Lake County (Leadville & Twin Lakes) offers
A western history still alive like no other place in the United States
- See where Doc Holliday had his last shoot-out with Billy Allen.
- Take the family to see the amazing remaining Ore Bin at the IBEX where the "Unsinkable Molly Brown" and her husband J.J. made their fortunes.
- Take the Matchless Mine tour...perhaps the most famous silver mine in the nation where the Tabor legacy lives on.
- There's no self guided auto tour in the nation like the one you can take through Leadville's historic mining district...see what's left of Finntown, Stumpftown, Adelaide Park, and countless mine ruins like the IBEX, Fortune, Monarch, Minnie (where Guggenheim made millions), Moyer (where the ghost of Gallagher still allegedly haunts the area), Denver City (one of the few mines to escape the murderous mining strike of 1896), and countless others.
- The Tabor Opera House, once it was the largest operating opera house west of the Mississippi. See the still-functioning trap door where Houdini performed his famous disappearing act, and the square that held the ring posts for bare knuckle boxing.
- The Healy House, a completely restored 1880's home and the Dexter Cabin where millionaire James Dexter entertained his wealthy friends, playing $1,000 poker hands.
- Interlaken, the large resort built for the rich and famous, has been restored by the U.S. Forest Service and Colorado Historical Society and makes for a great and easy hike around Twin Lakes to visit it. Folks from Leadville took carriages down to Twin Lakes, then a steam boat ride across the lake to begin their vacation. Don't miss seeing the 6 sided out-house, claimed to be among the first "private" privy services in the area with a private key to each one for Interlaken guests.
- The Heritage Museum which features the largest display of 10th Mountain - Camp Hale memorabilia
- The National Mining Hall of Fame, which has some of the most amazing displays in the country like it's 24 ounce gold nugget, and it's walk-through mine showing how mining evolved in the country.
- The famous Tabor Home which once sat on Harrison Ave, but was moved by Tabor to accommodate the building of his soon-to-be-famous Tabor Opera House.
An outdoor bonanza for the entire family
- The nationally recognized 12.5 mile Mineral Belt Trail...a paved, non-motorized hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing trail through the spectacular historic mining district which can be accessed at numerous places throughout the area.
- Year round fishing including Turquoise and Twin Lakes where record trout are harvested on a regular basis by avid fishermen.
- Some of the best trophy elk and deer hunting exists in Lake County, with massive elk and deer herds numbering in the hundreds.
- Four wheel drive, ATV and snowmobile trails are in abundance in Lake County.
And a multitude of other activities
- Take the three hour (open or closed car) train ride up Fremont Pass on the Leadville Colorado Southern Railroad for some of the most spectacular scenery in the country.
- Relax or play in our beautiful heated aqua center.
- It's reported your drives will go 10% further than at sea level at the Mt. Massive Golf Course, the nation's highest golf course, with spectacular views.
- Leadville and Twin Lakes tout some of the finest antique and collectables shopping in the country. Include apparel, jewelry, and a multitude of other gifts and you'll spend more than a day visiting all these amazing stores.
Dining and Lodging
Amazingly, Leadville and Lake County feature some of the finest restaurants, hotels, motels, Victorian and other Bed & Breakfasts in the country. More information about places to stay and places to dine can be found in our Business Directory under the appropriate categories. On-line reservations for lodging are available with most Lake County establishments.
