• The authenticity of Central City with the state’s Historical Preservation Office validating 294 buildings that date back more than 100 years.

• The legendary Face on the Barroom Floor located in the Teller House and its intriguing story.  

• Speaking of the 80-room Teller House, built in 1872, it was once dubbed the “best hotel between Mississippi and California” welcoming President and Mrs. Ulysses S. Grant and many other notable people throughout its illustrious history. It’s original décor, from floor to ceiling, and its opulent furnishings are still in tact.

• The arts and culture that is found in Central City that includes its own Opera House built in 1878 hosting the Central City Opera Summer Festival each year and the Gilpin Arts Association gallery with more than 1000 pieces of original art in varying mediums for viewing and for sale.

• Gilpin History Museum with its Five Star rating on Trip Advisor and Yelp and real-life exhibits to stimulate the imagination giving a glimpse into “what it must have been like back then”.

• The knowledgeable and welcoming staff at the Visitors’ Center who will tailor your visit to meet your interests.

• Six casinos in Central City and access to 17 more in Black Hawk less than one mile away with free shuttle service that runs every 30 minutes.

• Just when you think that downtown shopping is a thing of the past, Central City offers Hawley Mercantile on Main Street with its four floors of new and unique merchandise along with collectibles, souvenirs and keepsakes. It’s only fitting there should be even more antiquing to be had here. No problem. There’s also Greystone & Leigh Reclaimed Goods, Golden Rose Antiques and Collectibles, Ermel’s Emporium and more. And, we know it’s off topic but still worth mentioning: Bravo Italiano Caffe 24 for a freshly made espresso to sip as you choose your favorite pasta and accompanying olive oil or pesto. Or, grab a popcorn snack for later at Eureka Popcorn.    

• The eleven 19th century cemeteries with Central City’s Cemetery cited for the third consecutive year by 5280 Magazine as one of “The Best Fall Day Hikes Near Denver”.

• All of the mountain activities you would hope to find in a majestic Rocky Mountain destination are available in Central City and nearby outlying areas to include biking, hiking, fishing, rafting and more.

• Central City KOA Holiday Campground having been named Kampground of America, Inc. (KOA) Campground of the Year for 2024 along with notable hotels such as Grand Z Hotel Casino and Century Casino and Hotel.  

• Central City’s easy accessibility via Interstate 70 to Central City Parkway, a scenic 39 miles west of Denver.

• Free parking.

There are so many reasons to visit Central City that it is hard to choose just a few to mention. On the other hand, some are simply so extraordinary and unusual that they deserve an extra call-out. We refuse, however, to place them in any particular order.