Blake Walsh

21 Best Things to Do in Evergreen, CO

  • Published 2023/02/16

Why visit Evergreen in Colorado?

It is a lovely tourist destination with plenty of activities for people of all ages.

Evergreen, Colorado, gets its name from the abundance of conifers and old-growth trees.

The Bistro at Marshdale, Evergreen Lake, Dedisse Park, and many more sites are just a few tourist attractions here at Evergreen.

It’s impossible to resist the magnetic pull of Evergreen when you know that it offers fresh air, adventure, and both indoor and outdoor activities.

Discover the best things to do in Evergreen, CO.

Create Outdoor Memories at Evergreen Lake

Scenic view of Evergreen Lake

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Evergreen Lake is a picturesque public lake in a parkland area in Evergreen, Colorado, with stunning views of the Rocky Mountain foothills.

See the 55-acre Lake Park, Evergreen’s recreational crown jewel.

Rocks along Evergreen Lake

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You may hold special events such as weddings and picnics and participate in other outdoor activities such as fishing, sailing, and ice skating.

Take note that you can fish during the summer months, while you can ice skate during the winter, whenever the lake is covered in ice.

This year-round destination is ideal for a short nature getaway.

The still waters of Evergreen Lake

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Look at Amazing Artwork at the Evergreen Gallery

The Evergreen Gallery represents more than 90 of Colorado’s brilliant and most popular painters.

As a result, the art gallery’s focus emphasized the Rocky Mountains and Colorado’s awe-inspiring terrain, animals, light, textures, richness, and liveliness.

Pottery, jewels, hand-blown and fused glass, woodwork, original paintings, photos, fabrics, stained glass, and much more are among the works on display.

The gallery has home decorations and artwork to suit everyone’s preferences; thus, the variety of artwork available makes the purchase and gift-giving pleasurable.

They also provide gift selections for housewarmings, birthdays, marriages, anniversaries, graduations, and other significant occasions.

Relax and Dine Inside the Bistro at Marshdale

Relax in a rustic yet beautiful mountain vibe, take in breathtaking Evergreen views through their historic tea room, and taste homemade cuisine and drinks at The Bistro at Marshdale.

The distinctive cuisine at The Bistro at Marshdale will not disappoint.

They believe in making tasty dishes from scratch wherever possible, using only fresh local ingredients.

Try one of their Executive Chef’s secret recipes, handcrafted sauces, and a fresh loaf of their daily-baked loaves of bread.

The Bistro at Marshdale also offers different European, American, Argentine, and Australian wines that go well with Bistro food.

Moreover, they provide delectable gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options.

Hike Towards the Maxwell Falls

Maxwell Falls at evergreen

Mandy Putnam / Shutterstock.com

Among the most popular hikes around Denver is Maxwell Falls.

It’s a great Colorado family trek that includes a diversity of terrain and leads to one of Denver’s nearest waterfalls.

Maxwell Falls is a beautiful four-mile roundtrip trek in Evergreen that ends in a gorgeous waterfall.

The short trip takes place on a circular track suitable for hikers of all abilities, with dogs on leashes allowed on the trail.

A short waterfall along Maxwell Falls' hiking trail

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The trail follows Maxwell Creek through a lovely coniferous forest, ultimately arriving at Upper Maxwell Falls after passing by two lesser waterfalls.

Hiking during the spring will give you the finest views of the falls, as the abundant snow runoff makes the waters spectacular.

During the fall, the route offers spectacular views of the changing colors of the leaves.

Order Himalayan Food at Cuisine of the Himalayas

The Cuisine of the Himalayas restaurant originated outside of Katmandu Valley, where the five-star chefs mastered their native Nepalese cooking.

The restaurant is a family company.

In 2001, they brought their family recipes and traditions to Nederland, Colorado, where they managed the Katmandu Restaurant.

Then, in 2007, they founded Cuisine of the Himalayas in Evergreen, Colorado.

They have passed down their recipes for Nepalese, Indian, and Tibetan food for generations.

You can find appetizers, tandoori breads, makhani, bhuna, rogan jhosh, American entrees, desserts, and more on their menu.

Come to Colorado and sample cuisine from another side of the globe, Himalayan cuisine.

Spend Time with Friends and Family in Echo Lake Park

Welcome sign of Echo Lake Park

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Echo Lake Park in Evergreen is a beautiful public park listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1995.

It is 54 kilometers west of Denver, Colorado, Mount Evans Scenic Byway.

The park’s flagship lake is an oligotrophic lake that developed from a glacial retreat inside the Chicago Creek Valley near Mount Evans at the height of more than 10,000 feet above sea level.

Scenic view of Echo Lake Park

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Hiking, fishing, and animal watching are among the park’s attractions.

The park has a rock shelter on one end of the lake containing picnic tables and grills.

This park is a great place to unwind and spend quality time with friends and family.

Scenic view of Echo Lake Park

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Enjoy a Round of Golf at Evergreen Golf Course

Denver’s alpine treasure is the Evergreen Golf Course.

The Evergreen Golf Course, an 18-hole elite course, is near Bear Creek at 7,220 feet.

