Lafayette is a small town in Colorado, north of Denver and east of Boulder and the Rocky Mountains. It was founded in 1888 by Mary E. Miller, one of the first residents in the area. She named it Lafayette after her late husband. Today, there are over 28,000 people in the town. It has an attractive downtown area with coffee shops and boutique stores as well as many city parks and mountain lodges, which help to preserve the natural beauty of the landscape. There is no shortage of accommodation in Lafayette, not to mention great attractions.
Image via Flickr by Let Ideas Compete
Waneka Lake Park is a popular 147-acre recreation park with picturesque views of Waneka Lake and the nearby mountains. You can walk, run, or bike on the path around the lake, go fishing or canoeing in the lake, play disc golf, or have a picnic. Smaller kids will enjoy playing in the playground.
Greenlee Wildlife Preserve is adjacent to Waneka Lake and was created as a sanctuary for wildlife and native plants. There is a wildlife viewing platform with information on local fauna and flora. Here you may see coyotes, fox, and deer. It is also a birdwatcher's paradise.
Wow! is an interactive museum that educates children in science, art, life, and more. The museum has fun exhibits which the kids can play and learn with, including a bank to practice using money, a grocery store, and a pirate ship. They can ask questions, experiment, and apply the lessons they learn to real-world experiences.
The Lafayette Collectibles and Flea Market hosts around 175 individual vendors selling antiques, collectibles, furniture, and décor. You can spend the whole day hunting for either treasures or bargains, depending on your budget. The market is rated as one of the top flea markets in the U.S. It is open every day.
Lafayette has its origins in mining, and the Lafayette Miners Museum showcases the history of the town from the early days of the pioneers, through the coal mining years, to the present. The building in which it is housed was once occupied by miners.
The 18-hole Indian Peaks Golf Course is one of the top public golf courses in Colorado thanks to its scenic views, lakes and creeks, color-coded distance system driving range, and great greens. It is known for its superb greens and course conditions.
Between Lafayette and Louisville, there is a beautiful and gentle hiking trail with wildflowers. It is suitable for hikers of all skill levels. The trail The trail runs parallel to the Coal Creek stream - one of eighteen streams in Colorado with this name - and is also used for biking, easy runs, and dogs.
Lafayette hosts several festivals and events throughout the year. Some of the most popular festival are the Oatmeal Festival which focuses on healthy lifestyles, the Peach Festival which celebrates the humble peach. The events attract food vendors, craftsmen, artists and antique dealers from the surrounding states. Farmers markets and movies in the park are held weekly during the warmer months.
So if you are looking for relaxation, small-town charm, and hospitality, then be sure to visit Lafayette. Have you been there? What are your favourite things to do in Lafayette?
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Featured Image via Flickr by Scott McLeod
Sara Essop is a travel blogger and writer based in South Africa. She writes about family travel and experiences around the world. Although she has been to 50 countries thus far, she especially loves showcasing her beautiful country and is a certified South Africa Specialist.
