Want high-stakes excitement in a historic mountain town? Head to Black Hawk, Colorado! Once a booming gold rush town, Black Hawk is now known for its casinos, scenic drives, and Victorian charm. Nestled in the Rockies just outside Denver, it’s a unique mix of Old West and modern thrills.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Black Hawk is from late spring through fall (May–October) for hiking, historic sightseeing, and mountain views. Winter brings snow and festive lights—great for cozying up after a day at the slots or hitting nearby ski trails.
How to Get There
- By Car: Black Hawk is just 45 minutes west of Denver via US-6 and CO-119, making it an easy day or weekend trip.
- By Shuttle: Casino shuttles and private transportation services operate from Denver and surrounding suburbs.
- By Plane: Fly into Denver International Airport (DEN), then rent a car or book a shuttle to reach Black Hawk.
Where to Stay
- Monarch Casino Resort Spa – Upscale resort with a full-service spa, rooftop pool, and fine dining options.
- Ameristar Casino Resort Spa – Luxury rooms, casino floor, multiple restaurants, and mountain views from the rooftop pool.
- Lodge Casino Hotel – Comfortable lodging with easy access to gaming, dining, and downtown Black Hawk.
Top Attractions
- Casino Row – Hit the slots or try your luck at table games in one of Black Hawk’s many casinos, from high-end resorts to smaller historic venues.
- Central City Opera House – Just minutes away, this historic theater hosts acclaimed summer opera and performances.
- Gilpin History Museum – Learn about Black Hawk’s gold mining roots and Colorado’s frontier past.
- Gregory Street Plaza – Stroll the revitalized downtown area filled with vintage charm, cafés, and photo ops.
- Hidden Treasure Trailhead – Take a scenic hike or bike ride into the surrounding pine-covered hills.
Unique Attractions
⮕ Play in Style and Relax in Luxury at Ameristar Casino Black Hawk
Ameristar Casino Black Hawk is a four-star resort and casino in Black Hawk that offers spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains and convenient access to top area attractions such as the Central City Opera and the Argo Gold Mine and Mill. Its casino floor is home to more than 1,250 state-of-the-art slot and video machines, ranging in price from pennies to over $100. 40 popular table games such as Bonus Craps are also available, along with 22 tables for live poker play. Guest rooms and suites offer luxurious amenities such as flat screen televisions, mini-fridges, coffee makers, fireplaces, and whirlpool tubs, with an indoor pool, full-service spa, fitness center, and guest lounge available for visitor use.
111 Richman St, Black Hawk, CO 80422, Phone: 720-946-4000
⮕ Stay and Spin the Night Away at The Lodge Casino
The Lodge Casino at Black Hawk is a contemporary-style casino and hotel offering 50 beautiful guest rooms and suites with Rocky Mountain views, with lovely amenities available such as flat screen cable televisions, free wireless internet access, and room service. The resort's 24-hour casino is home to more than 975 slot machines, with high-stakes betting limits up to $100 on a variety of popular games. Green flashing lights designate the casino's Hot Slots games, which offer larger payouts. Over 20 table games are also offered, along with a poker room offering games hosted by friendly dealers. Dining options include the charming White Buffalo Grille, which offers spectacular mountain views, and the Seasons Buffet, which serves up all-you-can-eat crab legs and surf and turf options.
240 Main St, Black Hawk, CO 80422, Phone: 303-582-1771
⮕ Try Your Luck at the Modern Monarch Casino Black Hawk
Monarch Casino Black Hawk is a lively gambling destination offering two floors of gaming experiences, including more than 600 state-of-the-art slot and video poker games, including exciting Triple Play Poker Bar progressives with high jackpots. The casino offers friendly dealers at a variety of fun table games, including roulette, blackjack, and craps. A high-definition video wall offers opportunities for multiple television viewing, including top sporting games and live entertainment performances. Dining options at the casino include the casual eatery Chicago Dogs and a massive buffet offering international-style stations, all-you-can-eat snow crab legs, and a full dessert station with a wide variety of sweets and pastries.
488 Main St, Black Hawk, CO 80422, Phone: 303-582-1000
⮕ Experience Classic Gaming Fun at Bally’s Casino Black Hawk
Bally's Casino Black Hawk is a complete gaming experience in Black Hawk, offering a wide variety of lively and laid-back gaming experiences to suit all gamblers' tastes. The casino is home to more than 650 of the world's most popular slot and video gaming machines, all equipped with ticket-in, ticket-out technologies. Machines range from penny machines up to $25 machines within the casino's elite High Limit Golden Jackpot room. Video poker tournaments are also offered, along with 39 table games offering opportunities to play roulette, blackjack, craps, and three-card poker. Dining options at the casino include the southern-style Bourbon Street Cafe, the casual Creekside Deli, and three full bars serving up a variety of draft beers and clever cocktails.
300 Main St, Black Hawk, CO 80422, Phone: 303-582-5600
For Couples
⮕ Step into Local Charm at The Gilpin Casino
The Gilpin Casino is an exciting 24-hour casino in Black Hawk, offering unique Sudden Strike progressive jackpots that can with at any time with any gambler's spin. Flashing red lights indicate Hot Slots, which offer the casino's largest payouts. Table games such as blackjack, roulette,and craps offer friendly dealers and bet limits of up to $100 within the Winners Circle game room, which offers a daily points race. Dining options at the casino include Lucille Malone's, which serves up an unlimited salad bar and all-day breakfast options, with non-stop cocktail service available Thursdays through Sundays. Special events include point multiplier premium days and Club 50 events, which offer daily discounts for senior visitors.
