Central City

Understand

Once called the "Richest Square Mile on Earth," this historic old mining town is dotted with the old gold mines and hundreds of Victorian buildings. More than a half billion dollars of gold was mined in the area and the town once boasted a population of 30,000. Today, there are 300 year-round residents. Along with Black Hawk, it is part of a National Historic District.

Central City Visitors Center, 139 Nevada St, ☏ +1 303-582-3345. (updated Jan 2022)

Getting there

It is about a 45-minute drive from Denver. Most people take the Central City Parkway which is an 8.4 mile 4 four lane parkway that runs from Hidden Valley at I-70 Exit 243, straight into downtown Central City. takes 10-15 minutes depending on the weather

See

1 Hidee Gold Mine, 1950 Hidee Mine Rd, ☏ +1 720-548-0343, [email protected]. (updated Jan 2026) Gilpin County Museum, 228 E First High St, ☏ +1 303-582-5283, [email protected]. (updated Jan 2022) Gilpin County Arts Association Gallery, 117 Eureka St, ☏ +1 303-582-5952, [email protected]. (updated Jan 2026)

Do

1 Central City Opera House, 124 Eureka St, ☏ +1 303-292-6700, [email protected]. The country's fifth oldest Opera Company that still performs to this day. (updated Jan 2026) 2 Grand Z Hotel Casino, 321 Gregory Street, ☏ +1-303-582-0800, toll-free: +1-800-924-6646. Easy Street Casino, 120 Main St, ☏ +1 303-582-5914. Coin-operated slot machines and video poker. (updated Jan 2026)

Eat

Rick's Steakhouse, 130 Main St, ☏ +1 720-698-4801. Th-Su 6PM-4AM. (updated Jan 2026)

Drink & nightlife

Dostel Alley Brewpub and Casino, 114 Main St, [email protected]. Su-Th 10AM-midnight, F Sa 10AM-2AM. (updated Jan 2026)

Sleep

Denver West / Central City KOA Holiday, 605 Lake Gulch Rd, ☏ +1 303-582-3043. (updated Jan 2022)

Go next

Central City is only one mile from Black Hawk, walking distance, just up the hill. There are shuttles that run between the towns also.