Welcome to Cripple Creek – the World’s Greatest Gold Camp. Located at the base of Pikes Peak, this historic mining town is surrounded by majestic mountains and breathtaking scenic views. Numerous historic attractions, exciting casinos, and enjoyable dining and lodging facilities make Cripple Creek the perfect getaway for you and your family.
The boom of the Gold Rush Days put Cripple Creek on the map. More than 100 years ago, this mining community attracted tens of thousands of gold-seekers in search of their fortunes. In search of your fortune? Try your luck in one of our casinos, with games such as slots, blackjack, poker, roulette and craps.
We encourage visitors to enhance their experience with a diverse selection of activities that reflect our rich history. Several museums feature elements of Cripple Creek’s days-gone-by, as well as an informative state-of-the-art Heritage Center that is complete with interactive displays for visitors of all ages. An exciting visit to the Mollie Kathleen mine will take you 1,000 feet underground as you learn what it was like to be a miner during the Gold Rush. Don’t miss the chance to ride the Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad, featuring a steam locomotive that takes visitors through the historic gold mining district.
Cripple Creek has a history of hosting numerous events and celebrations. Events are diverse in theme, including an Ice Festival, a military appreciation event, a car show, a Christmas event, and the famous Donkey Derby Days going on its 79th annual! Speaking of entertainment, theaters and opera houses have also been a part of Cripple Creek’s past, and the Butte Opera House features exciting and original live entertainment throughout most the year for family members of all ages.
Make Cripple Creek the next destination for you and your family. Take advantage of the many activities we have to offer, and come see why we are considered the World’s Greatest Gold Camp!
Attractions
There is an endless list of activities to do and places to see in and around the World’s Greatest Gold Camp, but there are some things you just shouldn’t miss. Bring your camera and a sense of adventure as you explore several museums and attractions that showcase Cripple Creek’s rich history with fun for the whole family.
Welcome to the Cripple Creek Heritage Center
9283 South Highway 67
Cripple Creek, CO
Overlooking Cripple Creek, this 11,600-square-foot resource center is a great place to start your visit. This state-of-the-art facility provides hands-on exhibits and interactive technology that guide you through the region’s history. Learn about dinosaurs, American Indians, and life in the gold camp. Take in the incredible panoramic views, and ask one of the helpful staff members to assist you with planning your visit. For more information, or for questions regarding admission and hours, please call (877) 858-4653. Additional information is also available on www.VisitCrippleCreek.com.
Descend 1,000 Feet Underground at the Mollie Kathleen Mine
9388 Highway 67
Cripple Creek, CO
Visitors are in for a treat when they tour the Mollie Kathleen Mine. This historic gold mine tour descends 1,000 feet underground where visitors can learn about the workings of the 1890s hard rock gold miner. Guided tours allow visitors to explore the overlapping evolution of all four mining phases used to extract gold from the Mollie Kathleen, beginning with a ride on a skip to the lower levels of the mine, the operation of numerous pieces of air-powered gold mining equipment and a ride aboard the last air-powered Tram-Air Locomotive. This educational tour reveals how gold veins appear in their natural state, and adventurers of all ages can look forward to receiving a free gold ore specimen from the Mollie Kathleen Mine! For more information, please call (719) 689-2466 or visit www.GoldMineTours.com.
Climb Aboard the Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad
520 East Carr Avenue (Intersection of 5th Street & Bennett Avenue)
Cripple Creek, CO
A trip on the Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad takes passengers on a scenic and educational ride on a century-old steam locomotive. Stopping at special points of interest, visitors will see historic mining structures as they cross reconstructed railroad trestles and stop at a deserted mining town. For more information on rates and times of operation, please call (719) 689-2640 or visit www.CrippleCreekRailroad.com.
