15+ Best & Fun Things To Do In Cripple Creek, CO 2024
Plan a trip to Cripple Creek, Colorado, and want to make it more fun by doing something different? Don’t look any further! You’ve come to the right place. We’re going to talk about the 17 best and most fun things to do in Cripple Creek, CO.
Cripple Creek, Colorado, is southwest of Colorado Springs and in the middle of the Rocky Mountains in Teller County. It used to be a gold mine. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities and sites in Cripple Creek, which has a rich history, beautiful natural scenery, and a strong sense of community.
This cute mountain town has a lot to offer, from interesting museums and historic sites to fun things to do outside and cultural events. People can learn about history at the Cripple Creek District Museum and enjoy Mueller State Park and the Cripple Creek Heritage Center.
15 Fun and Great Things To Do In Cripple Creek, CO
There are a lot of fun things to do in Cripple Creek, CO.
1. Cripple Creek Heritage Center
Learn about Cripple Creek’s long past at the Heritage Center, which is the first stop on your trip. This state-of-the-art museum is right in the middle of downtown. It covers an area of 11,600 square feet and has hands-on displays, objects, and interactive exhibits that tell the rich history of the town.
Other interesting exhibits show the geology, plants and animals, and recreational possibilities in the area.
Visit the Cripple Creek Heritage Center to learn about how gold was found in the late 1800s, how the mining business went through boom and bust periods, and how the people who lived in Cripple Creek were strong.
The address is 9283 CO-67, Cripple Creek, CO 80813, USA.
2. Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine Tour
On the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine Tour, you can go 1,000 feet underground and live like a miner. This is one of the best things to do in Cripple Creek, CO, in the spring.
The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine was founded in 1891, and the walk is led by knowledgeable people. This exciting journey takes people deep into a historic gold mine, where they can learn about the difficulties and successes of mining in the past.
Be amazed by how big the caves are, how complicated the machines that were used to get the gold out, and the stories of the brave people who worked beneath. Every year, about 40,000 people go to the gold mine.
The address is 9388 CO-67, Cripple Creek, CO 80813, USA.
3. Cripple Creek And Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad
Going on a beautiful ride through the rough Rocky Mountains on the historic Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad is another fun thing to do in Cripple Creek.
The 2-foot narrow-gauge heritage train has been running every 40 minutes from May to October since its start in 1967. It takes people between Cripple Creek and the south edge of the city.
As you ride along these old tracks, you’ll be able to see stunning views of tall mountains, dense woods, and rushing waterfalls.
You can also listen to the conductor tell stories about the history of the train and the pioneers who built the tracks that linked Cripple Creek to the rest of the world.
The address is 520 E Carr Street, Cripple Creek, CO 80813, USA.
4. Cripple Creek District Museum
The Cripple Creek District Museum has five historic houses and has been around since 1953. You can find a lot of useful items, photos, and other souvenirs from the town’s mining era at the museum.
There are a lot of rocks from the Cripple Creek District in the museum. On the grounds or in one of the five buildings, you can find everything from hard rock mining tools to everyday household things.
Learn about early explorers, gold rushes, and the rise and fall of the mining business through the exhibits you see during your visit.
Also, make sure you check out the museum’s outdoor displays, which include old buildings and mining tools that show Cripple Creek’s history.
You can find us at 510 Bennett Avenue, Cripple Creek, CO 80813, USA.
5. Mueller State Park
Visit Mueller State Park in Divide, Colorado, which is about 20 minutes from Cripple Creek. It’s a fun thing to do with the whole family.
Mueller State Park is spread out over 5,112 acres of pristine wilderness and has many outdoor activities, such as horseback rides, hiking, biking, camping, and hunting.
Snowshoeing, skating, and snow tubing are all fun things to do in the park in the winter.
You can hike along beautiful trails that wind through dense woods and meadows, or you can fish in clear mountain streams that are full of trout.
Wildlife like elk, deer, black bears, and many types of birds live in the park’s different areas, so keep an eye out for them.
The address is 21045 Hwy. 67 South, Divide, CO 80814, USA.
6. Victor Lowell Thomas Museum
The Victor Lowell Thomas Museum is in Victor, Colorado, which is about 10 minutes from Cripple Creek. It is in a two-story building that was built in 1899.
The museum is one of the best places to learn about Victor, Colorado’s interesting past. It is named after the famous radio and reporter Lowell Thomas, who used to live in the town.
The museum has artifacts, books, displays, and photos that show how people lived in Victor in the past, from when it was first settled to when gold mining was at its peak.
In the gift shop, you can buy books, historic maps and postcards, real stone, and Victorian jewelry. You can also take guided bus tours of the mining area.
The address is 298 Victor Avenue, Victor, CO 80860, USA.
7. Cripple Creek Historic District
There are lots of free things to do in Cripple Creek today. One is to walk through the cute streets of the Cripple Creek Historic District and look at the well-kept Victorian-era buildings.
The area is made up of buildings that were built during the Gold Rush era. These include the Midland Terminal Deport, the Teller Country Courthouse, the Imperial Hotel, the old Homestead, St. Paul’s Catholic Church, and more.
As you walk through Cripple Creek, you’ll see old shops, fancy homes, and cute bed and breakfasts that remind you of the town’s heyday as a boomtown.
Enjoy the atmosphere of this beautiful mountain town by visiting shops, galleries, and restaurants that are housed in old buildings.
Cripple Creek, CO, USA is the given address.
8. The Butte Theater
At night, one of the fun things to do in Cripple Creek, CO is to see live theater at the famous Butte Theatre, which has been entertaining people for more than one hundred years.
The Butte Theater is right in the middle of downtown Cripple Creek. All year long, it’s the site of many plays, shows, and other events.
