5 BUSINESSES CELEBRATE 140 YEARS!

History in Leadville and Twin Lakes, Colorado, is the real deal. And this year five Lake County businesses are celebrating 140 years! Make sure you see these 5 history spots on your next trip to town.


TWIN LAKES:


1) THE TWIN LAKES INN & SALOON

Over the years, The Twin Lakes Inn & Saloon has been a stagecoach stop, a hotel, and a brothel. This winter, it’s making history by opening on weekends for the first time in five years. Come dine and stay at this former stagecoach stop Friday to Sunday from November to March. The Inn has even coined a new term—TWIN-ter—to celebrate all the fun things to do there.



Visit and hike around Twin Lakes, admire the view of Twin Peaks, explore the twin long-haul trails (Colorado Trail and Continental Divide Trail), and enjoy a milder winter than the area’s northern neighbor, Leadville, the Cloud City.

LEADVILLE:


2) SILVER DOLLAR SALOON

The Silver Dollar Saloon has an impressive list of past patrons. Outlaw “Doc” Holliday went there often. So did The Unsinkable Molly Brown and her husband JJ Brown, as well as Irish poet and playwright Oscar Wilde.


Come for a delicious lunch and late-night drinks! Be sure to see the original bars and 3/4″ diamond dust mirrors. Both came by train and covered wagon from St. Louis, Mo. And find the photo of a resident ghost that hangs on the wall.


3) HERALD DEMOCRAT

The Herald Democrat is one of Colorado’s oldest locally owned newspapers. A 1905 Duplex Printing Press still stands in the basement. Be sure to check the paper for local events and news for your visit! Read the Heritage Guide to discover the fascinating history of Leadville and Twin Lakes. Turn to the seasonal Discover Guide and the weekly Mountain Guide to find fun things to do throughout the valley!


4) TABOR OPERA HOUSE

Sense the spirit of the 1880s Silver Rush, in a majestic theater built by mining magnate Horace Tabor in just 100 days. New things are coming to the Tabor Opera House in 2020—scaffolding! The first phase of a multi-year, $10 million rehabilitation kicks off this spring. It’s part of a spirited effort to revitalize this historic opera house and create a center for diverse arts and culture in downtown Leadville. Make your plans now to visit next summer! Take in a world-class performance and book a tour, which lets you walk the storied stage yourself.


5) ST. VINCENT HOSPITAL

Founded by nuns who attended to injured miners, St. Vincent Hospital has a fascinating history. The original building, on Leadville’s east side, now houses condos. Last summer, St. Vincent General Hospital District broke ground on a new hospital that’s expected to be complete by the end of 2020. We hope you won’t need to visit the hospital while you’re in town! But if you do, rest assured you’ll have access to excellent healthcare 24 hours a day, 7 days per week.


MORE LEADVILLE HISTORY

Come see us this winter, and take a downtown Leadville walking tour.


Warm up at the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum while exploring the history of mining. Learn what Silver Rush life was like, at the Healy House Museum and Dexter Cabin, open Fridays and Saturdays this winter. Nordic ski or snowshoe the trails at the Leadville National Fish Hatchery, the second-oldest fish hatchery in the nation.


And explore our free groomed trails, which wind past historic mining structures. Bring your skis, snowshoes, or fat bikes for the Mineral Belt Trail. Bring all of those plus your snowmobile for the East Side Mining District. Both have spectacular views of history sites and the surrounding snow-covered peaks.



Visiting in spring, summer, or fall? Learn about more year ‘round history sites and tours in Leadville and Twin Lakes.

