1. Boulder County Fairgrounds
City: Longmont, CO
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (303) 441-3927
Address: 9595 Nelson Road
Description: Anytime you visit, something’s happening at the fair. This big, big fairground hosts antiques and craft shows, barrel racing (for non-cowboys, that means racing horses in hairpin turns around barrels), national dog shows, bridge tournaments, circuses, motorcycle shows . . . the list goes on. Some events attract more than 100,000, and some are small. To reach the fairgrounds, head north to Longmont on Highway 119. Turn left at Hover Road, whose intersection is marked with big stoplights. Go north on Hover past the Twin Peaks shopping mall to Nelson Road. The fairground is on your right. Call for an event schedule.
City: Longmont, CO
Category: Tours & Attractions
Address: 312 Terry Street
3. Dougherty Antique Museum
City: Longmont, CO
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (303) 776-2520
Address: 8306 North 107th Street
Description: The late Ray Dougherty didn’t realize what he was starting when, as a teenager, he bought a reed organ. His wife, Dorothy Dougherty, says the hobby of collecting antique cars, farm equipment, and musical instruments just grew and grew (there’s also a stagecoach). The antique autos have starred in many parades. That doesn’t happen much anymore, because few have the knack for driving them. After all, you don’t just turn the key when a car has a steam engine or needs a hand crank.A mile south of Longmont on U.S. Highway 287 at the family farm, this exhibit is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from early June 2 through Labor Day. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for ages 6 to 12, and free for kids age 6 and younger. Large groups are welcome if they call ahead.
4. Longmont Museum And Cultural Center
City: Longmont, CO
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (303) 651-8374
Address: 400 Quail Road
Description: Founded in 1936 as part of the St. Vrain Historical Society, the Longmont Museum and Cultural Center is an outstanding local attraction. The museum includes four exhibit galleries. The Longmont Gallery and the Longs Peak Room contain long-term exhibits on the history and culture of Longmont, the St. Vrain Valley, and the West, and include interactive exhibits for all ages. Two additional galleries, the Colorado Gallery and the St. Vrain Gallery, host changing art, history, and science exhibits throughout the year. A variety of excellent educational programs are offered. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday until 8 p.m., and on Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. The facility is closed on Mondays and city holidays. Admission is free.
5. Old Mill Park
City: Longmont, CO
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (303) 776-1870
Address: 237 Pratt Street
Description: The oldest log cabin in Boulder County is situated in a privately owned, tree-lined park. A real mill wheel turns at the pond. The park can be reserved through the St. Vrain Historical Society for weddings and meetings. Old Mill Park is open daily to the public for free 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. except during private events. Group tours are given by appointment.
6. Longmont Public Library
City: Longmont, CO
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (303) 651-8470
Address: 409 Fourth Avenue
Description: Longmont’s library was built in 1993 on the site of the original Carnegie Library. The new library contains a children’s section and a separate teen section. There is a large CD, video-, and audio-tape section; periodicals and easy parking are other pluses. This library is open Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. The library alters its hours during the summer months.
7. Longmont Museum & Cultural Center
City: Longmont, CO
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (303) 651-8374
Address: 400 Quail Road
Description: This museum specializes in self-structured, hands-on science, history, and art activities. Permanent features are a puppet area, pioneer dress-up theater, and reading area; rotating activities include a water table, an electronic board, and “Tub-O’Bubbles,” where kids can create giant soap bubbles with wands. There is no admission fee, but donations are always appreciated. It is open Tuesday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. The museum is closed on Mondays and holidays. A nominal fee is charged for special events.