The historic small town of Black Hawk, located in the Rocky Mountains, is perfect for history buffs seeking a captivating glimpse into the past.
Once a bustling mining town during the Colorado Gold Rush, Black Hawk is now home to a number of historic sites and landmarks that tell the story of the town’s colorful past. Visitors can tour the well-preserved Victorian-era architecture and numerous museums to understand its heritage.
Black Hawk also offers various adventure activities for outdoor enthusiasts, including hiking, biking, and fishing. Here is an ultimate guide to the best attractions in Black Hawk, Colorado.
Also Read: 39 Best Things to do in Colorado
Best Things to do in Black Hawk, Colorado
With its thriving casinos and gorgeous scenic views, this former mining town is packed with unique attractions.
If you enjoy gaming, Black Hawk casinos are great for trying your luck at slot machines and table games.
Take a stroll through the vibrant downtown and explore the historical buildings that are a testament to the town’s mining heritage.
From the Gilpin History Museum to the Old City Hall, visitors can immerse themselves in the fascinating history that shaped this Colorado town.
Here are the best things to do in Black Hawk, Colorado on your Rockies road trip.
Bet on the casinos on Main Street
Gambling in Black Hawk’s Famed Casinos is a top attraction in the city.
Black Hawk is renowned for its casinos, which have transformed this historic town into the largest casino market in Colorado.
The city is home to more than 15 casinos, each one offering a unique blend of old-world charm and modern gaming satisfaction.
Take a walk down Main Street and you will find several great casinos lining the sides.
Ameristar Casino Resort Spa is a high-end establishment that blends luxury accommodation with top-notch casino entertainment.
With over 1,250 slot and video poker machines and a variety of table games, this casino is one of the most fun things to do in the city.
Monarch Casino Resort Spa is another popular destination, boasting the newest slots, video poker, other video machines, and blackjack tables.
The resort also features a world-class spa facility, good to relax after a thrilling gaming session.
Finally, don’t miss the Golden Gates Casino, which hosts the Colorado Poker Championship and a World Series of Poker circuit event.
Lady Luck Casino and Saratoga Casino are also great spots to indulge.
In Black Hawk, you can indulge in the thrill of gambling while enjoying the town’s rich history and stunning Rocky Mountain scenery.
Understand the history of Gilpin County
In neighboring Central City, you can visit the Gilpin History Museum.
It is a must-visit attraction for those interested in the rich history of Gilpin County.
Housed in a former school building, this museum presents a fascinating collection of artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that focus on the region’s mining history, as well as the lives of its early settlers.
Visitors can explore exhibits on two levels, including a schoolroom styled from the Victorian period and an extensive display of mining equipment.
A unique feature of the museum is its model replica of a mining site, complete with miniature mine shafts and operating trains.
You will also learn about the Gilpin Tramway that once connected Black Hawk and Central City to the hills and transported the ore from the mines to the mills.
The Gilpin History Museum offers a captivating journey into the past, making it a top cultural destination in Black Hawk, Colorado.
Admire the architecture in downtown
Black Hawk was established in 1859 and soon became the ore processing center for the nearby mining towns.
The prosperity and prominence of Black Hawk is reflected in the majestic Victorian buildings and their charming facades.
In spite of the arrival of the casinos, the town retains its historic charm.
The historic downtown is a must-visit destination to understand the evolution of this former mining town.
Take a leisurely stroll through Main Street and admire the grand architecture that has survived since the late 19th century.
Popular landmarks include the Old City Hall, Central City Opera House,
The buildings are now a part of the Central City / Black Hawk Historic District which is on the National Register of Historic Places.
People watch in Stroelhe Square
A great spot for people-watching in downtown is Stroelhe Square.
This colorful public square has a host of dining, shopping and entertainment options, making it the ideal place to spend an afternoon.
The plaza also features a statue of Gilpin County founder George Gilpin as well as the Black Hawk fountain.
From here, you can also admire the stunning mountain views at any time of the day.
See the railroad depot and locomotive engine
The Colorado Central Railroad reached Black Hawk in 1872.
To this day, visitors can get a glimpse of the past at the Black Hawk Depot building which is now the Lady Luck Casino Hotel.
The casino is housed in the old brick depot building.
On the grounds, you will also find the vintage locomotive steam engine #71 which was used by the Colorado Central Railroad.
Enjoy lunch at Black Hawk Bean and Cream
While Black Hawk has plenty of dining options – The B&C is one of our favorites.
This cozy cafe is a reliable spot for delicious comfort food, offering homemade soups, sandwiches, salads and desserts.
The outdoor seating area overlooks the stunning Rocky Mountains vistas – so don’t forget to take your camera!
It’s the perfect place to recharge after a day of exploring Black Hawk’s charming downtown streets.
Enjoy a romantic dinner at Timberline Grill
For a romantic dinner, there is no better spot than the Timberline Grill.
This elegant restaurant serves up classic American cuisine with a twist.
Highlights from the menu include steak and seafood dishes, as well as homemade desserts like Chocolate Volcano Cake and Cheesecake Sampler.
The seating offers beautiful views and the great food keeps you happy!
Go hiking around Black Hawk
Black Hawk, CO is located in the scenic Clear Creek Canyon area.
It has many great hiking trails in close vicinity that feature beautiful mountain scenery.
