2018-12-10 07:02:39
Colorado’s historic districts are windows into some of the state’s most enchanting, legend-filled towns. Uncover fantastic Colorado lore with these walkable historic districts in just a few of the state’s heritage areas. NORTH CENTRAL: 111 MILES @dconvertini Laden with silver deposits, the Georgetown and Silver Plume area quickly became known for its ability to make people wealthy during Colorado’s mining heyday. Today, the area is still rich with one thing: history. Stroll Victorian Georgetown’s main street, hop on the Georgetown Loop Railroad and tour the preserved 1800s Hotel De Paris Museum and Hamill House Museum. The Downtown Denver Historic District encompasses 43 architecturally or historically significant buildings. A walk among the warehouse and mercantile buildings showcases the present-day shopping and dining quarter’s late-19thcentury roots. Ride a trolley to the lively Fort Collins Historic District — said to have inspired Disneyland’s Main Street USA. Old Town’s pedestrian mall is filled with independently owned bookstores, galleries, eateries and shops housed in 23 buildings that are part of national and local designated historic districts. You’re also just a short drive from Greeley and Loveland, both of which have walkable downtown areas great for grabbing a beer and some lunch. SOUTH CENTRAL: 151 MILES @Charles Mühle The United States’ highest incorporated city, Leadville sits at 10,152 feet and boasts a 70-square-block National Historic Landmark District and a 20-square-mile preserved mining district. Take the historic walking tour and see 50 buildings dating back to 1870. Salida is a popular rafting and mountain-biking community sitting near the headwaters of the Arkansas River and is home to Colorado’s largest historic district. Take a walking tour of downtown Salida and visit detailed brick Victorian buildings. Crested Butte’s entire downtown is a registered National Historic District. Wander Elk Avenue and stop into the brightly colored restored mining-era buildings turned boutique shops, settle in at a cozy pub to sample some of the state’s finest brews, and visit the Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum. SOUTHWEST: 208 MILES Durango’s attractive mix of Old West and Southwest flourishes in the downtown registered National Historic District. Visit the district’s restaurants, brewpubs, art galleries, shops and boutique hotels, including the landmark Strater Hotel, where Louis L’Amour wrote the Sackett series. Silverton was in the heart of one of the richest silver-mining regions of Colorado when it was founded in 1871. Today, many travelers arrive via the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad to tour the town’s mines and heritage center and gaze at Victorian-era delights like the Grand Imperial Hotel. More than 200 Victorian-era houses and cabins, churches, shops and public buildings in Lake City give testament to the tiny town’s role in settling the American West. Stop by the Lake City Museum to pick up a walking tour that will plunge you deep into this mountain town’s history. SEE MORE AT COLORADO.COM/HISTORICDISTRICTS.
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