Nederland - North Central Colorado
Experience Nederland and Eldora, Colorado
Lying just 15 miles west of Boulder, Nederland is a small, peaceful town of just over 1,000 residents. Don't be fooled by it's tiny size, though — Nederland packs lots of fun into a small package. You'll find lots of great outdoor recreation opportunities in and around the town known as the "gateway to the Indian Peaks." That's especially true if you're a skier or snowboarder: Eldora Ski Area is just minutes away, offering 680 acres of terrain. Nederland's Mining Museum is worth a stop: it offers a look at mining equipment, newspapers and photographs from the area's days as a silver, gold and tungsten mining hub in the late 1800s. The historic Gillaspie House gives visitors an idea of what a typical 1907 Nederland residence would have looked like. And kids will love a ride (or two!) on the town's Carousel of Happiness. An antique carousel restored by a volunteer, the Carousel of Happiness features 58 different animals, from giraffes to elephants, and is handicapped accessible.


Nederland is also a hot spot for unique events. The last weekend in August, the town celebrates NedFest, an outdoor music, arts and microbrews festival. The Nederland Area Historical Society hosts Miners' Days in July and Heritage Days in September, events that allow families to try out old mining techniques and learn about the area's past. Every March, the town celebrates the one-of-a-kind Frozen Dead Guy Days, when participants have coffin races, hearse parades and take a polar plunge -- among many other activities -- to celebrate the late Bredo Morstal, who is cryogenically frozen and stored in town.


The Peak-to-Peak Highway stretches along the Front Range from Central City to Estes Park that places Nederland in the perfect place to stop, stretch your legs, and have lunch. There is a playground and kids fishing pond along with picnic tables and a stream to relax by. Railroad buffs will want to drive up the grade of the Rollins Pass railroad, or seek out the route of the Switzerland Trail narrow-gauge to the small towns where Colorado's first gold strikes were made.
Nederland is near: Allenspark, Boulder & Denver Mountain Area
Featured Nederland Businesses
Escape the ordinary in Nederland! The Carousel inspires happiness, laughter and magic for all that visit. Scott Harrison spent 26 years hand-carving 56 one-of-a-kind animals. We have a wheelchair ramp!
Nederland Activities & Maps
Scenic Byways:
Peak to Peak Scenic Byway
Ski Areas & Resorts:
Eldora Mountain Resort
Local Area Maps:
Denver Mountain Area Map