Location: Cripple Creek
Top Things to do in Cripple Creek
Top Restaurants in Cripple Creek
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What to do and see in Cripple Creek, Colorado (CO): The Best Hidden Gems Things to do
The City of Cripple Creek is the Statutory City that is the county seat of Teller County, Colorado, United States. The city population was 1,189 at the 2010 United States Census. Cripple Creek is a former gold mining camp located 44 miles (71 km) southwest of Colorado Springs near the base of Pikes Peak. The Cripple Creek Historic District, which received National Historic Landmark status in 1961, includes part or all of the city and the surrounding area. The city is now a part of the Colorado Springs, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Restaurants in Cripple Creek
1. Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 805 reviews
The only 1,000 foot vertical shaft gold mine tour in the U.S.; the vein was discovered by Mollie Kathleen Gortner in 1891.
Reviewed By tamarah32 - Granite Falls, United States
We had a lot planned for the day, so we arrived at 8:45, hoping to get on the first tour of the day, when they opened at 9 am. While we were on the first tour, they decided to start at 9:30 instead of right away, which was slightly annoying. We had 45 minutes to wander the property while waiting. There are a few cute displays of old mining equipment and a nice gift shop, but 10 minutes would have been plenty. Note: The bathroom in the gift shop was surprisingly nice and clean. The hoist was a little jiggly, but to be expected given it was a working jib built to haul workers and mining equipment in and out. My husband liked that it was a bit of a rough ride, as he enjoyed the feeling of going deep into the earth (we rode the Strataca hoist into the salt mines a few days prior, and that one was smooth, more like a hotel elevator). It sure beats going up or down the shaft, using the historical methods described on the tour, though. It’s a fast ride, so even if you’re claustrophobic, you should be okay for that minute or two. The other levels are lit up, so you can see them as you descend, which was pretty cool. As far as the tour itself, though, it was fascinating. Sarah was our guide; she was amazing with actual mining experience. Full of enthusiasm, and really knew her stuff. She told us the history of the mine and shared plenty of stories to help us really feel like what it may have been like mining there in the 1800s. We enjoyed how the tour takes you through a timeline of how mining started in the early days and throughout the years, with really well laid out displays. One of the coolest things about the tour is that she actually demonstrated how the tools and machinery operated. My husband and I felt like it was worth the $25/person fee and would definitely recommend the tour to anyone travelling through the area. Note: This is called "Gold Mine Tours, Inc" on Google.
2. Shelf Road
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 168 reviews
Mostly unpaved, this road travels between Cripple Creek and Canon City and promises outstanding views.
Reviewed By BubbaBee - Cocoa, United States
Not for the faint of heart but my oh my the views. hard packed dirt road with rock wall one one side and a steep drop off of the other side. Narrow, at times only one car wide. If you have the nerve, it is certainly worth the drive. I never got above 10 MPH.
3. Old Homestead House Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 118 reviews
House that was a 1890's brothel.
Reviewed By RonnMeredith - San Diego, United States
Well, it's been said that the best time in any town can be had at the brothel. In Cripple Creek that was very much true in the 1890's. And Charlotte can tell you ALL the tales fit for publishing! She's an expert on the CC history and knows Homestead House totally! The furnishings are often original to the house and they are all from the right era. Much of the clothing was found in trunks in the basement and the stories are worthy of a whole Friday evening. This was a $9000/night establishment (when converted to today's money values), and so you can imagine the opulence. Go, find out how Pearl's Girls lived!
4. Outlaw and Lawmen Jail Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 172 reviews
Reviewed By TravelTeachN2833ER - Mount Vernon, United States
We enjoyed an hour touring this unique museum. There are interesting stories and exhibits that highlight this little-known facet of life in a boom town. The cost is reasonable and the clerk was friendly and helpful.
5. Cripple Creek
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 338 reviews
Reviewed By humblertraveler
We try to stop and stay here every time we travel through Colorado; I love the charm of this town. There is a museum and a train. Donkeys roam the streets. The street is lined with casinos in historic buildings and we always find machines that are willing to play with us. If you get a chance visit Victor which is 6 miles away; another very cool historic gold mining town.
