Established as a silver mining town near the source of the Arkansas River, Leadville lies within Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. It is clustered with heritage-listed buildings that stand as a legacy of its storied past while offering views towards several “fourteeners” - peaks that rise to more than 14,000 feet in elevation.
Things to do in Leadville
Spend an afternoon exploring the Leadville Historic District, which encompasses the monumental Tabor Grand Hotel and the 19th-century St George's Episcopal Church. Don’t miss the charming Dexter Cabin or the Temple Israel, a Carpenter Gothic-style synagogue that dates back to 1884. Historic Healy House is open to the public as a Victorian-era museum showcasing the life of mining engineer August Robert Meyer.
Also listed on the National Register of Historic Places is the National Mining Hall of Fame, which commemorates miners, prospectors and explorers who played an influential role in shaping Leadville. Its exhibits include an elaborately designed model railroad and a replica underground mine, as well as mineral specimens from the area’s Gold Rush.
Want to get active? Why not explore along the 18-kilometre-long Mineral Belt National Recreation Trail, a cycling and hiking route that loops around Leadville and through its historic mining district. Dotted with interpretive signs, it takes in wildflower meadows, conifer forests and aspen groves and offers magnificent views across the Rocky Mountains. In the winter months, the trail is accessible to cross-country skiers and snowshoers.
Getting around Leadville
Leadville is around two hours’ drive from Denver and 2.5 hours from Denver International Airport, which has flights to destinations across North America and Europe. Buses connect from Frisco to Leadville and the city centre is compact enough to explore on foot. The Leadville, Colorado and Southern Railroad offers regularly tourist services.