Central City ColoradoATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Central City, Colorado.
1. Hidee Gold Mine
HISTORIC MINING EXPERIENCE
Hidee Gold Mine offers visitors a glimpse into Colorado's gold mining past with guided underground tours. Visitors can explore authentic mine tunnels and even try their hand at panning for gold. This top-rated attraction provides an educational experience about the mining techniques that shaped Central City's history.
2. Central City Opera House
VICTORIAN MUSICAL HERITAGE
Central City Opera House is a historic theater dating back to 1878 that hosts world-class performances each summer. The beautifully preserved Victorian building features ornate architecture and excellent acoustics. Visitors can enjoy a range of operatic productions in what is the fifth-oldest opera company in the United States.
3. Gilpin History Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
Gilpin History Museum showcases the rich history of Central City and the surrounding county through engaging exhibits and artifacts. The museum houses collections that document the area's gold rush era, Victorian lifestyle, and development of the region. Visitors can explore photographs, mining equipment, period clothing, and other historical items that tell the story of this once-booming mining town.
4. Teller House
LEGENDARY HISTORIC HOTEL
The Teller House is a historic hotel known for its famous "Face on the Barroom Floor" painting and storied past. Built in 1872, this elegant brick building was once considered the finest hotel between Chicago and San Francisco. The site has witnessed many historical events and colorful incidents, including fistfights and knife fights during the gold rush era.
5. Dostal Alley Brewpub & Casino
CRAFT BREWS AND GAMING
Dostal Alley Brewpub & Casino combines locally-crafted beer with casino gaming in a historic setting. Visitors can sample house-made brews while trying their luck at slot machines and gaming tables. The venue offers a unique dining experience with quality food in a casual atmosphere that reflects Central City's blend of history and entertainment.
6. Knights of Pythias Cemetery
HISTORIC MOUNTAIN GRAVEYARD
Knights of Pythias Cemetery offers visitors a glimpse into Central City's past through its historic gravestones and monuments. The cemetery features stunning mountain views and has been recognized as having one of the "Best Fall Day Hikes near Denver." History enthusiasts can explore this well-preserved burial ground that contains the remains of many early settlers and mining-era residents.
7. Nevadaville
GHOST TOWN EXPERIENCE
Nevadaville is a fascinating ghost town located just outside Central City that offers a glimpse into Colorado's mining history. Once a thriving community with a population of around 4,000 during its peak in the 1870s, it now features abandoned buildings and remnants of its mining past. Visitors can walk the quiet streets and imagine life during the gold rush era when this was a bustling center of activity.
8. Williams' Stables
PRESERVED VICTORIAN TRANSPORTATION
Williams' Stables is a well-preserved historic structure that showcases transportation methods from Central City's Victorian era. The building offers visitors insight into how horses and carriages were maintained during the late 19th century. This landmark represents an important aspect of daily life in the mining town before the advent of automobiles.
9. Johnny Z's Casino
MODERN GAMING EXPERIENCE
Johnny Z's Casino offers visitors a contemporary gaming experience in the historic setting of Central City. The casino features a variety of slot machines and table games for those looking to try their luck. Guests can enjoy the contrast between modern entertainment and the mountain town's Victorian architecture that surrounds it.
10. Grand Z Casino & Hotel
LUXURY GAMING DESTINATION
Grand Z Casino & Hotel combines upscale accommodations with a full-service casino experience in Central City. The property features gaming options including slots and table games alongside comfortable rooms for overnight stays. Visitors can enjoy dining options and entertainment while using this venue as a base for exploring the historic mining town.
11. Madam Lou Bunch Historic District
RED LIGHT HISTORY
The Madam Lou Bunch Historic District commemorates Central City's famous madam who ran the most successful brothel during the gold rush era. This area celebrates the colorful history of the town's red-light district and is home to the annual Madam Lou Bunch Day and bed race. Visitors can learn about this unique aspect of Western frontier life while exploring the historic buildings in this district.
12. Coeur D'Alene Mine
UNDERGROUND MINING HERITAGE
The Coeur D'Alene Mine offers visitors an authentic underground mining experience in the heart of Colorado's gold country. Tours take guests deep into the mountain to witness firsthand the conditions miners faced during the gold rush. The site provides educational insights into mining techniques and the challenges of extracting precious metals from the Rocky Mountains.
13. Easy Street Casino
FRIENDLY GAMING VENUE
Easy Street Casino provides a welcoming gaming atmosphere in Central City with a variety of slot machines and gaming options. The casino is known for its friendly service and relaxed environment compared to some larger gaming establishments. Visitors can enjoy the intimate setting while trying their luck in this historic mountain town.
14. Central City Parkway
SCENIC MOUNTAIN DRIVE
Central City Parkway offers a breathtaking scenic drive through the Rocky Mountains connecting Interstate 70 to the historic mining town. The well-maintained road features stunning vistas, hairpin turns, and opportunities to spot wildlife along the journey. This 8.4-mile route serves as a beautiful introduction to the mountain setting of Central City and provides easy access with ample free parking at its destination.
15. The Famous Bonanza Casino
HISTORIC GAMING ESTABLISHMENT
The Famous Bonanza Casino combines historic charm with modern gaming in Central City's preserved Victorian setting. The establishment features slots, video poker, and other gaming options for visitors looking to try their luck. Beyond gaming, the venue is also known for its brewery, offering guests refreshing craft beverages to enjoy during their visit.