Stock Show Visitors Are Always Welcome in Golden – “Where the West Lives!”
Since 1949, the huge arch across the main street in Golden, Colorado has proclaimed “Howdy Folks! Welcome to Golden – Where the West Lives!” At no time is that more appropriate than when the National Western Stock Show & Rodeo comes rip-roaring into town, Jan. 7-22, 2023.
Golden is just 12 miles west of the National Western Complex in Denver, but a world away in atmosphere. Walking down Golden’s main street is 
like a stroll back into the Old West with historic storefronts, colorful murals, and covered arcade sidewalks. The most famous character of the West, Buffalo Bill Cody, is buried in Golden, and here you’ll also find Colorado’s largest collection of historic steam locomotives. Right downtown, is the 1878 Pearce Ranch, an authentic homestead with a barn, working blacksmith shop and a chicken coop where youngsters can feed a variety of exotic chickens. And of course, Golden is home to Coors Beer – the largest brewery in the world with tours – and samples.
Here are five things to do in Golden during the Stock Show.
1. Meet Buffalo Bill
Buffalo Bill Cody was the most famous character in the history of the American West, a buffalo hunter, Pony Express rider, and scout for the U.S. Army. Starting in 1883, his Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show was performed in more than a thousand cities in 12 different countries. Bill brought along 640 cowboys, Indians, Vaqueros, ropers, trick riders, and sharpshooters, making his show more than 10 times the size of Beyonce’s World Tour. A version of his show takes place at the National Western Stock Show & Rodeo every year.
Buffalo Bill was visiting his sister in Denver in 1917 when he died and his funeral on top of Lookout Mountain was the largest in Colorado history. Today, a fun museum near the grave brings his incredible story back to life with costumes, guns, artifacts like Chief Sitting Bull’s headdress, posters and pictures from the show.
The drive to the grave site on top of the mountain begins in historic downtown Golden on the Lariat Loop Trail. This is a white-knuckle thriller, with cliffs on every turn, but the panoramic view from the museum’s outdoor deck takes in everything from snowcapped peaks to the plains and downtown Denver.
2. Tour Coors
Coors is the official beer of the National Western Stock Show. So come on out and see where it all began and is still made! The brewery has a 60-minute, tour of the malting, brewing and packaging of Coors Beer. Reservations are required so be sure to book asap. You get to explore a room full of giant copper kettles and then stop in the packaging room, where thousands of cans and bottles whirl by, marching one-by-one on tread mills to be filled with beer and slotted into six packs. During the tour, those 21 and over can sample three cups of Molson Coors beers. Cowboy Tip: If you already know how beer is made, book the “hospitality lounge,” and head straight to the tasting room for samples and the Coors & Co. gift shop.
3. Climb Aboard a Steam Locomotive
It was the railroads that won the West and the Colorado Railroad Museum has the largest collection of steam locomotives, private cars, and model trains in the state, all of which offer hands-on experiences. Climb up into the cab of a locomotive and ring the bell. On Jan. 13 and 20, you can ride the famous Galloping Goose – a 1928 Pierce Arrow limousine put on train wheels with a bus welded on the back. The Galloping Goose once delivered mail over Colorado’s Lizard Head Pass, and it’s a fun ride as it circles the museum on a half mile of track. There’s a huge HO model railroad in the basement, and beginning on Jan. 17 on Saturdays, you can hop on-board a passenger car pulled by a powerful locomotive! Rides depart every 30 minutes 10am-3pm.
4. Enjoy Downtown Golden
There’s no place else on the Front Range of Colorado quite like downtown Golden. Stroll along plank board sidewalks under a covered arcade past historic storefronts that now are filled with outdoor recreation stores, boutiques, art galleries, Western wear, Native American and Colorado made jewelry, toys, ice cream, and candy. Or take a stroll down the paved path that follows Clear Creek up into the mountains. There are six craft breweries in Golden, all with outdoor dog-friendly beer gardens. Golden offers a variety of great restaurants, from the Southwestern ambiance of Table Mountain Inn to mouthwatering bbq at the Old Capitol Grill & Smokehouse (housed in the building that served as the first capitol of the Colorado Territory).
5. Take a Wild West Walking History Tour by Golden History Tours
Golden History Tour guides regale tour-goers with true stories from the Wild West, transporting you back to those rough-and-tumble times. Hangings to hijackings, shootouts to showmen, Golden boasts many firsts and some outrageously true Wild West stories. The tour runs through the streets and parks of Golden while your tour guide takes you back to those frontier days and brings Golden's and Colorado's past to life through entertaining storytelling. These tours are family friendly and ADA compliant, and everyone gets a signature Golden Bandana as a souvenir!
