Just twenty minutes from Boulder up gorgeous Boulder Canyon lies Nederland, our favorite mountain town. Nederland, affectionately called “Ned”, embodies mountain town style with small, locally owned shops and restaurants, interesting-to-the-point-of-bizarre town events, a relaxed lifestyle, access to skiing and other winter sports, as well as tranquil hiking destinations. Nederland has nestled away from the urban feel of Boulder but is an important part of Boulder County. As far as education goes, Nederland’s public schools are part of the most sought-after local district, Boulder Valley School District. BVSD schools are highly rated not only by parents but by teachers, paying teachers the highest salaries in the state. Nederland averages around 140 inches of snow every year, whereas Boulder tends to receive just under 100 inches per year. Although there is significantly more snowfall, CDOT does a respectable job of keeping the roads clear, to the relief of the many commuters who live in Ned and work in Boulder. Although Nederland lies just 20 minutes from Boulder, homebuyers can get more bang for their buck in Nederland. Click here for all the newest listings in Nederland. Nederland is truly one of a kind. Here are 10 reasons to love living in Nederland, Colorado.
Photo Courtesy Nederland Colorado Town Hall
#1 Frozen Dead Guy Days
Known as one of the most unique and quirky festivals in America, Frozen Dead Guy Days takes place in Nederland every March. The festival features three days of frosty merriment, including 30 live bands in heated super tents and outrageous events like coffin racing, costumed polar plunging, the Blue Ball, frozen t-shirt contests, and much more. The home-grown frosty fest pays homage to Bredo Morstol, who is frozen in a state of suspended animation and housed in a Tuff Shed on dry ice high above Nederland. Thousands of adventurous, life enthusiasts come to participate in Colorado’s “most frigidly fun festival” and view the events along with local, national, and international media and entertainment.
Photo Courtesy Frozen Dead Guy Days
Photo Courtesy Frozen Dead Guy Days
#2 Carousel of Happiness
We recently listed Nederland’s Carousel of Happiness as one of seven Strange, Interesting, and Fun Places to Visit in Colorado. The Carousel of Happiness is a magical menagerie featuring 56 whimsical, hand-carved animals on a restored 1910 Looff carousel! Fun for all ages, this lovely carousel turns to the music of a 1913 Wurlitzer band organ. Witness the 100-year-old gears churn by watching from the upper observation window. Wheelchair ramp available. Rides are just $2!
Photo Courtesy Carousel of Happiness
#3 Winter Sports
Just west of Nederland, Eldora Ski Resort is the closest ski resort to the Boulder area, just 21 miles up Boulder Canyon. Eldora receives more than 300 inches of snow every year, making for lovely skiing conditions close to home. The resort offers downhill skiing and snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing for all skill levels. Eldora is loved for its ease of access (no need to brave the back-ups of I-70) as well as its relatively inexpensive lift tickets. Just another perk of living in Nederland, Colorado!
Photo Courtesy Eldora
#4 Dining
Nederland is a small town with a ton of amazing food! Kathmandu Restaurant‘s lunch buffet will not disappoint, featuring dishes from Nepal and India. For some mountain pie, order some mouth-watering wood-fired pizza and a beer at Crosscut Pizzeria & Taphouse! If you love delicious food, you will love living in Nederland, Colorado.
Photo Courtesy Crosscut Pizzeria and Taphouse
#5 Nederland Events
In addition to Frozen Dead Guy Days, Nederland hosts a handful of fun events throughout the year. During the winter, check out the Backcountry Film Festival, produced each year by Winter Wildlands Alliance as a celebration of the human-powered experience and a gathering place for the backcountry snowsports community. In June, Nederland holds its annual High Peaks Arts Festival, a friendly outdoor, juried exhibition of fine arts and crafts complemented by art workshops for children, live music, and food booths. Nederland celebrates the end of summer with NedFest, a three-day outdoor music, and arts festival. During the Fall, Wild Bear Nature Center hosts the Enchanted Forest, connecting kids with the magic of the Fall season by introducing kids to the forest, and its many magical creatures.
Photo Courtesy NedFest
#6 Nederland Mining Museum
Step back into Boulder County history at the Nederland Mining Museum! The museum explores the tools, tales, and tragedies of Nederland’s hard rock mining past. Kids will love the hands-on displays and kids’ play area, especially the working signal bell that rang out to let hoist operators know that miners were ready to be brought out of the mines.
Photo Courtesy Nederland Mining Museum
#7 Mountain Brews
Nederland is home to Very Nice Brewing Company, a peaceful little spot featuring small batch beers. Very Nice frequently hosts local live musicians!
Photo Courtesy James Peak Brewery and Smokehouse
#8 Hiking
Nederland is surrounded by beautiful hiking destinations, which double as perfect snowshoeing trails in the winter. Caribou Ranch Open Space‘s beautifully maintained trails have everything from wide open meadows to thick forests as well as historical sites. Mud Lake is a favorite reflective pool as well as an easy, peaceful hike and scores of wildflowers during the warm season. Hikers also love Lost Lake Trail, a short but steep trail with waterfalls waiting to be discovered, ending at the beautiful Lost Lake.
Mud Lake, Courtesy Boulder County Open Space
#9 Wild Bear Nature Center
People of all ages flock to Wild Bear Nature Center for its interesting nature camps, workshops, and presentations. Started by a public school teacher with a dream of connecting youth to nature, Wild Bear now provides hundreds of programs to thousands of local school kids, as well as adults. Wild Bear has two locations — a nature center in downtown Nederland, as well as a nature center near Mud Lake.
Photo Courtesy Wild Bear Nature Center
Photo Courtesy Wild Bear Nature Center
#10 Fishing on Barker Reservoir
Fishing enthusiasts will love Nederland’s Baker Reservoir, where fish are plentiful! Species include Arctic Grayling, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Muskie, Splake, and even Kokanee (Sockeye) Salmon. For info on the best fishing times, as well as weather and tips on good spots, click here.
Barker Reservoir, Photo Courtesy Tricia Ditto Photography
Moving to Nederland, Colorado?
Considering moving to Nederland, Colorado? We would love to help! Call, text or email us for more information. In the meantime, check out the newest listings in Nederland. You will love living in Nederland, Colorado!
