Uncover Boulder’s Hidden History 🏔️

Hey Boulder! 🌞

This week, we’re taking a stroll down memory lane to explore Boulder’s vibrant history. From its founding days to its most curious moments, our city has seen it all. Did you know Boulder was the second city in the U.S. to tax itself to preserve open space? Or that the iconic Flatirons got their name because early settlers thought they looked like—you guessed it—irons?

Read on to uncover more surprising tidbits about Boulder’s past, along with your midweek event roundup and weather update.

The History of Boulder: Fun Facts You Didn’t Know🛷

Take a deeper dive into Boulder’s rich, quirky history with these fun facts:

1. Boulder’s Early Beginnings

Founded in 1859, Boulder served as a key supply town during the gold rush. Its name comes from the massive stones found in Boulder Creek.

2. The Flatirons Got Their Name From Laundry Day

Boulder’s iconic Flatirons were named by pioneer women who thought the rocky formations resembled the metal irons they used to press clothes.

3. The Nation’s First ZIP Code

Boulder was so enthusiastic about mail delivery that it became one of the first cities in the U.S. to adopt the ZIP code system in the 1960s.

4. Chautauqua Owls

Built in 1898, the Chautauqua Auditorium is home to more than just concerts—owls in the rafters often hoot along with the Colorado Music Festival musicians!

5. Pioneers of Open Space Preservation

In 1967, Boulder became the first U.S. city to tax itself for open space preservation, ensuring the protection of its stunning trails and parks for generations to come.

7. The “Great Boulder Flood”

In 1894, Boulder Creek overflowed, causing significant damage downtown. It remains one of the city’s most notable natural disasters.

8. Bicycle City, USA

Seven out of ten Boulderites own a bike, and the city boasts a bike count of about 93,000—nearly matching its population!

9. Pearl Street Mall—From Road to Icon

Boulder’s beloved Pearl Street Mall wasn’t always pedestrian-only. In 1977, it was transformed into a car-free zone and quickly became the heart of Boulder’s downtown charm.

10. Happiest City in America

Boulder was named the Happiest City in America by National Geographic and consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top cities for well-being.

From quirky beginnings to trailblazing initiatives, Boulder is more than just a pretty face—it’s a city full of stories waiting to be discovered. Which fun fact surprised you most? 🌟

🍴 Discover Boulder’s Best Restaurants here.

⭐ Explore Boulder’s MICHELIN-Recommended Restaurants here.

🛏️ Visiting friends or family in town? Share our guide to Boulder’s Best Hotels here.

Wednesday-Thursday Boulder Buzz Board

Don’t miss these incredible events to brighten your Wednesday and Thursday! Where will we find you? 🎵

🌤️ Weekday Weather Outlook

• Wednesday, Jan. 15: Sunny, high of 49°F, low of 29°F. A calm day with light west-southwest winds—perfect for outdoor adventures.

• Thursday, Jan. 16: Sunny, high of 54°F, low of 37°F. Enjoy the warmest day of the week with clear skies and light northwest winds.

• Friday, Jan. 17: PM Snow, high of 45°F, low of 13°F. A 70% chance of evening snow brings winter back in style—plan accordingly!

• Saturday, Jan. 18: Snow Showers, high of 18°F, low of 1°F. A chilly day with 58% chance of snow—perfect for a cozy indoor activity.

• Sunday, Jan. 19: PM Snow Showers, high of 13°F, low of -3°F. A frosty end to the weekend with light northeast winds and a 40% chance of snow.

❄️ Pro Tip: Soak up the sunshine on Thursday before the snowstorm hits! Bundle up for the weekend—it’s going to be a cold one!

Make This Week Magical