EXPLORE. STAY. VISIT.

Explore Colorado. Stay local. Visit Campus.

Golden, Colorado

Visitor’s Guide

Experience world-class outdoor recreation, shopping, perfect food and drink options and more. Here you’ll find Recommendations on things to do, accommodations, parking and more.

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Up-to-Date Visit and Event Status

All visits are operating as scheduled

Weather delays, cancelations and other important information will appear here.

image of the ore cart shuttle bus near the lightrail and students getting off and walking.

Mines Ore Cart Shuttle

The Ore Cart connects the Mines campus, downtown Golden and more. Operated as a partnership between Mines and the City of Golden and is free for all riders

light rail in golden, students exiting blurred. train doors open.

RTD Light Rail and Bus System

The Light Rail A line links Denver International Airport to Union Station where it connects riders to the W line, taking them to the Jefferson County Government Center in Golden.

mines students loading a car - trunk open. suitcase in view.

Car Rental

Because of the distance from the airport to golden and surrounding areas – a rental car is a good option. Denver International Airport also offers car rental options on property.

Hello from Golden, Colorado

Colorado School of Mines is located in Historic Golden, Colorado – just 15 minutes from downtown Denver and 45 minutes from the mountain slopes.  

downtown golden shops and sidewalk, people walking.

Golden Fast Facts

  • A population of just ~20,000 people
  • Elevation 5, 675 ft.
  • A former gold rush town
  • Home to Coors Brewing
  • Founded in 1859

You can also check out more information from our friends at Visit Golden.

EXPLORE

You have arrived… so explore a little! Check out some top suggestions for things to do while you are here.

image of red rocks amphitheater with copy on image that says local favorite
Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Home to Colorado events and live music. Red Rocks is one of the top music venues of the world but is also open to explore during most days.

Babes Tea Room
Babes Tea Room

A modern destination for afternoon tea featuring over 90 loose-leaf varieties, plus brunch, sandwiches and a riverside patio.

thai gold house with patio
Thai Gold
A low-key Thai restaurant in a 1907 Victorian home offering a traditional menu and a seasonal patio.
Image of casa bonita with text that reads local favorite
Casa Bonita

A landmark Mexican restaurant in Denver known for its cliff divers, cave-themed decor and over-the-top dining experience.

image of golden mill with image that reads local favorite
Golden Mill

A food hall and taproom in downtown Golden featuring a rooftop patio, self-pour beer and wine wall and a variety of local food vendors.

image of the outside of atomic cowboy with text on image that states staff pick
Atomic Cowboy

A casual spot known for serving Fat Sully’s pizza, Denver Biscuit Company sandwiches and craft beer all under one roof.

miners alley performing arts center image of two people dancing in the center
Miners Alley Performing Arts Center

A local theater in downtown Golden that hosts professional plays, concerts and community events in an intimate setting.

mines museum of earth and science image of a table with a glass top full of rocks and minerals
Mines Museum of Earth and Science

Home to one of Colorado’s two moon rocks and the world’s largest vivianite specimen, this museum showcases minerals, fossils and gems from around the globe.

image of pizza in a pizza oven with text that reads student favorite
Woody’s Wood-Fired Pizza

Known for its all-you-can-eat pizza, salad bar and laid-back vibe, this local favorite serves wood-fired pies just steps from downtown Golden.

Indulge Bistro and Wine Bar image of an outside seating area with umbrellas
Indulge Bistro and Wine Bar

Offering a relaxed, upscale atmosphere, this bistro features globally inspired dishes and an extensive wine list in the heart of downtown Golden.

Clear Creek Trail and Kayaking image of the creek and the M mountain mount zion in the background
Clear Creek Trail and Kayaking

Running through the center of Golden, this scenic trail and waterway is popular for walking, biking and kayaking, especially during the summer.

Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave image of the gravesite surrounded in trees
Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave

Set atop Lookout Mountain, this historic site explores the life and legacy of Buffalo Bill Cody, with panoramic views and his gravesite overlooking the plains.