February 20, 2025
No matter when you visit Leadville and Twin Lakes, you’ll find yourself two miles above sea level (ok, technically 1.9 miles, but who’s counting?). When you visit in March, you’ll be even closer to the glorious Colorado sun because by this time of year, Leadville and Twin Lakes have typically received around two meters of snow! Yes, meters. Here are some great ways you can enjoy the abundant snow and sun! 1) HIT THE SLOPES AT SKI COOPER Like to ski or ride? Check out Ski Cooper for affordable access to uncrowded slopes. Cooper is open seven days a week through Sunday, April 13, 2025. To learn to ski or board or to improve your skills, sign up for lessons for the whole family. 2) RIDE THE TRAIN Hop aboard the Leadville Railroad Winter Express for a 2-hour train ride through some of the area’s most spectacular scenery. The Winter Express runs until April 13th, departing Thursdays through Saturdays at 1:00 p.m plus daily at 1:00pm during spring break from March 9th through March 29th. This is a popular attraction and reservations are required! Book your seats here . 3) GO SNOWMOBILING Snowmobile and ATV tours are a great way to explore Leadville’s historic East Side Mining District, Turquoise Lake Recreation Area and the surrounding hills. A variety of tour styles are available with options for experienced adventure seekers to beginners and families. Vroom, vroom! 4) GO DOGSLEDDING Want a spring break story that’ll make your friends jealous? Hop on a sled and let a team of energetic, tail-wagging huskies whisk you across the snow! You'll glide through stunning mountain scenery with your new four-legged crew leading the way. Dogsledding is a thrilling, unforgettable adventure—and fun for the whole family! 5) GO SNOW ZIPPING Have you ever wanted to zipline in the winter? Now’s your chance! Experience the thrill of our 2-hour Winter Mountain Zip Line Tour , where you’ll descend not one but six exhilarating zip lines, spanning over 8,000 feet of fun. Extend your adventure with the Zip Line and Snowmobile Combo Tour . Get the full scoop on rates, reservations, and restrictions here !
February 20, 2025
If you love deep snow, bluebird skies, and zero lift lines, the first two weeks of March in Leadville and Twin Lakes are calling your name. While other Colorado ski towns are packed this time of year, this high-altitude haven stays refreshingly quiet—meaning more powder, more solitude, and more space to explore safely. Whether you’re carving fresh turns at Ski Cooper, venturing into the pristine backcountry, or enjoying a peaceful après-ski with no wait at the bar, this is your chance to experience winter without the chaos.  But with all that extra room comes extra responsibility—so before you head into the untouched snow, let’s talk backcountry safety tips.
February 5, 2025
GIDDY UP! March 1-2, 2025 Every winter, Leadville transforms into a high-octane winter wonderland with the annual Leadville Ski Joring & Crystal Carnival Weekend . This two-day event is packed with adrenaline-pumping sports, winter races, and community fun. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a thrill-seeker, or simply looking for a unique winter experience, Leadville is the place to be! This weekend always draws a crowd! Book a place to stay today .
February 5, 2025
In Leadville and Twin Lakes, we want to help you fall head over heels (hopefully not literally) with winter in the mountains. Whether you’re exploring solo, surrounded by family and friends, or with your special someone, come to Leadville-Twin Lakes to spark or rekindle your love of winter.
February 5, 2025
Ah, February. That special time of year when you can’t remember what it feels like to be warm outdoors and spring is still oh so far away. It’s the worst, right?  At Leadville and Twin Lakes, we invite you to turn that February frown upside down and experience how amazing winter in Colorado can be (yes, even in February).
January 2, 2025
Fun in the Snow at Ski Cooper If you're searching for an authentic mountain experience filled with fun in the snow, Ski Cooper near Leadville, Colorado, is your perfect winter destination. Here's why this hidden gem stands out among Colorado's ski areas.
January 2, 2025
Fat biking has surged in popularity over the past decade, and nowhere is this more evident than in Leadville. With stunning mountain landscapes and groomed winter trails, Leadville has become a premier destination for fat biking enthusiasts. Its growing reputation helped bring the Fat Bike World Championships back to Colorado in 2024. This year, the event is staying in Colorado for a second year in a row, returning to Crested Butte (where it all started), marking its 10th anniversary. 
January 2, 2025
Hello outdoor adventurers! Winter fun in Leadville and Twin Lakes starts with knowledge and preparation—let’s make your adventures safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable.
December 23, 2024
While Leadville-Twin Lakes, Colorado, is known for abundant winter activities, it also offers plenty of great things to do inside. When you need a winter warmup, explore these off-the-beaten-path indoors options!
December 22, 2024
This year, be sure to visit Leadville and Twin Lakes, Colorado ! Here at the top of the Rockies, you’ll find a wide breadth of things to do outdoors and in our genuine and historic downtowns. While the list of possibilities is nearly endless, here are our top 12 reasons to visit in 2025!
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