15 Best Things to Do in Superior (CO)

Superior is a small town in north-central Colorado’s Boulder County that’s located between Boulder to the northwest and Denver to the southeast.

At the time of the last census, Superior had approximately 13,000 residents. It was named after the high-grade coal that was mined in the area for generations, which was of superior quality to coal from other area mines.

The city was founded in 1896, and for those who prefer having easy access to both city and rural attractions, it’s the perfect place to stay while visiting the area.

Below are 15 things to do in and around Superior, Colorado.

1. Boulder Valley Chili and Beer Fest

The Boulder Valley Chili and Beer Fest is held each year during the first week of September at Community Park on Coalton Road.

For those on tight schedules looking to get the most bang for their limited time, it’s a great way to have convenient access to great food, cold beer, and lots of family-friendly activities.

The event is put on by the Superior Chamber of Commerce, and much of the proceeds go to help the community’s needy.

Admission is free, and the area will be blocked off from traffic, which makes it a safe environment for those traveling with little ones.

2. Wildflower Park

Wildflower Park is conveniently located near the downtown area and offers visitors an abundance of recreation options that have been known to keep families busy for hours on end.

The park’s amenities include a net climbing area, basketball, volleyball, and bocce courts, as well as a number of walking paths.

For those looking for something a bit more exhilarating, there’s a zip line that towers over the ground below. There are also some built-in fitness machines spread throughout the park.

The park tends to draw crowds during warm weather, especially on the weekends, so if you’d rather avoid the masses, consider an early morning or weekday visit.

3. Flatiron Crossing

Though Colorado is most well-known for its stunning mountains and outdoor activities, many visitors choose to spend a few hours indoors engaging in some much-needed retail therapy.

Flatiron Crossing in nearby Broomfield features several national retail chains like Macy’s, Old Navy, and Dick’s Sporting Goods. There’s a 15 screen movie theater as well that’s the perfect retreat when the weather isn’t conducive to being outdoors.

There are a variety of tasty and affordable dining options ranging from casual and quick in the food court to sit-down restaurants serving everything from pizza and burgers to sushi and Italian.

4. Coal Creek Golf Course

For much of the spring and summer seasons, the weather in Colorado is absolutely perfect for golf.

Coal Creek Golf Course is a par-72 facility that plays about 7,000 yards from the longest tees.

The course is known for its tricky bunkers, water hazards, and its dramatic changes in elevation that offer stunning views of the nearby mountains.

Their greens fees are based on supply and demand, so you’ll pay more during peak times on the weekends, and less if you can fit a round in during the week. Booking online is the way to go, and it just takes a few minutes.

5. Sticks Coffee

Colorado may just have more independent coffee shops per capita than any other state. For those in need of delicious coffee and invigorating caffeine, there’s no better place to get both than Sticks Coffee.

Sticks was founded in 2017 and is so named because it’s attached to a hockey and ice skating venue, but it’s open to non-skaters as well.

In addition to a variety of coffees made with freshly roasted beans, Sticks offers a comfy and contemporary atmosphere, fast Wi-Fi, and delicious fare like fresh baked goods and salads, smoothies, sandwiches, and hearty burritos. They’re open for breakfast and lunch.

6. Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers

According to previous guests who’ve dined at Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers, there are few things that go together better than burgers and custard.

It may not be a good idea for dieters counting calories and watching their cholesterol, but for those who prefer to throw culinary caution to the wind, it’s a great place to fill up without spending an arm and a leg.

They don’t skimp on the beef, and their burgers come in many forms and include tasty sides like fries and onion rings.

Freddy’s is located on Coalton Road in nearby Broomfield and has great ice cream as well.

7. The Butterfly Pavilion and Insect Center

The Butterfly Pavilion and Insect Center is located on West 104th Avenue in Westminster. For those traveling with little ones, it often takes the top spot for most memorable vacation experiences.

Though many insects get bad raps, they’re all vital to healthy ecosystems. The center houses an amazing variety of species, including lots of beautiful butterflies that have fascinating life cycles.

The center’s tropical exhibit includes exotic plants and insects that aren’t found in Colorado naturally. Most guests find it an entertaining and educational facility that’s conveniently located and relatively inexpensive by out of state vacation standards.

8. Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge

Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge is located along the Front Range near Superior and is comprised of more than 5,000 acres of diverse environments that are home to a large number of animals.

The refuge is open year-round and includes more than ten miles of trails that are popular with hikers, mountain bikers, amateur photographers, and wildlife enthusiasts.

The prairie, treed areas, and wetland areas are brimming with a huge number of bird species. There’s a herd of around 150 elk that are commonly seen as well, especially in the morning and evening hours when they’re often most active.

9. 4 Noses Brewing

Located on West 116th Circle in Broomfield, 4 Noses Brewing has been open since 2014 and features 20 amazing beers on tap at all times.

Their offerings are constantly changing, which means you’ll likely have the opportunity to enjoy a new brew every time you visit.

4 Noses is a family-owned facility that produces beers with the finest ingredients, ranging from pilsners and IPAs to ales and stouts.

Though there’s no kitchen on-site, there are usually food trucks in the lot serving up tasty grub that goes well with beer. There are live music performances frequently as well.

10. Big Dry Creek Trail

Big Dry Creek Trail, Westminster — Big Dry Creek Trail

Hiking, biking, and walking are ever-popular outdoor activity options for fit locals and out of state visitors, and Big Dry Creek Trail is one of the most extensive and convenient options for those staying in the Superior area.

The trail is located along Sheridan Boulevard in nearby Westminster, is open year-round, and stretches nearly a dozen miles between Broomfield and Westminster.

Dogs are allowed on the trail as long as they’re leashed and cleaned up after, and though the trail is most used during the summer, it’s the perfect fall and winter escape destination for active and outdoorsy types experiencing cabin fever.

11. Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks

The city of Boulder is home to the University of Colorado. It lies along the Front Range area of the Rockies and has an abundance of attractions appropriate for those of most ages and interests.

The city’s Open Space and Mountain Parks are conveniently located, free to visit and offer guests a number of activity options.

Whereas much of the area is undergoing continual development, the open spaces and parks have been set aside to ensure that some natural areas remain. They include a variety of multi-use trails that are open to hikers, walkers, bikers, and horseback riders.

12. Golden Gate Canyon State Park

Golden Gate Canyon State Park was established more than six decades ago and is comprised of more than 11,000 acres along the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.

For those staying in Superior, it’s a great day-trip option, and it’s the kind of place that generally tends to occupy much of visitor’s time.

The park features almost 40 miles of trails that wind their way through a variety of environments. They’re popular with bikers and hikers in the warm months, and cross-country skiers and snowshoers in the winter.

There are rentable rustic cabins, and more than 150 individual campsites as well, many of which have electric hookups.

13. Aero-Cruise Balloon Adventures

Hot Air Balloon Over Colorado Rocky Mountains

Featuring stunning mountain vistas and seemingly endless stretches of deep blue sky, Colorado is a mecca for hot air balloon excursions. For many first-timers, their time spent high above the earth is among the most memorable of their trips.

Aero-Cruise Balloon Adventures is located on Hemlock Way in Broomfield and has been a family-owned business for nearly four decades.

Since then, they’ve amassed tens of thousands of hours of safe flight time, and most of their options last between three and four hours

Light breakfast is served to all passengers before departure and includes champagne and sparkling cider.

14. Fiske Planetarium

The Fiske Planetarium is located on the campus of the University of Colorado in Boulder and is a popular attraction for those interested in gazing into the heavens without braving the elements to do it.

The planetarium features one of the most state-of-the-art dome screens in the country, and it spans nearly 70 feet from end to end.

The facility’s computerized projector displays millions of stars above as visitors recline and learn about the galaxy and constellations. They also offer popular laser shows and outdoor astronomy events on Friday evenings during the warm spring and summer months.

15. Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art

The Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art has been around since the early-‘70s and features one of the region’s most impressive collections of contemporary art.

The museum is housed in a historic building near downtown Boulder that was originally built in the early years of the 20th century. In addition to its permanent exhibits, the staff offer a variety of engaging and entertaining courses designed to promote creativity in aspiring artists of all ages.

They also host temporary exhibits from other institutions and private collections regularly, and there are a number of special events throughout the year that include children’s activities and live entertainment.