Cripple Creek Historic District

Cripple Creek's historic district preserves the character of Colorado's last great gold rush. Bennett Avenue's brick buildings date primarily from rebuilding after devastating 1896 fires that destroyed most of the wooden structures. The district retains authentic mining town atmosphere at nearly 10,000 feet elevation.

Bennett Avenue

Main Street

The commercial heart of Cripple Creek. Two-story brick buildings line both sides, now housing casinos, restaurants, and shops. Original facades remain largely intact above street level.

Fires of 1896

Two fires four days apart destroyed most of the original wooden town. Rebuilt in brick within months—the buildings you see today date from that rapid reconstruction.

Key Landmarks

District Museum

Former Midland Terminal Railroad depot houses exhibits on mining history, town development, and the gold rush era. Essential for understanding what you're seeing.

Heritage Center

Additional museum space with rotating exhibits. Helps tell the full story of the Cripple Creek-Victor mining district.

Butte Opera House

Historic theater still hosting performances. Summer melodramas are a local tradition.

Walking Tour

Bennett Avenue is compact and walkable. Allow 1-2 hours to appreciate the architecture, visit museums, and poke into historic buildings now operating as businesses.

Tips

Look at upper floors. Casino renovations often preserve more original detail above street level.

Visit the museums. Context makes the buildings more meaningful.

Compare with Victor. The neighboring ghost town preserves more original character with fewer changes.