EXPLORE TWO GENUINE & HISTORIC MOUNTAIN TOWNS

Come to Leadville and Twin Lakes, Colorado, and discover two genuine and historic mountain towns. Off the beaten path and full of rich history, they give a glimpse into the Colorado of days gone by. Explore the many things to do!



VISIT THE MUSEUMS

Tour these museums to learn more about mining and Leadville’s intriguing history:


  • Healy House Museum and Dexter Cabin: See how wealthy miners experienced Leadville during the silver boom days.
  • Heritage Museum: Discover Leadville memorabilia and fascinating facts about this mining town.
  • House with the Eye: Experience day-to-day life of upper middle-class Leadville in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
  • National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum: Learn the story of mining from yesterday to tomorrow, see a world-class gem and mineral collection, walk through life-sized mine replicas, and much more.
  • Tabor Home: Tour the home of mining magnate Horace Tabor and his first wife, Augusta.
  • Temple Israel: Learn about pioneer Jewish life, Leadville’s resident Jews, Temple Israel as a synagogue, and life in a mining town in the 1880s and 1890s.



SHOP LOCAL

Browse the shops in downtown Leadville—find antiques, clothes, art, books, gifts, and much more. In Twin Lakes village, discover a local art gallery and a general store from 1879, now full of modern souvenirs and supplies. : @mountain_dogs_leadville


ENJOY SCENIC DRIVES

All roads to Leadville and Twin Lakes are part of the Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway. See miles and miles of mountaintops atop Independence Pass, between Twin Lakes and Aspen. Make the twisting drive to the pass at 12,095’, and you’ll know why they call it the top of the Rockies! : @adesri_photography on Instagram


RIDE THE TRAIN

The Leadville, Colorado and Southern Railroad takes you high into alpine wilderness with stunning mountain views. Check out the 2021 specials—wildflower rides, BBQ specials, and fall photo weekends. Reserve a booth in the new heated lounge car or book a leg of your trip in the engine or caboose. Or combine your ride with a zipline or whitewater rafting tour! : @dramanat7 on Instagram


TAKE A HISTORY TOUR

  • Matchless Mine: Hear the riches-to-rags story of the Tabors, peer down the shaft of the mine that fueled the Tabor fortune, and see the cabin where Baby Doe Tabor lived out her years.
  • Tabor Opera House: See pieces from one of the finest collections of historic stage scenery in North America, which date to 1879 and were discovered at the Tabor in 2020.


TAKE A HISTORIC WALKING TOUR

Grab a map for a walking tour of Leadville’s National Historic Landmark District and marvel at its late 1800s Victorian architecture. The historic walking tour of Twin Lakes Village takes you to an old schoolhouse, dance hall, hotel, and more.


The Leadville/Lake County Visitor Center or the Twin Lakes Red Rooster Visitor Center have maps, which are also available online. : @jagralewski


FOLLOW THE ROUTE OF THE SILVER KINGS

On the Route of the Silver Kings, discover mining treasures. Tour Leadville’s East Side Mining District by car. Or rent a mountain bike or hike these quiet country roads past original mining equipment from the late 1800s.


EAT AND DRINK

Fill your belly with delicious food and drink. Choose from American fare, locals’ favorite pizza, tasty Mexican food, Cuban coffee and sandwiches, and much more. Dine or sip on a rooftop with mountain and town views, a sunny sidewalk table, a historic diner or saloon, or a renovated Victorian-era building.


ATTEND A CONCERT OR PLAY

FREIGHT Leadville is hosting a series of concerts and plays this summer. Check our events calendar for these dates and other events; we will update throughout the summer!


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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