Lafayette, Colorado, sits between Denver and Boulder in Boulder County. If you’re looking for fascinating places to explore the history of the northern part of the state, you can find a variety of museums and attractions that provide a glimpse into the early days of life near Lafayette.
University of Colorado Museum of Natural History
Lafayette is about 11 miles from Boulder, so if you plan to visit this city during a trip to Colorado, you might want to find a hotel in Lafayette. One of the top history museums in Boulder is the University of Colorado Museum of Natural History, located on Broadway Street. Here you can learn about some of the wildlife that is native to the area.
Younger children will enjoy exploring the hands-on area where they can touch real antlers, put on a puppet show, and look at dinosaur bones. Admission to the museum is free, although donations are suggested, and the exhibits are appealing to visitors of all ages.
Miners Museum
Mining played a major role in the history of this area of Colorado, so the Miners Museum is worth a visit if you’re interested in learning more about this industry. It’s open for limited hours: 7-9 p.m. on Tuesdays and 2-4 p.m. on Thursdays and Saturdays. The exhibits at this museum are focused on coal miners and their lifestyles, as well as how they represent the history of Lafayette.
Located on Simpson Street, the museum’s location was once the residence of miners who worked at the Gladstone Mine. Take a closer look at a kitchen full of items used by some of the early families who resided in Lafayette, along with pictures, memorabilia, and trophies that preserve the heritage of the town.
History Colorado Center
At the History Colorado Center, located on Broadway in Denver, you’ll get an inside look at the historical significance that Denver played in the state history. This award-winning destination attracts tourists from around the globe, housing permanent and rotating exhibits about Colorado residents throughout the years. It’s open daily from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. During a visit to this museum, you can explore the vast collection of artifacts, including books, maps, photographs, manuscripts, and documents.
Center for Colorado Women’s History at Byers-Evans House
In the Center for Colorado Women’s History, you’ll find fascinating exhibits that help expand your understanding of the history of women in the state. These exhibits also connect Coloradoan women with the stories of women across the globe. The Byers-Evans house went through an extensive restoration and now represents the era of the early to mid-20th century, furnished with belongings from the Evans family. Take a guided tour of the house to find out how the women who lived in this home impacted others in the city of Denver.
With so much to see and do near Lafayette, it’s easy to see why history buffs enjoy visiting this area. It’s within a short drive of both Boulder and Denver, offering easy access to both of these parts of Colorado as well. Check out the available hotels in the area and book a stay for your next historical tour.