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Present day Empire was named in November 1860
after the great state of New York!
The population, mostly miners, knew it would be as great an Empire someday. By May 1861, they had a blacksmith shop, a general store with post office attached, dozens of miner’s shacks, and several other very impressive buildings, including the building, now housing Jenny’s restaurant, and the King House, both pictured here. The first gold of any consequence and the first true fissure lode in the county were discovered in Empire in 1860 by Henry DeWitt Clinton Cowles and Edgar F. Freeman.
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The population of Empire fluctuated between a handful of people in 1860 and early 1870’s to 500 in 1882, the year of our incorporation. The current population is around 420. In 1938, Berthoud Pass joined the transcontinental road system when US Highway 40 went through Empire. Tourists now experience Winter Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, and destinations west through the gateway of Empire.
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We are steeped in nature. Empire is surrounded by National Forest, which provides exquisite hiking, biking and four-wheeling opportunities. One can take a mild stroll up Union Pass or an exhilarating all day adventure up North Empire. You are liable to see deer, elk, sheep, hawks, osprey, hummingbirds and maybe even catch a glimpse of a bear, mountain lion or visiting moose. Want something more extreme? We have a Mountain Board Shop with a mountain board park within walking distance and experts to teach you how to ride.
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Our restaurants are also special –
many of them have been under the same ownership for over twenty years! They offer ice cream, homemade candy, burgers, fries, steaks, fresh baked goodies, fine dining, excellent wines, specialty coffees, breakfast burritos, margaritas, homemade pies – even biscuits and gravy!
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We have other specialty shops too
offering original stained glass, local artwork and photographs, storybook prints and sculptures or maybe pick up a wood spirit to watch over your home.
Didn’t get to visit them all?
Spend the night at The historic Peck House, built in 1862 or Mad Creek Bed and Breakfast.
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SHOP, EAT, STAY- OR STOP BY OUR VISITOR’S CENTER FOR A GOOD LOOK AT EMPIRE!
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HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS
RED MEN HALL
THE PECK HOUSE
JENNY’S
THE KING HOUSE
THE SHEPHARD HOUSE
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN EMPIRE
THEOBALD PARK AND VISITOR’S CENTER
EMPIRE CEMETARY
COME VISIT EMPIRE IN THE HEART OF CLEAR CREEK COUNTY!
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