At the Butte Theater, there’s always something new and exciting going on. The plays range from old classics to new musicals.
The address is 139 E Bennett Avenue, Cripple Creek, CO 80813, USA.
Are you looking at other places close to Cripple Creek? Check out some fun things to do in Silverthorne, CO, and Pueblo, CO.
9. Cripple Creek Ice Festival
The Cripple Creek Ice Festival takes place every February and turns blocks of ice into beautiful ice statues on Bennet Avenue.
Many locals and tourists come to this event every year to be amazed by the intricately carved ice statues made by skilled artists from all over the world.
The ice sculptures are tall buildings that light up in bright colors, making a magical winter wonderland.
While you’re at the event, you can enjoy live music, ice carving shows, and activities that are good for the whole family.
Warm up with hot cocoa and tasty treats from food sellers, and don’t forget to take pictures of these beautiful ice sculptures to remember them by.
This is the address: Bennett Avenue, Cripple Creek, CO 80813, USA.
10. Outlaws & Lawmen Jail Museum
When you get to Cripple Creek, you should check out the Outlaws & Lawmen Jail Museum. It tells the dark and often violent story of Cripple Creek’s police force.
This old west jail, which is made of red brick, was the Teller County jail for about 90 years.
During your visit, you can see the old jail cells where notable criminals were kept and learn about how police tried to keep the peace in a town full of gold seekers, gamblers, and gunfighters.
Also, learn about the lives of famous police officers and bad guys who left their mark on Cripple Creek’s past.
The address is 136 W Bennett Avenue, Cripple Creek, CO 80813, USA.
11. Bronco Billy’s Casino
The Colorado Springs Gazette named Bronco Billy’s Casino the Best Casino in Colorado. One fun thing for people to do in Cripple Creek, CO, is to play slots or blackjack.
Serious gamers can have fun, eat, and win big at this top gaming spot. There are many slot machines, table games, and poker events at the casino.
It’s fun to spend hours at Bronco Billy’s, which is right in the middle of Cripple Creek. The staff is friendly, and the scene is lively.
The address is 233 E Bennett Avenue, Cripple Creek, CO 80813, USA.
12. Phantom Canyon Road
If you want to do something free outside in Cripple Creek, you can take a 30-mile drive along Phantom Canyon Road, which is part of the Gold Belt Scenic Byway.
This beautiful byway has stunning views of tour rock formations, rough valleys, and gushing waterfalls, making it a great place to take pictures. With two tunnels and three raised bridges, the road goes from 5,500 feet above sea level to 9,500 feet above sea level.
Always have your camera with you so you can record the beauty of Colorado’s backcountry.
Cripple Creek, CO, USA is the given address.
13. Mount Pisgah Cemetery
Today, another interesting thing to do in Cripple Creek, CO, is to visit Mount Pisgah Cemetery and see where the town’s pioneers, mine workers, and other important people are buried.
There are tall pines and sweeping mountain views from this beautiful graveyard, which is a peaceful haven of beauty and peace.
People can look at beautiful headstones, historic monuments, and moving memorials that tell stories about the people who helped shape Cripple Creek’s past.
The address is 997 Teller County Road 1, Cripple Creek, CO 80813, USA.
14. Cripple Creek Donkey Derby Days
Visit Cripple Creek, CO, during the summer for one of the best things to do. Donkey Derby Days is one of the most famous events in Cripple Creek and takes place in the middle of downtown.
In June, this event brings together people from all over the world to be inspired by Cripple Creek’s resident donkey herd. These donkeys walk the town in honor of the original Cripple Creek donkeys from the Gold Rush days.
Aside from watching people race donkeys, visitors can also enjoy live theater and tasty food from local vendors.
At this fun event honoring Cripple Creek’s history, you can play fair games, look at craft booths, and make memories with family and friends that will last a lifetime.
In the middle of Cripple Creek, Colorado, USA.
15. Mountain View Adventure Park
One thing that is good for families to do in Cripple Creek is to go to Mountain View Adventure Park. The park on County Road is fun for people of all kinds.
You can play disc golf, sled down a hill, ride your bike on a BMX track, take your dog to the dog park, and enjoy the park’s picnic areas and hiking and biking trails.
When families go to Cripple Creek, Colorado, the Mountain View Adventure Park is a great place for them to spend time together.
The address is 254 County Road 89, Cripple Creek, CO 80813, USA.
16. Wildwood Casino
In Cripple Creek, the Wildwood Casino is one of the best places to get thrills like you’d find in Las Vegas. It is 9,593 feet above sea level, which is almost as high as the action.
Wildwood Casino has a lot of fun things to do. It has over 500 slot machines and a lot of table games. The casino also has two casual eating places and a hotel with a free shuttle that runs to and from the casino.
The address is 119 N Fifth Street, Cripple Creek, CO 80813, USA.
17. Skaguay Reservoir
One of the best things to do outside near Cripple Creek, Colorado is to check out the Skaguay Reservoir, which is in Penrose, Colorado, and is only 30 minutes away.
The Skaguay Reservoir is a famous place for outdoor enthusiasts to visit. It covers 114 acres. The pond is also a great place to do many other things, like boating, camping, fishing, hiking, swimming, and watching birds and other wildlife.
You can find them at Skaguay Road, Penrose, CO 81240, USA.
Make plans to visit Cripple Creek, CO.
Cripple Creek, Colorado, is a unique place to visit because it has a lot of history, beautiful scenery, and lots of exciting things to do.
This lovely mountain town is a great place to make memories that will last a lifetime, whether you’re exploring historic sites, spending time in nature, or enjoying the local food and culture.
Start making plans for your trip to Cripple Creek right now and see everything this lively town has to offer. Have a safe trip.