One of our favorite hikes in the area is the Fire Lookout Tower at Squaw Mountain, located 20 miles south of Black Hawk.
This steep trail offers stunning views of the area from the top.
The Blackhawk Peak Trail in Arapahoe National Forest is another great hike.
It takes you past an old ghost town and abandoned mines – perfect for explorers.
This trail to the summit is strenuous 4-mile round trip with an elevation gain of 1,344 feet.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park, near Golden, also offers many hiking trails for all ages.
When hiking in this area, take precautions against black bears and changing weather conditions.
Tour the Hidee gold mine
The Hidee Gold Mine is a must-visit in Central City, just a short drive away from Black Hawk.
The mine offers a unique and authentic gold mining experience – complete with hard hats and miners’ lamps.
The tour guides will take visitors deep into the earth to explore the veins of gold that were first discovered back in the late 19th century.
You will descend several feet underground, where see sparkling gold veins and learn about the rich history of Colorado’s gold mining days.
You can even try your hand at hammering at an ore – and keep what you collect!
From the raw, rugged tunnels to the fascinating geology and the thrill of searching for your own gold, a tour of the Hidee Gold Mine is both an educational and entertaining experience for all ages.
Climb up to St. Mary’s glacier
Hike up to St. Mary’s Glacier, a serene mountain lake located near Black Hawk and Idaho Springs.
The 1.5 miles long trail is moderate in difficult but the view from the top is worth it!
This tranquil alpine lake can be reached at the one-mile mark via an easy walk through the forest.
Then there’s a steep hike up to the base of the glacier.
All along the trail, you will be rewarded with stunning views of the Rockies and the surrounding area.
The trail is very popular and requires a parking fee of $20 at the parking lot near the trailhead.
Ride the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway
Peak to Peak Scenic Byway is one of our Colorado favorites when it comes to scenic drives.
For a real treat, combine this drive to see the area’s natural wonders with a visit to Black Hawk and Central City.
This 55-mile highway takes you from Black Hawk along the forested slopes of the Rocky Mountain foothills, up to Estes Park.
The beautiful mountain vistas are mesmerizing throughout the entire journey.
Top sights on this scenic drive include the Continental Divide, Indian Peaks Wilderness Area and Arapahoe National Forest.
You can also admire views of old mining towns like Central City and Idaho Springs along the way.
The drive is especially picturesque during autumn when the aspen trees turn golden in the mountains.
Keep a few hours for this drive.
Take a day trip to Central City
Central City is the place to go for a real taste of Colorado’s gold-rush history.
This well-preserved former mining town still retains its Victorian charm – and you can explore the historic downtown on foot.
Make sure to visit Teller House, also known as the “Million Dollar Museum”, where some of the best examples of Mining Era architecture can be found.
Afterwards, take a stroll along Gregory Street and marvel at the magnificent Victorian buildings – many of which were built with wealth earned during Black Hawk’s Gold Rush era.
You can also visit some of Central City’s exciting casinos that offer slots, table games and special events.
Spend a day at Eldora Mountain Resort
Eldora Mountain Resort is a great spot for skiing, snowboarding and tubing in the winter months.
The resort offers over 600 acres of skiable terrain, 20 trails and nine lifts – suitable for all skill levels.
You can even take advantage of the resort’s tubing hills.
Enjoy the stunning alpine scenery while you explore the terrain with friends or family.
Eldora Mountain Resort also has a great selection of restaurants and bars to relax in after your day on the slopes.
Explore the scenic beauty of Clear Creek
Clear Creek is a natural gem that passes through Black Hawk.
It is a tributary of South Platte River and offers a unique blend of recreational activities and tranquil settings.
Originating from the Continental Divide near Loveland Pass, Clear Creek flows through the mountains, eventually finding its path through Black Hawk.
Its crystal-clear waters make it an ideal spot for fishing enthusiasts, who can cast a line for trout and other native species.
Nature lovers can also enjoy a leisurely walk along the Clear Creek Trail, which offers stunning views of the creek and its lush surroundings.
For the adventurous at heart, white water rafting and kayaking are incredible ways to experience the fast-flowing waters of Clear Creek.
Clear Creek provides a refreshing and exhilarating day out for both locals and visitors in Black Hawk.
Hike the trails at Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Golden Gate Canyon State Park is a great place to explore the rugged beauty of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains.
The park features over 12,000 acres of pristine wilderness and more than 35 miles of hiking trails winding through canyons and meadows.
Take your pick from an easy stroll along one of the many trails or a longer journey on some of the more strenuous trails, like the Rattlesnake Gulch Trail.
This 7-mile round trip trail is great for experienced hikers, as it takes you past some amazing landscapes, including soaring peaks and panoramic views of the Continental Divide.
It also offers a scenic overlook of Black Hawk below – a superb way to end your hike.
If you are looking for a challenge, the trail up to Panorama Point is steep but incredibly rewarding – with stunning views of the surrounding alpine meadows and snow-covered mountains.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of Black Hawk and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.
Whether you’re here for the gaming or the history or the mountain views, Black Hawk is a great destination for a memorable trip.
This Colorado city has plenty of activities and scenery to keep you busy.
What are your favorite things to do in Black Hawk, Colorado? Let us know below.