Local Area Attractions Near Denver West / Central City KOA Holiday

SARATOGA CASINO BLACK HAWK

SARATOGA CASINO BLACK HAWK

Great Casino and Great Food.

101 Main Street

Black Hawk, CO 80422

303-582-6100

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The Hidee Gold Mine

The Hidee Gold Mine

The Hidee Gold Mine is just 1.5 miles from downtown Central City, on the Central City Parkway. Underground tours of the mine take about an hour, with gold panning included. There is also ample space for you to enjoy a picnic lunch in the beautiful Colorado sunshine.

Train Rides

Train Rides

GeorgeTown Loop Railroad

The Georgetown Loop Railroad was one of Colorado's first visitor attractions. Completed in 1884, this spectacular stretch of three-foot narrow gauge railroad was considered an engineering marvel for its time.

The thriving mining towns of Georgetown and Silver Plume lie two miles apart in a steep, narrow mountain canyon. To connect them, the railroad's builders designed a “corkscrew” route that traveled twice the distance, slowly gaining more than 600 feet in elevation. It included horseshoe curves, grades of up to 4%, and four bridges across Clear Creek, including the massive Devil's Gate High Bridge. The Colorado & Southern Railway operated the line for passengers and freight from 1899 to 1938, when it was abandoned.

In 1973, the Colorado Historical Society began restoring the railroad as part of its 978-acre Georgetown Loop Historic Mining & Railroad Park. A replica of the High Bridge was completed in 1984, in time to celebrate the 100th anniversary of its original construction.

Colorado Gold Trail

Colorado Gold Trail

The Colorado Gold Trailfollows I-70 west of Denver, with the participating communities clustered to the north and south of the interstate. This makes it a convenient route to follow as you explore Colorado and the richness of the communities makes it a don't-miss experience on your visit to Colorado.

The Peak to Peak Highway

The Peak to Peak Highway

The Peak to Peak Highwayis Colorado's oldest scenic bi-way that is less than an hour from Denver, Boulder, or Fort Collins. This 55-mile-long route provides matchless views of the Continental Divide and its timbered approaches with a string of popular attractions along the way.

Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Red Rocks Amphitheatre

The Red Rocks Amphitheatre is nestled in the Rocky Mountain Foothills fifteen miles west of Denver. It is a symbol of nature's unparalleled majesty. Red Rocks is a geologically formed, open-air Amphitheatre that is not duplicated anywhere in the world. With Mother Nature as the architect, the design of the Amphitheatre consists of two, three hundred-foot monoliths (Ship Rock and Creation Rock) that provide acoustic perfection for any performance.

Bandimere Speedway

Bandimere Speedway

Bandimere Speedway, also known in the NHRA as Thunder Mountain, is a quarter-mile dragstrip located just outside Morrison, Colorado and Lakewood, Colorado.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park

Experience the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains as you move in elevation from 8,000 to 14,259 feet. Hike, mountain bike, or watch for wildlife. Take along a picnic basket and sit and enjoy the serene settings. Don't forget your camera! For more information, visit Rocky Mountain National Park online.

Love Baseball? Watch the Colorado Rockies at CoorsField!

Love Baseball? Watch the Colorado Rockies at CoorsField!

The Colorado Rockies Major League Baseball Club games are held at Coors field in downtown Denver April thru October.

The Colorado State Capitol

The Colorado State Capitol

The structure commands a sweeping view of the downtown Denver area

Coors Brewing Company tours

Coors Brewing Company tours

The world's largest single brewing facility located just 12 miles west of Denver. Tours are free. This attraction is open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Denver Zoo

The Denver Zoo

See 3,500 different animals, representing more than 650 species. Some highlights include gorillas, zebras, black rhinos, king cobras, and vampire bats. Don't forget to visit Bear Mountain - the first naturalistic habitat of its kind in North America - and Predator Ridge - a panoramic view of Africa. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit theDenver Zooonline or call 303-376-4800.

The Denver Museum of Natural History

The Denver Museum of Natural History

The Denver Museum of Natural History has one of the finest dinosaur exhibits in the nation, as well as 100 dioramas of plants and animals in natural settings. Open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Denver Area Attractions

Denver Area Attractions

  • Broncos - Mile High Stadium
  • Denver Mint
  • Shopping, Shopping, Shopping!
  • Movies 
  • National Western Complex
  • Denver Merchandise Mart
  • High Plains Raceway
  • Restaurants
  • Theater - Denver Center for Performing Arts

Other Colorado Museums!

Other Colorado Museums!

Reflect on history. Make plans to spend some time in Colorado's extraordinary museums. From art to nature and science to famous Coloradans, you're sure to find something that piques your curiosity.

  • Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave: Discover the life, times, and legend of Buffalo Bill, William F. Cody
  • The Children's Museum: Learn through play with hands-on educational exhibits designed specifically for kids
  • Colorado Railroad Museum: Discover the history of railroads in this region
  • Denver Art Museum: Experience art from around the world, including depictions of the Western frontier
  • Denver Museum of Nature & Science: Explore science and discover the natural wonders of Colorado, the Earth, and the universe
  • Golden History Museums: Explore Golden's unique characters and places through exhibits and programs at the Astor House Museum, Clear Creek History Park, and Golden History Center
  • Molly Brown House Museum: Visit the long-time home of Titanic's most famous survivor - the Unsinkable Molly Brown

Dinosaur Ridge

Dinosaur Ridge

One of the world's most famous dinosaur fossil locations,Dinosaur Ridge provides many options for exploring the tracks, fossils, and geology of the area. Call 303-697-3466 for more information.

Elitch Gardens Amusement Park

Elitch Gardens Amusement Park

Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park, locally known as "Elitch's", is Denver's favorite amusement park.

Denver Botanic Gardens

Denver Botanic Gardens

Explore the varied ecosystems of Colorado with a visit to the Denver Botanic Gardens. In addition to its main site, Denver Botanic Gardens offers two satellite locations - a picturesque nature preserve along the banks of Deer Creek and the lore of the alpine tundra. Phone 720.865.3500 for more information.

Mother Cabrini Shrine

Mother Cabrini Shrine

Located just beyond the foothills of Golden, Mother Cabrini Shrine is a place of prayer and pilgrimage. The shrine is dedicated to the first American saint, St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, who founded the Order of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart. A 22-foot tall statue of Jesus stands atop a 373-step stairway. Call 303.526.0758 for more information

Celestial Seasonings

Celestial Seasonings

Visit the Celestial Seasonings factory in Boulder. You'll see the world's most advanced tea production plant, enjoy an extensive display of original artwork, taste a wide variety of tea flavors, and shop in the Tea Shop. For more information, call 303.581.1202

Rafting

Rafting

Whether you're an amateur or an expert, Clear Creek Rafting offers some of the best rafting in Colorado. Take a scenic, relaxing trip on the Colorado River or ride the whitewater of the Arkansas or Clear Creek Rivers. Phone 1-800-353-9901 for more information. Only 10 minutes from the campground! www.clearcreekrafting.com

The Central City Opera House & Festival

The Central City Opera House & Festival

The Central City Opera House & Festival is among Colorado's elite summer music festivals. The second oldest annual professional opera festival in the country, the company continues to make history with three productions each year.

Gilpin County Historical Museum

Gilpin County Historical Museum

TheGilpin County Historical Museumoverlooks Lawrence Street on the hilltop and will take you back to the early days of Central City. Toys, mining artifacts, antiques and an abundance of Central City Opera memorabilia are all displayed

Argo Gold Mine and Mill

Argo Gold Mine and Mill

The Argo Gold Mine and Millis located on I-70 just 35 minutes west of Denver in Idaho Springs, Colorado. The Argo Mill, Mine and Museum tour is educational and fun for all ages! Open Daily 9:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m. The last tour is at 4:30 p.m. Call (303) 567-2421 for more information.

Rafting

Rafting

Clear Creek Rafting Company. Trips for beginners to experts. For details call 1-800-353-9901.

Pan for gold

Pan for gold

Tour an actual working gold mine and try your hand at discovering gold. You get to keep whatever you find at Phoenix Gold Mine. Featured in National Geographic and seen on The Discovery Channel. Call 303.567.0422 for more information

Central City Opera

Central City Opera

The Central City Opera is among Colorado's elite summer music festivals. The second oldest annual professional opera festival in the country, the company continues to make history with three productions each year including one opera favorite, one American work and one lesser-known piece. Ticketing Office Information: Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Opera House itself is located at 124 Eureka Street in Central City, CO.

The Thomas House Museum

The Thomas House Museum

The Thomas House Museumcontains the treasured possessions of one family from the nineteenth century. A tour of this quaint home will take you back in time to the days when Central City was first settled.

Casinos

Casinos

Century Casino, Central City, 303-582-5050

Easy Street Casino, Central City, 303-582-5914

Famous Bonanza, Central City, 866.339.5825

Red Dolly Casino and Restaurant, Blackhawk, 303-582-1100

Lodge Casino, Blackhawk, 303-852-1771

Ameristar Casino and Resort, Blackhawk, 720.946.4000

Isle of Capri, Blackhawk, 303-998-7777

Lady Luck, Blackhawk, 877-599-3753

Madam Lou Bunch Day

Madam Lou Bunch Day

Madam Lou Bunch Day and Famous Bed Race. www.centralcitycolorado.us/events

Gilpin Arts Visitor Center Gallery

Gilpin Arts Visitor Center Gallery

The Gilpin Arts Mission is to expand the appreciation and understanding of art, and provide Rocky Mountain artists with the opportunity to present and sell their wonderful artwork.

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