Visit Central City, Colorado!
Nestled in the heart of the majestic Rocky Mountains, a short 39-mile scenic drive west of Denver, lives Historic Central City. Founded in 1859, this quintessential Victorian Colorado mountain town looks like a storybook and, in fact, is a real live one with the many tales it has to tell. Some are compelling, some are funny, all are intriguing and reminiscent of eras long gone by. Its checkered past weaves through the Gold Rush Era to the Turn of the Century, Prohibition to The Roaring Twenties. And, some say the paranormal continues to thrive among its quaint buildings and centuries-old cemeteries just waiting for visitors to go imagining.
From its own Opera House, to the Teller House’s legendary Face on the Barroom Floor, Central City provides a long list of things to do and an array of attractions such as casinos, museums, an art gallery, shopping and dining along with numerous events. There’s mountain activities; hiking and mountain biking on forested trails and downhills, bird-watching and oodles of endless fun to discover. In fact, 5820 Magazine cited the Central City Cemetery has having one of the “Best Fall Day Hikes near Denver”.
Central City is easily accessible via Interstate 70 and Central City Parkway, Exit 243.
Take the Free Self-Guided Walking Tour of Downtown Central City.
Enjoy this fun read even if you are not in Central City. But be warned, after reading you will want to be here.
Fourteen Reasons to Visit Historic Central City
There are so many reasons to visit Central City that it is hard to choose just a few to mention, but some are simply so extraordinary and unique that they deserve an extra call-out. We refuse, however, to place them in any particular order.
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Six exciting, full-service 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.
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Just when you think that downtown shopping is a thing of the past, Central City offers Hawley Mercantile on Main Street with its three 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 Ermel’s Emporium, The 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 ply the shelves for hard to find artisanal; pasta, olive oil, balsamic or pesto (Gelato too).
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Make it a challenge to find and visit all eleven 19th century cemeteries with The Central City Cemetery cited by 5280 Magazine as one of “The Best Fall Day Hikes Near Denver”. Yes, our cemetery count goes to eleven.
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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 including biking, hiking, fishing, rafting and more. There’s even panning for gold with hands-on instruction at Hidee Gold Mine. Plus, close by is the Mighty Argo Cable Car & mountain park.
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There are casino hotels such as Grand Z Hotel Casino and Century Casino and Hotel where you can take the elevator home. The KOA Holiday Campground, named 2024 Campground of the Year and 2025 World Class Guest Service award winner, overlooks the City and serves pancakes (weekends).
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Central City boasts easy access via Interstate 70 to the Central City Parkway (yes, we have our own highway).
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Free parking. Plus charging stations for green folks in the Century garage and a couple for Teslas at Grand Z (free).
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Central City is authentic Colorado, with the state’s Historical Preservation Office validating 294 buildings that date back more than 100 years. Some of the Elk trophies in the Elk’s Lodge are almost that old.
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The legendary Face on the Barroom Floor located in the Teller House (Face Bar) and its intriguing story.
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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 there. That includes Grant’s bed (we never changed the sheets either).
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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 Festivaleach year and the Gilpin County Arts Association gallery with more than 1000 pieces of original art in varying mediums for viewing and for sale. In a really cool, old building, a must see.
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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. There’s even an ancient mountain submarine—really.
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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.
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After a visit to one of the City’s 21+ smoke shops, you’ll want a snack at Eureka Street Popcorn.
We Like Being Know It Alls.
(and the only thing we hate are little know it alls)
Get the most out of your visit to Central City by making your first stop the Visitor Center. The staff is welcoming and knowledgeable and, yes, they do know their history. That’s good because there is plenty of it in here in Central City. They will tailor your experience to suit your interests and tell you our best kept secrets to ensure that you don’t miss a thing. Join them for a cup of coffee and a chat and learn more about this authentic, one-of-a-kind Rocky Mountain town.
Doing some advanced planning? Give us a call at (303) 582-3345.
Open Daily Year-Round: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
139 Nevada Street
New location at the south end of Main Street in the Belvidere Theater.
Stay in Touch With Central City Events that Lean into its iconic past.
Join us in Central City for the Madam Lou Bunch Day celebration June 20, 2026.
Casinos
The Richest Square Mile on Earth was built on fortune. And, there’s plenty more where that came from. Strike it rich at our slot machines, or play table games (sorry no Faro). Our varied offering of unique casinos are open year-round. And, there’s some open 24/7! We even have coin-operated slots.
Art, Museums & History
Dig a little deeper in Central City! Experience our rich history via tours, museums and more.
Restaurants
Enjoy your dining experience in Central City by stopping in for a sweet treat, cold brew or a hearty dinner!
Retail & Shopping
Find the perfect gifts and trinkets to take back home, or shop the incredible antiques and collectibles in Central City’s local retail stores.
Recreation
Hop off the beaten path and enjoy solace and sunshine in many of Central City’s local trails and recreation areas.
Nearby Recreation
Looking for adventure? Explore nearby activities including mountain biking, horseback riding, ATV trails, gold mine tours, rafting, and more.
Lodging
From campgrounds and historic bed & breakfasts, to hotels with amazing views, you’re sure to enjoy your stay.
Plan Your Trip
Where to start? Explore our trip-planning resources, from itineraries to trails less traveled.
EXPERIENCE CENTRAL CITY
Watch this video to get a taste of our hidden gem, nestled into the Rocky Mountains.
131 Main St, Central City
720-608-2430