Georgetown

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.

Things to Do in Georgetown

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 — an inn turned museum — and see how the well-to-do lived at the Hamill House Museum. 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) to further scratch your history itch at the Georgetown Heritage Center, home to the Clear Creek County archives.

Considered an engineering marvel for its time, today the Georgetown Loop Railroad takes you on a round-trip excursion to nearby Silver Plume, chugging through dense evergreen forests. Operating spring through early winter, the narrow-gauge steam train hosts themed excursions (including special holiday rides) and optional stops to tour the Lebanon or Everett mines or to try gold panning.

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 Care for Colorado 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, beer garden and paddleboard contests. 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 live music, educational programs, 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.

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