Broomfield County is a vibrant suburban county just north of Denver, Colorado, that offers visitors a perfect blend of urban convenience and access to incredible natural landscapes. Overlooked by many tourists visiting Colorado, Broomfield County has quickly become a destination in its own right thanks to its proximity to iconic attractions like Rocky Mountain National Park and a thriving local culture focused on the outdoors.
In This Article
TL;DR
- Broomfield County is located just north of Denver, offering urban amenities alongside outdoor recreation.
- The county provides easy access to attractions like Rocky Mountain National Park, Indian Peaks Wilderness, and Eldora Mountain Resort.
- Visitors can experience an authentic local culture focused on arts, cuisine, and the outdoors.
- Broomfield County shines every season with activities ranging from summer music festivals to winter ice fishing.
Destination Overview
Broomfield County, located in the state of Colorado, northwest of Denver, encompasses the cities and towns of Broomfield, Erie, Lafayette, Louisville, and Superior. As a vital part of both Boulder County and Adams County, Broomfield County offers easy access to the amenities of the Denver metro area as well as the incredible natural landscapes of the United States, including proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park. This area is considered one of the best places for Broomfield residents and visitors alike to enjoy the balance between urban convenience and natural beauty.
In the county itself, highlights include scenic parks and open spaces like the Rock Creek Trail and Great Western Reservoir, managed by Broomfield County’s parks department. The area provides plenty of hiking, biking, birdwatching, and water recreation opportunities throughout the year, making it a great place for residents and visitors who appreciate the outdoors. Additionally, the Broomfield Community Center and the Paul Derda Recreation Center offer programs and services that promote health, well-being, and community engagement.
Broomfield County isn’t just a jumping-off point for outdoor adventures; it also boasts a vibrant local culture focused on cuisine, arts, and community events, contributing to its status as a great place to live and visit. The county is home to diverse eateries along Main Street, independent shops and galleries, and seasonal festivals that bring the community together. Additionally, the Broomfield City Council, Broomfield Library, and human services departments work tirelessly to provide residents with access to essential services, public notices, and opportunities for civic engagement.
Local Experiences and Culture
Broomfield County offers visitors a slice of authentic Colorado life. The local culture celebrates creativity, culinary arts, and connections with nature and community.
Visitors can browse the Paintings and Sculpture show at the Brunner House Gallery, which highlights Colorado artists. Many studios, cooperatives, and workshops in the area also welcome guests to meet local artists and watch demonstrations.
The county embraces its agricultural roots with community farms offering seasonal u-pick fruits and vegetables as well as weekend farmers’ markets. For flavorful cuisine, visitors can try farm-to-table restaurants and craft breweries featuring local ingredients. The area even has its own urban wineries and cideries using fruits from Palisade and apples from Hotchkiss.
Annual cultural events range from the Erie Town Fair & Hot Air Balloon Festival each August to the Lafayette Peach Festival in September, celebrating the harvest with pie-eating contests and peach-themed dishes. Many communities in the county also host summer concert series with live music in local parks.
Outdoor Adventures
While Broomfield County offers plentiful green spaces, open lands, and reservoirs for outdoor recreation, visitors can also easily access world-class natural landscapes in the surrounding areas.
Iconic scenic drives starting less than an hour away include Independence Pass winding through the Sawatch Range, the Mount Evans Scenic Byway climbing to mountain summits, and the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway connecting Central City to Estes Park. Guanella Pass Scenic Byway and Squaw Pass Road also deliver visitors to alpine vistas and mountain towns.
The Indian Peaks Wilderness Area offers over 200 miles of hiking and backpacking trails spanning grassy meadows and rocky peaks. Visitors can also enjoy wildlife viewing, fishing, and boating at Grand Lake near the western entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. Just a 30-minute drive takes travelers to Golden Gate Canyon State Park and its network of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails.
When winter arrives, Broomfield County residents embrace the cold. Families can skate on the seasonal ice rinks in Erie and Louisville or go sledding at local parks. Skiing and snowboarding are close by at Eldora Mountain Resort.
Seasonal Attractions
The communities of Broomfield County celebrate each season with special events and outdoor recreation. Spring welcomes warmer weather and wildflowers, summer offers fairs and festivals, fall highlights harvest flavors, and winter provides seasonal sports.
As early as March, visitors can attend family-friendly maple syrup festivals and go birdwatching to spot returning species. Spring is also a great time for hiking and mountain biking before peak summer crowds. Wildflowers bloom through May, with spectacular displays found in nearby mountain meadows and open spaces.
Summer brings farmer’s markets, community parades, and concerts in the park. Visitors can pick their own fruits from orchards and farms or sample peach ice cream at harvest festivals. Popular warm-weather activities include paddleboarding on local reservoirs, swimming at Great Western Reservoir, and playing a round at the county’s golf courses.
The arrival of fall foliage along the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway draws leaf peepers to the area in September and October. Many communities also host Oktoberfest celebrations featuring German food, beers, and live music. As the harvest ends, families can pick pumpkins at local patches or go on hayrides.
Once snow blankets the area in winter, Broomfield County offers seasonal activities like ice skating, sledding, and cross-country skiing. Nearby Eldora Mountain Resort also opens for downhill skiing and snowboarding. On clear nights, groups can go stargazing on open lands to spot winter constellations.
