Need a fun day trip or weekend escape in the Colorado Rockies? Head to Central City! Step into a vibrant mining past, enjoy scenic mountain views, and try your luck at lively casinos. With historic sites, outdoor adventures, and unique entertainment, Central City blends Old West charm with modern excitement.
Central City, CO Highlights:
- Stroll Historic Main Street: Explore preserved 19th-century architecture, boutique shops, and nostalgic saloons.
- Tour the Central City Opera House: Visit this stunning 1878 venue for guided tours or summer performances.
- Try your luck at local casinos: Enjoy table games, slots, and drinks in a classic gold rush setting.
- Explore Teller House and Gilpin History Museum: Dive into the town’s gold mining legacy and Victorian heritage.
- Hike or drive the scenic Peak to Peak Byway: Admire mountain vistas and enjoy outdoor recreation nearby.
🌤 When I like to visit Central City, CO
The best time to visit Central City is from late spring through early fall (June to September). Warm, sunny days are perfect for strolling historic streets, attending festivals, or exploring nearby hiking trails.
🗺 My tips for getting to Central City, CO
- If you are traveling by car: Central City is about 45 minutes west of Denver via I-70 and the Central City Parkway.
- By Bus: The Black Hawk & Central City Tramway offers regional shuttle service from nearby towns and casinos.
- By Air: Fly into Denver International Airport (DIA) and rent a car for a scenic mountain drive.
🏬 Where I like to stay in Central City, CO
- Grand Z Casino Hotel – Stylish casino hotel with live entertainment and mountain views.
- Century Casino & Hotel – Sleek modern rooms in the heart of historic Central City.
- Monarch Casino Resort Spa (nearby Black Hawk) – Upscale resort with spa services just minutes away.
😍 Best Things to Do in Central City, CO
1. Hidee Gold Mine
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"Explore an authentic gold mine and try your hand at panning."
The Hidee Gold Mine of Central City is located in the heart of the area known as Virginia Canyon-Glory Hole. This area is considered by many to be the world’s richest square mile. Visitors can join the Hidee Gold Mine Mining Tour led by a knowledgeable guide to learn more about the geology and mining history of the local area. Guests can also take part in gold panning with instruction at the Hidee Gold Mine, with the opportunity to mine for gold ore straight from the vein with a chisel and hammer, and visitors can keep what they find.
1950 Hidee Mine Rd, Central City, CO 80427, Phone: 720-548-0343
2. Central City Opera House
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"Enjoy world-class performances in a historic, elegant venue."
The mission of the Central City Opera House is “to sing extraordinary stories to spark imagination, inspire creativity, and open minds to the breadth of human experience. The opera company was established back in 1932 and is the nation’s fifth oldest professional opera company. The company is famous for its excellent, world-class performances, community engagement activities, robust and competitive training program for young artists, and creative educational activities. The jewel box, 550-seat Central City Opera House was constructed in 1878. The company actually maintains twenty-eight properties from the Victorian era. The opera house also hosts a summer festival every year.
124 Eureka St, Central City CO 80427, Phone: 303-292-6700
3. Gilpin History Museum
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"Discover local history through fascinating exhibits and artifacts."
The Gilpin History Museum is housed within a stone, two-story building constructed in the year 1870 that acted as a school for the area until 1968. The building was transformed into a history museum in 1970. The Gilpin History Museum is home to a collection showcasing the history of Central City and the surrounding Gilpin County, dating back from the 1860’s up to present day. Displays at the museum include a school room, a Mining Room, a replica of Main Street, the Mountain Submarine, and a variety of special exhibits throughout the year that all relate to the colorful history of the county.
228 E 1st High St, Central City, CO 80427, Phone: 303-582-5283
Attractions for Couples
4. Century Casino Central City
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"Experience exciting gaming and vibrant nightlife in a historic setting."
The Century Casino Central City has been voted as the Best Casino in the Denver area on Cityvoter.com since 2012. Century Casino is a dining, event, and gaming hub in the heart of Central City, Colorado. The casino and hotel first opened in the vibrant mountain community in 2006 and includes a covered garage for parking with a scenic sky bridge to the walkable and historic town, along with twenty-six well-appointed boutique-style guest rooms. The gaming floor of the casino provides the latest in video poker games and slots, as well as table games like roulette and craps.
102 Main St, Central City, CO 80427, Phone: 303-582-5050
5. Dostal Alley Brewpub & Casino
My top 5 😎 :
"Savor craft beers and enjoy casual gaming fun."
