Whether you’re ready to take a break from the slots or just want a fun family weekend, the Cripple Creek District offers a variety of attractions for all ages.
The Cripple Creek District Museum.
Located at the east end of Bennett Avenue in Cripple Creek, this museum should be the first stop when visiting the Cripple Creek District. Five historic buildings feature displays depicting life in the World’s Greatest Gold Camp at the turn of the last century. Hard Rock Park gives visitors an up close and hands on look at mining equipment, as well as an actual head frame from the District. The Museum Gift Shop features unique jewelry, antique reproductions, gifts by local artisans and books pertaining to the history of the region. Summer hours begin May 15 seven days a week from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission: Adults – $5, Colorado residents – $4, and seniors, all military and children 7 and up – $3. Children younger than 7 are free. Group Rates available. 500 E. Bennett Avenue, Cripple Creek, 719-689-2634, www.cripple-creek.org
Historic Walking Tours
Take a guided stroll through Cripple Creek’s historic downtown. Visitors learn the history of numerous historically significant citizens and buildings. The free tours begin Sunday, May 16, and run every Sunday through September. Gather at the District Museum Gift Shop at 1:30 p.m. Children and pets accompanied by well behaved parents welcome. Large groups can be accommodated by reservation. 719-689-0738
The Old Homestead House Museum
Built in 1896 by Cripple Creek’s most famous madam, Pearl DeVere, the Old Homestead was the most elaborate parlour house in the Gold Camp. Only the prettiest and most sophisticated girls were employed here and gentlemen callers were required to have references and a credit check before being granted admission. Age appropriate guided tours take visitors back in time through Cripple Creek’s “Red Light” history. It opens May 15, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission: All ages 10 and up – $4, 10 and younger are free. 353 Meyers Ave., 719-689-9090
Molly Kathleen Gold Mine
Take a tour 1,000 feet underground into a real gold mine. The Molly Kathleen was one of Cripple Creek’s first mines and produced more than $5 million in gold during its years of operation. Visitors begin the tour by stepping into an authentic man-hoist and are carried straight down an actual mineshaft. The underground portion of the tour features demonstrations of hard rock mining equipment and a ride on an air powered tram. Open 9 a.m. daily; last tour of the day leaves at 5 p.m., visitors need to be signed up by 4:30 p.m. Admission: Adults – $15, children 3 – 12 – $10, and children 2 and younger free, but must be carried. 1 mile north of Cripple Creek on Highway 67, 719-689-2466, www.goldminetours.com
Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad
Wind your way back through time behind a 100-year-old steam engine. This tour follows the original Midland Terminal Railway bed between Cripple Creek and the former town of Anaconda. Visitors experience breathtaking views and learn about the history of the
The Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad
District.Opening for the season May 29. Trains depart daily beginning at 10 a.m., last train departs at 5:20 p.m. Ticket prices: Adults-$12.25, seniors – $11.25, children 3 to 12 – $7.75, children under 3 are free. Located at the east end of Bennett Avenue, next to Cripple Creek District Museum, 719-689-2640 www.cripplecreekrailroad.com
Pikes Peak Heritage Center
This state-of-the-art visitor’s center is located above Cripple Creek on Highway 67. The center features interactive displays that give a sampling of the area’s colorful history, wildlife and geology. Visitors can also find information on lodging, dining and area attractions. Open all year long, 7 days a week, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is $3. 719-689-3315, www.pikespeakheritagecenter.com
Cripple Creek Outlaws & Lawmen’s Museum
This museum is housed in the original Teller County Jail. The jail was built in 1902 and remained in operation until the early 1990s. Visitors have the opportunity to wander through the original cellblock of the jail. Currently open weekends 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Open daily beginning May 29. Admission is $2 for adults, $2 for military and 16 and younger are free. Located at the corner of Bennett Avenue and “A” Street in Cripple Creek, 719-689-6556
Cripple Creek’s World Famous Donkey Herd
These fuzzy “locals” can be found wandering freely throughout town all summer long. Donkeys have been an integral part of mining through out the ages. Their role in Cripple Creek’s great gold rush was as important as the railroads, merchants and the miners themselves. As underground mining began to decline in the 1920s, many of the donkeys were turned loose to roam free. Several “old timers” in the District claim that one or two members of the current herd are descendants of those retired donkeys. The Two Mile High Club of Cripple Creek is responsible for feeding and maintaining the donkeys in Cripple Creek. Please do not feed the donkeys “people food.” Healthy donkey snacks are available for sale at the Cripple Creek District Museum. twomilehighclub@gmail.com
Victor Lowell Thomas Museum
This museum houses displays, artifacts and historic photographs depicting life in Victor from the 1890s through the 1900s. There are several exhibits dedicated to Dr. A.C. Denman, Lowell Thomas and other early residents who had a vital role in making Victor the second largest city in the Cripple Creek Mining District. Opening May 29 daily from 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Admission: Adults – $4, seniors – $3, children age 4 to 12 – $2. Gold panning is an additional $1. Groups of 20 or more are $3/piece. Located at the corner of 3rd Street and Victor Avenue in Victor, 719-689-5509, www.victorcolorado.com
American Eagles Overlook
A short drive outside of Victor takes visitors to the site of the highest mine in the District. The overlook offers views of the Sangre de Cristo and Collegiate mountain ranges, as well as the Continental Divide. Directly below the overlook is a portion of the Cripple Creek & Victor Gold Mine Company’s Cresson surface mining project. Interpretive signs throughout the park explain the mining process and equipment. The east side of the park provides a view of Pike’s Peak. From Victor, take County Road 81 through Goldfield and look for the American Eagles sign. Turn left and follow the signs to the top. The American Eagles Overlook is open year round and there is no cost to visit.
