Lafayatte
Lafayette City is a home rule municipality that belongs to Boulder County. The location perfectly combines a small-town atmosphere with metropolitan convenience, providing residents with a variety of exciting outdoor activities and entertainment options, along with topnotch shopping and dining experiences.
The place has received a lot of attention and accolades, having been named one of the 50 best places to live in the US, the 19th safest city in Colorado, and the 8th best city to live in Colorado, to name a few.
If you are interested in learning more about Lafayette and how it can be your next address, contact Neelam Shrestha today.
HISTORY
Lafayette began life as a coal mining town, when Mary Miller filed the original Town of Lafayette plat in January 1888, naming the place after her late husband. July 1888 saw the first residential houses built in the area, along with the opening of a second coal mine. With the influx of coal miners, commerce grew, and within months, the town had two general merchandise stores, a number of boarding houses, and a livery stable.
As the use of natural gas gradually became the preferred fuel source over coal, the mines eventually closed, and Lafayette’s reputation as a coal mining town ended with the shutdown of its last coal mine, the Black Diamond Mine, in 1956. Agriculture replaced coal mining as the dominant economic activity in the Lafayette area.
As the cities of Denver and Boulder grew in reputation as tourist destinations, the rapid economic growth enjoyed by both cities likewise sparked interest in Lafayette, shifting the town’s agricultural-based economy to commerce and tourism, with the city-owned Waneka Lake, a man-made reservoir built in Waneka Lake Park, serving as its main attraction.
PARKS AND RECREATION
Lafayette’s natural parks showcase the community’s natural beauty. The magnificent Waneka Lake Park is a local favorite for hiking, fishing, camping, and other outdoor activities. The Great Outdoors Waterpark, another fun place to visit with the whole family, features a lazy river, 21-foot double flume slides, and a skate park. The Simpson Mine Park is an ideal spot for weekend relaxation, especially with furry family members in tow. Contact a Lafayette real estate agent for more information about the city’s many beautiful parks.
ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS
There’s a place for every activity in Lafayette. The WOW! Children’s Museum encourages little ones to explore arts and sciences through interactive exhibits. Contrary to what the name might imply, The Bob L. Burger Recreation Center isn’t actually a burger joint, but a state-of-the-art recreation center complete with fitness facilities for kids and adults alike. The 18-hole Indian Peaks Golf Course offers both avid and novice golfers some of the most exciting and engaging plays anywhere. Call a Lafayette real estate agent today to explore the best attractions that the city has to offer.
EVENTS
No matter the time of year, Lafayette has something to celebrate. That’s because the city teems with events all year round. In spring, Lafayette celebrates the life and legacy of Cesar Chavez, Dolores Huerta, and other civil rights heroes during the Seeds of Justice celebration, with musical and cultural performances paying tribute to these heroes. In the summer, the Lafayette Peach Festival treats visitors to 30,000 tons worth of the fruit from the town’s many orchards. The Lafayette Oatmeal Festival, a unique health-focused event held in January, highlights the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Contact a Lafayette real estate agent to discover local events that suit your lifestyle and interests.