The historic and legendary town of Leadville sits among some of Colorado's highest and most beautiful snow-capped mountain peaks. At 10,430 feet, Leadville is North America's highest incorporated city. Sunshine graces the town 310 days each year and summer temperatures seldom reach over 80 degrees.
An American Dream Town
The Men's Journal named Leadville one of the nation's top 20 "Dream Towns in America" and the Denver Post labeled the town as "the last best place." With 70 square blocks of Victorian architecture, Leadville has been designated as a National Historic Landmark District. Leadville has dozens of Victorian homes and turn of the century brick buildings that line Main Street. Take a stroll up and visit quaint coffee houses, antique shops, gift and sport shops, or stop in one of the many restaurants for a bite to eat. The people and shopkeepers are some of the friendliest to be found anywhere.
Just 21 miles from Leadville is the town of Twin Lakes. This town is a historic small village located just off the shore on the east end of two beautiful lakes. Twin Lakes is located at the foot of Colorado's highest Fourteener, Mt. Elbert, and offers delightful shopping and comfortable accommodations.
This area has been a summer mountain retreat for over 100 years. These once rowdy mining towns were built on the fortunes of silver, gold, molybdenum, zinc, manganese, and lead. The surrounding area brought fame and fortune to several noted people like the Titanic survivor "the unsinkable Molly Brown", Horace Tabor, Meyer Guggenheim, and others.
Things to Do
Although the town started as a transportation hub for the local mining centers, it now offers summer visitors a wealth of vacation options, especially to the fishermen. You may choose to take a hike, go for a bike ride, fly fish for trophy trout, explore ghost towns, shop for antiques or take a drive along the Top of the Rockies National Scenic and Historic Byway. Fishing is a popular activity in the high country and along the Arkansas River. The Arkansas River starts as a series of small tributaries at 14,433 ft. near Leadville and grows into a major river around the small town of Granite. The Arkansas is home to nrown and rainbow trout.
In August, the town hosts the annual Leadville Boom Days Celebration. This festival begins on Friday evening and goes non-stop through Sunday afternoon. A large parade, the world-famous 21-mile International Pack Burro Race, street races and mining events—bring the whole family to this event. The arts, crafts and food vendors, the beer garden, children’s events, and train ride are sure to keep your family entertained.
Lodging options include hotels, motels, bed & breakfast inns, lodges, condos, and vacation home rentals. Browse art galleries, museums, and shops run by their owners. Restaurant choices include elegant dining, family restaurants, and quaint cafes.
Getting Here
The area is south of Breckenridge and Vail, about two hours west of Denver. Take I-70 sest through the mountains and south on CO-91.
Summer Vacation Discounts
Tell only your friends about Lake County, Twin Lakes and Leadville, because this area is one of Colorado's best-kept secrets! Use the discount coupons on this site to save on your trip to historic Leadville, Colorado.
