8 Old-Timey General Stores In Colorado

Colorado is home to the Rocky Mountains, ghost towns, a plethora of ski resorts, and four national parks. But what’s another staple that visitors and locals alike make sure to stop at when here? The classic general store. These eight towns offer old-time general store feels with their shopping experience. Whether it’s because the general store is housed in a historic building or the design is modeled from the past, these stops will take you back in time for a unique Colorado shopping experience.

Montgomery’s General Store

Since its opening in 1890, Montgomery’s General Store has been one of the oldest continuously operated general stores in the state. Stepping in here is like stepping into a time machine. The registers and adding machines are hand-cranked, the meat counter is a classic deli design and a wood-carved cowboy greets you as you walk in. Since it has been such a historical spot in Yampa, the general store also doubles as a museum. Montgomery’s specializes in sausages, breakfast, and Italian. All sausages sold are made in-store. They also carry guns and ammunition, as well as hunting resources, such as tags.

St Elmo General Store

Located in Colorado’s most preserved ghost town, this general store in St Elmo is open seasonally and sells antiques, yard decorations, and plenty of souvenirs. The town of St. Elmo was founded in 1880, with the gold and silver boom bringing prospectors in for mining. The town, which was once bustling and a former railroad hub, saw most of the town’s population ride out with the last train in 1922. The Stark family, the last family to leave St Elmo, were the proprietors of the general store until they, too, left in 1958. Stop in the store that still stands in this ghost town to peruse their offerings and enjoy some ice cream and a cold drink.

General Store 45

Located on the historic Main Street in Littleton, General Store 45 is a new establishment with an old-time feel. Selling gifts, groceries, and goods, this store has something for everyone. The owners of the general store, which opened right before the COVID-19 pandemic, not only had to figure out how to run a retail shop but also navigate new obstacles like supply shortages and shipping delays. With the support of its loyal employees and customers, General Store 45 is still thriving today in its sales of candy, apparel, coffee, souvenirs, and ice cream.

Gold Hill General Store and Pub

Often described as an eclectic time machine, the building of the Gold Hill General Store and Pub dates to 1873. Gold Hill community was established in 1859 as the first Colorado Mountains mining camp, and although today there are only about 200 residents remaining, the general store has proven its worth. Bikers and runners frequent the store, which has become a sanctuary for them, for endurance fuel during or after their workouts. The bar side of the pub features sandwiches named after the local resident’s dogs. The charm, authenticity, and sense of community of this old-time general store and pub is what keeps people coming back.

San Luis People’s Market

The San Luis People’s Market is much more than a grocer or general store. Located in the town of San Luis, this market has been around since 1857 and was recently acquired by new owners and revamped into what it is today. Not only has the market become a cooperative grocery and agricultural workshop, but it also has a USDA-certified kitchen that offers cooking classes. The market also features a deli and café that offers local foods.

Granite Canyon General Store

Embracing the history of Lake George, the general store is located on the property the town’s founder, George Frost, once owned. The Granite Canyon General Store is constructed of two historic buildings: The Lake George Post Office, which served from 1910 to 1989, and the Lake George Roller Skating Rink and Dance Hall, which was built in the 1930s. The store offers its patrons sales of alcohol, groceries, sandwiches, gifts and souvenirs, and all the outdoor equipment an adventure enthusiast can need.

Hill Top General Store Antiques and Cabins

This general store in Red Feather Lakes is the definition of “has it all!”. Located near three lakes and picturesque views of mountains, meadows, and forests, this general store offers so much to the area. Stop in the general store for groceries, alcohol, souvenirs, gifts, antiques, and hunting and fishing supplies. Anything you could need to participate in outdoor activities available in the area can be found at the Hill Top General Store Antiques and Cabins. Along with the general store, an ice cream shop is open to customers. Their menu includes cones, sundaes, shakes, malts, and banana splits, as well as hot food off the grill. The general store also rents out cabins near the Roosevelt National Forest. Book a stay, enjoy the lake view sights, and relax for a few nights.

Twin Lakes General Store

Found at the base of Independence Pass, Twin Lakes General Store has been providing visitors with their needs since 1879. The Twin Lakes General Store can be found at the center of Colorado’s more frequented hiking trails, multiple mountains, and scenic driving routes. The general store prides itself on being a resupply stop for backpackers along the Continental Divide Trail, Collegiate Loop, and the Colorado Trail. They also consider themselves a “base camp” for those about to embark on a 14er. This store will continuously keep hiker-related foods and supplies in stock while also providing services they need, such as accepting and holding resupply boxes. For those just looking for a simple day shopping trip, check out the distinctive souvenirs, state-made liquor, and food and snacks.

Colorado is known for its outdoor activities, its extreme sports, and daring thrills. And their general stores accommodate those enthusiasts in the best way possible. While maintaining the charm of a historic general store, they also make sure to supply what hikers, climbers, and campers will need for survival and comfort in the outdoors. So, stop by one of these old-time general stores, not just for the unique souvenirs but also for some gear that just might come in handy during your Colorado visit.