10 Most Historic Small Towns to Visit in Colorado

Colorado boasts a fascinating history. Millions of years ago, it was home to a thriving population of dinosaurs, and today, many of their fossils and tracks are still visible. Furthermore, it established itself as one of the most critical and key states in the nation amid the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush of the mid-19th century. During this time, thousands of people flocked to nearby cities such as Silverton, Fairplay, and Golden in search of gold. This article will explore the ten most historic small towns in Colorado.

Leadville

Only a handful of towns represent Colorado's rich mining history as well as Leadville. Had Abe Lee not discovered gold here, it's possible Leadville would not exist today. During the spring season of 1860, the aforementioned prospector discovered a rich deposit of placer gold in the region of California Gulch, situated a mile to the east of town, and the rest is history. From there, Leadville's population ballooned to 10,000 people, and two million dollars worth of gold was mined in less than a year. To learn more about the town's history, discover the National Mining Hall of Fame museum at 120 West 9th Street, in Leadville—here, you can witness more than 68 exhibitions and 20,208 artifacts. On the same topic, experience the 3-Hour E-bike Tour of Trail of the Silver Kings, by Epic Happy Adventures, where organizers will take you to historic mining sites while you get to see Colorado's breathtaking landscape on a 20-mile loop; the trip is interactive, fun, and educational.

Georgetown

With its many museums, Georgetown offers a full day of exploration and discovery. This town was founded 160 years ago after gold deposits were found in the area by David T. Griffith and his brother, George F. Griffith—the man the town is named after. Excitement arose, and cabins were set up on what is now part of Main Street. In search of more gold, the two brothers and the town's 40 residents discovered silver, not gold, which became the town's main bread and butter; propelling the town to prosperity and earning it the nickname "Silver Queen." Uncover more of Georgetown's historic past and visit the many museums in the area, including the Georgetown Energy Museum, Hamil House Museum, and the George Rowe Museum. And while you're here, hike up to the Griffin Monument to see once-in-a-lifetime view of the green landscape and snow-capped mountains.

Manitou Springs

Manitou's prized springs attracted thousands of visitors who sought its healing properties back in the day. Through the knowledge and practice of Ute Indians who utilized and consumed the fresh mineral springs, others followed suit and began drinking the coveted waters. Nearby doctors encouraged patients suffering from mycobacterium tuberculosis to visit Manitou Springs to heal and recover. And while they were not exactly sure why the town aided in the recovery of ailing patients, it was suggested the high altitude and pristine fresh air, combined with the mineral waters may have had something to do with it. Fascinatingly, many of those mineral springs that attracted local and out-of-state tourists still operate today, and some are free of charge. Experience the healing properties of these springs by making a tour of the Navajo Spring, Seven Minute Spring, Cheyenne Spring, and Twin Spring. After that, trek the Manitou Incline, a popular trail with 2,744 total stairs and an elevation gain of 2,020 feet and witness stunning landscape views. The climb is challenging, roughly equivalent to ascending the Empire State Building.

Salida

Salida houses the Salida Museum, which is among the region's best. Here, you can survey a wide array of relics from the Gold Rush era, in addition to an extensive photograph collection, plus an outdoor railroad exhibit. Furthermore, the establishment showcases Indigenous artifacts, mineral specimens, and home goods from the 18th and 19th centuries. After you tour the museum, explore the Salida's historic district, the largest in Colorado—featuring art galleries, antique stores, and delicious restaurants. The area is on the National Register of Historic Places and grants scenic views of the Rocky Mountains, without the hassle of having to climb it.

Durango

Durango is near some of the most extensive Indigenous sites in the US. Mesa Verde National Park has over 5,000 archeological remnants, including ancient cliff dwellings that once sheltered the Pueblo Indians. And that's just the tip of the iceberg—other historic attractions in the vicinity include the Old Hundred Gold Mine, Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, and The Animas Museum. While you're here, embark on a tour through Durango Rivertrippers, which features stops at Mesa Verde and Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. The latter spans 175,056 acres and offers over 6,000 historic sites, such as the Kiva ruins, Lowry Pueblo, and Stone Towers. Not to mention, the vast space is home to a wide range of wildlife animals such as kestrels, eagles, lizards, and snakes.

Silverton

Silverton is an outdoor lovers' paradise. No matter where you stand in town, you'll be rewarded with jaw-dropping views of the majestic San Juan Mountains, stretching more than 14,000 feet into the sky. This rugged terrain turned into settlements in 1860 after Charles Baker and his cavalry of prospectors examined the area for gold, which they eventually found. The San Juan County Historical Society Mining Heritage Center offers a glimpse into the past in a three-story cozy building featuring antique machines, tools, and artifacts related to the Gold Rush. Other prominent landmarks in Silverton include Railroad Park, Old Silverton Jail, and the 115-year-old Lode Theater, originally a saloon-turned-theater. Since tourism has leapfrogged mining, take advantage of the parks and summits around the area, including Deer Park, Storm Peak, Grand Turk, and the Silverton Mountain Ski Area.

Morrison

Love dinosaurs? Morrison is calling your name! This town is home to an incredible number of dinosaur footprints made by giant reptiles that inhabited our planet millions of years ago. To see them, tour Dinosaur Ridge, where you can examine tracks of meat-eating theropods, the apex predators of their time, plus other footprints belonging to different breeds. And that’s not all—the park also showcases fossilized dinosaur bones embedded in massive stones. These tracks and fossils are considered the best-preserved in the world, so be sure to bring your camera and capture this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Another noteworthy attraction is the Morrison Natural History Museum, one of the top-ranked museums in the state given its vast collection of artifacts and exhibitions. And since this town is a 22-minute drive from Mount Morrison, delight in a scenic hike up the 3.6-mile trail and witness breathtaking vistas, at an elevation gain of 1,991 feet from above.

Golden

Named after miner Thomas L. Golden, Golden became a vital hub for entrepreneurs and prospectors who flocked here in search of wealth and prosperity. The late 19th century gifted those same individuals the vast wealth they sought amid the Colorado Gold Rush. Discover this and more at the Golden History Museum, open Tuesday through Saturday. The museum boasts over 10,000 artifacts, as well as 3,500 photographs and 1,100 archival items, covering decorative arts, textiles, tools, scrapbooks, and memorabilia. Additionally, Golden flaunts one of the nation's oldest STEM institutions at the Colorado School of Mines, which opened 150 years ago. Conclude your trip with a visit to the Colorado Railroad Museum, considered among the top 10 attractions in the area and witness a plethora of old locomotives and other exhibits that played a crucial role in the state's early economy.

Cripple Creek

Ever wonder what it was like to live in the 19th century? Wonder no more—visit Cripple Creek and see some of the best-preserved 19th-century architecture in the region. There are several attractions and tours in this town, including the narrated Cripple Creek and Victor Railroad tour, which operates from mid-May to early October. The tour takes passengers on a 100-year-old train that heads south of Cripple Creek and passes through several historic mines in the area and picturesque spots in the lush green landscape. Another notable attraction in Cripple Creek is the Outlaws & Law Men Jail Museum that once held some of the most notorious outlaws in the state for nearly 90 years; visitors can tour the facility by rocking prisoner uniforms, viewing old police logs, and even going inside the cells.

Fairplay

Fairplay is the town that inspired the fictional television show South Park. Like many other towns listed in this article, Fairplay was born during the Gold Rush era, and remnants can still be seen in the town's architecture and landmarks. Step back in time and journey through the South Park City Museum, open from mid-May to mid-October, and observe 44 historic unique buildings, plus 60,000 artifacts that once belonged to the town's earliest residents. Among the highlights are a courthouse, saloon, water tower, and general store. Fairplay is renowned for its captivating natural beauty, so take advantage of the opportunity to explore Pike National Forest, where you can indulge in hiking, camping, boating, and cross-country skiing while surrounded by the Colorado landscape. The forest boasts several iconic landmarks, including Pikes Peak, Gold Camp Road, Manitou Park, and Eleven Mile Canyon, which offers four campgrounds to stay and enjoy.

In summary, Colorado offers several historic towns that feature captivating expeditions through the past. Whether it's seeing the same sites where miners first discovered gold during Pike’s Peak, to the healing springs that still beckons visitors today, each town from Leadville to Morrison flaunts its own unique heritage with historic sites, outdoor experiences, and interactive museums to showcase the past.