Four places, in walking order
Old Town first, then Cottonwood Square, then whatever the weather allows. The whole loop is under two miles.
Old Town
The brick and false-front commercial block on Second Avenue is the reason the rest of this page exists. It dates from the railroad period and it is still where the community gathers.
Walk it end to end in about ten minutes. Cross streets are short and the sidewalks are continuous.
- Getting there
- Street parking along Second Avenue and the adjacent lots.
- Best for
- Coffee, browsing, and the historic building fronts.
Cottonwood Square
The second cluster of shops and everyday services, north-east of Old Town. Less historic, more practical, and where a lot of residents actually run errands. Two bronze bears sit on the corner.
- Getting there
- A short walk or a two-minute drive from Old Town. Lot parking.
- Best for
- Lunch on a patio, and the practical errands.
Public art
The steel gateway sculpture stands at the highway edge of the community, an oval sign held inside two curving rails. Further works are sited around the commercial blocks, close enough to see on the same walk.
A piece-by-piece inventory with titles, artists and locations is being compiled. Send a verified list and it goes in with artist credit.
Contribute the inventory →
Parks & trails
Whistle Stop Park sits at the edge of Old Town and keeps the restored caboose. The regional trail between Boulder and Longmont runs past the community, and Left Hand Creek crosses the fields east of the built-up blocks.
Trail surfaces, closures and dog rules are set by the managing agency rather than by a town, since Niwot is unincorporated.
- Managed by
- Boulder County Parks & Open Space ↗
- Best for
- Walking and cycling; the eastern fields at sunset.
