BOULDER, COLORADO, USA - AUGUST:  University of Colorado bison's mascot "Ralphie" located on the campus of the University of Colorado adjacent to Folsom Football Field as seen on August 31, 2018; Shutterstock ID 1174264429; your: Bridget Brown; gl: 65050; netsuite: Online Editorial; full: POI Image Update

Jillian Cain Photography/Shutterstock

University of Colorado at Boulder

Boulder


Prospective students and curious visitors can tour one of America's finest public universities, with a beautiful campus set above downtown, on what is known as the Hill. Free tours begin with a 45-minute information session followed by a 90-minute walking tour.

Notable alumni include astronaut Scott Carpenter (one of 17 astronauts with CU diplomas), Apple’s Steve Wozniak, Sidney Altman (one of six Nobel Laureates), Robert Redford (didn’t graduate), South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone (smoked a ton of dope, did graduate) and actor Jonah Hill (stopped by for one semester).


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Boulder attractions

1. CU Museum of Natural History

0.07 MILES

Tucked into a nondescript university building, CU's natural history museum is far from forgettable. Two floors of multimedia exhibits showcase the…

2. CU Art Museum

0.1 MILES

CU's art museum has three cavernous rooms, each featuring exhibits that change every few months. Works of art from the university's private collection,…

3. Fiske Planetarium

0.52 MILES

Don't be fooled by the tired lobby with its '80s-era displays: Fiske has one of the hottest projection and sound systems around, making for spectacular…

4. Naropa University

0.56 MILES

Naropa was founded by Tibetan Buddhist master Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, who escaped Tibet and climbed over the Himalayas into India as a young man. In…

5. Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art

0.66 MILES

A historic brick house with three galleries of evocative modern art. Mixed-media exhibits can include such whimsy as neon installations and life-sized…

6. Chautauqua Park

0.75 MILES

This historic landmark park is the gateway to Boulder’s most magnificent slab of open space adjoining the iconic Flatirons; its wide, lush lawn attracts…

7. Pop Jet Fountain

0.87 MILES

Bursts of water spring from the ground, sending kids squealing around in circles at this public fountain on Pearl Street Mall. It’s a great place to bring…

8. Central Park

0.88 MILES

A long blade of lush lawn spanning from the Museum of Contemporary Art at 13th St, and encompassing the Public Library, a twice-weekly seasonal farmers…