This affordable yet worthy mountain golf experience is just a short distance from the town, with rolling hills and fairways dotted with pine trees.

You might also spot elk and other wildlife on the course.

After playing, you can relax and enjoy the nature surrounding this famous tourist spot.

You can drop by the putting green, a complete pro shop, as well, as professional golf instruction and seminars here.

Then, grab a snack at the Avalanche Grill, which serves a broad selection of American favorites.

Admire Nature at the Mount Goliath Natural Area

Scenic view of Mount Goliath Natural Area

AndyGriffin / Shutterstock.com

The Mount Goliath Natural Area preserves North America’s most extensive stand of bristlecone pine trees and is a well-known alpine ecology research site.

Mount Goliath, located at Idaho Springs within the Arapaho National Forest in nearby Mount Evans, is the focal point of the region.

Wildflowers at Mount Goliath Natural Area

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The natural area houses some of Colorado’s ancient trees, including some that are over 2,500 years old.

At the Dos Chappell Nature Center, visitors can tour the United States’ highest cultivated botanical garden complex or walk the 1.5-mile M.

Don’t miss Mount Goliath Natural Area, a tourist attraction at Evergreen, where you can admire nature and enrich your journey.

The beautiful view from Mount Goliath Natural Area

AndyGriffin / Shutterstock.com

Try a Colorado Mountain Pie at Beau Jo’s Evergreen

You’d better refuel for all of your travels with a Colorado Mountain pie, also known as Evergreen’s greatest pizza.

Beau Jo’s Evergreen serves Mountain and Prairie Pies, sandwiches, and appetizers from their oven, using recipes from 1973.

Their Evergreen location has a lovely patio with views of Bear Creek.

Stop over after your trek for some filling pizza and beer if you’re a Denver resident enjoying the day in gorgeous Evergreen.

If you’re visiting Colorado as a tourist, relax on their patio and take in the scenery before heading down Bear Creek Road to see local art galleries.

Unwind at Dedisse Park

Daytime view of Dedisse Park

Angela Dukich / Shutterstock.com

Dedisse Park spans approximately 167 hectares, built on the site of Julius C. Dedisse’s historic 1860s pioneering mountain property.

The park sits in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains; in 1919, the city of Denver bought the property.

Landscape of Dedisse Park

Angela Dukich / Shutterstock.com

The Civilian Conservation Corps built the big stone picnic shelter in the 1930s, which is available for small parties and organizations to rent.

The park also has the Evergreen Golf Course, a stone bridge built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, and an open cafeteria.

Visit Dedisse Park, which features beautiful rock outcroppings, a river where you can fish, a golf course, and clean picnic sites.

The waters of Dedisse Park

Angela Dukich / Shutterstock.com

Eat and Drink at the Lariat Lodge Brewing Company

Lariat Lodge Brewing Company is a suburban sanctuary amid Ken Caryl, with a brewery and restaurant overlooking Bear Creek.

The original restaurant, Evergreen’s first brewpub, is only two minutes east of downtown Evergreen, Colorado, overlooking Bear Creek.

They provide classic craft beers, premium comfort cuisine, and the most excellent burgers in Littleton and Evergreen, as well as a variety of outdoor sitting choices, including dog-friendly locations.

Additionally, they provide private event venues for any occasion.

Come in for a cozy lodge atmosphere with a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere.

Visit the Hiwan Heritage Park & Museum

Exterior of Hiwan Heritage Park and Museum

25or6to4, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Hiwan Heritage Park and Museum is an excellent site to learn more about local and state history in a lovely natural environment.

It is architecturally unusual and nestled in an old-growth ponderosa grove.

The museum is inside a 17-room log lodge built between 1880 and 1942; the grounds contain three additional historic structures.

The refurbished rooms contain items from the previous owners.

A collection of southern Indian items is also on display in the museum.

Grab Unique Items at Ski Country Antiques & Home

Ski Country Antiques and Home curates stunning antiques for people wishing to add a touch of European elegance to their homes, cabins, and ski lodges.

The shop owners travel to Europe regularly, handpicking their treasures, and carefully shipping them back to the United States.

Ski Country Antiques and Home offers dozens of pieces of northern-European vintage furniture, tiny decorative objects, and an extensive collection of classic winter sports equipment.

They send antiques all over the globe and can keep their rates low/competitive because they acquire their pieces themselves.

Get Some Exercise at the Wulf Recreation Center

The Wulf Recreation Center gymnasium has a basketball, volleyball, pickle courts, a dance studio, and bleachers for onlookers.

The Evergreen Parks and Recreation District operates Wulf Recreation Center.

The Wulf Recreation Center offers a wide range of outdoor recreational activities.

A six-lane lap pool, a 149 square meter weight room with various cardio and sports equipment, and a gymnastics area are available inside the facility.

They also have a skateboarding park, a playground, and a mile-long fitness track.

Explore the Trails of Alderfer/Three Sisters Park

Welcome sign of Three Sisters Park

Chris Light, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Alderfer or the Three Sisters Park is a lovely public park at Evergreen’s center.

It is home to magnificent old-growth ponderosa pine forests and breathtaking landscapes of the Rocky Mountain foothills.

