Cripple Creek Historic District

Cripple Creek Historic District is a mining area from the gold rush era containing preserved buildings and mine sites from the late 1800s. The land spans several hundred acres with restored structures that show how rapidly this former mining settlement grew and was rebuilt.

The area developed after gold was found by a local farmer in 1890, bringing hundreds of miners to settle there. Following two major fires in the mid-1890s, the district was rebuilt with improved construction methods and infrastructure.

The streetscape still shows architecture from the gold rush era, with buildings that reflect the craftsmanship and resources of successful miners at that time. Walking through, you notice how quickly prosperity shaped the way structures were designed and decorated.

The district is accessible by car via a state highway that leads directly to it. You can explore the streets on foot, though some areas involve stairs or uneven terrain.

Underground tunnel systems from earlier mining operations remain beneath the streets today, partly supporting the ground. These hidden mining structures stay invisible when walking above, yet they shape the very foundation beneath the town.