The Dostal Alley Brewpub & Casino is the smallest casino in Central City, but it is also possibly the casino with the most character. It has been considered to be a local joint for quite some time, particularly so after the Firehouse Casino closed down. Not only is Dostal Alley a casino, but it is also the only operating brewery in all of Gilpin County. Guests can play on sixty-three different slot machines, as well as video poker, all while sampling some of the best beer in Colorado. Dostal Alley Brewpub and Casino is a family-owned and operated brewery and casino.
116 Main St, Central City, CO 80427, Phone: 303-582-1610
6. Knights of Pythias Cemetery
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"Walk through historic graves and admire unique, ornate headstones."
The Knights of Pythias Cemetery is the final resting place of a number of members of the Knights of Pythias, the first fraternal organization in the United States to receive a charter from Congress in 1894. The cemetery just outside of Central City in Black Hawk, Colorado, is home to several older graves and amazing views in the background of the famous Rocky Mountains. There is also the remnant of a mining structure on the grounds of the Knights of Pythias Cemetery as well. The creation of the organization was inspired by a play about Damon and Pythias by John Banim.
Upper Apex Rd, Black Hawk, CO
Where to Eat in Central City, CO
7. Grand Bistro
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"Savor delicious cuisine in an upscale, cozy dining atmosphere."
The Grand Bistro is a fine dining bistro in Central City serving classic American cuisine using quality ingredients. The dishes are carefully prepared by experienced culinary experts, designed to create a dining experience that guests remember. A knowledgeable team offers excellent service, and can help guests choose a bottle of wine from the restaurant’s climate-controlled wine room. The Grand Bistro offers an intimate atmosphere to complement its selection of fine wine and a menu that includes a twist on classic favorites and an array of hand-cut steaks. The bistro is considered to be on of the finest in the city.
321 Gregory St, Central City, CO 80427, Phone: 303-582-0800
More Places to Eat in Central City, CO
- JKQ BBQ – Enjoy smoked meats and homemade sauces in a laid-back setting.
- Dostal Alley Brewpub & Casino – Grab a house-brewed beer and pizza in this family-owned local favorite.
- Millie's Restaurant – Cozy casino dining with classic American fare and hearty breakfasts.
🎟 My favorite local events:
- Central City Opera Festival (June–August) – World-class performances in a historic venue.
- Tommyknocker Mining Days (July) – Family-friendly festival with live music, games, and gold panning.
- Ghost Tours and Cemetery Crawls (October) – Spooky seasonal events showcasing haunted local lore.
🚙 My favorite day trips within 30 Minutes of Central City, Colorado:
- Black Hawk (5–10 min) – Neighboring casino town with upscale resorts and nightlife.
- Golden Gate Canyon State Park (20–25 min) – Hike forested trails, spot wildlife, or picnic in nature.
- Golden (30 min) – Tour Coors Brewery, hike Lookout Mountain, or visit Buffalo Bill’s Grave.
- Evergreen (30 min) – Enjoy lakeside strolls, shops, and mountain-town ambiance.
- Idaho Springs (25–30 min) – Soak in hot springs, explore Argo Mill, or grab a bite on Miner Street.
📔 I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
- Question: What are some key attractions in Central City, CO?
- Answer: Central City, CO is full of all kinds of activities to keep visitors busy during their stay. Visitors can explore the historic Central City Opera House, the Hidee Gold Mine, and the Gilpin County Museum.
- Question: What is the historical significance of Central City, CO?
- Answer: As a former camp for gold mining, the city is full of the history of the Old West.
Unique Attractions
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Cool temperatures and fewer crowds before summer.
Grand Z Casino Hotel – A stylish casino hotel with entertainment options.
Explore the Gilpin History Museum – Learn about Central City’s rich gold mining past.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and lively, great for sightseeing and outdoor adventures.
The Lodge Casino Hotel – A comfortable stay with gaming, dining, and entertainment.
Attend the Central City Opera Festival – Experience world-class opera performances in a historic setting.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air and stunning fall foliage.
Century Casino & Hotel – A cozy retreat in the heart of town.
Drive the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway – Enjoy breathtaking views of the changing aspen trees.
Winter (December-February) – Snowy and festive, great for a cozy mountain getaway.
Skye Cottage Bed & Breakfast – A charming and peaceful winter retreat.
Try Your Luck at the Casinos – Enjoy a warm and entertaining escape from the cold.
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