If you’ve ever traveled through the Rocky Mountains on I-70, you’ve probably passed the town of Idaho Springs, just 30 miles from Denver. Many stop for gas here before pushing west without pausing to take in the town where Colorado’s Gold Rush began. In 1859, George A. Jackson struck gold along Clear Creek, and thus, Idaho Springs was founded, drawing thousands of prospectors. Though the mines are now defunct, there are still several historic sites you will not want to miss on your next visit.
During Colorado’s Gold Rush, the mining district of Idaho Springs was known as the richest square mile on earth. A railroad ran through the town which sent gold directly to the Denver Mint. Of the numerous mines in Idaho Springs, only Argo Gold Mine And Mill remains open to visitors. Established in 1893, Argo Gold Mine And Mill processed more than $2.6 trillion of gold over the years.
Argo Gold Mill and Tunnel, 2350 Riverside Dr, Idaho Springs, CO 80452, USA
Argo Gold Mine And Mill holds tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. where guests can learn the history of the mine and explore its miles of tunnels. Visitors can also try their hand at gold panning using the same techniques as the prospectors who made their fortunes in Idaho Springs. You can book a tour of Argo Gold Mine And Mill on their website.
Another relic from Idaho Spring’s mining days still delights travelers today. Tayler Waterwheel was built in 1893 by Charlie Tayler, a man who credited his health to the fact that he never kissed a woman or took a bath.
This waterwheel was formerly part of a mill used to crush gold ore, extracting the precious metal from rocks. It was moved from its original location upstream to its current site just in front of the picturesque Bridal Veil Falls.
Why is Idaho Springs called Idaho Springs despite being in Colorado? "Idaho" reflects an Arapaho word meaning "gem of the mountains". The latter part of the name comes from the thermal springs found in the town. Once revered by the Ute and Arapaho tribes as healing waters, these springs are now home to a thermal pool, hotel, and spa.
Indian Hot Springs, 302 Soda Creek Rd, Idaho Springs, CO 80452, USA
At Indian Hot Springs, guests can enjoy a year-round tropical paradise. The thermal waters warm a greenhouse where one can relax in a pool heated from deep within the earth. Here, visitors can still see the original gazebo built in 1892. Book a thermal spa day on Indian Hot Spring's website.
Although Idaho Springs has shrunk from 20,000 residents in its heyday to around 2,000 today, it still offers plenty to do, especially for the history buff. This small town is the perfect stop on your journey up into the mountains. Stop by and see what mining life was like in the town where Colorado’s Gold Rush began. What historical Idaho Springs site are you most excited to visit?
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