Cripple Creek District Museum
5th Street & Bennett Avenue
Cripple Creek, CO
Since 1953, the Cripple Creek District Museum has worked to preserve the history of Cripple Creek. Visitors can browse through three of Cripple Creek’s most historic buildings – the 1893 Colorado Trading & Transfer Building, the 1895 Midland Terminal Railroad Depot, and a turn-of-the-century Assay Office. A self-guided tour of the museum includes mining displays and exhibits, two Victorian apartments, an art gallery, an extensive mineral collection, and more. Additionally, two historic, fully-furnished cabins have just been added to the museum’s displays. One cabin belonged to French Blanche Le Coq and has been furnished to be historically accurate. The second cabin has been furnished to represent the living space of a miner during the gold rush days. The Cripple Creek District Museum is a “must see” for visitors looking for an extensive history of the gold camp. For information on admission and visiting hours, please visit www.Cripple-Creek.org or call (719) 689-2634.
Old Homestead Parlour House Museum
353 Myers Avenue
Cripple Creek, CO
Welcome to the Homestead House – Colorado’s only bordello museum. Formerly the most posh parlor house on bawdy Myers Avenue, the Homestead offers an informative guided tour that is indeed family friendly. Built by Madam Pearl DeVere in 1896, the Old Homestead had running water, electricity, a telephone, a full-service staff of chambermaids, housekeepers, a cook, and even a musician! Ten rooms, including five bedrooms, are filled with original and period furnishings to give visitors a realistic look at life in a frontier brothel. The Homestead is open seasonally with special tours available during winter months. Please call (719) 689-9090 for more information, or visit www.Cripple-Creek.org for additional information.
Outlaws & Lawmen Jail Museum
136 West Bennett Avenue
Cripple Creek, CO
Relive the outlaw days of the Wild West in one of the most popular Cripple Creek museums. In the late 1800’s, the promise of an easy fortune lured people to the gold mines of Cripple Creek; in just ten years, the population grew from 15 to more than 50,000. Like every western gold rush town, Cripple Creek had more than its fair share of miscreants and troublemakers. Fortunately, a brave group of men swore to keep the outlaws in line. Learn their stories at the Outlaws & Lawmen Jail Museum, an informative museum filled with displays highlighting the laws and the lawless, as well as intact original cells, sample police logs from the 1890s, newspaper accounts of crimes big and small, a sheriff’s office, and more.
Pikes Peak Region’s Memorial Wall
Mt. Pisgah Cemetery off Teller County Road #1
This proud memorial offers a place to reflect on the sacrifices made for our freedom. Any members of our Armed Forces that have been killed in action since September 11, 2001 and were stationed at one of our five area installations, had a home of record in El Paso or Teller County, or was an Air Force Academy graduate are listed on the wall in remembrance of their sacrifice and service.
Gaming
Gaming in Cripple Creek is an experience like no other. Cripple Creek casinos offer the latest and greatest slots, blackjack, roulette, craps, and poker in a friendly and scenic Colorado mountain atmosphere. Casinos vary from modern facilities to beautifully restored historic buildings, with many casinos offering great food and hotel accommodations within their establishments. Higher limits and longer hours have arrived, so take advantage of what we have to offer and make your gaming experience even more exciting. Come see why Cripple Creek is the World’s Greatest Gold Camp!
Dining
Cripple Creek offers a variety of dining options for those that appreciate the spice of life. Dining facilities include elegant, candle-lit restaurants as well as great places to enjoy your favorite sports, food, and drinks. Restaurants are available within (as well as separate from) the casinos, and some restaurants housed in the casinos offer a separate entrance for families that prefer a non-gaming entrance. Whatever your flavor, Cripple Creek’s culinary scene has something cooking just for you.
Lodging
Cripple Creek offers visitors a wide variety of lodging options, combining modern amenities with authentic local charm. Visitors can choose from executive hotel suites to exquisite Victorian rooms at one of the town’s B&B's, cabins, or hotel rooms. No matter where you stay, you’ll enjoy personalized service from knowledgeable individuals who can assist you with making the most of your visit.
