It is rumored that Golden has the highest number of museums per capita in the State. Whether or not that’s accurate, we do have an impressive collection, appealing to rock hounds, history buffs, quilters, climbers, and art aficionados. See our museums page to learn more about them.
All of the following museums are within easy walking distance of Downtown.
American Mountaineering Museum
Astor House Museum
Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum
Foothills Art Center
Golden History Center
Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum
These museums are less than fifteen minutes from Downtown Golden by car:
Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave
Colorado Railroad Museum
Dinosaur Ridge
Golden Oldy Cyclery
Two blocks east of the downtown shopping district is the starting point for touring the world’s largest brewery. Tour vans collect visitors at the parking lot, take them on a brief drive through downtown, then over to the Brewery.
The tour includes a brief history of the business, an explanation of the brewing process, a chance to see the beer being made, and a trip to the Coors hospitality room, where visitors of legal drinking age can sample Coors products for free!
Tour Hours
May 30-Labor Day
Monday-Sat 10-4
Sunday 12-4
The Rest of the Year
Thursday – Monday 10-4
Sunday 12-4
Closed on holidays.
Address: 13th and Ford Streets
Phone: 303-277-2337
Website: http://www.coors.com/agegate/
The Golden Library offers many free programs every week, designed for toddlers, children, teens, or adults. They host a monthly book discussion and host story times for little ones. Of course, the Library is also a good place to use the internet for free, read their magazines, and borrow free books and videos.
Address: 1019 10th Street – Downtown
Phone: 303-2235-5275
Website: jefferson.lib.co.us
The Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve is well worth visiting. Located just above the city on Lookout Mountain, they have a beautiful facility, built largely of recycled materials. Exhibits cover migrating birds and information about the ponderosa pine forest. The center sits on a 110-acre property that includes several nature trails.
Address: 910 Colorow Road
Distance from Downtown: 7.1 miles
Drive Time: 16 minutes
Phone: 720-497-7600
Website: lmnc.jeffco.us
Miners Alley Playhouse produces both comedies and drama. It seats 125, so every seat is close to the stage, and the performances are uniformly first-rate. They have a bar in the lobby, and you’re welcome to take your drink with you into the theater. There are many restaurants within a block or two of the theater. Check the web site or lobby posters to see what’s currently on stage.
They also have a children’s theater, which produces several plays each year and generally offers performances on Saturday afternoons.
Address: 13th & Washington, 2nd floor – Downtown
Drive Time: 16 minutes
Phone: 303-935-3044
Website: www.minersalley.com
This building, although situated in the middle of the campus, is not part of the School of Mines. It belongs to the U.S. Geological Survey and is dedicated to tracking and studying earthquakes around the world. Public tours are free, but offered only on Mondays and Tuesdays and only by appointment. Call 303-273-8420 to schedule a tour.
Address: 1711 Illinois Street – Colorado School of Mines Campus
Website: earthquake.usgs.gov/contactus/golden/neic.php
Phone: 303-273-8420
Golden is fortunate to be the home of the National Renewable Energy Lab. Founded in the 1970s by the Carter administration, NREL has been working on solar, wind, biomass, and other forms of sustainable energy for more than 30 years.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s Education Center features programs on renewable energy and energy efficiency. Education programs for grades 4-12 and adult groups are available. E-mail education.center@nrel.gov or call 303-384-6565 for reservations. Walk-in visitors can take virtual tours of NREL research labs and learn more about selected technologies. For hours, directions and special events, visit www.nrel.gov/education_center
Address: 15013 Denver West Parkway – Exit 263 off I-70
Distance from Downtown: 5.3 miles
Drive Time: 16 minute
Website: www.nrel.gov/education_center
Phone: 303-384-6565
Golden has a wonderful visitors center, located at Clear Creek and Washington Avenue. Dozens of volunteers staff this facility, and they are well-equipped to provide directions, recommendations, brochures, coupons, and the latest news on current events in Golden.
Visit them while you’re in town, or contact them ahead of time!
Golden Visitors Center
1010 Washington Avenue
Golden, Colorado 80401
303-279-3113
The Golden Community Center offers two pools (one for laps, one for recreation), a gym, dance studio, climbing wall, weight machines, indoor track, and meeting rooms. It is also a popular venue for weddings.
The Community Center offers many classes for tykes and teens, such as drawing, music, ceramics, dance, computer, sports, babysitting and first aid courses, and yoga. An on-site preschool program is fun and educational two mornings a week during the school year. Child-care is also available for a fee for children ages six months to seven years for people using the facility.
Address: 1470 10th Street
Phone: 303-384-8100.
Website: www.cityofgolden.net/play/recreation-attractions/community-center
