Nederland

Nederland started out as a mill town, processing the silver mined in the now-deserted nearby town of Caribou. The town got its name from a Dutch company that owned several mines in the area: "Nederland" is Dutch for "Netherlands," or low lands, and Nederland was "below" Caribou. Nederland was also well known for its tungsten mining during World War I. Around town you'll see references to "wolf's tongue," a word play on wolframite, the ore from which tungsten is extracted. The downtown retains the character of its silver-milling days, and has several good bars, cafés, and restaurants. Shops sell used books, antiques, organic groceries, fabrics, and gemstones. Nederland is the gateway to skiing at Eldora Mountain Resort and high-altitude hiking in the Indian Peaks Wilderness.