Best things to do in Cripple Creek

Take a deep dive into the Rocky Mountains at Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine to find out more about the fascinating history of Colorado's gold rush days. Discovered by Mollie Kathleen Gortner in 1891, the mine produced gold for decades until 1961, when it was closed and turned into a seasonal tourist attraction. Don your hard hat and start your tour by descending 300 m (1,000 ft) underground. As you follow your miner/guide you'll see real gold veins and historic mining equipment. Finally, you'll get to ride aboard the air-powered tram-air locomotive. Back on the surface, more historic equipment and outbuildings wait to be explored.

The Cripple Creek District Museum is a museum located in Cripple Creek, Colorado. Founded in 1953 by Blevins Davis and Richard Wayne Johnson, the Museum has five historic buildings: The 1894 Colorado Trading & Transfer Company building, the 1895 Midland Terminal Depot that was used as a depot until 1949; a turn-of-the-century Assay Office, the former one-room home of French Blanche LeCroix from the Cripple Creek District town of Midway, and a miner's cabin circa 1890–1930.

Today the Museum has four living areas illustrating life in the Victorian Era, an Art Gallery, a 15-minute video on the Assay Process, and numerous displays exhibiting photographs, maps, newspapers, books, wagons, minerals, mining equipment, the history of businesses, lodges, churches and schools, thousands of furnishings and personal items belonging to former pioneers to the District, information on towns and camps within the District and Teller County, and a Museum Gift Shop with hundreds of books and unusual items.

Tackle the wicked whitewater on Colorado's supreme rafting river during a rafting and tubing trip from Buena Vista. Put on a wetsuit and paddle alongside your safety-minded guide, before charging down a foaming river cutting its way through Brown's Canyon and Royal Gorge. With a variety of trips to choose from, you can opt for the one that suits your skill level--from a family-friendly scenic float down mild waters, to action-packed adventure for fierce die-hard adrenaline seekers. Although no previous experience is necessary to take these half-day, full-day, and multi-day trips, there is an age limit (minimum age 6).

At Old Homestead House Museum, learn what life was like for the women who worked in a brothel. See bedspreads and handmade furniture in the restored 1896 brick house. At its heyday during Colorado's Gold Rush, the brothel bustled with activity attracting rich and powerful men who were willing to pay more than 80 times a miner's wage for a night with the madam Pearl DeVere's girls.

At Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center, experience the piercing gaze and spine-tingling howl of the dog's wild ancestor. Nestled in a scenic mountain setting, the center serves as a sanctuary for wolves, coyotes, and foxes. End the educational wildlife tour with the experience of a group "wolf howl." Note that you need to make online reservations for all tours, especially full-moon tours and volunteer opportunities. An "up-close and personal" photography session with several of the animals is also available for an additional fee.

Located inside one of the city’s most historical buildings, the Brass Ass Casino features old town street scene décor, including street lamps, western building facades and the original Cripple Creek lighted sign from H.H. Rosser’s Pool Hall. This Colorado casino is named after the painted wooden brass ass in the table games room – one of the original brass donkeys that launched boats with a well-placed kick at the 1893 World Exposition in Chicago.

The Brass Ass Casino offers live action Blackjack, High Five Poker, Craps, 3-Card Poker and Roulette. Tables are open 24 hours 7 days a week. It’s the oldest casino in Cripple Creek, but we offer the most up-to-date video poker and slot machines, plus the largest selection of nickel slots of any casino in town!

If you are looking for a quick bite to eat, check out the Miner’s Pick in the lower level of the Brass Ass. You can pick up a slice of pizza, freshly made salads, sandwiches and much more in just a few minutes. Pick from a great selection of specialty beverages and hot menu items. The Miner’s Pick is the best choice for those on the run!

The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the national park system for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.

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A popular Watchable Wildlife Area, Mueller is home to elk, black bear, hawks, and mule deer. Park visitors traverse the park’s numerous trails on foot, snowshoes, cross-country skis, horseback and mountain bike, depending on the season. A popular winter destination for snow shoeing.



Mueller also has two options to stay overnight. There are 132 campsites in the park; 17 of these are open for winter camping . The park also has three cabins for rent year-round.



Mueller State Park welcomes pets in campgrounds, picnicking, two sledding areas and along the park’s roads, but not on the hiking trails or in the backcountry. Mueller is a Watchable Wildlife Area. Keeping pets off of the trails increases the chances of visitors seeing the numerous species of wildlife in the park. Pets must be on a leash at all times unless they are in their tent, RV or personal vehicle.