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City in Colorado, US
Photo: David Shankbone, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Cripple Creek is a small town in Colorado. It is a town steeped in gold mining history, still very much in evidence from the old mine ruins dotted about everywhere. In fact, it promotes itself as "the world's greatest gold camp". In addition, the town is now a major casino destination, as 57% of the residents of Colorado voted to permit this town to have casinos ("controlled gambling") in order to breathe back life into it after it declined in tourism value from the 80s. Today it is a bustling, lively and exciting town that begs exploration of its turn-of-the-20th-century buildings which have been immaculately maintained and makes for brilliant photo opportunities. Watch out though - burros (wild donkeys) roam the streets at large, with the blessing of the townsfolk (except, of course, when the burros are munching up a local garden).
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5 historic buildings- the Midland Terminal Railway Depot (operated 1895-1949), Colorado Trading & Transfer (1893), the Assay Office (a garage converted to show where miners brought ore to assess its gold value), and two miner's cabins.
This red brick building was the Teller County Jail in use from 1901 to 1992.
Take a ride on the old gold trains. This includes detailed commentary on the gold mines in the region.
Historic Butte Opera House
Plays, musicals, comedy, and concerts. One of the last theaters to present Classical American Melodramas. Community season January-May, Professional season June-December, with special events throughout the year.
Built as a hospital in 1898 by the Catholic Sisters of Mercy, it has 14 individually-decorated rooms in Victorian style. Includes continental breakfast. The Boiler Room Tavern in the basement serves a light bar-fare menu, a patio with mountain views, and indeed, the original coal fired boiler is on display. The hotel also has an independently owned spa offering massages and facials.
14 guest rooms with Victorian style furnishings, built in 1901 as Teller County Hospital. Also has an RV park with full hook-ups.
There is a superb camping ground nestled in a snug little valley about 4 miles west of the town called The Lost Burro. It is privately run and is in excellent condition, with RV space at one end and large campsites at the other end. Those staying in tents will not even be aware of RV users. The camping property is extremely large and the views are fantastic.
The best way to reach Cripple Creek is via your own car or motorcycle. There are, however, bus alternatives.
Read in the guideParking can be a bit of an issue, as many areas are 20 minutes or 2 hours only. Casino car parking is strictly regulated and fines and tow-aways occur for illegitimate parking.
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Colorado Springs · International · COS
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