Every summer there's a melodrama in Cripple Creek. The live theater exaggerates the wild history of the world's greatest gold camp - but not by much, if you read historical accounts. Entertaining as the melodrama might be, the main reason visitors come here today is to seek riches of a different kind - at the slot machines and blackjack tables. Cripple Creek is one of several Colorado towns allowed to indulge in limited-stakes gambling.

But just because you don't have any quarters in your pocket is no reason to bypass this mountain community. There are other attractions, most of which play into the town's colorful past.

The Cripple Creek Museum is packed with artifacts from the town's heyday. The Homestead House recalls the days of posh brothels and ladies-of-the-evening.

On the edge of town is the Mollie Kathleen Mine, where visitors can descend into the earth and get a taste of what it was like to be a miner.

Take an excursion on the Cripple Creek & Victor Railroad to get an idea of what early rail travel was like (uncomfortable, but probably very exciting).

And, of course, visit the Butte Opera House to get a melodramatic interpretation of what made this town famous enough to inspire songs and dime novels in its day.

Community Resources:
Cripple Creek Welcome Center
P.O. Box 430
Cripple Creek, CO 80813
719-689-3315 or 877-858-GOLD

Pikes Peak Country Attractions Association
354 Manitou Avenue
Manitou Springs, CO 80829
719-685-5894

Colorado Vacation Directory
Cripple Creek, CO
Phone: 303-499-9343
Toll Free: 888-222-4641