Boulder’s Best Day Trips: 5 Unforgettable Getaways Just a Drive Away There’s something magical about Boulder, Colorado—but even the most die-hard locals and students occasionally need a change of scenery. Fortunately, Boulder’s prime location along the Front Range means that unforgettable adventures are never far away. Whether you’re seeking mountain serenity, small-town charm, or lakeside […]

Carousel of Joy: A Whimsical Day Trip to Nederland from Boulder, Colorado Just 30 minutes up the mountain from Boulder lies a magical little spot where happiness goes in circles—literally. The Carousel of Happiness in Nederland, Colorado, isn’t just a ride; it’s a handcrafted love letter to joy, resilience, and the human spirit. Whether you’re […]

As the snow melts and the lakes shimmer under the bright Colorado sun, something magical happens in the high country around Boulder: the landscape explodes with color. From alpine meadows to rocky hillsides, spring flowers burst into bloom, creating one of the most breathtaking displays of nature you can experience. Add a sparkling mountain lake […]

Outdoor Picture of the Day: Nederland’s Covered Bridge and the Spring Runoff Just a short 30-minute drive west of Boulder, the mountain town of Nederland, Colorado offers a peaceful escape and some surprising gems. One of its most charming features—especially in spring—is the covered bridge that spans Middle Boulder Creek. With the snowmelt in full […]

Gordon Lightfoot, the legendary Canadian singer-songwriter, wove rich narratives that often drew from his experiences and the landscapes he encountered. One notable connection is with Boulder, Colorado, immortalized in his 1971 song “10 Degrees and Getting Colder.” Barker Dam, Nederland This track tells the poignant story of a wandering musician hitchhiking through the cold terrains […]

Nederland’s Carousel of Happiness Halloween! Western Boulder County, Nederland, is home to the Carousel of Happiness. And on Halloween, this most special carousel hosts Halloween costumes and merry-go-round riders from throughout the front range. The Carousel of Happiness is a Nederland hidden gem and a destination tourist attraction.  The fantastical hand-carved and hand-painted animals and […]

As the seasons transition in Colorado, nature puts on a breathtaking display of golden hues. One of the best places to witness this spectacle is along the Peak to Peak Highway, a scenic byway that winds through the picturesque landscapes of the Rocky Mountains. In the vicinity of Nederland, the aspen trees explode into a […]

Above the City of Boulder lies Nederland, Colorado. About 300′ 100 meters higher than Aspen, Nederland is home to the Carousel of Happiness. Admission is free, and a ride is $3.00 Rescue Is Right At Hand! Sometimes We Are All Tourists. We See Local Treats When Out-Of-Towners Visit. The Wurlitzer Organ Is Carousel-perfect. A Tree […]

  The idea for Boulder’s Nederland Carousel of Happiness was born in the horrors of the Vietnam War. As Scott Harrison worked to survive, he dreamed of carving. Once safely back from the war, he took the next 26 years restoring and creating parts of a carousel. He found a Wurlitzer, an ancestor of a […]

People all over Boulder are asking the same question. “Is it time to view the changing leaves yet?” The answer is easy! This report is from a visit to Nederland and the Peak to Peak Highway up towards Ward and Rainbow Lakes, seven miles to the North, today! Thursday, 9/19/2024. And yes Virginia, there are […]