Things to Do & Area Attractions
Your annual guide to the top things to do across Cripple Creek and nearby destinations.
Cripple Creek District Museum
The Cripple Creek District Museum is a fascinating step back in time located right in the heart of historic Cripple Creek, Colorado. Housed in five original buildings, including the 1895 Midland Terminal Railway Depot, the museum showcases the town’s rich gold mining heritage through artifacts, rare photographs, Victorian living quarters, mineral displays, and authentic mining memorabilia. Just a short walk from the casino, it’s a must-see attraction that brings the World’s Greatest Gold Camp vividly to life.
Rita the Rock Planter
Rita the Rock Planter is a whimsical giant troll sculpture tucked into the mountains just outside Victor, Colorado, only a short drive from Cripple Creek. Crafted entirely from recycled wood by renowned Danish artist Thomas Dambo, Rita kneels gracefully in a scenic field of stones along the Little Grouse Mountain trail, just a quarter-mile from the parking area. The easy walk leads visitors past colorful birdhouses and panoramic mountain views, making it a magical, family-friendly adventure perfect for travelers of all ages.
Gold Belt Scenic Byway – Shelf Road
A rugged, unpaved backcountry drive carved into canyon walls along the Gold Belt Scenic Byway, offering some of Colorado’s best sport climbing, scenic overlooks, camping, and a taste of the region’s stagecoach history.
Gold Belt Scenic Byway – Phantom Canyon Road
A stunning 30-mile unpaved scenic drive along Colorado’s Gold Belt Byway, winding through dramatic canyon landscapes past historic mining-era sites, cattle ranches, and rolling hills with breathtaking photo ops at every turn.
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument is a remarkable destination tucked into a grassy mountain valley in central Colorado. Home to one of the richest and most diverse fossil deposits in the world, the monument features massive petrified redwood stumps up to 14 feet wide along with thousands of incredibly detailed fossils of ancient insects and plants. With scenic hiking trails, a visitor center, and a window into Colorado’s prehistoric past, it makes for a fascinating day trip just a short drive from Cripple Creek.
Mueller State Park
Mueller State Park is a stunning 5,121-acre outdoor playground located in the shadow of Pikes Peak, just 17 miles from Cripple Creek. With over 44 miles of scenic trails winding through spring-fed meadows, aspen groves, and massive Pikes Peak Granite outcroppings, the park offers year-round adventures including hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, and winter activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Visitors often spot elk, black bears, hawks, and mule deer roaming the park’s pristine mountain landscape.
The Peak Fly Shop
Your local hub for fly fishing in the Pikes Peak region, offering guided trips, classes, gear, and destination travel from two Colorado locations.
Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center
The Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center is a non-profit sanctuary nestled in the mountains of Divide, Colorado. Home to rescued wolves, coyotes, and foxes, the center offers guided walking tours that bring visitors face-to-face with these remarkable animals while sharing their stories and the vital role they play in our ecosystem. It’s an unforgettable, up-close wildlife experience just a short scenic drive from Cripple Creek.
Park County – Eleven Mile State Park
A premier outdoor destination just 38 miles from Colorado Springs, featuring a massive reservoir renowned for trophy fishing — rainbow, brown, cutthroat, kokanee, and pike. Enjoy boating, kayaking, sailing, hiking, biking, camping, and incredible wildlife viewing across 7,662 acres of stunning mountain scenery.
Park County – Spinney Mountain State Park
A serene alpine retreat in the heart of South Park, Spinney Mountain offers world-class trout fishing on a 2,444-acre reservoir, stunning views of the Collegiate Peaks, and exceptional wildlife watching across 6,080 acres of pristine Colorado wilderness.
Manitou – Miramont Castle
A 14,000-square-foot National Historic Landmark built in 1895, this stunning Victorian-era castle in Manitou Springs offers museum tours that transport visitors back to life in the 1800s — a one-of-a-kind step into Colorado’s history.
Manitou – Cliff Dwellings
Step inside ancient Native American history at this hands-on outdoor museum just outside Colorado Springs. Explore and touch authentic cliff dwellings, browse cultural exhibits in two on-site museums, and enjoy stunning views over historic Manitou Springs — a must-see for all ages.
Cave of the Winds Mountain Park
A Colorado Springs landmark perched above Williams Canyon, offering guided cave tours, thrilling outdoor attractions, and breathtaking mountain experiences for all ages.
Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods is a breathtaking public park located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Known for its towering red rock formations and dramatic natural scenery, it offers visitors incredible views, scenic walking trails, and a unique glimpse into the region’s geological beauty at the base of Pikes Peak.
Pikes Peak
Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain is a majestic landmark located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Rising over 14,000 feet into the sky, Pikes Peak captivates visitors with its stunning beauty and iconic presence along the front range.
Pikes Peak Fan Fest
One of Colorado Springs’ largest street festivals, held the Friday before Race Day in Downtown Colorado Springs. Meet drivers, explore sponsor displays, and watch high-flying FMX freestyle motocross stunts — all free and open to the public.