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Cripple Creek

Cripple Creek, the county seat of Teller County, Colorado, is situated near the base of Pikes Peak, 44 miles (70.8 km) southwest of Colorado Springs. This historic city was designated as the National Historic Landmark in 1961. Cripple Creek, a former gold mining camp, has reinvented itself as a perfect tourist destination. It is rich in history and has played a significant role in the rich cultural heritage of Colorado.

The first homesteaders inhabited this district in the mid-1800s. The City is situated in the Thirty-nine Mile Volcanic Field and the core of an ancient volcano of 6 sq-miles (15.5 sq-km) served as the main gold-bearing area.  It was Bob Womack who discovered gold in this area in 1890 and changed the fate of the city forever. After $300 million in gold was mined, the golden era finally ended in 1918. In 1940s, the city of Cripple Creek started to promote itself as a place of tourist interest by offering visitors a glimpse into the past.

Cripple Creek also has a reputation of being one of the most haunted cities in the United States. There are a number of tales of spirits according to which the ghosts of those who died in mining accidents, floods, fires, and lawlessness wander this historic city. Cripple Creek also features several cultural events like Pony Express Races and Chili Cook-offs from May through October. Besides, the City also presents a 1200 seat outdoor concert venue with a number of concerts through the season.

The major tourist attraction in the city is the Pikes Peak Heritage Center. This magnificent building encompasses an area of nearly 11,000 sq-ft (1021.9 m2) and offers a number of educational displays. It also houses a large theater that features historical films about the area. Admission to the Heritage Center is free for all. Another point of tourist interest is the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine. It offers guided tours into an authentic gold mine. These tours are often led by a real gold miner. A narrow gauge train ride from Cripple Creek takes the tourists past several goldmines, small ghost towns, and a number of glory holes.

• Mailing Address: 337 E. Bennett Avenue, PO Box 430, Cripple Creek, CO  80813
• Telephone: (719) 689-2502
• Website: www.cripple-creek.co.us
  

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