Tours run most weekends and some weekdays and can be requested on demand. Check their website for the most up-to-date tour schedule and other options.
While you’re enjoying the National Western Stock Show, make sure to take some time to explore Golden, Colorado, where the West truly lives. From historic tours and hands-on experiences to craft breweries, unique boutiques, and stunning Rocky Mountain foothills scenery, there’s something for everyone in this charming town. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime fan, Golden offers plenty to see, do, and experience just a short drive from Denver.
Among Golden’s restaurants, you can find everything from farm-to-table fare at 
Plus, on the hikes listed below, you’re never too far from civilization—just in case the tiny people in your life meltdown along the way.
recreation, from strolling to biking. The paved, mostly level recreational trail stretches from the beginnings of Clear Creek Canyon in the Foothills of the Rocky Mountains, all the way down to the South Platte River in Denver, 19 miles away, offering a tree-lined path with 
Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve
course, kickin’ back! This Spring Break, many Coloradans plan to stick close to home due to the pandemic. But you can still enjoy a safe and fun-filled staycation in Golden with western history and hospitality, gorgeous scenery, recreation, a walkable downtown and an emerging food scene. If you’re staying close to home this Spring Break, here are a few ideas for some Golden fun:
Enjoy a Patio: Golden is completely surrounded by mountains, buttes and views, so it’s the perfect place to sit at a patio, listen to some music and see and be seen. Some of the best patios? The huge deck and fountains of the 
the most important dinosaur track sites in the United States. Featuring four trails, you can experience 150 million years of history. Be sure to also take a short drive to 
r with Golden History Tours. The self-guided tours wind through Golden with the 
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Stroll Through an Illuminated Downtown: This year, most of Golden’s downtown holiday lights will be illuminated through Valentine’s Day. So stroll hand-in-hand through Golden’s charming downtown, it's a perfect way to walk off your Valentine’s dinner.
pandemic and folks on your holiday list will love receiving unique local gifts. Here are nine ways to shop Golden this holiday season:
3. Park Once (and for FREE!) & Bustle About Town – You can knock out all your holiday shopping in one afternoon. Just park (for free!), grab a cuppa Joe from your favorite coffee house and get after it with your holiday list in hand! Enjoy fresh air and mountain views as you move from store to store.
Golden, it’s time to rally! The pandemic has been especially challenging for our hard-working restauranteurs. The next few months are critical and the good news is that helping our foodie friends is bound to be a boost to all because a Golden meal is sure to lift your spirits! Who doesn’t want to nosh on nutritious and delicious meals lovingly prepared by a pro? Here are Six Super Ways to Support Golden Restaurants:
Up & Soak in the Sunshine. Colorado’s climate will provide plenty of opportunity to sit on a sunny patio – bundle up and enjoy the fresh air, delicious food and Golden views! There are outdoor seating options throughout downtown. Grab a jacket and dine under the stars or in the winter sunlight. We’re hearty Coloradans, after all!
mornings fancy too.
6. Gift a Restaurant Gift Card. A restaurant gift card is a present that the receiver – and the restauranteur – will appreciate. Plus, you’ll feel great about giving it too. A real win for all!
curriculum with a “Golden Field Trip?”
Colorado Railroad Museum: The 
for learners of all ages. What’s more, thanks to a generous donor, FAC offers free admission in 2020. Check the website for upcoming exhibits and hours.
or navigate using your smartphone and the customized Google map available at the link. 
Another video call from your basement home office today? Working from home has its challenges so why not zoom into Golden? Located only 15 minutes from downtown Denver, Golden is easy to get to and is the perfect spot to set up your remote workspace for a day.
nto a local mountaineering shop, a sunlit stroll to grab a gourmet cupcake or ice cream cone. Heck, maybe even an IPA in a beer garden. It’s the perfect way to shrug off your zoom fatigue and restore your sanity.
ur computer!
a patio in Golden is a great place to dine al fresco and enjoy the Rocky Mountain atmosphere.
rom Denver, plan a date night or schedule a socially distanced lunch with a pal in Golden. The city boasts a “patio for every mood and taste.” Here are a few you should check out soon:
Get to Work: Remote workers can get their caffeine fix, working breakfasts and lunches and WiFi at these Golden coffee shops:
Brewery, Golden is also home to eight excellent, award winning craft breweries with patios that usually feature food trucks, including: