7 Old-World Towns to Visit in Colorado

While Native Americans have lived on the land that is now Colorado for thousands of years and European colonists for centuries, the 19th-century gold rush definitively shaped the state’s more recent history. Many of Colorado’s small towns preserve the heritage of the gold rush pioneers, with museums commemorating the mining era and tours of former mines. Additionally, many towns feature districts on the National Register of Historic Places, where buildings and landmarks remain well preserved. These seven towns scattered throughout Colorado promise not only beautiful Colorado scenery but also immersive histories left by Western pioneers and old-time miners.

Leadville

Leadville has more museums per capita than any other town or city in Colorado, making it the dream location for museum hoppers! The Dexter Cabin and Healy House Museum offer a glimpse into 19th-century life in Leadville, showcasing a home built in 1878 by August R. Meyer for his bride, complete with its original Victorian furniture, wood floors, and patterned wallpaper.

For those wanting to learn more about the historic mining industry, the National Mining Hall of Fame not only chronicles the country’s mining history, but also holds 1,000 incredible minerals, gems, and crystals from around the world, as well as replicas of underground mines. In the mood for some live music or a performance? The Tabor Opera House, dating back to 1879, holds a variety of fine art events open to the public, where visitors can appreciate the historic and elegant architecture of the hall.

Victor

At a high altitude of around 10,000 feet, Victor, Colorado features turn-of-the-century brick buildings and mine structures that provide a detailed insight into the region’s past. In an effort to preserve its culture and history, the town does not have any chain stores in sight! Along the town's main street, landmarks like the 1899 Bar & Grill, Antiques & Stuff, and Gold Camp Bakery will offer visitors a nostalgic glimpse into a simpler time.

In a building dating back to 1899, the Victor Lowell Thomas Museum is one of the town’s highlights, featuring exhibits, artifacts, books, and photographs from the town’s early origins. During the summer, visitors can even pan for real gold!

Creede

Sitting in a former volcanic caldera, Creede is surrounded by steep cliffs and lined with colorful, historic storefronts. At the Visitor’s Center, travelers can see a recreation of North Creede in 1892, setting the scene for the rest of their stay. The Creede Historical Museum holds many important town artifacts as well, such as the town’s first hand-drawn fire wagon, early pioneer utensils, a horse-drawn hearse, and more.

To reflect on the pioneers that created the town, visitors can stop by the Creede Cemetery, with the town’s historic catholic Church standing right in front. Downtown, Creede Town Hall, and the Mineral County Courthouse serve as important historic landmarks that visitors can appreciate.

Silverton

Silverton was established in the late 19th century as a mining town, with many prospectors eagerly searching for silver and gold. Although Silverton is no longer a very active mining town, it preserves its heritage through a variety of historic mining landmarks.

The San Juan County Historical Society has been an active figure in the town’s historic preservation, maintaining several prominent landmarks in town, such as the 1902 County Jail, once used to hold more serious offenders, The Little Nation Mill, built by the Little Nation Mining Company to assist with its mining operations, and the Silverton Northern Engine House, incorporated in 1895 to aid with mining transportation. The Hillside Cemetery, lying on the side of a rugged mountain, is also a beautiful and reflective site to visit.

Durango

Since Durango’s “gold fever” in 1872, the town has been a bustling community in the La Plata Mountain Range. Today, Durango’s downtown area is marked as a Nationally Registered Historic District, filled with historic hotels, shops, and boutiques. The Gable House Bed and Breakfast Inn, built in 1892, is an excellent lodging option for those wanting to immerse themselves in the town’s history.

Also housed in a historic building in the downtown district is the Durango Winery, where visitors can enjoy a glass or bottle of a local Colorado wine. For those willing to venture a bit outside of the city, the Aztec Ruins National Monument, about a 45-minute drive from Durango, dates back over 900 years, with ancient pathways and Pueblo structures built by the Aztec people remaining today for visitors to appreciate.

Central City

Central City is a 19th-century Victorian-style town in the Rockies that looks like something out of a storybook. In 1961, the entire town became a National Historic Landmark, with historic buildings preserved under a city ordinance. The Central City Opera House, dating back to 1932, is a good starting point, hosting a variety of live shows today.

The Gilpin County Museum brings the county’s political, social, and economic history to life with immersive exhibits, including a mining display and rooms recreated as an old-time bank, church, doctor’s office, and saloon. Curious about what life as a worker in one of the town’s gold mines is like? The Hidee Gold Mine hosts mine tours and a chance to pan for gold!

Telluride

Originally established as a mining settlement in the 1870s, Telluride later transformed into a popular skiing and resort destination in the late 20th century. However, some of the town’s original spirt and history remain today, which visitors can experience through a variety of attractions.

The Telluride Historical Museum, for example, is in association with the Smithsonian Museum and has geological, Native Peoples, and mining exhibits, among others, on display for visitors to appreciate. They also host historic walking tours, cemetery tours, and fireside chats that allow for a deeper dive into the city’s history! The Galloping Goose Railbus System, dating back to the early 20th century, is also a popular attraction, offering seasonal rides, and is displayed at the Dolores Historical Museum when not in operation.

Final Thoughts

Colorado’s small towns offer more than just scenic beauty—they transport visitors back in time to an era of prospectors, pioneers, and boomtowns. Whether you’re exploring historic mines, wandering down Victorian-era streets, or learning about the lives of Western settlers, each stop along the way reveals a distinct piece of the past. Ready to discover Colorado’s old, Western history? These towns are waiting to share their stories.