Idaho Springs Guidebook by Uplifted Hospitality
Things to do!
Situated in Historic Idaho Springs in the heart of Colorado Gold Country sits the Mighty Argo Mill and Tunnel, one of the most striking and prominent Heritage Landmarks in the American West. The Argo is a central character in the story of the Colorado gold-rush, and remains one of the largest, most well-preserved historic gold mills in the world.
Tripadvisor® recommends the Argo Mill and Tunnel Tour as the #1 thing to do in Idaho Springs for its history, authenticity, and hands-on experience.
61 locals recommend
Argo Mill and Tunnel
2350 Riverside DrSituated in Historic Idaho Springs in the heart of Colorado Gold Country sits the Mighty Argo Mill and Tunnel, one of the most striking and prominent Heritage Landmarks in the American West. The Argo is a central character in the story of the Colorado gold-rush, and remains one of the largest, most well-preserved historic gold mills in the world.
Tripadvisor® recommends the Argo Mill and Tunnel Tour as the #1 thing to do in Idaho Springs for its history, authenticity, and hands-on experience.
"White water rafting right through town! Our little city offers big adventure - we have rapids for beginner to advanced on Clear Creek as well as high-flying fun on ZIPLINE and via ferrata tours! Check out trip advisor for guide groups and reviews, several awesome companies to choose from!"
37 locals recommend
Clear Creek Canyon Park
U.S. 6"White water rafting right through town! Our little city offers big adventure - we have rapids for beginner to advanced on Clear Creek as well as high-flying fun on ZIPLINE and via ferrata tours! Check out trip advisor for guide groups and reviews, several awesome companies to choose from!"
"Cute gift shop + mining museum. They're very helpful if you need more suggestions on the mountain scene!"
25 locals recommend
Idaho Springs Visitor Center
2060 Miner St"Cute gift shop + mining museum. They're very helpful if you need more suggestions on the mountain scene!"
Little Bear Bicycle Outfitters
1742 Miner Street"E-bike rentals!"
"Casinos! Just over 15 minutes away, tucked in the mountains, lives the historic towns of Blackhawk and Central City. An area steeped in history, you'll find fabulous victorian-era homes and saloons, towering new casinos, and so much more. This visit is best suited for those over 21, as kiddos aren't allowed in the casinos. Good Luck!"
211 locals recommend
Black Hawk
"Casinos! Just over 15 minutes away, tucked in the mountains, lives the historic towns of Blackhawk and Central City. An area steeped in history, you'll find fabulous victorian-era homes and saloons, towering new casinos, and so much more. This visit is best suited for those over 21, as kiddos aren't allowed in the casinos. Good Luck!"
Sightseeing
This short but intermediate hike offers spectacular views of the mountains and breathtaking views once you reach the lake. Please look this hike up for more information before attempting to go. During winter months, snowshoeing and backcountry skiing are popular here. Just keep in mind the road will be snow packed and icy at times.
148 locals recommend
St. Mary's Glacier
7599 Fall River RoadThis short but intermediate hike offers spectacular views of the mountains and breathtaking views once you reach the lake. Please look this hike up for more information before attempting to go. During winter months, snowshoeing and backcountry skiing are popular here. Just keep in mind the road will be snow packed and icy at times.
Want to climb a 14er? Colorado has 58 mountain peaks that exceed 14,000 ft. These hikes should only be attempted by experienced and knowledgeable hikers. Always research a trail before attempting to hike it.
34 locals recommend
Mount Bierstadt
Want to climb a 14er? Colorado has 58 mountain peaks that exceed 14,000 ft. These hikes should only be attempted by experienced and knowledgeable hikers. Always research a trail before attempting to hike it.
Not into hiking but want to see the views from a 14er? (A mountain peak that exceeds 14,000 ft) You can drive up Mount Evans, the highest paved road in North America! The road is only open seasonally, and timed tickets have to be purchased in advance.
259 locals recommend
Mount Evans
Not into hiking but want to see the views from a 14er? (A mountain peak that exceeds 14,000 ft) You can drive up Mount Evans, the highest paved road in North America! The road is only open seasonally, and timed tickets have to be purchased in advance.
"An easy stroll to visit the Bridal Veil Falls Waterfall and Water Wheel. Head South on 17th Street- just a block off Miner Street. Starting at Harold Anderson Park, you’ll want to take a gander at Locomotive #60, one of five remaining steam engines that ran on the narrow gauge rails of the Colorado and Southern Railway. Kids will love the train and the other sites along this short jaunt.
