Attractions and Places To See around Longmont - Top 20

Longmont offers a variety of natural features. You can visit Golden Ponds, a lake area with three ponds and a boardwalk for scenic views. Other notable spots include McIntosh Lake Nature Area, known for its 3.5-mile loop trail and non-motorized water activities, and Union Reservoir, popular for windsurfing, paddleboarding, and birdwatching. The Lefthand Canyon also offers scenic views and opportunities to spot wildlife along Lefthand Creek.

Yes, Longmont has several family-friendly options. Golden Ponds is a great choice, featuring a boardwalk and being wheelchair accessible. The Lagerman Agricultural Preserve is also family-friendly, offering well-graded crushed gravel and dirt roads suitable for various activities. McIntosh Lake Nature Area and St. Vrain State Park provide opportunities for camping, fishing, and easy trails. The Longmont Museum & Cultural Center also offers interactive and family-friendly exhibits.

Longmont and its surroundings offer diverse hiking opportunities. You can explore trails at McIntosh Lake, Rabbit Mountain Open Space (Ron Stewart Preserve), and Button Rock Preserve, which provide rugged wilderness and stunning views. For more options, check out the hiking guide for Longmont, which includes routes like the McIntosh Lake loop and the Open Sky Loop at Lagerman Agricultural Preserve.

Longmont boasts a rich history and vibrant cultural scene. The Longmont Museum & Cultural Center is a central hub for arts and culture, featuring exhibits on local history and interactive programs. You can also explore the Downtown Longmont Historic District, known for its preserved buildings, art galleries, and public art. Other historical sites include the Dougherty Museum, showcasing antique cars, and the Sandstone Ranch Park and Historic Site with its restored 1860s-era homestead.

Yes, several attractions in Longmont are designed to be accessible. Golden Ponds features a boardwalk and is noted as wheelchair accessible. The St. Vrain Greenway, particularly the section from Pierce Road to Sandstone Ranch, is a well-maintained concrete path suitable for various users. Golden Ponds also has an ADA-accessible fishing pier.

For wildlife viewing, Union Reservoir is an excellent spot, known for its abundant birdlife. Golden Ponds is also a peaceful oasis for birdwatchers, with occasional sightings of larger animals like coyotes and deer. Along Lefthand Canyon, you might spot deer and other wildlife, especially during descents. Button Rock Preserve also offers opportunities to see deer and eagles.

Longmont offers various biking routes for different preferences. The St. Vrain Greenway is a multi-use trail perfect for biking, connecting parks and natural areas. For gravel biking, the 51st Street (Gravel to Eagle Trailhead) section provides great views. You can find more gravel biking routes in the gravel biking guide for Longmont, and road cycling options in the road cycling guide.

Yes, Longmont has several unique outdoor spots and viewpoints. The Lagerman Agricultural Preserve offers great views of the foothills over farms and fields. From 51st Street (Gravel to Eagle Trailhead), you can enjoy views over Boulder Valley Ranch to the foothills and Flatirons. McIntosh Lake Nature Area provides panoramic views of the mountains, including Longs Peak. Button Rock Preserve also offers stunning views of the reservoir and surrounding cliffs.

Longmont's lakes and reservoirs offer a range of activities. McIntosh Lake Nature Area is ideal for walking, running, cycling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. Union Reservoir is known for windsurfing, paddleboarding, sailing, swimming, and birdwatching, with designated beaches and picnic spots. Golden Ponds is excellent for fishing and birdwatching, featuring an ADA-accessible fishing pier.

The St. Vrain Greenway is considered the "crown jewel" of Longmont's trail system. It's a multi-use trail spanning 9 to 18 miles that winds through town along the St. Vrain Creek. It connects many parks, schools, and commercial areas via an attractive, well-maintained concrete path. It's suitable for biking, walking, jogging, and even tubing in some sections, offering a great way to explore Longmont off the main roads.

Yes, Longmont offers opportunities to connect with its agricultural roots. The Agricultural Heritage Center provides an interactive experience of Colorado's farming history in a renovated 1909 farmhouse, complete with farm animals. Yaya's Farm and Orchard is a local gem for farm-fresh produce, treats, and seasonal apple picking. Additionally, the Boulder County Farmers Market celebrates the area's agricultural heritage with local produce and artisan goods.

Longmont is home to a thriving craft beverage scene. It hosts many craft breweries, distilleries, and cideries, including two of Colorado's largest: Left Hand Brewing Company and Oskar Blues Brewery. The Brewhop Trolley offers a convenient way to visit many of these locations and sample local craft beverages.