With almost 15 miles of public-access hiking and bike trails, the park has the most trails per acre of any public park in the Rocky Mountain foothills.

Scenic night scene at Three Sisters Park

Brian Wolski / Shutterstock.com

The Evergreen Mountain East Trail and the summit-scaling Sisters Trail are among the trails that range from simple, family-friendly walks to challenging excursions for more skilled hikers.

There are other rock climbing and horseback riding options nearby and a trekking circle around the park’s rim.

Mountain views from Three Sisters Park

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Check Out the Little Bear Saloon

The Little Bear bar and restaurant is a genuine piece of Rocky Mountain heritage.

For more than 40 years, they’ve hosted outstanding live music and entertainment; it’s also Colorado’s rowdiest mountain bar.

Swinging saloon doors, brass registers, antique wooden bar chairs, and ceilings and walls with people’s names carved into them characterize Little Bear Saloon and Restaurant.

There are license plates from all across the country and other parts of the world.

Where there aren’t license plates, there’s memorabilia, such as signed posters and T-shirts from the various performers and bands that have performed at the Little Bear throughout the years.

Little Bear has also hosted a dance hall, a chapel, and a drugstore.

Join the Exciting Dam Ducky Derby

If you’re in town during August, you’re sure to catch the exciting Dam Ducky Derby.

The much-awaited happening is participated by many residents and visitors each year.

Join the crowd at Bear Creek and enjoy the Family Festival at the start of the derby.

There are also lots of activities and live music performances you can enjoy with the whole family.

Get ready for the Splashdown event at Columbus Bridge and watch with excitement as rubber ducks race the streams.

You can adopt a duck for the race and sponsor an athlete for the Special Olympics Illinois.

Have fun at the Dam Ducky Derby!

Catch Great Performances at the Center Stage

Center Stage located on Fireweed Drive is the place to see fantastic live theatre shows.

This performing arts venue is owned and operated by Ovation West Performing Arts and was designated as a Jefferson County Historic Landmark in 2021.

It was built in 1924 and included in the Episcopal Conference Center complex; later on, it was acquired by the Evergreen Chorale and also housed the Evergreen Players and the Evergreen Children’s Chorale.

Two full-scale music theater productions are presented here by Ovation West, along with music camps, concert series, and special events.

Catch theater schedules and purchase your tickets at their website.

You can also check out the Rotary Gallery and appreciate the displays made by local visual artists.

Take time to see the productions at Center Stage.

Buy Unique Accessories at Marmalade Artisan Jewelry

For trendy, fashionable, and unique jewelry and accessories, drop by Marmalade Artisan Jewelry.

Their shop is located on Downtown Evergreen’s Highway 74.

They have been in the business for around 20 years, selling mountain-inspired pieces like bracelets, necklaces, earrings, handbags, and more.

Browse through quality hand-crafted items made by local Colorado artisans.

Buy something for yourself or give it to someone on a special occasion.

You’ll surely find one-of-a-kind designs and styles at Marmalade Artisan Jewelry.

Enjoy Your Stay at the Alpen Way Chalet Mountain Lodge

Take a nature retreat and book your stay at Alpen Way Chalet Mountain Lodge.

You’ll find this relaxing lodge on Highway 73 with a scenic view of the lush Rocky Mountains and Little Cub Creek.

Choose from the homey standard rooms or the cozy efficiency suites; better yet, enjoy some privacy in the stand-alone Bountiful cabin.

The cabin and Carefree rooms are also pet-friendly so your four-legged family members can also have an enjoyable stay.

If you want to hike the trails or go snowshoeing in winter, the lodge is located close to the Lariat Loop.

Alpen Way Chalet Mountain Lodge is also easily accessible from Evergreen Lake and Lower Downtown Denver.

Take a Glimpse of Local Arts at Stoneheart Gallery

If you love the arts, you can find impressive pieces at the Stoneheart Gallery on Highway 74.

You’ll see a wide range of award-winning artwork from abstract to realism, created in various media like oils and pastels.

Step inside the gallery to view the American Western landscape and aspen-themed pastel and oil paintings by Julianne Miller.

Check out Martin Lambuth’s nostalgic and inspirational works, or appreciate the classic painting techniques of Marin Dobson.

You’ll also catch Laura Mehmert’s paintings and sculptures, along with prints, cards, and journals; likewise, there are also impressionist pieces by Judith Brunko and crayon and brush creations by Susan Jarecky.

Other amazing Evergreen artists include Lori Acott, specializing in bronze sculpting, Adam Schultz with his bronze and stone sculptures, Jerry Wedekind’s aged wood collectibles, and Debra Sindt showcasing her wildlife paintings.

You’ll enjoy viewing all these fantastic displays at Stoneheart Gallery.

Final Thoughts

One of the tourists’ favorite things about Evergreen is its open space parks with hundreds of acres available for hiking, mountain biking, trekking, and other activities.

It is also full of well-known restaurants, art museums, natural attractions and numerous tourist spots that you surely would like to visit.

You can find historic structures and local businesses in downtown Evergreen, including well-known entertainment venues.

There will never be a dull time in Evergreen, Colorado, so see for yourself!

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