Ameristar Casino Resort Spa
The most stylish and luxe of the Black Hawk casinos, Ameristar is a sure bet for a pampered getaway. Beautiful, contemporary suites have mountain views and the on-site, full-service Ara Spa delivers bliss with dreamy massages and treatments. A choice of four restaurants helps you indulge and unwind, and the casino floor is stocked with plenty of slots, video poker and table games.
What’s unique: A rooftop pool (enclosed in glass during winter months) and in-suite spa tubs
When you’re not gaming:
- Drive the Peak to Peak scenic and historic byway
- Visit neighboring Central City, which boasts the Central City Opera (summertime operas and year-round special events), Thomas House Museum (open late May–early September) and the Couer D’Alene Mine Shaft House
Sky Ute Casino Resort
A combination of Native American traditions and state-of-the-art amenities come together at this casino resort located in the southwest town of Ignacio. Try your luck on the casino’s massive gaming floor, and visit one of four on-site restaurants when you’re ready to refuel. With a playground area, mini-golf, swimming pool and arcade room, the casino has clearly taken guests traveling with children into consideration.
What’s unique: A 24-lane bowling alley
When you’re not gaming:
- Daytrip to nearby Durango, which is chock full of fun activities, from riding the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway to shopping and dining on bustling Main Street
- Make a trip to tour the legendary cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park
- Soak in the heavenly hot mineral springs in nearby Pagosa Springs
McGills Hotel Casino
Cripple Creek indeed holds a lot of charm as a historic mining town; but if that has you conjuring images of creaky old inns that are more historic than charming, check out the recently remodeled McGills. