Cripple Creek produced more gold than any other district in Colorado. The 1890s boom created a city of 50,000 at 9,494 feet elevation. Today about 1,100 residents remain, but the Victorian buildings now house casinos and the mining heritage draws visitors.
The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine offers tours 1,000 feet underground in a real gold mine. The Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad runs scenic trips through the mining district. Downtown casinos fill the historic buildings along Bennett Avenue.
Located southwest of Colorado Springs, Cripple Creek is Colorado's third gambling town. The drive via Highway 67 climbs through dramatic mountain scenery. Combined with nearby Victor, this is authentic Colorado mining country.