• 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.

• The legendary Face on the Barroom Floor located in the Teller House (Face Bar) 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 there. That includes Grant’s bed (we never changed the sheets either).

• 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 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.

• 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.

• Six exciting 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 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 Mayor’s Hat Shop 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).

• After a visit to one of the City’s 21+ smoke shops, you’ll want a snack at Eureka Street Popcorn.    

• Make it a challenge to find and visit all eleven 19th century cemeteries with TheCentral City Cemetery cited by 5280 Magazine as one of “The Best Fall Day Hikes Near Denver”. Yes, our cemetery count goes to eleven.

• 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. Plus, close by is the Mighty Argo Cable Car & mountain park.

• 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).

• Central City boasts easy access via Interstate 70 to the Central City Parkway (yes, we have our own highway).

• Free parking. Plus charging stations for green folks in the Century garage and a couple for Teslas at Grand Z (free).

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.