MUSEUMS AND HISTORY
Step back in time in Central City
The history of Central City begins in 1859, when John Gregory discovered gold in the area. Within a few months, the city had boomed with over 15,000 people hoping to strike it rich.
Central City was named a National Historic Landmark in 1961, and the historic buildings are protected by city ordinance.
Today, many visitors come to Central City for gambling and to experience the wonderfully preserved history. The mountain town is only 40 minutes west of Denver in the Rocky Mountains, making it an easy getaway spot for Colorado locals and out-of-state visitors alike.
LEGENDS AND LORE
From the days when sporting houses, bar fights, and the scramble for gold were the norm, legends and tall tales are bound to emerge. Ask any Central City resident and they will tell you stories of long ago and ghost sightings. If this is something that intrigues you, you have to check out a cemetery crawl or a ghost tour! Many events happen in late summer and fall that are perfect for those interested in the dirty secrets and scandals of old miners.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO
There is much to see and do in Central City to gain a better understanding of the history that happened here. You can walk the streets yourself and take in the Victorian architecture solo, or step in to one of the museums and sign up for a tour. Click the links below to learn more about Central City’s old gold mines, cemeteries, the opera house, or historical society and history museum.
A WEEKEND ITINERARY: COLORADO’S RICHEST HISTORY
Did you know Central City has been dubbed “The Richest Square Mile on Earth”? This title came not because of the opportunities to strike it rich in our casinos but because of the gold discovered here during the Pikes Peak Gold Rush of 1859. Central City’s history certainly is rich, and we invite you to spend a few days discovering our history and culture with tours, museum visits and events.
Day 1:
Start your own Central City gold rush with a tour of a working mine and try your hand at panning for gold at the Hidee Gold Mine. Advance reservations are suggested.
Grab a quick bite from the Retro Deli & Tavern, a pizza and cold beer from Dostal Alley or linger over lunch at one of our casino restaurants.
After striking it rich at the gold mine, stop into the Gilpin Historical Society to schedule a tour of some of Central City’s most interesting historical buildings, such as the Teller House, the Opera House and the Thomas House. Don’t miss the oldest operating Protestant church in Colorado, St. James Methodist Church, with its stunning stained glass, frescoes and a pipe organ dating back to 1898.
If you happen to visit Central City during Opera season, lucky you! Central City Opera runs from July 2nd through July 30th. The Opera’s 90th season includes such shows as Fledermaus, Light in the Piazza and Two Remain. For dinner, try Millie’s Restaurant in the Easy Street Casino.
Low Impact Travel Tip: The Opera Bus can take you from Denver to Central City on select show dates, and a shuttle regularly runs to the Opera House from locations in both Central City and Blackhawk. The Casino Shuttle is also a great option to avoid mountain traffic and get to and from your favorite Central City casinos.
Stay the night at either of our casino hotels, Century or Grand Z.
Day 2:
Start your day with breakfast burritos and coffee at Ante Up Cafe.
What’s in a font?
For printing and publishing buffs, the historic home of Colorado’s oldest continuously printed newspaper, the Weekly Register-Call is a must-see. You can visit the Weekly Register-Call print shop in the Masonic Building and check out the antique printing equipment. You’ll be amazed at how dramatically the publishing business has changed!
Lunch is at Stella’s Cafe in the Famous Bonanza Casino.
Artists on display
Take in the 75th Annual Juried Art Show at the historic Washington Hall. This diverse exhibit of renowned artists from all over the country is on display from June 11 through August 20,
For dinner, what’s a trip to Central City without a game of blackjack or Central City’s newest table game, Baccarat? There are many restaurants and six casinos to choose from, so we’ll leave up to you to figure out which one feels the most lucky!
Spend the night at your favorite casino hotel before an easy drive back to the city along the Central City Parkway.
HISTORICAL BUILDINGS IN CENTRAL CITY
Roy tells us all about the stunning architecture that lines the streets in Central City and where he likes to go to take in the surrounding beauty!