Colorado Railroad Museum image of a steam engine train with steam in the air
Colorado Railroad Museum

Featuring historic locomotives, railcars and hands-on exhibits, this museum offers a look at Colorado’s rich railroad history with rides and events throughout the year.

Coors Brewery Tour image of the coors factory
Coors Brewery Tour

This iconic tour takes visitors through the world’s largest single-site brewery, showcasing Coors’ brewing process, history and, of course, beer samples at the end.

D'Deli - image of a sandwich and of the outside of the building of the restaurant
D’Deli

A longtime local favorite, this sandwich shop in downtown Golden is known for its creative subs.

cafe 13 image of bakery goods in a window
Cafe 13

Located in a historic building near downtown Golden, this cozy café serves coffee, breakfast and lunch with plenty of space to study, meet or relax.

cheese ranch artisan deli outside of the deli showing the outside seating and an open sign
Cheese Ranch Artisan Deli

Tucked away in Golden, this artisan deli is known for its handcrafted sandwiches, specialty cheeses and laid-back, neighborhood feel.

windy saddle cafe image inside of the cafe and a woman ordering from the blackboard menu
Windy Saddle Cafe

Right off Washington Avenue in downtown Golden, this welcoming café offers coffee, smoothies, breakfast and lunch with a cozy, mountain-town vibe.

STAY

Check out suggested lodging option both in Golden and nearby. Some even offer special promotions and rates.

image of the outside of table mountain inn
Table Mountain Inn

This adobe-style boutique hotel welcomes guests with warm Western hospitality with spacious accommodations and modern amenities

outside of he eddy hotel and taproom building at dusk
The Eddy Taproom & Hotel

This casual retreat features rooms designed for outdoor enthusiasts, honoring Golden’s rich industrial history.

for special rates use code:
OREDIGGER
the golden hotel with fall trees and river
The Golden Hotel

Overlooking the scenic clear creek, this hotel with mountain lodge ambiance will instantly put you at ease. 

image of the victorian home - pansys parlor bed and breakfast
Pansy’s Parlor Bed and Breakfast

This 1879 victorian home offers gracious accommodations and delicious food, at reasonable rates.

dove inn bed and breakfast patio with flowers and home in view
The Dove Inn Bed and Breakfast

The Dove Inn is a Golden staple with new look and an old soul. This beautiful old home is renovated with modern conveniences.

image of an RV trailor against a bike path with the creek to the side. biker on path.
Cleer Creek RV Park

This is a great place to park and stay with your RV or trailor. Open year round this quaint park against the creek is close to everything in Golden.

image of the hampton inn
Hampton Inn by Hilton

Explore the mountains and the shops. This hotel offers rooms and suites and is conveniently located just a few miles from campus. 

origin hotel red rocks outside showing patio with large RED word lighted sign reading 'ROCKS'
Origin Hotel Red Rocks

With a location just minutes from downtown Golden, Origin Red Rocks, a Wyndham Hotel, blends rock and roll energy with mountain town vibes.

VISIT

Take a look at all visits and events and sign up to attend. Or you can stop by and grab a self-guided tour map and explore campus on your time. We want you to get to know mines and experience campus.

Getting Here

image of the starzer welcome center building.

Starzer Welcome Center

1812 Illinois St.
Golden, CO 80401

Starzer Welcome Center

Office Hours & Info

Questions?

Reach out to the Office of Admissions regarding visit opportunities.

Undergraduate Admissions
Phone: (303) 384-2027
Email: admissions@mines.edu

Graduate Admissions
Phone: (303) 273-3247
Email: grad-admissions@mines.edu

Office Hours

Monday – Friday
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time

Hours subject to change depending on events on campus, staff travel schedules and major holidays.

Parking

There are two suggested lots for visitors directly next to the Starzer Welcome Center. Both lots are indicated by visitor parking flags.

If you are attending an admissions event or campus tour, check your confirmation email for the best place to park along with a validation code to enter at the parking kiosk along with your license plate number to waive your parking fee.

Pay station parking locations and map can be found on the parking services site.  All parking, including streets are zoned and monitored so be sure to look for posted signs.

Campus parking is free after 5:00 p.m. and on weekends.