University of Colorado Boulder
Boulder, CO
Founded in 1876, the same year that Colorado became a state, the University of Colorado Boulder is the state’s flagship university. Students enroll to participate in the school’s competitive earth and space science programs—many astronauts have graduated from CU Boulder—while visitors come to admire the scenic campus, attend cultural events, or cheer on the Colorado Buffaloes at football games.
The basics
Spread across 786 acres (318 hectares) of central Boulder, CU Boulder is a great place for an outdoor stroll with the picturesque Rocky Mountains in view. Aside from the natural beauty, there’s always something happening on the university’s campus, which is home to the Fiske Planetarium, the University of Colorado Museum of Natural History, and several theaters that host performances like the annual Colorado Shakespeare Festival.
CU Boulder is a popular stop on guided Boulder tours. E-bike tours are an especially popular way to see the university and other Boulder highlights, from Pearl Street Mall and Hotel Boulderado to more outdoorsy locales, like the Flatirons and Chautauqua Park, in just a few hours.
Things to know before you go
- CU Boulder’s website has an up-to-date list of events, from shows at the Macky Auditorium Concert Hall to exhibits at the University of Colorado Art Museum.
- You’ll find a variety of services on campus, including all-gender restrooms, ATMs, and dining options.
- Those interested in attending sports events at CU Boulder can find tickets on the CU Buffs website.
How to get there
Five minutes from downtown Boulder, CU Boulder is about 45 minutes northeast of Denver by car. If you’re driving, check the campus map to find parking closest to the building you’re visiting—the campus has dozens of garages with different rules. Once you’re on university grounds, it's easy to get around using the Regional Transportation District (RTD) bus service and e-scooters for rent.
When to get there
Boulder’s weather is best from June–August, when rain is sparse and daytime temperatures are warm. Not only are CU Boulder and the surrounding mountains inviting during the summer months, but the campus also hosts the Colorado Shakespeare Festival this time of year. Many guests take advantage of the pleasant weather and enjoy a picnic on the lawn before seeing a play at the Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre.
The most popular museum on campus
Visitors come to the University of Colorado Museum of Natural History for free, seven days a week, to see its more than 4 million objects relating to human and natural history. These include dinosaur fossils, bees and butterflies from the Rocky Mountain Region, and an impressive Southwestern textiles collection. The museum is fit for all ages, though kids especially like the interactive activities at the museum’s Discovery Corner.
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