Cripple Creek

For nearly 15 years, a cowboy ranch hand named Bob Womack scoured the southwest slope of Pikes Peak in search of gold. In 1890 his hunch paid off when he found gold in Poverty Gulch - soon to become the boom town of Cripple Creek. Thousands of prospectors flocked to theses mountains and this influx included Winfield Scott Stratton. His discovery of the Independence Lode was one of the largest gold strikes in history. Between 1890 and 1910 the World’s Greatest Gold Camp was the home of up to 50,000 residents. More than 22,400,000 ounces of gold was extracted from more than 500 mines in the Cripple Creek and Victor area. Three commercial railroads were established. The $11.2 billion (in today’s dollars) in gold found in these mines poured into communities throughout Colorado and the western United States. Today, Cripple Creek offers many rich and wonderful adventures and the colorful history of the region is evident in the attractions, tours, shops and hillsides.  Old mine shafts, head frames and cabins still dot the landscape in this high country behind Pikes Peak. Begin your Cripple Creek experience at the Pikes Peak Heritage Center.  This 11,600-square-foot facility is built in a style that is reminiscent of historic Cripple Creek and allows visitors to immerse themselves in the past glory days of this world-famous gold mining camp. Visitors can explore interactive, hands-on exhibits that will educate and entertain on the history of the Gold Camp, mountains, flora and fauna, dinosaurs and regional attractions and activities.  While in Cripple Creek, visitors can also:
 

• Enjoy live entertainment at the Butte Theater, featuring professional productions and a lively melodrama.
   
• Explore 1,000 feet under ground into the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine - the world’s only remaining authentic 1890s gold mine tour.
   
• Tour the Cripple Creek District Museum for an up-close and personal look into one of Colorado’s most colorful time periods.
   
• Ride the Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad through the area’s historic mining district.
   
• Play the game of your choice in any of Cripple Creek’s lively casinos.
   
• Hike or bike on any of the areas scenic trails.
   
• Explore & discover tales of the old 1901 jail house which has just been transformed into the Outlaws & Lawmen Jail Museum.

Stay And Play In Cripple Creek!
Your stay in Cripple Creek will be accented by comfortable accommodations in a graciously-restored guesthouse, bed & breakfast, contemporary hotel, or campgrounds.  Enjoy a day of touring the area’s natural beauty, attend one of the frequent special events, or stroll through shops followed by a glamorous evening of entertainment and limited-stakes gaming.  Several casual and fine dining opportunities provide a variety of choices for a delicious meal.

The Cripple Creek Historic District is designated as a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service.