10 Things To Do In Evergreen CO Guaranteed To Be The Best Time

Evergreen CO is known for everything from mountain views and outdoor activities, to art festivals and boutique shopping. It became a popular summer vacation spot in the 1920’s and still retains its historic charm to this day.

In this post I am sharing some of our favorite things to do in Evergreen CO which includes things like hiking around Evergreen Lake and stepping back in time at the Hiwan Musuem.

Here are 10 things to do in Evergreen CO.

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Things To Do In Evergreen CO

1. Evergreen Lake

Evergreen Lake is a 55-acre lake and dam, located right near historic downtown Evergreen Colorado. It is popular spot for birding, boating and paddle boarding in the summer, and ice skating and hockey in the winter. The Evergreen Lake trail is a kid-friendly 1.25 mile trail that encircles the lake. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

2. Evergreen Nature Center

After you’ve hiked the Evergreen Lake Trail, make sure you check out the Evergreen Nature Center. Located in the historic warming hut on the Lake, you can learn all about the natural environment that surrounds the Bear Creek Watershed.

3. Alderfer/Three Sisters Park

Located just up the road from Evergreen Lake, are some of the best hikes in Evergreen CO at the Alderfer/Three Sisters Park. Enjoy over 16 miles of trails that are perfect for hiking, biking, horseback riding, having a picnic, and so much more! The trails will take you through old ponderosa pine forests, past stunning rock formations, and through grasslands. (*The trails are dog-friendly, on leash only.) Check out the Jefferson County Parks website for trailhead addresses and a trail map.

4. Historic Downtown Evergreen CO

Evergreen, founded in 1875, became an ideal summer vacation spot in the 1920’s for people traveling from Denver. Thankfully, many of the original buildings still line the main street of downtown Evergreen today. There are plenty of local businesses that include boutique clothing, restaurants, antiques, and stores filled with local art. Which leads us to #5!

5. Sculpture Evergreen

Sculpture Evergreen is a self-guided tour of over 29 large sculptures that are placed throughout the community. Each piece of art has a plaque with a unique number on it, so when you call you will hear information about that particular sculpture.

6. Hiwan Museum and Homestead

The Hiwan Museum and Homestead is a perfect example of the importance of historic preservation. The first family to live here was Mary Neosho Williams, a Civil War widow, and her daughter, Josepha, who would later go on to become one of the first female doctors in Colorado. Given there was only a small log building on the property, they hired John “Jock” Spence to convert it to a summer camp later known as Camp Neosho. Over the years, the family would purchased the surrounding 1,100 acres and the home would grow to include 25 rooms and over 8,000 square feet.

After the passing of Josepha in 1938, the property was sold to a Tulsa oilman, Darst Buchanan. Along with his wife and three daughters, the family would rename the property Hiwan Ranch. The Buchanan family ranch would grow to encompass 15,000 acres where they raised prize winning Hiwan Hereford cattle that were known throughout the country.

In 1974, thanks to the quick thinking of Jefferson County Open Space and Jefferson County Historical Society, they were able to save the Hiwan Ranch and the surrounding four acres from being sold to a developer. The Museum was put on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 and was opened to the public. It continues to be a vital link to connect visitors to Evergreen’s early history.

7. Humphrey History Park & Museum

Hazel Lou Humphrey, daughter of Lee and Hazel Humphrey, lived her entire life on the family’s 350 acre ranch just north of downtown Evergreen. After Hazel passed away she left everything, the land, house, and personal belongings, to the Museum. Today visitors can experience what it was like to live on a ranch in the 1920’s-1940’s. Complete with farm animals, like chickens and goats, there is also hands-on education, farm-to-table dinners, and hiking trails. Make sure you stop at the Trading Post to find that perfect souvenir or gifts.

8. Center for the Arts Evergreen (CAE)

Founded by local art enthusiasts in 1974, the Center for the Arts Evergreen is where you can find art exhibits filled with local and nationally known artists, educational art experiences for adults and kids, concerts, and an art festival. Make sure you check out their Monthly Art Drop-In classes for Kids (age 5-12) for a one-hour guided art project.

9. Lariat Loop Scenic & Historic Byway

Since the 1850’s, the Lariat Loop Scenic Byway has been connecting people with natural wonders, historic treasures, and outdoor recreation. This continuous 40-mile loop of winding roads and incredible views connects the historic small towns of Morrison, Evergreen, and Golden. With over 30 sites, museums, and Jefferson County Parks, you are sure to fall more and more in love with this area of Colorado.

Thinking of venturing out on the Lariat Loop? Check out this list of fascinating things to do in Morrison, CO!

10. Things To Do In Evergreen CO: Annual Events

No matter what time of the year you visit Evergreen CO, there is always something going on like SummerFest, art and music festivals, and WinterFest. If you prefer food festivals, check our their pancake breakfasts and chili suppers.

Where To Stay In Evergreen CO

The best vacation rentals Evergreen CO has to offer, in my opinion, are up in the mountains. I highly recommend one with a hot tub for those cool nights or wintery days up in the mountains, plus you can’t beat the view! The vacation rental we stayed in was perfect for multiple families, since it had an optional guest house we rented as well during our stay.

Even though Evergreen is a small town, there are plenty of things to in Evergreen CO for the whole family. Will you be heading to Evergreen CO anytime soon? Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions about planning your trip to Evergreen Colorado.