The Charlie Taylor Waterwheel Trail leads under Interstate 70 then goes west for about 1/10th of a mile before it arrives at the best viewing area for Bridal Veil Falls. The waterfall spills out of Soda Creek high above, making its way then into Clear Creek, a stream famous for its gold, river rafting, and Coors Beer. The water wheel that’s just north of Bridal Veil Falls was built in the late 1800’s by a local miner, Charlie Taylor. Taylor used the water wheel to drive a machine called a stamp mill–imagine a big hammer that grinds and crushes rock to get silver and gold ore out of it. It was relocated from Ute Creek to its present location by a group of volunteers in the 1980’s and now belongs to the Idaho Springs Historical Society."
11 locals recommend
Charlie Tayler Water Wheel
Interstate 70"An easy stroll to visit the Bridal Veil Falls Waterfall and Water Wheel. Head South on 17th Street- just a block off Miner Street. Starting at Harold Anderson Park, you’ll want to take a gander at Locomotive #60, one of five remaining steam engines that ran on the narrow gauge rails of the Colorado and Southern Railway. Kids will love the train and the other sites along this short jaunt.
The Charlie Taylor Waterwheel Trail leads under Interstate 70 then goes west for about 1/10th of a mile before it arrives at the best viewing area for Bridal Veil Falls. The waterfall spills out of Soda Creek high above, making its way then into Clear Creek, a stream famous for its gold, river rafting, and Coors Beer. The water wheel that’s just north of Bridal Veil Falls was built in the late 1800’s by a local miner, Charlie Taylor. Taylor used the water wheel to drive a machine called a stamp mill–imagine a big hammer that grinds and crushes rock to get silver and gold ore out of it. It was relocated from Ute Creek to its present location by a group of volunteers in the 1980’s and now belongs to the Idaho Springs Historical Society."
Food scene
A Colorado tradition since 1994. Tommyknockers is a local brewery and pub serving up delicious food and drinks.
Tommyknocker Brewery
A favorite local brewery with awesome food and delicious beer. We love the portobello mushroom sandwich with sweet potato fries- and the fish and chips are amazing. Looking for a unique souvenir? Grab a six-pack to go!
75 locals recommend
Tommyknocker Brewery
1401 Miner StA Colorado tradition since 1994. Tommyknockers is a local brewery and pub serving up delicious food and drinks.
Tommyknocker Brewery
A favorite local brewery with awesome food and delicious beer. We love the portobello mushroom sandwich with sweet potato fries- and the fish and chips are amazing. Looking for a unique souvenir? Grab a six-pack to go!
"Home of the famous "Colorado Mountain Pie". Generous yummy crust pairs beautifully with honey. So good!"
117 locals recommend
Beau Jo's Idaho Springs
1517 Miner St"Home of the famous "Colorado Mountain Pie". Generous yummy crust pairs beautifully with honey. So good!"
Great spot for breakfast in downtown Idaho Springs. It's small and sometimes there's a wait, but the food is delicious and worth the wait.
38 locals recommend
Main Street Restaurant
1518 Miner StGreat spot for breakfast in downtown Idaho Springs. It's small and sometimes there's a wait, but the food is delicious and worth the wait.
A local brewery with a hip atmosphere. Definitely a great place to grab a craft beer and some delicious food.
70 locals recommend
Westbound & Down Brewing Company
1617 Miner StA local brewery with a hip atmosphere. Definitely a great place to grab a craft beer and some delicious food.
In the summer there is a line around the corner for this place. I recommend whatever the daily special is, or the pulled pork sandwich! So good!
68 locals recommend
Smokin Yard's BBQ
2736 Colorado BlvdIn the summer there is a line around the corner for this place. I recommend whatever the daily special is, or the pulled pork sandwich! So good!
Shopping
Great boutique located in downtown Idaho Springs. Find unique gifts and souvenirs, mountain decor, and more!
22 locals recommend
Wild Grape
1435 Miner StGreat boutique located in downtown Idaho Springs. Find unique gifts and souvenirs, mountain decor, and more!
"On historic Miner Street you'll find an emporium of fine spices, teas, gifts, and more. We love this little shop for inspiration with cooking :)"
13 locals recommend
The Spice & Tea Exchange of Idaho Springs
1634 Miner St"On historic Miner Street you'll find an emporium of fine spices, teas, gifts, and more. We love this little shop for inspiration with cooking :)"
Needing some outdoor gear? This is a great local spot to pick-up last-minute items for all things outdoors.
29 locals recommend
Clear Creek Outdoors
1446 Miner StNeeding some outdoor gear? This is a great local spot to pick-up last-minute items for all things outdoors.
Our local grocery store and pharmacy if you need anything during your stay!
60 locals recommend
Safeway
2425 Miner StOur local grocery store and pharmacy if you need anything during your stay!