Things to do & places to visit in Idaho Springs, Colorado, United States

Idaho Springs city in Colorado, United States. Timezone: America/Denver, current date and time: Monday, May 06, 2024, 14:57.

Top things to do (23)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Colorado Adventure Center (1.501 reviews)
- Wet and fun family rafting
Monday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM River Rafting & Tubing • Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks

Our family with teenagers went on the intermediate rafting trip in late July. Our guide Joe was funny and knowledgeable not only about rafting but the history of the area as well. We felt safe and yet got as much thrill as was possible even in low water season. Plenty of splashes! This outfit was professional with buildings (not just temporary tent set-ups) and proper bathrooms on site. Very convenient that all the gear you need is included in the fee and not extra. See more..
5.0 Clear Creek Rafting Company (911 reviews)
- So much family fun!
Monday: 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM River Rafting & Tubing

We did a beginner rafting session with Atticus and it was awesome!! He made it easy to understand, we felt safe the whole time, and there were basically rapids almost the whole way down the creek. Our kids are 13, 10, and 7. They’ve been rafting several times before but we all agreed this was our BEST rafting trip yet! Highly recommend. AND we got a ton of FREE pictures! I’ve been charged anywhere from $20-$60 for these. Highly recommend! See more..
5.0 AVA Rafting & Zipline (795 reviews)
- Zipline/Upper Creek 1/2 Day Combo
Monday: 7:45 AM - 8:00 PM River Rafting & Tubing • Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks • Boat Tours • Climbing Tours • Water Sports

I booked the zipline and rafting experience to celebrate my husband's 40th birthday. Our zipline guides were Brina and Tini and they made the trip so enjoyable. My husband is a little afraid of heights and they alleviated all fear and he had the best time! They were very thorough in explaining each of the different stations of the zipline experience and we felt very safe and secure the entire time. We then took an hour break in town and had a nice lunch before returning for the Upper Creek rafting experience. I had never been rafting and was nervous for the category of rapids we had chosen. Our guide Dagnar was beyond amazing! He was very reassuring, made sure we were prepared and even gave us an extra thrill while rafting. We could not have had a better experience!!!! I highly recommend the combination package as well as the specific guides to make your trip amazing! *I wore a bathing suit under my wet suit but would also recommend wicking shirt/shorts for rafting* See more..
5.0 Liquid Descent Whitewater Rafting (345 reviews)
- Great team, awesome guide, good times
Monday: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM River Rafting & Tubing

This was the first time river rafting for my wife and only my second time. We were paired with a couple young women. Gino was our guide. He was super cool, funny and laid back. He made sure we had fun even though the water level was low. He spun us around, bumped into other boats and gave us an occasional unexpected splash. The rapids were pretty mellow but we got to do some paddling. You can tell that all the guides are a good team that work well together and know how to have fun. This was a great rafting experience for my wife and I. Someday we will return and try the intermediate trip with Liquid Descent of course. See more..
5.0 Bouck Brothers Distilling (37 reviews)
- Expected the worst...but it's the BEST!
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Distilleries

Bouck Brothers Distillery is Closed Thanks for the Support over the years! Our products are still available in some stores but when they are gone that is it! There is a good supply of Colorado Coffee Whiskey at Grape Expectations Wine & Spirits in Denver. Call ahead to check inventory. See more..
5.0 The Spice & Tea Exchange of Idaho Springs (13 reviews)
- Wonderful Selection
Monday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

Come In and Smell the Spices! The Spice & Tea Exchange offers food lovers, chefs, and tea enthusiasts a unique shopping experience filled with culinary delights. Explore your inner chef and shop over 140 fine spices, 75 hand-mixed seasoning blends, sugars, salts, loose-leaf teas, and accessories. Create your own gourmet gift, or choose from a variety of gift boxes and recipe samplers! See more..
5.0 Tibet Jewel (10 reviews)
- Lovely people
Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops
Had the pleasure of meeting Sarang and Yuki at the Mind, Body & Soul Expo in Denver. The quality of the jewelry is unheard of for this price. My good friend purchased exquisite items (Buddha, hand cymbals and other unique pieces). Yuki is the sweetest and her son was great too. When we go to Idaho Springs, we will definitely visit the store and share tea! See more..
5.0 Chief Mountain Trail (9 reviews)
- Great hike and view
Spent More than 3 hours Hiking Trails

This is a really nice hike to a rewarding view at close to 12,000 feet. It's not extra difficult - my teenagers did it without any complaints. The trail is mainly wooded at the start, and then you come out above the tree line. The biggest problem might be getting there early enough to get a place to park near the trailhead. It's not that far of a drive from I-70 / Evergreen. See more..
5.0 Maison de Ski (7 reviews)
- Has never let us down
Monday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Gear Rentals • Ski & Snowboard Areas

Full service ski, snowboard and snow gear rental shop located in Idaho Springs. Also offering quick hot wax, full service ski/board tuning and repairs. Convenient to Highway 70 between Denver (and the airport) and many of the major front range ski areas and resorts. See more..
5.0 Edgar Experimental Mine (2 reviews)
- Super interesting place to see!
Spent 2-3 hours Natural History Museums • Mines • History Museums

