If you’re craving a slice of Gold Rush history on your Colorado vacation, there may be no better destination than this small town nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Located a mere 32 miles west of Denver and just off of I-70, Idaho Springs is the pinnacle of Colorado mountain charm. It’s also the site where the Colorado Gold Rush began.
In 1859, camped at the intersection of Clear Creek and Chicago Creek, George Jackson was stunned to find gold at the bottom of his cup after melting snow for water. Word of the earth’s riches soon spread, and a mere few months later, a settlement of 400 people sprang up to accommodate the gold hunters.
And so began the intrepid story of this historic destination in the Rockies, as if straight from an Old Western film. Today, Idaho Springs has grown to become a flourishing, walkable community that beckons outdoor adventure seekers and history buffs alike with its rejuvenating hot springs, thriving beer scene, and charming Victorian architecture. Though it’s a small town of just under 2,000 residents, it’s big on things to do.
Hot springs, breweries, and Rocky Mountain mining history
One of the best parts about a visit to Idaho Springs is that, due to its historic layout, you don’t need a car to access its most alluring attractions. For example, one of the must-do activities here is a visit to the Indian Hot Springs, just a few minutes walk from the town center. This resort — which has been around since the 19th century — contains a spa full of mineral-rich geothermal springs. Open year-round, you can bathe in the waters inside a verdant greenhouse or in the natural caves. These, along with the healing hot springs in Carbondale, are just a few of the many therapeutic waters that Colorado’s Rockies have to offer.
After your soak, you can stroll back to the historic center to enjoy a leisurely afternoon on Miner Street, the town’s main pedestrian thoroughfare and site of most of the action. Pop your head into countless charming local boutiques, and stop for lunch at one of Idaho Springs’ craft breweries. Tommyknocker Brewery is one of its most established, offering pub fare with a charming Old West aesthetic that harkens back to the town’s mining roots. Preserved Victorian buildings comprise most of the downtown area, lending it a quaint time-capsule feel. Check out the Underhill Museum, a Victorian brick building that housed the director of Idaho Springs’ historic mine until the mid-1900s. If you’re a fan of Idaho Springs’ feel, you can find more Old West charm in the high-desert Colorado gateway town of Montrose.
Arriving and lodging in Idaho Springs
