News

Get Out and Go: Cripple Creek or Bust!

  • Published
  • By Ann Patton
  • Academy Spirit staff writer
CRIPPLE CREEK, Colo. --  In 1892 a wandering cattleman fell into a small stream in Teller County and broke his leg. A nearby miner heard his shouts for help, and while aiding the injured cattleman, he, too, fell in the stream and broke a leg. 

The miner was purported to cry out, "Well, ain't that a Cripple Creek!" The name stuck. 

At nearly 9,500 feet in elevation, Cripple Creek's high valley was once little more than cattle pasture. 

That was before 1890 when Bob Womack discovered the first lode of rich gold ore, and the last great Colorado gold rush took off. 

In its mining heyday, Cripple Creek, which nearly became Colorado's state capital, had more than 50,000 residents. 

When the old underground mines gave up their last nuggets, Cripple Creek nearly became a ghost town, and the number of residents dropped to a few hundred.
After legalized limited stakes gambling was established in 1991, the city grew to a population of about 1,500 what it is today. 

But Cripple Creek, as a travel getaway, offers far more than just a chance to strike it rich at the poker and blackjack tables or in the spin of slot machine wheels. 

That is only one part of what travelers might experience in a day trip or during an overnight or two. 

For one, opportunities are plentiful for exploring Cripple Creek's history as a mining town. 

On a bluff off Hwy 67 overlooking the town is the Pikes Peak Heritage Center. Open every day and free, it is a must-see, especially for the younger set because of its interactive displays. 

Spread over three levels, the center offers glimpses into gold camp history, a gem and mineral collection, a scale model of the Mollie Kathleen gold mine, photographs depicting life in the gold camp and dioramas of native plants and animals. 

Across the road from the Heritage Center is the Molly Kathleen Mine, which youngsters would also especially enjoy. Visitors can descend 1,000 feet and tour its educational exhibits on the early days of mining. 

At the head of Bennett Avenue, Cripple Creek's "main drag," is the Cripple Creek District Museum, spread over four buildings, including the old Colorado Trading and Transfer Building, a welcome center, the Midland Terminal Railroad Depot and historic Assay Office. The museum houses authentic memorabilia, photographs, Victorian household items, minerals, clothing and special exhibits on the influential people of the mining district. 

A few steps away is the Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad. Steam-powered, the century-old train provides 45-minute narrated trips to a few of the abandoned gold mines, the ghost town of Anaconda and a sampling of the 5,000 prospector holes in the area. Under the Cripple Creek area are more than 2,600 miles of mine tunnels. 

At the Outlaws and Lawmen Jail Museum, visitors can get a taste of both sides of the law in the gold rush era by checking out the inside and outside of original jail cells and displays which depict the crimes of "madam, minister and miner alike." 

The Homestead House, called politely a "parlor house," is also open for visitors. Tour guides point out the opulent furnishings and fittings of the house where miners were provided with overnight entertainment. The restored house stands on Myers Ave., once the location of over 20 such houses offering similar services in the town's mining heyday. 

Throughout the year Cripple Creek hosts festivals, fairs and live entertainment, both indoors and outdoors. Probably its most famous is Donkey Derby Days in June, featuring live descendants of the beasts of burden which hauled ore from the mines. 

The city will honor military members Aug. 8-9 with ceremonies and multiple festivities suitable for families during its Cripple Creek Honors America's Armed Forces celebration. 

The restored Butte Opera House on Bennett Avenue offers musicals, mysteries and classic melodramas throughout most of the year. "Godspell" is playing through Sept. 26, and the melodrama "The Lost Soul of Cripple Creek" opens Oct. 2. 

For active visitors, the area of Cripple Creek and its sister city, Victor, offers a wealth of outdoor activities, including hiking, wildlife watching, birding and bicycling. 

Less active visitors can just "have a nice sit" on one of the many benches along Bennett Avenue and enjoy people watching. 

Shoppers can enjoy browsing stores offering clothing, souvenirs, sweets, toys, antiques and gifts, all scattered on or near Bennett Avenue. 

Visitors can choose from many types of overnight lodging in the area, some in hotels with casinos, others ranging from camping, bed and breakfasts and small motels to executive suites complete with private Jacuzzis. 

To get to Cripple Creek, take Hwy 24 west to Divide, turn on Hwy 67 to Cripple Creek.
Bus service through the Ramblin' Express is also available, with several pick-up points in Colorado Springs. 

Before heading out from home, be sure to pack a must-have item -- a camera.
For more information visit www.cripple-creek.co.us.