Central City gives you the illusion that it is a big city in the U.S. state of Colorado, but no; there are only about a thousand people here! It is pure bliss and the perfect getaway for someone who enjoys the simple life, solitude and lots of peace. The opera night, an annual affair that brings together music aficionados under the city’s starry night sky is probably the only time that the city is flocked with people. Central City Opera is the fifth-oldest opera company in the United States and it has been around for decades, bringing to stage some brilliant shows and great singers. Central City itself is an Old West gold mining town narrating stories every step you take here. There are several cafes, pubs and restaurants run by locals and they all give you a quality experience! Before you start packing your bags, we figured it would be a good idea to give you a rundown of all the things to do in Central City, Colorado.
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1. Experience music at the Opera House
Founded in 1932, Central City Opera is the fifth oldest professional opera company in the country. The opera house itself was built in 1878 by Welsh and Cornish miners and town residents, who had a tradition of music. Since then, the opera house has attracted several popular artists, from theatre to film. The summers are special here when the opera house is kept cool by a creek which flows through a flume under the building. Come summer, the streets are filled with wonderful music, people celebrating the culture and many rejoicing the warmth and comfort of the town.
Central City Opera House
Address: 124 Eureka St, Central City, CO 80427
Website: Central City Opera House
2. Grab a pitcher at the Gold Coin Saloon
Central City was one of the many “boomtowns” of the old west, with discoveries of gold and silver, and a go-to bar for the townsfolk only makes sense. The salon is exciting because the vintage bar stools, the swinging doors, the photos on the wall and the paintings are all kept intact. It is literally like going back in time to the old’ west. It is the oldest bar in Colorado, opened in 1897, and now comes with a restaurant upstairs- Millie’s- that serves great food in a Victorian-inspired space. Maybe ask the locals about the men and women in the pictures? Those would be great stories!
Gold Coin Saloon
Address: 120 Main St, Central City, CO 80427
3. Explore the historical Hidee Gold Mine
Experience an operating gold mine and try your luck in finding some good old’ loot. The operators here give you a full experience in what it is like to be inside a mine; mine out precious chunks of gold ore and how it was processed, then and now. It’s something like you’ve never experienced before and it is only at Central City!
Hidee Gold Mine Tours and Panning
Address: 1950 Hidee Mine Rd, Central City, CO 80427
Website: Hidee Gold Mine Tours and Panning
4. Groove at the Lava Room
A small-town music room located in Reserve Casino, it gets busy over the weekends bringing music lovers from the town, and tourists alike under one roof. Swanky lights and a groovy floor adorn this place and bet there is nothing like this in your big city! They play everything from metal, rock to some smoother tunes.
Lava Room
Address: 21 Gregory St, Central City, CO 80427
5. Try your luck at Johnny Zs Casino
Johnny Zs Casino is Central City’s old-school place to try your luck, and it is 100% home-grown. Johnny Z’s, Z Casino, Grand Z, and the Z Stop gas and convenience stores are family owned and operated and are Colorado-proud. Their website literally says “We are not one of those out-of-state, big-box casinos, we are locally owned and our operations and style reflect Colorado.” And the ribs they serve are top-notch!
Johnny Zs Casino
Address: 132 Lawrence St, Central City, CO 80427
Website: Johnny Zs Casino
6. Feast at Millie's Restaurant
Close to Gold Coin Saloon, Millie’s Restaurant’s menu has a diverse selection of quality dishes made with great ingredients and are all a 100% Instagram-worthy! The Victorian decor is charming and you just feel at ease when you’re here, go back in time and dine like the royals used to!
Millie's Restaurant
Address: 120 Main St, Central City, CO 80427
Opening hours: Thu & Sun: 8am - 10pm; Fri & Sat: 8am - 11pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
7. Check out the artifacts at Gilpin County Museum
The Gilpin County Museum houses collections related to the history of Gilpin County, with exhibits focusing on life in and the people of Gilpin County from the 1860s to the present. You’ll get to see a Mountain Submarine, a recreated Main Street, the Mining Room, a schoolroom and more exciting displays. The submarine is the most interesting piece- it was built by Rufus Owen and has an interesting design. Owen and a few of his friends brought the sub up to Missouri Lake in 1898. They filled it up with three tons of rocks to use as ballast. The sub sat at the bottom of the Missouri Lake for several decades, until one January day in 1944 when it was brought back up
Gilpin County Museum
Address: 228 E 1st High St, Central City, CO 80427
Website: Gilpin County Museum
8. Pick up souvenirs at Mountain Goat Gallery
Mountain Goat Gallery is the perfect spot for souvenirs with a selection of brilliantly crafted platters, plates, glasses, Christmas ornaments, jewelry and gifts. Mary Bell, the artist of the house, is known for her unusual contemporary style and use of bright colors.
Mountain Goat Gallery
Address: 115 Main St, Central City, CO 80427
9. Go golfing in Ghost Town Course
A mountain-side golf course that is thrilling, quiet and like nothing else. It’s wild around, has tall trees, open landscapes and the sounds of happy birds. It’s called Ghost Town for a reason, but isn’t a great one! You’ll leave with happy and precious memories here.
Ghost Town Disc Golf Course
Address: 80427, 190 Russell Gulch Rd, Central City, CO 80427
Opening hours: 8:30am - 5pm (daily)
10. Find treasures at Mountain Menagerie
Another spot for souvenirs, Mountain Menagerie is another local store that sells second hand and vintage goodies, from glassware, toys to jewelry. The curators take special care to bring to the store products with character and a story; you’re sure to spend hours exploring every little item here. And, you won’t leave with an empty pocket here!
Mountain Menagerie
Address: 121 Main St, Central City, CO 80427
Website: Mountain Menagerie
Opening hours: 11:30am - 6:30pm (daily)
Live like a local in Central City
If you’ve dreamt of living in small towns that are short of absolutely nothing, Central City is your answer. From music to great food, bars to charming apothecaries, this town has got it all- plus a little more peace, satisfaction and contentedness! Pack a small bag, rent a cozy apartment and live like you’re a local during your trip. That’s the best advice we can give you.
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