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Idaho Springs, ColoradoWhile on your Colorado camping or skiing vacation visit the Idaho Springs National Historic District which is a Statutory City that is the most populous city in Clear Creek County, Colorado, United States. The city population was 1,889 at the U.S. Census 2000. Idaho Springs is located in Clear Creek Canyon, in the mountains upstream from Golden about 30 miles west of Denver.
Founded in 1859 by prospectors during the early days of the Pike's Peak Gold Rush, the town became a center of the regional mining district throughout the late 19th century. As you pass through Idaho Springs the entrance of the Argo tunnel is visible across the canyon. This long tunnel drained and gave access to many lodes between Idaho Springs and Central City. In the late 20th century the town evolved in a tourist center along U.S. Highway 6 and U.S. Highway 40, which ascend Clear Creek Canyon through the historical mining district.
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| On January 5, 1859, George A. Jackson discovered placer gold at the present site of Idaho Springs where Chicago Creek empties into Clear Creek. It was the first substantial gold discovery in Colorado. Jackson, a Missouri native with experience in the California gold fields, was drawn to the area by clouds of steam rising from some nearby hot springs. Jackson kept his find secret for several months, but after he paid for some supplies with gold dust, others rushed to Jackson's diggings.
The settlement was first called Spanish Bar, later renamed Idaho Springs, after the hot springs. |
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The first placer discoveries were soon followed by discoveries of gold veins.
Hard rock mining became the mainstay of the town long after the gold-bearing gravels were exhausted.
A strike by Idaho Springs miners demanding the eight-hour day in May of 1903 erupted into violence, and was one local struggle in a much broader fight called the Colorado Labor Wars. | |
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Historic Attractions
The Original “old time mountain town,” Idaho Springs is your first stop on a trip into the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Idaho Springs is a bustling community of 30 unique retail stores, 25 excellent restaurants, and 40 fun activity businesses, ranging from natural hot springs to fishing gear and guide services, bicycle repair and rental, horseback riding, rafting companies and ski rental shops, not to mention full service gas stations, a car wash, and legal and real estate services.
Idaho Springs is nestled into a high, mountain valley 30 miles west of Denver, at the site of the first major Colorado gold strike in 1859. Today, our gold comes from serving the many current day Colorado mountain explorers, as we have become known as the place for apres ski or mountain trekking. Just about every variety of food and drink can be found in our local restaurants, brew pub, and other watering holes; and delectable desserts are hand made right in town at our two authentic specialty chocolate and ice cream shops.
A large business community grew up to support the early miners, and the historic buildings in the downtown commercial district are superior examples of the Victorian era architecture common in the late 1800's. Quaint examples of that time gone by can also be found in the six pristine church buildings and the vintage hose houses scattered around the town. Idaho Springs is also the proud home to over 100 “Painted Ladies,” well preserved Victorian style homes that are often painted in wonderful and bright color combinations. Other significant buildings include a Carnegie steel building, the suspended truss Livery Building, and the 19th century Carnegie endowed library structure.
Today Idaho Springs is easily accessed right off of I-70. Three city parks with playgrounds for the kids and picnic tables for family outings, three museums, a river walk, two miles of prime trout fishing water, historic mine tours, and frequent musical events in the park and the United Center are only a few of the many family activities available in Idaho Springs.
Outdoor events abound in the summer, with special celebrations for the first gold discovery, fire fighter appreciation, mining days, bicycle races, 4th of July, an annual chili cookoff and horse shoe tournament, pancake breakfasts, baseball tournaments, national circuit mining competition, St. Patrick’s day, and many more. The many unique shops and a farmer’s market every Friday during season provide fresh produce and special gifts for the discriminating shopper.
Trails for hiking, biking, four wheeling, and cross country skiing are right outside our doors; and the Mount Evans Byway begins at the gateway to our historic shopping and dining district, where you can find just about everything you need. Or, you can head up “Oh My God Road” on an exciting adventure through the ghost town of Russell Gulch on the way to the gaming cities of Central City and Black Hawk, located on the Peak to Peak Highway.
Affordable motels almost always have a room available, and the many fine restaurants in town are always ready to serve you an excellent meal. Or, if you are one who brings your home with you, there are RV parking and camping sites nearby.
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| ARGO TUNNEL AND MILL
Idaho Springs to Central City
National Register 1/31/1978, 5CC.76
Begun in 1893, the Argo Tunnel extends approximately five miles toward Central City at an average depth of 1,800 feet. It was designed by local mining entrepreneur Sam Newhouse to transport ores from area gold mines. The Argo Mill dates from 1913. The hillside location of the sprawling complex’s interconnected structures is clearly visible from Interstate Highway 70. Primarily constructed with a steel frame surfaced with corrugated iron panels, portions of the mill rise to a height of nearly seven stories. The operation closed after a mine disaster in 1943, and the mill has been operated as a museum/tourist attraction since the late 1970s.
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BRYAN HOSE HOUSE
Illinois & Virginia Sts.
National Register 3/19/1998, 5CC.966
Constructed in 1881, just to the east of Virginia Canyon Road, the small brick structure played an integral role in early fire fighting efforts within Idaho Springs. | |
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| CHARLIE TAYLER WATERWHEEL
South of I-70, below Bridal Veil Falls
State Register 9/9/1998, 5CC.229
Originally a part of Tayler's series of five stamp mills, the waterwheel was moved as a community project to its present location in 1948. Since then, it has served as an important visual landmark for Idaho Springs residents and for those traveling through the area. In 1988, volunteers donated an estimated 3,800 hours of labor to the rehabilitation/restoration of what is considered to be a valuable community resource. |
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ECHO LAKE PARK
Colo. Hwy. 103 & Colo. Hwy. 5, Idaho Springs vicinity
National Register 2/24/1995, 5CC.646
Echo Lake Park, established in 1921 at the foot of Goliath Peak, contains an impressive Rustic style lodge designed by prominent Denver architect J.J.B. Benedict. Two other structures, the stone pavilion and the concession stand, represent the work of the Depression-Era Civilian Conservation Corps. The property is associated with the Denver Mountain Parks and The Architecture of Jules Jacques Benois Benedict in Colorado Multiple Property Submissions.
Photo by Ron Ruhoff
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IDAHO SPRINGS DOWNTOWN COMMERCIAL DISTRICT
Bounded by Center Alley, Riverside Dr., Idaho St.
National Register 1/5/1984, 5CC.201
The district has been the commercial center of the community since its development in the late 19th century. The district's superb collection of Late Victorian-Era structures, such as the Hanchett Building, Mining Exchange, and Queen Hotel, forms the core of a city that is historically significant as the site of the first major discovery of placer gold in Colorado, and as an important milling and supply center for the mining region which accelerated the settlement of Colorado.
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| The United Center- a performance and event venue. 1414 Colorado Blvd.
National Register 3/5/1998, 5CC.241
The building is a good local example of the Gothic Revival style. Originally constructed in 1880, additions date from 1905. Slight variations in the brick work serve as evidence of the building's expansion to meet the changing needs of a growing congregation.
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