Ghost Towns and Historical Places

Perhaps you've heard of such names as Doc Holliday, Bat Masterson, The "Unsinkable" Molly Brown of Titanic fame (Margaret Brown), Baby Doe Tabor, the Cole-Younger Gang, and "Soapy" Smith.  Surprisingly, all of these personalities and countless more just as famous, infamous (and even some not-so-famous), are an integral part of the amazing history of the Upper Arkansas Valley.

Untouched ruins, as well as restored ghost towns and mining camps, are found throughout the Valley.  If you're a hiker, mountain biker, ATV enthusiast or 4-wheeler, there are ruins left over from the mining boom era that are located in spectacular areas at elevations well over 12,000 - 14,000 feet above sea level.   Other locations, including the various Historical Districts like Twin Lakes and St. Elmo, can be easily accessed by passenger vehicle.  One of the nations most amazing engineering feats, the famous Alpine Tunnel (which brought the railroad from Buena Vista, through the ghost towns of St. Elmo, Romley and Hancock, and then through the mountain to Gunnison on the west portal) is accessible via the old railroad bed and is one of the State's most spectacular walking hikes.

Early development of Colorado was, in great part, the result of gold discoveries when literally thousands of hopeful prospectors flooded the area with pick and shovel - later when the gold boom passed, it was the silver boom that exploded.  As techniques improved, fortunes were made and paupers became millionaires overnight.   Lake County brags a newly paved biking/hiking trail that winds through restored mining gallows and ruins.  The Silver Kings self-tour can be made by auto, and explores many of the biggest producing mines in the Leadville area.

You can explore the history of the Upper Arkansas Valley in a number of ways:

• We carry an award-winning collection of videos that feature the Upper Arkansas Valley and the hardy souls who brought it to life.  These videos are a must-see before visiting the area.  They provide historical background to help appreciate the sites even more when you visit, as well as provide road and trail directions and conditions for pre-arrival planning.
• Jeep tours and guide services are available for those not experienced in trekking to the high elevations themselves, and offer spectacular trips to the high country that many will never see on their own.
• Jeep and ATV rentals are available for self guided touring.
• In-town tours of historical buildings and cemeteries are held throughout the Valley at various times throughout the year, and also lay claim to some of the very best heritage museums in the State.  The Delaware Hotel in Leadville, for example hosts its annual "Murder and Mayhem" tour in June... local historians host cemetery tours with colorful descriptions of those buried there...

• Southern Chaffee County boasts hosting The Lost Mine… one of only 13 historic mines in the State of Colorado open to the public for an amazing and educational tour inside, showing the crystals and caverns left behind from early day mining.
• The National Mining Hall of Fame is nationally recognized for its vast collection of books, displays, artifacts and tours which detail the amazing story of the nation's mining history from the early prospectors to modern day mining that continues today. Art, life-size replica mines, detailed models, antiques, interactive displays and a world class mineral collection are tastefully housed in a Victorian era, 70,000 square foot facility. Come and learn how mining affects you everyday. Our Hall of Fame features biographical sketches of individuals that have made an impact on mining. Stories include the school-boy playing hooky who discovered a gold mine to a mining engineer who later became the President of the US.
• Countless other tours are available throughout the Valley during all or part of each year, including the world famous Tabor Opera House, Healy House, Dexter Cabin, Matchless Mine, Lost Mine… the list is endless.

So if it's Colorado history you're looking for, you've found the very best Colorado has to offer!   If you'd like visitor packs from the area sent to you, please click here.  And we again remind you to check out our video/DVD collection ... "must-see's" if you're planning to visit OR if you're a Colorado history buff!

Want to escape to a more peaceful place?
The Upper Arkansas Valley was made for you.

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