Tucked amid a scenic swath of Colorado wilderness, the Last Chance Mine dates from 1891 and preserves a complex of historic structures that hark back to the past. Immerse yourself in the mining history of the area as you explore underground tunnels and attractions, including the Amethyst Vein, and embark on guided tours led by knowledgeable guides. Don mining apparel and set out on your own hunt for Sowbelly Agate, amethyst crystals, native silver, and other minerals. Peruse historical mining equipment at the on-site museum and visit the gift store to pick out some memorabilia to remember your trip.
Carved by volcanic activity, the imposing peaks and jagged tuffs of the Wheeler Geologic Area are a marvel to behold. Adventure enthusiasts will revel in the thrilling 4x4 route meandering across a challenging terrain, while those inclined to hiking can traverse tracks such as the East Bellows Creek Trail and the Wason- Wheeler Trail among others. Volcanic fields, a smattering of greenery, geological wonders, and sloping inclines comprise the surrounding landscape, offering visitors a chance to admire the stunning scenery that defines the area.
Explore Creede's mining district through a drive along the Bachelor Loop Interpretive Tour, a trail that offers the opportunity to learn about the area's mining history through interpretative sites scattered across the length of the loop road. In addition to age-old sites frozen in time, you can also admire the natural scenery that unfolds along the track, revealing rugged cliffs, smatterings of pine groves, and splendid rock formations. Along with the mining sites, visitors can also tour the ghost towns located along the interpretative route.
The historical gold and silver boom of Colorado hugely benefited silver mining in Creede. When silver was found in 1889, miners flocked to this quaint town and mining was the sole industry to prosper until 1985 when the Bulldog Mine was decommissioned. When the idea for an underground fire station was put forth by Bob Louth, people warmed up to the plan and this resulted in the conceptualization of the Underground Mining Museum. In the early 1990s, local miners began mining a rock cliff and once mining was completed, artifacts and minerals were placed in this underground mine. The community center was built to draw in locals and visitors to increase tourism. The museum displays the tools and equipment used for mining in the 1800s and is a splendid tourist attraction for visitors curious to follow the tunnels of the mine just as the miners in the early days would.
To gain a deeper insight into Creede's past and its rich history, drop by the Creede Historical Society Museum & Library dedicated to preserving the culture of the town in the form of numerous antiques, vintage equipment, artifacts, photographs, and other mementos. Within the confines of the Historic Rio Grande Railroad Depot, the museum features several informative exhibits that enable visitors to understand the lifestyle of the inhabitants as it prevailed in decades' past and peruse the records that detail the nuances of the area's history. You can also explore the on-site gift shop and pick souvenirs of your choice to carry home.
History abounds in every corner of Creede, and its vibrant Downtown is no exception. Quaint houses, historic stores and establishments, and longstanding landmarks define the cultural tapestry of this bustling area. You will also find a mosaic of galleries showcasing stunning art, museums displaying exhibits that trace the town's history, stores purveying quirky souvenirs, and restaurants offering the best of local fare. Prominent attractions in the area include the time-honored Creede Repertory Theatre and the historic Rio Grande Railroad Depot, which houses the Creede Historical Society Museum.
Discover the history of Lake City at the Hinsdale County Museum on North Silver Street. The modest museum has a collection of archives and artifacts displaying the history of the region. Browse through old photographs as the museum volunteers tell you tales from the city’s past. From the history of the mining industry, to that of tourism, the exhibits here are diverse. The walking tours offered by the museum are a hit amidst guests. Open from Memorial Day until September between 10:00a and 05:00p from Monday to Saturday and 01:00p to 04:30p on Sundays, the facility is a must-visit when in Lake City.
Tucked amid a scenic swath of Colorado wilderness, the Last Chance Mine dates from 1891 and preserves a complex of historic structures that hark back to the past. Immerse yourself in the mining history of the area as you explore underground tunnels and attractions, including the Amethyst Vein, and embark on guided tours led by knowledgeable guides. Don mining apparel and set out on your own hunt for Sowbelly Agate, amethyst crystals, native silver, and other minerals. Peruse historical mining equipment at the on-site museum and visit the gift store to pick out some memorabilia to remember your trip.
Carved by volcanic activity, the imposing peaks and jagged tuffs of the Wheeler Geologic Area are a marvel to behold. Adventure enthusiasts will revel in the thrilling 4x4 route meandering across a challenging terrain, while those inclined to hiking can traverse tracks such as the East Bellows Creek Trail and the Wason- Wheeler Trail among others. Volcanic fields, a smattering of greenery, geological wonders, and sloping inclines comprise the surrounding landscape, offering visitors a chance to admire the stunning scenery that defines the area.
Explore Creede's mining district through a drive along the Bachelor Loop Interpretive Tour, a trail that offers the opportunity to learn about the area's mining history through interpretative sites scattered across the length of the loop road. In addition to age-old sites frozen in time, you can also admire the natural scenery that unfolds along the track, revealing rugged cliffs, smatterings of pine groves, and splendid rock formations. Along with the mining sites, visitors can also tour the ghost towns located along the interpretative route.
Spanning across more than a million acres (7,52,715 hectares), the Rio Grande National Forest spills over into close to nine counties of Colorado. A verdant paradise that conceals within itself the fertile land of the San Luis Valley, the forest is further divided into the wilderness areas of La Garita, Sangre de Cristo, South San Juan, and the Weminuche Wilderness. Throughout the year, the region delights visitors with breathtaking landscapes and ample of recreational opportunities. During summers, the forest is covered in a carpet of wildflowers, while autumn transforms the terrain into a palette that's rich with earthy hues. A snowy cloak engulfs the national forest when winter is at its peak, thus beckoning avid skiers to its frigid yet adventurous environs.
The historical gold and silver boom of Colorado hugely benefited silver mining in Creede. When silver was found in 1889, miners flocked to this quaint town and mining was the sole industry to prosper until 1985 when the Bulldog Mine was decommissioned. When the idea for an underground fire station was put forth by Bob Louth, people warmed up to the plan and this resulted in the conceptualization of the Underground Mining Museum. In the early 1990s, local miners began mining a rock cliff and once mining was completed, artifacts and minerals were placed in this underground mine. The community center was built to draw in locals and visitors to increase tourism. The museum displays the tools and equipment used for mining in the 1800s and is a splendid tourist attraction for visitors curious to follow the tunnels of the mine just as the miners in the early days would.