These 8 Towns in Colorado Have Beautiful Architecture
Located under Wyoming, south and west of Nebraska, west of Kansas, north of Oklahoma and New Mexico, and east of Utah, Colorado is a Rocky Mountain state with a rich mining history. Many of Colorado's communities are scattered throughout the mountains or eastern plains. Despite the rugged terrain and harsh winters, Colorado is home to extensive properties, buildings, and districts noted on the National Historic Register. Colorado's impressive wilderness reinforces its architectural and historic beauty.
Leadville
Sitting high at 10,152 feet above sea level with 2,600 residents, Leadville is one of the highest incorporated cities in North America. The town is situated near Mount Elbert and Mount Massive and is known for its miraculous Rocky scenery. Leadville is an old Victorian town that was founded in 1879. The town is home to the Tabor Opera House, Healy House Museum, and Dexter Cabin, which are remnants of Leadville's founding. Downtown Leadville is also well-preserved, with stores and restaurants calling the old Victorian buildings home. The downtown region is 70 square blocks large and is listed as a National Historic Landmark District.
Breckenridge
This ski town, home to the Breckenridge Ski Resort, is home to 5,000 residents. Breckenridge was founded in 1859 during the gold rush. The town prides itself on its laid-back attitude and cozy downtown. The Breckenridge historic district has preserved the town's mining history and Victorian architecture. The town is home to 249 structures that are historically protected. The Polluck House, Chinese Laundry House, Edwin Carter Museum, and Iowa Hill Boarding House are meticulously preserved cabin buildings from the 20th century, demonstrating how early inhabitants made homes for themselves in the extreme Rockies. While in town, visit the Barney Ford House, Summit Ski, and Red, White, and Blue Fire Museums to explore and walk through Breckenridge's history.
Durango
Home to around 19,000 residents, Durango is a historic railroad town known for its historic downtown and proximity to the San Juan National Forests and Mountains and Mesa Verde National Park. The Main Avenue, including buildings such as Diamond Belle Saloon, The Boarding Haus, and Historic Strater Hotel, are beautifully preserved and operational commercial buildings. The entire historic downtown blends the character and architecture of the Old West with the Southwest. Some major attractions in the town include the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and the Durango Train Ride, which showcase Durango's railroad roots.
Lake City
This tiny community of 465 residents sits along the Silver Thread scenic byway inside the San Juan Mountain Range. The town is near Cristobal Lake and home to the Lake City Ski Hill, making it a year-round tourism hub. The town's national historic district is home to 200 buildings. Walking along the historic buildings, you'll encounter 500 feet of boardwalk and gravel paths that connect many of the town's beautiful and registered buildings. The Moseley Arts Center is located in the Hough Building and hosts a rich calendar of concerts, art shows, and dance shows, among other artistic events.
Meeker
Located near White River, White River National Forest, and the Flat Tops Wilderness, Meeker is home to around 2,400 residents. Meeker is roughly 100 miles from the Grand Junction and the Aspen airports. Three historic log buildings still stand in town, including the White River Museum, which is an old log cabin that has preserved its original historic charm. The town is known for its world-class outdoor recreation, including hiking, biking, fishing, and hunting. Most of the historic downtown is comprised of original and restored charming brick buildings, including the Hugus Building, Meeker Cafe, and Meeker Hotel.
Golden
A year-round hub for outdoor recreation and wilderness enthusiasts, this community of 20,400 residents has an iconic historic downtown full of vibrant architecture. Golden is home to the Coors Brewery, which is the largest single-site brewery globally. Home to the Colorado Railroad Museum, Mines Museums of Earth Science, the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave, and the Golden History Park, the town is full to the brim with educational, historical, and cultural sites that help preserve the town's beauty. Golden has eight historic neighborhoods, including the downtown area and several residential areas. The Colorado School of Mines, founded in 1874, has been preserved to its original design. Although the downtown area is lined beautifully with historic architecture, some of the nicest buildings in town are hidden in the South and East Street Historic Districts.
Old Colorado City
Just west of Colorado Springs and north of Pueblo, this community of roughly 4,300 residents is near the Cheyenne Mountain, Bear Creek Regional Park, and Garden of the Gods. Once named Colorado City, this town was founded in 1859 as the first permanent town in the Pikes Peak region. Today, Old Colorado City is known for its vibrant arts scene, with dozens of galleries, shops, and boutiques lining the historic district. The downtown area is lined with beautiful red brick buildings, including its city hall, Mack's Ice Cream and Candy Building, and the Old Town Guesthouse.
Lafayette
A larger community with 30,200 residents, this historic pioneer Great Plains town is known for its coal mining. Lafayette boasts a robust public parks system with 20 parks, 20 miles of trails, the Indian Peaks Golf Course, and the Wilson Community Garden. The town is home to the Lafayette History Museum and the Liquid Mechanics Brewing Company. Thirty of Lafayette's buildings are included on the Register of Historic Places. Some of the most beautiful buildings include the Kullgren House and the Ewing Family Farmhouse.
Outside of the larger cities such as Denver, Colorado is full of beautiful communities, diverse architecture, and breathtaking natural wonders. The state's historic architecture, mostly stemming from the gold rush and expanding railroad, was adapted to the terrain, geography, and ease of transporting building supplies. Communities at altitude often relied on the lumber from the Rocky forests, while settlers on the Plains typically relied on brick and stone. With a distinctly Victorian flair mixed with robust architecture, it has been perfectly preserved throughout much of the state, and the state does boast diverse, beautiful architecture, demonstrating multiple interpretations of Victorian, modern, and hybridized builds.
