• The authenticity of Central City with the state’s Historical Preservation Office validating 294 buildings that dating 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. Much of its original décor and 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”. This don’t-miss museum is open from Memorial weekend through September.

• But that’s not all. There are affordable tours through the Gilpin Historical Society of Central City’s most interesting attractions to include St. James Church of Central City, Weekly Register Call, The Teller House, The Central City Opera House and The Thomas House built in 1867. Children 12 and under tour for free. Simply stop by Washington Hall at 117 Eureka Street.

• 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. In fact, you would be hard pressed to find an antiquing destination in all of Colorado that tops Central City. There’s also Golden Rose Antiques and Collectibles, Ermel’s Emporium, Mountain Heart Gallery and Dutch’s Central City Trading Post all just a short stroll from one another. Speaking of shopping, you won’t want to miss Bravo Italiano Caffe 24 for a freshly made espresso to sip as you select your favorite pasta and accompanying olive oil or pesto. Or, grab a snack for later at Eureka Street 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. There’s even panning for gold with hands-on instruction at Hidee Gold Mine.

• Central City KOA Holiday Campground having been named Kampground of America, Inc. (KOA) Campground of the Year for 2024. There are also 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.