Just 45 minutes west of Denver and sitting at 8,530 feet is the charming, historical, Victorian-era town of Georgetown. Step back in time to an era of days gone by as you explore its stately architecture and silver-mining history — all surrounded by the beauty of the Rocky Mountains.
Famously known as the Silver Queen of the Rockies, Georgetown was founded during the days of Colorado’s silver boom and is one of the state’s four original mining towns. Today it’s recognized as the Georgetown-Silver Plume National Historic Landmark District and is lovingly preserved by Historic Georgetown and the Georgetown Trust for Conservation and Preservation.
Once the third-largest town in Colorado, Georgetown is now home to about 1,200 residents. But on weekends, you can imagine its streets bustling as in its boomtown past, with people visiting to shop, sightsee, have lunch or spend the night at a cozy bed-and-breakfast.
Discover historical artifacts at the Hotel de Paris Museum — a former 1875 French inn turned museum — and tour the 1867 Hamill House Museum, complete with 19th-century residential furnishings and exquisite interior features. (This home was constructed for the great-great grandfather of actor Mark Hamill, who plays Luke Skywalker in the "Star Wars" series.) Explore the Capital Prize Mine, where the tour takes you 1,000 feet into Griffith Mountain. Stroll down Taos Street to the Old School building (built in 1874), which is now home to a cultural arts program, workspace and the Clear Creek County archives.
Considered an engineering marvel in its time, today the Georgetown Loop Railroad takes you on a round-trip excursion to nearby Silver Plume, winding its way through breathtaking scenery and dense evergreen forests. Operating spring through early winter, this 3-foot narrow-gauge steam train hosts themed excursions (including special holiday rides) and optional stops to tour the Lebanon or Everett Silver Mines or to learn to pan for gold.
Hungry travelers have several one-of-a-kind Georgetown restaurants to choose from, including Coopers on the Creek. Adorned with mining-era photographs, this locally loved spot serves everything from burgers and fries to wild salmon and filet mignon. Wet your whistle at two Colorado craft breweries — Guanella Pass Brewery and Cabin Creek Brewing Co. — both offering pub fare along with a delicious lineup of stouts, IPAs, wheats and lagers. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a visit to the famous Georgetown Valley Candy Company for homemade chocolates, caramel corn, candy and ice cream or visit Mountain Mamas' Needful Things to snack on freeze-dried candy and fresh baked goods.
Spring through fall, take a drive on breathtaking Guanella Pass scenic and historic byway where you can admire aspen trees, waterfalls and majestic views as the road climbs to 11,600 feet. Open Memorial Day weekend through mid-November, the byway provides access to a wealth of hiking trailheads, including those for Mount Bierstadt and Square Top Mountain — two popular area peaks. It’s also a great place to spot bighorn sheep. Find year-round viewing stations available at Georgetown Lake and Georgetown Gateway Visitor Center for a glimpse of one of the hundreds of bighorns living in the area. When exploring the state’s outdoors, make sure you take steps to Do Colorado Right and Live WILD.
Georgetown is home to numerous special events throughout the year. Check out the Fourth of July festivities, complete with a parade, barbecue, band stand and beer garden. Celebrate Colorado’s state mammal on the second Saturday of each November at the Bighorn Sheep Festival. Held in partnership with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the free event boasts fun and education for the whole family with special programs, entertainment, vendors, hikes and more. During the first two full weekends of December, the world-renowned Georgetown Christmas Market delights with carriage rides, roasted chestnuts, an outdoor artisan market, caroling and an appearance by Saint Nicholas.