Family and Educational Experiences
From exciting hands-on museums to resorts tailored for families, Broomfield County offers many kid-friendly attractions. The area also provides opportunities to learn about local history, culture, arts, and nature.
Young visitors can dig for dinosaur bones, explore space science exhibits, and conduct chemistry experiments at the Butterfly Pavilion and Insect Center. This unique museum even offers summer camps and programs for kids focused on entomology.
Other family-friendly destinations include the Lakeshore Aquatics Center with waterslides and a lazy river, as well as the Broomfield Skate Park, featuring beginner bowls and street terrain. In Louisville, the Sports Stable entertainment center offers indoor rock climbing, laser tag, and arcade games.
Just outside the county, Elitch Gardens Theme Park provides roller coasters, thrill rides, live entertainment, and water attractions. Families can also easily access the Denver Zoo, Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and the hands-on Children’s Museum of Denver.
Accommodation options catering to families include the Omni Interlocken Resort with an on-site water park, pool complex, and supervised kids’ activities. The Homewood Suites by Hilton Broomfield offers spacious suites with full kitchens.
Culinary Journey
The diverse culinary landscape of Broomfield County delights visitors with farm-fresh cuisine, craft beverages, and community food events. From roadside produce stands to urban wineries, travelers can discover the area’s agricultural roots while supporting local businesses.
Farmers markets offer seasonal fruits and vegetables from family farms based in Broomfield, Lafayette, Louisville, and Erie. Local honey, eggs, meat, and dairy products are also available. These homemade and homegrown ingredients supply the county’s farm-to-table restaurants.
Diners can sample Colorado wines and ciders at the Colorado Plus Urban Winery and Cider Mill or enjoy a flight of local brews at Industrial Revolution Brewing. Many restaurants also incorporate homegrown ingredients into their menus, like the Leaf Vegetarian Restaurant and Farm Food Fine Cuisine.
Several community events celebrating food and drink take place annually. September welcomes the Erie Town Fair & Hot Air Balloon Festival with carnival bites and craft brews. October features the Lafayette Peach Festival with peach-themed foods. Broomfield and Louisville also host popular Oktoberfest events for beer lovers.
Arts and Entertainment
While often overshadowed by Denver’s vibrant arts scene, Broomfield County has its own emerging creative community. Visitors can discover local artists, live music venues, cultural events, and public art displays.
The Brunner House Gallery in Broomfield regularly showcases works by Colorado painters, sculptors, photographers, and mixed media artists. Many pieces capture local landscapes or wildlife. Other galleries, like the Art for the People Gallery in Lafayette, also exhibit works by regional artists.
Several intimate music venues in the county, like the Louisville Underground Music Showcase and the Broomfield Auditorium, bring local, independent artists to their stages. Larger amphitheaters like the 1stBank Center offer more well-known concerts and entertainment.
Public art adds brightness and inspiration throughout the county. Visitors can spot over 40 outdoor sculptures in Broomfield as part of the city’s Public Art Program. Louisville’s Cultural Art District also includes eye-catching murals, statues, and artistic bike racks.
Cultural events range from the Broomfield Days Celebration each September with live music and entertainment to the Broomfield Symphony Orchestra’s annual Holiday Concert. Many communities in the county also organize free summer concert series in local parks.
Planning Your Visit
Broomfield County’s proximity to Denver International Airport makes getting to the area easy. Visitors can also drive into Denver or Boulder and then head north. Once in the county, the Regional Transportation District (RTD) offers bus and rail routes between cities and towns.
Accommodation options range from family resorts like the Omni Interlocken Resort to budget-friendly chains like the Home2 Suites by Hilton Broomfield Denver. Unique stays include the Pelican Lakes Resort and Waterpark in Windsor and the Renaissance Boulder Flatiron Hotel near downtown Boulder.
With so much to see and do, visitors should plan their itinerary ahead of time. Focusing on specific communities, activities, or events allows travelers to maximize their time. Visiting in different seasons also reveals new sides of Broomfield County.
FAQ
How long should I stay to properly experience Broomfield County?
With a variety of communities and attractions, visitors should plan to stay at least 3-5 days to make the most of Broomfield County. This allows time to explore different cities and towns as well as visit Denver and Boulder.
What is the best way to get around Broomfield County?
Having a rental car makes exploring Broomfield County much easier. However, visitors can also use the RTD bus and rail system to access different cities and towns. Once in a community, walking and biking provide great transportation options.
What type of clothing should I pack for visiting Broomfield County?
Make sure to layer clothing for the variable weather and temperatures in Colorado. Bring lightweight, breathable fabrics for summer hiking. Pack extra layers like fleece jackets and windbreakers for cooler mountain evenings. Waterproof outerwear works well for spring and fall precipitation.
When are the most popular times to visit Broomfield County?
Summertime draws many visitors for the warm weather, farmers markets, and community events. September and October are also popular for the fall foliage and harvest-themed attractions. However, travelers can find things to do year-round in Broomfield County.
What is there to do in Broomfield County besides outdoor recreation?
While outdoor adventures attract many visitors, Broomfield County also offers historic sites, hands-on museums, arts and culture, seasonal festivals, family entertainment centers, diverse cuisine, local shopping, and more. Exploring the local communities reveals these many urban attractions.
