The historic town of Cripple Creek, Colorado sits on the southwest slopes of majestic Pikes Peak.

ore than 100 years ago, this charming community attracted tens of thousands of gold-seekers in search of fortune. The gold mines are a part of Cripple Creek's colorful history, and today, visitors can choose from a variety of many rich and wonderful experiences here.

1. At its height in 1900, the Cripple Creek Mining District held 55,000 people. By the end of the gold rush, area mines had produced $432 million in gold.

Pikes Peak Heritage Center
This free educational facility offers visitors an opportunity to learn about the region's history, flora, fauna, dinosaurs, geology, local and regional attractions and recreation. Start your visit to the area here and you'll be ready to spend the rest of your days exploring.

The Butte Theater
is a part of the rich heritage of Cripple Creek. Year-round entertainment in a beautifully refurbished historic theatre features a melodrama, many plays, musicals and comedies. Visitors may enjoy the matinee or evening productions.

Cripple Creek District Museum Located in the heart of Cripple Creek in the former Midland-Terminal Railroad Depot, the museum complex contains three buildings with six floors of mining memorabilia, maps, paintings, furnishings, an assay office, a photograph gallery, mineral displays and two Victorian apartments.

Molly Kathleen Mine Tour
A spectacular adventure awaits visitors on the nation's only historic gold mine tour. Visitors descend 1,000 feet below ground, and learn about the workings of the 1890s hard rock gold miner. Guided tours show visitors how gold veins appear in their natural state and explains the processes used to extract the gold ore for production.

Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad
A ride on the train through beautiful mountain scenery and the historic gold mining district will be a highlight for explorers of all ages. The trip features traveling on a steam locomotive that winds four miles, stopping at special points of interest and photo opportunities.