This mine is owned by The Colorado School of Mines. We toured it as part of a parents weekend when our son was in school. Very interesting tour and history. Definitely worth a stop when passing Idaho Springs. See more..
5.0 St. Mary's Glacier (1 review)
- A Great Short Hike to an Alpine Glacier
Hiking Trails
This is a terrific short trip from Denver into the mountains to hike up to see an Alpine Glacier and glacial lake. It's about a 1 hr. drive from Denver to reach the trailhead, with self-parking available for $5 (honor system). Then, with a moderately strenuous hike (1.5 mile round-trip) further up the mountain, one arrives to enjoy the beauty of the glacier, lake and surrounding mountain terrain. You can actually walk around the small lake and climb onto the glacier. Plus... the drive up into the mountains is itself stunning. This year round snowfield is located within the Arapaho National Forest. See more..
5.0 Morgan A. Durham Memorial Playground (1 review)
- Kid's Playground
Parks

Nice kid's playground in town. A couple of jungle gyms. There's also a bridge over the rapids that run through town and you can watch the people coming down on the rafting tours. It's a good place to kill an hour or two with young kids. See more..
4.5 Argo Mill and Tunnel (1.366 reviews)
- Excellent historical tour!
Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Mines

Experience the wonder of ingenuity, technology, and entrepreneurial spirit that is the Argo Mill & Tunnel with a guided walking tour. Situated in Historic Idaho Springs in the heart of Colorado Gold Country sits the Mighty Argo Mill and Tunnel, one of the most striking and prominent Heritage Landmarks in the American West. The Argo is a central character in the story of the Colorado gold rush and remains one of the largest, most well-preserved historic gold mills in the world. Plan to be on the tour at the Argo for an hour and a half to two hours for the full experience. Each professionally guided tour of the Argo Mill and Tunnel takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. A gold panning lesson and experience, which lasts about 20 minutes, is also included with every Argo Mill and Tunnel tour. Tours: We offer guided tours on the hour every hour from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Booking and more information: Please visit ArgoMillTour.com to reserve your spot! See more..
4.5 St. Mary's Glacier (413 reviews)
- ROCKY but worth it!
Hiking Trails

St. Mary's Glacier is stunning snowfield just outside of Idaho Springs. The 1.5-mile round-trip to the glacier is one of the area's most popular hikes, moderately difficult with rocky terrain and reaching an altitude of 11,000 feet. Keep an eye out for a spur in the trail that leads to a lovely waterfall. If you enjoy the hike, you can keep going past the glacier. Aim to start your day early as it gets busy, particularly during the summer months—you’ll see many enthusiasts carrying skis and snowboards up to the glacier, where there is snow all year round. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Echo Mountain (95 reviews)
- Hidden Gem
Monday: Spent 2-3 hours Ski & Snowboard Areas

The Closest Skiing, Snowboarding and Tubing to Denver and Colorado's Front Range. Just 50 minutes, or 35 miles, from downtown Denver, Echo offers an authentic Colorado ski and snowboard experience just outside the city. See more..
4.5 Summit Lake Park (50 reviews)
- Beautiful but still frozen the third week of May
Spent < 1 hour National Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas

Went the third week of May. The lake was still frozen but a beautiful spot. We enjoyed hiking around the lake in the snow with the dog. Mount Evans Road was closed but there were still plenty of people picnicking and enjoying the lake. Beautiful area and would recommend. See more..
4.5 Historical Society of Idaho Springs Museum & Visitor Center (43 reviews)
- Very nice presentation of the area history
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops • Visitor Centers • History Museums

The Idaho Springs Heritage Museum offers a fascinating opportunity to view and appreciate the unique mining history of Idaho Springs. The museum achieves this through the curation and visual display of many local procured artifacts. Our gift shop offers a broad selection of unique, hand-picked merchandise including hand-crafted gifts created by over 30 local area artists. Our gift shop is free to browse and our museum charges a nominal fee for entry, $3 for adults, $2 military and law enforcement, $1 for seniors and students, 4 and under free. See more..
4.5 The Soap Shop (20 reviews)
- Great place for handmade soaps!
Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

I stopped in here on my way through Idaho Springs. They have great handmade soaps that smell wonderful. I purchased 6 bars to take back home. I would have returned on my way back through two days later to buy more but they were closed on that day. See more..
4.5 Historical Society of Idaho Springs (14 reviews)
- Great Little Museum
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Awesome little museum with excellent exhibits of mining in the area. Great resource for area to info. They also have a nice gift shop with local crafts, t shirts, books and other items. See more..
4.5 Charlie Taylor Water Wheel at Bridal Veil Falls (8 reviews)
- Lovely falls and wheel
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

The water wheel and falls are so nice and relaxing. You can sit on the bench and listen to the water fall. Access the path from the parking lot of Town Hall. Follow it under the underpass and find the attraction. See more..
4.5 Echos Hippie Shop (7 reviews)
- Fun
Monday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

