If you have never been to the Cripple Creek District Museum, you’re in for a treat. Located at 510 Bennett Dr, Cripple Creek, CO 80813. The museum was founded in 1953 by Blevins Davis and Richard Wayne Johnson and features five historic buildings. In addition to displaying artifacts, the museum is home to a wide variety of living history exhibits. Visitors can learn about life in Colorado’s most western town and discover the history of its area.
The Cripple Creek District Museum in Cripple, Colorado, features the 1895 Midland Terminal Railway Depot and the historic building that housed Colorado Trading and Transfer. A turn-of-the-century wooden cabin is another feature of the museum’s outdoor exhibits. You can also purchase art pieces and gift items from local artists in the museum’s Gift Shop. If you’re looking for a unique experience, visit the Cripple Creek District Museum in Cripple Creek CO.
In the area, the Cripple Creek District Museum features mining memorabilia, minerals, and western firearms. The museum is a fun destination for the entire family, whether you’re looking for western firearms, gold, or other mining artifacts. The museum’s beautiful views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains provide a breathtaking backdrop for photos. It’s definitely a must-see when visiting Cripple Creek.
History is a big part of Cripple Creek’s history. The Outlaws & Law Men Jail Museum evokes the town’s turbulent past and the bravery of local lawmen. Exhibits include original cells, police logs, and newspaper clippings from the area. While you’re at the museum, you’ll also have time to explore the museum’s many interactive exhibits.
While the town was once a thriving gold-rush town, it faced a dramatic drop in tourism in the late eighties. Fortunately, the casinos brought in a new source of revenue and a National Historic Landmark. In the 1990s, the town legalized gambling, which has helped keep its historic feel. Its casino, Wildwood Casino, calls itself “the world’s tallest,” generated $10 million in taxes each year, about nine percent of the total statewide tax revenue.
After the depression, Cripple Creek turned to tourism. Though tourism started before the Depression, the revival of gold mining caused it to slow down. In 1946, Colorado Springs residents Wayne and Dorothy Mackin bought the vacant Imperial Hotel. They turned it into a place where tourists could enjoy tasty food and well-appointed rooms. In 1947, the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce held its annual convention at the hotel, and a melodrama troupe from Idaho Springs provided entertainment.
If you’re looking for a more historical experience, the Old Homestead House Museum is a must-see. The museum features many displays that display photographs, maps, newspapers, wagons, and minerals. In addition, there’s a 15-minute video about the Assay Process, a history of local businesses, and a Museum Gift Shop. All of these features are available for purchase in the museum’s Museum Gift Shop.