111 Main St, Black Hawk, CO 80422, Phone: 303-582-6624
⮕ Feel the Rush at Lady Luck Casino
Lady Luck Casino is a relaxed casino and resort in Black Hawk, offering convenient access to a wide variety of nearby outdoor recreation opportunities, including chances for skiing, cycling, and hiking. The resort is one of Black Hawk's newest casinos, in operation since 1992 within the former Colorado Central Station casino and resort building. Charming guest rooms offer amenities such as pillowtop mattresses, flat screen televisions, and coffee makers, with upgrades to private living areas and two-person whirlpool baths in spacious suites. More than 400 slot and video machines are available for casino play, along with a full poker room and a number of table games, including roulette, craps, and blackjack. Dining options on site include Otis and Henry's Restaurant, which serves up American-style comfort fare.
340 Main St, Black Hawk, CO 80422, Phone: 610-241-1610
⮕ Grab a Bite and a Bet at Saratoga Casino
Saratoga Casino is one of Black Hawk's main gambling hubs, offering over 500 state-of-the-art slot and video redemption machines, including many of the latest and most popular game offerings. Friendly dealers lead games such as blackjack, craps, and roulette at the casino's casual game tables, with a number of lounges and bars offered on the casino floor for relaxation and refreshments between games. Complimentary beer is served up for all gamers at the Main Floor Bar, which also serves fine wines and sophisticated cocktails. Other dining options throughout the casino include the Mill City Chophouse, which serves up prime steaks and offers an outdoor patio and lounge, and the Main Street Cafe, which offers all-day breakfast options and delicious deli sandwiches and burgers.
Saratoga Casino, 101 Main St, Black Hawk, CO 80422, Phone: 303-582-6100
⮕ Go Big with Big-Time Action at Horseshoe Black Hawk
Horseshoe Black Hawk is an elegant hotel located approximately seven miles from Golden Gate Canyon State Park, offering an impressive collection of more than 1,100 of the top slot and video redemption machines available in a range of denominations, from penny machines to high-stakes games. 28 table games are available, including roulette, blackjack, and craps games, with seven tables offered in the casino's poker room. Understated guest rooms and suites with stunning mountain views offer luxurious amenities such as pillowtop mattresses, flat screen televisions, and coffee makers, with upgrades available to rooms with private sitting areas and whirlpool tubs. Dining options include the resort's Farradays' Steakhouse, an OpenTable Diner's Choice Award winner, and the Tradewinds Marketplace, which serves up late-night snacks.
401 Main St, Black Hawk, CO 80422, Phone: 610-241-1612
⮕ If You’re Into Quirky Vibes, Then Check Out Sasquatch Casino
Sasquatch Casino is an impressive 6,000-square-foot casino in Black Hawk, opened to the public in 2011 and striving to provide the region's best customer service and most exciting entertainment options. The two-story casino offers up over 145 conventional and electronic slot machines and tabletop gaming systems, providing some of the region's highest payout options. A unique family-friendly arcade area allows children and teenagers to play popular video and redemption games such as Pac-Man and pinball in a safe environment while parents hit the high stakes. Dining options within the casino include Harry's Grill and Pizza, which serves up all-day breakfast and a variety of American-style favorites, and Harry's Steakhouse, which serves up elegant land and sea entrees and comfort-fare appetizers.
125 Gregory St, Black Hawk, CO 80422, Phone: 720-880-1616
Where to Eat
- Timberline Grill – Upscale steakhouse inside Ameristar with excellent service and mountain views.
- Fireside Kitchen – Casual comfort food and hearty breakfasts at Monarch Casino.
- Mill City Chophouse – New American fare in a rustic, stylish setting, perfect for a date night or special dinner.
Local Events
- Central City Opera Festival (June–August) – A world-class opera series held in a stunning 1878 opera house.
- Black Hawk Fireworks Show (July 4th) – Celebrate Independence Day with one of the most scenic fireworks displays in the Rockies.
- Gilpin County Fair (August) – Traditional fair with live music, rodeo events, and local food in nearby Central City.
Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of Black Hawk, Colorado
- Golden Gate Canyon State Park (15–20 min) – Hike, picnic, or fish in this stunning park with panoramic views and peaceful trails.
- Central City (5–10 min) – Explore more casinos, historic architecture, and the Central City Cemetery’s colorful past.
- Golden (30 min) – Tour the Coors Brewery, stroll Clear Creek, or visit museums in this vibrant foothills town.
- Echo Lake and Mount Evans Scenic Byway (30 min) – Drive the highest paved road in North America to epic alpine views.
- Rollinsville (20–25 min) – Small mountain town with quiet charm, coffee shops, and access to forest trails.
FAQ
- Why has Black Hawk become a popular tourist destination?
- Black Hawk became popular after the implementation of casino gambling regulations in 1991, offering a major tourist attraction with spectacular resorts, gourmet restaurants, and 24-hour casino floors.
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