers, particularly during lunchtime and happy hour.

13. Boulder Chamber Orchestra

The Boulder Chamber Orchestra, established in 2004, has developed a reputation for delivering world-class performances that rival those typically offered in larger urban settings.

The orchestra hosts performances throughout the year, and due to their popularity, tickets often sell out quickly; therefore, securing them in advance is prudent.

Attending a performance by the Boulder Chamber Orchestra can serve as a perfect complement to a day immersed in nature, offering a dramatic and memorable experience for first-time concertgoers.

Located on Walnut Street, the organization also provides various community-centered programs throughout the year.

14. Fiske Planetarium

Like other western states, Colorado boasts a low population density, allowing for clear views of the night sky, unobscured by light pollution from large cities found elsewhere.

While stargazing is enjoyable, many travelers lack access to telescopes or knowledge of celestial navigation; Fiske Planetarium addresses this need.

The planetarium offers regular virtual tours of the night sky in one of North America’s most cutting-edge facilities, featuring a dome-shaped screen nearly 70 feet in diameter.

Additionally, laser shows, outdoor events, and other family-friendly activities are presented, so consulting their website prior to planning a visit is advisable.

15. Eldorado Canyon State Park

The region surrounding Boulder, Denver, and Lafayette is replete with stunning natural landscapes, known for being among the most dramatic in the western United States.

Eldorado Canyon State Park ranks as one of the top outdoor attractions in the area, offering a plethora of activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and fishing.

While camping is not permitted within the park, it remains open year-round and features a variety of relatively easy trails and open spaces, perfect for children who have had their fill of museums and shopping.

Operating hours align with dawn and dusk, and admission costs are quite reasonable.