Tucked in the mountains of the historic town of Idaho Springs, Colorado, is a place you can feel at home. Pick up a guitar as the incense burns and the gemstones shimmer. Pictures of Jerry, Janis and Jimmi adorn the walls (gotta have family photos up!) Whether you've hung out with us while you were in town or you feel connected by looking into our living room (the store is an extension of our home), we invite you to take a peak at our collection of hand picked items. From the Turkish mirror lamps to the crystals, tapestries, incense, band t-shirts and funky clothing, every piece in the shop is special to us. Hope you enjoy! See more..
4.5 The Majestic Gallery (3 reviews)
- Refreshing stop in Idaho Springs
Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

Sometime the traffic on I-70 can get a little hectic, to say the least. Taking a small detour to Idaho Springs is a worthwhile venture when you pop into the Majestic Gallery. A co-op gallery staffed and run by 31 local artists the gallery is housed in a two-story historic building on Main Street. Here you will find paintings, photography, ceramics, glass, sculpture and woodwork. There is much to look at and the visit is a pleasant diversion from the traffic outside. Who knows, you might even find a little treasure to take home for yourself or gift for someone special. This place is a gem and worth seeking out! See more..
4.5 Squatch Store (3 reviews)
- Great Place to Stop
Monday: 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

Great prices. great food, really clean restrooms, and a great crew! Not bad for a gas station! Great for skiers and tourist! See more..
4.0 Phoenix Gold Mine (299 reviews)
- Learn About the Colorado Gold Rush Most Authentically!
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Mines

The Phoenix Gold Mine is an authentic trip into Colorado mining history! Come by and tour a real underground gold mine, see gold ore in the mountain, learn how to find gold and then try your hand at panning for gold. You keep what you find. We are family friendly, for all ages and abilities. Our small business is family owned and operated. On your gold mine tour, be entertained with one of our tour guides as they talk about geology, history, and gold processing equipment. You will see a gold vein. The mine is well lit, with wide, flat passages, with about 500 feet walking distance. It is about 45-degrees degree Fahrenheit, so bring a lightweight jacket. Pan for gold in the creek or underground in our table. Many find gold. Feel like you are on vacation, in an environment where everyone is welcome. We love to answer your questions. Make a reservation, we cannot wait to entertain, educate, and show you what we are so passionate about! See more..
4.0 Steve Canyon Statue (9 reviews)
- Roadside Statue
Monuments & Statues

This statue was erected by the people of Idaho Springs, Colorado in 1950. It is actually based on a cartoon character, in the Sunday Comic Pages, featuring the hero and his wild escapades. It also serves as a reminder of the wild west adventuresome spirit. It's present home is in Courtney-Riley-Cooper Park. It's also listed as an American Roadside Oddity. See more..
4.0 Margie's Place (8 reviews)
- Cute, friendly, and open!
Speciality & Gift Shops

We were walking downtown waiting for our dinner reservation and nothing was open! Except this lovely little place, an absolute GEM! Kind and welcoming staff, awesome merchandise, all around awesome place! See more..
3.5 Idaho Springs City Hall (2 reviews)
- Day trip
Government Buildings

The area is full of history. A terrific place to visit for those history buffs with the added bonus of incredible natural beauty of the terrain. Air feels clean and healthy gives one a sense of renewel. Certainly enjoyed my time here. Lots to do and see. Good for soul. See more..
3.0 Indian Hot Springs (562 reviews)
- Hot soak to fix winter blues
Hot Springs & Geysers

The WinStar World Casino and Resort is said to have more games than any other casino in the world, boasting nine themed gaming plazas, more than 10,000 electronic and table games, and V.I.P. rooms. But that's not all. You can catch a concert at the Global Events Center, dine at the international restaurants, play a round of golf at their 18-hole courses and relax by the resort pool and bar. With so much to do, you'd want to spend the night—take your pick from a world-class casino hotel, a cozy inn, or even an RV Park. – Tripadvisor See more..
1.0 Van Eden Ranch & Retreat (1 review)
- Awful
Ranches
I went to the Van Eden Ranch for a senic horseback trail ride, but ended up spending 5 hours in the emergency room of a Denver hospital. The place was dirty with litter all over, I felt like I had stepped into the movie Deliverance. The horses were thin, their feet were not properly trimmed, and the horse I was giving to ride was very lame and sore. My horse kept rearing up and the trail person kept telling me he was excited and would settle down once we got into the ride. As we started to climb up the trail my sore lame horse stopped and refused to go forward, then he reared up and flipped over backwards with me. Thank goodness I do ride and I knew I did not want to be trapped under the horse so I took my feet out of the stirrups and jumped off. I spent the next week recovering from mutiple bruises, pulled muscles and stitches. Do NOT go on a trail ride at the Van Eden ranch. The horses are not properly cared for and I feel they are very not fit for a beginner rider to be put on. See more..
Idaho Springs City Hall (0 review)
Government Buildings
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