Discover Leadville, Colorado

The history of Leadville is filled with dramatic stories of real people who made and lost fortunes in this frontier mountain town spiced with Victorian flavor. People are known to all of us-Carnegie, Guggenheim, Susan B. Anthony, the “Unsinkable” Molly Brown, Doc Holliday, Oscar Wilde, Horace, and Baby Doe Tabor-are just a few of the many who fill Leadville’s past.

Downtown Leadville – Shop

Harrison Avenue in downtown Leadville is a fascinating blend of old and new, its quaint shops filled with antique treasures and art created by some of today’s best and brightest talent. Along with pieces of yesteryear and fine arts and crafts, there are bookstores, bike/ski shops, and outfitters for all manner of fresh-air activities. Pop into our Western wear stores, souvenir and T-shirt shops, and great restaurants for a quick bite or a leisurely meal.

Attractions

The National Mining Hall of Fame

Located in the famous 1880's silver mining boomtown of Leadville, the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum is a monument to the memory of the men and women who pioneered the discovery, development and processing of our nation's natural resources. 719-486-1229, mininghalloffame.org

The story - in 1860 the Gold Rush attracted prospectors living in rough-and-tumble mining camps. Twenty years later, Leadville was a town of more than 30,000 residents with dozens of stores, hotels, boarding houses, dance halls, gambling houses, and saloons.

Among the most renowned of Leadville’s denizens were Horace and Augusta Tabor. Somewhat of a scoundrel, Horace left Augusta for a much younger “Baby Doe,” but he did build the famous Tabor Opera House. Molly Brown, of “Unsinkable” fame when the Titanic sank, was also made rich by Leadville.

Twin Lakes

Just 15 minutes from Leadville you’ll find the charming and historic village of Twin Lakes and its geological namesake, Colorado’s largest glacial lakes. The lake waters reflect soaring mountaintops and provide a splendid gateway for fishing, hiking, mountain climbing, biking in the warm weather months, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. Historical Twin Lakes was once a bustling hub that connected Aspen and Leadville during the Gold Rush of the 1800s, and the Red Rooster Tavern and Brothel now serves as the Twin Lakes Visitors Center. The famed Interlaken Hotel, favored by well-heeled 1880s travelers, is accessible by trail or boat.