COME TO LIFE / Hit the Jackpot HIT THE JACKPOT Eat, Play, Stay & Explore Beyond the Casino Doors In 1859, prospector John H. Gregory panned nearly $1,000 of gold dust from a gulch 40 miles west of Denver in what became known as “The Richest Square Mile on Earth.” Indeed, the hills surround-ing the towns of Central City and Black Hawk yielded tons of the pre-cious metal, and fortune seekers hoping to share the bonanza descended on the region. A century and a half later, visitors still venture here looking for “gold” — this time from casinos. Colorado sports several gaming venues, ranging from enticing resorts with something for everyone (and lots of eat, play, stay options) to intimate gaming parlors. Less than an hour’s scenic drive from Denver, Central City and Black Hawk visitors tempt Lady Luck at limited-stakes blackjack, craps, roulette and poker tables as well as slot and video machines in 22 casinos. Farther south, Cripple Creek , another mining-turned-gambling town, is tucked in the mountains an hour from Colorado Springs with nine casinos. In all three towns, all variety of casinos are within a convenient walking distance, so you have the chance to try out different venues with ease. The state’s casinos recently increased betting limits to $100, added new games and began operating 24 hours a day. Each destination offers fine dining, luxurious hotels, historic mine tours and, most importantly, authentic slices of history. Casino revenue has helped preserve and restore the towns’ 19th-century charms and more than 600 other historic properties across Colorado. Today, you can stroll downtown Black Hawk past 100-year-old storefronts, catch a performance at the 140-year-old Central City Opera House or visit the Cripple Creek Heritage Center. FOUR CORNERS REGION Both of Colorado’s American Indian gaming areas are found near the history-rich Four Corners region in the southwestern part of the state. Table games, slots, year-round events and other offerings lure the lucky to the Sky Ute Casino Resort in Ignacio and the Ute Mountain Casino, Hotel & Resort in Towaoc, while nearby heritage attractions such as Mesa Verde National Park, Chimney Rock National Monument, the Trail of the Ancients Scenic & Historic Byway and Canyons of the Ancients National Monument beckon gamers on a break. It’s easy to stay here awhile; Sky Ute Casino Resort has a hotel on site, as well as four din-ing options, big-name acts and entertainment, including boxing and mixed martial arts. Ute Mountain also has a full vacation experience, with a number of events and acts held year-round. The on-grounds hotel, pottery factory, RV sites and the full-service restaurant make it a destination unto itself. 66 / COLORADO.COM CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: CRIPPLE CREEK, EFRAÍN M. PADRÓ; CENTRAL CITY OPERA HOUSE, MILES/ANDREA BUROLLA; HIDEE GOLD MINE, MILES/ANDREA BUROLLA; SKY UTE CASINO RESORT; CENTRAL CITY, MILES/ANDREA BUROLLA; CASINO, MILES/MATT INDEN.
Colorado Official State Vacation Guide 2018: Page 66
