1) DOWNTOWN MUSEUMS
Plan a full day to explore Leadville’s many museums and learn the area’s intriguing history.
- Healy House and Dexter Cabin – Take a guided tour through a lavishly restored Victorian home built by August Meyer for his bride and a plush 1870s log cabin built by James Dexter, Colorado’s first millionaire. Then spend some time in the gardens taking in the views of Leadville from their hilltop location.
- National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum & Matchless Mine– Called “the Smithsonian of the Rockies,” this 25,000’ space lets you explore mining’s past, present, and future. Museum ticket price includes a visit to the Matchless Mine & Baby Doe’s Cabin where you can take self-guided surface tour of the mine and learn about the Tabor saga.
- Temple Israel – Learn about pioneer Jewish life in this frontier synagogue turned museum. Take time to talk to the historian staff members who have an abundance of knowledge about Leadville’s past.
- Heritage Museum – Featuring a diorama timeline of Leadville’s history, a replica of the 1895 Ice Palace and collection of 10th Mountain Division memorabilia learn about the miners and Victorian lifestyle of the past.
2) HISTORIC TABOR OPERA HOUSE TOURS & PERFORMANCES
Take a tour of the Tabor Opera House, for a taste of the fine life during Colorado’s 1880s Silver Rush. Built in just 100 days by mining magnate Horace Tabor, this grand old opera house brought arts and culture to one of the West’s wildest boomtowns.
Luminaries such as Buffalo Bill, Oscar Wilde, and Anna Held appeared at the Tabor, as did a live circus with tigers. Today, you too can tread the boards where many a famous performer walked. Stand on the stage and peer out at the original red velvet seats. Look for the trap door that legend says was cut for magician Harry Houdini. Or sing a song to test the acoustics of this beautiful theater.
Beneath the stage, touch heavyweight champion Jack Dempsey’s boxing ropes, left after his fight at the Tabor. See the enormous bellows from the pump organ of famous American composer and conductor John Phillip Sousa. Then head upstairs to the museum to learn about Horace, Augusta and Baby Doe Tabor and look through the tall windows to Colorado’s two highest peaks.
Experience the magic of the Tabor Opera House during a live performance or movie screening. The 2025 line up includes a musical review, talent show, comedy night, book reading, films and more! View the Calendar of Events to learn more and purchase tickets!
3) LEADVILLE’S SCENIC TRAIN
On the Leadville Railroad, you’ll ride through untamed wilderness to the Continental Divide, tracing the old Denver, South Park & Pacific and Colorado & Southern lines. This journey is full of breath-taking panoramas across the Arkansas River Valley and humorous narratives about Leadville’s colorful past. On this two- and one-half hour adventure through the untamed wilderness, you’ll learn the history of Leadville and its legendary former residents—the Unsinkable Molly Brown, the Tabors, and Doc Holliday.
Be sure to check out the specialty rides with BBQs, wildflower tours, fall photo ops, and the Top of the Rockies Zip-line specials.
4)DOWNTOWN LEADVILLE DIGITAL WALKING TOUR
The new Leadville Historic Downtown Walking Tour offers visitors a chance to step back in time with over 30 stops at iconic buildings, including grand Victorian-era hotels, saloons, and opera houses. Along the way, you’ll discover fascinating stories of fortune, folly, and enduring community spirit, while admiring the unique architecture that has withstood the test of time. Visit the website to start the digital tour or stop by the Visitor Center to pick up a heritage guide for a printed walking tour.
5) TOUR THE ROUTE OF THE SILVER KINGS
The location that gold was first discovered in 1860, the wealthy Matchless Mine owned by the Tabors, the more recently operated Black Cloud Lead & Zinc Mine, the Ibex Mine where Margaret “Molly” Brown and her husband J.J. made their fortune. Leadville’s Historic East Side Mining District is riddled with history. There are many ways to get out and explore this mining ghost town while taking in the views of Leadville, Turquoise Lake, Mount Elbert and Massive:
- Self Guided Driving Tour Along the Route of the Silver Kings – This 21 mile dirt road drive includes 14 historic location stops. Be sure to download the map ahead of time or stop by the Visitor Center to pick up a printed version. High clearance vehicle recommended to complete entire route, opportunity for a 4-wheel drive adventure up Mosquito Pass, if desired.
- Guided ATV Tour – Local tour companies, Leadville Offroad Adventures and Leadville ATV offer guided tours in the mining district along with a guide who can provide history information and take you photo at the best scenic lookout locations.
- Guided eBike Tour – Epic Happy Adventures offers guided ebike tours of the Route of the Silver Kings
- Hike or Bike along the Mineral Belt Trail (approximately miles 4 to 6 of the trail) – This 12 mile paved hiking/biking loop goes directly through the mining district. Read kiosks along the way of the history as you follow along the old railroad line of the east side. Rent a bike in Leadville and explore on your own.
6) EVERGREEN CEMETERY & HAUNTED HISTORY WALKING TOURS
On guided walking tours in Leadville, you can discover the stories of early residents some of whose spirits are said to still roam the city today. These tours lead you to the Paupers Field in Evergreen Cemetery and throughout downtown and the historic Delaware Hotel, where stories of energies abound.
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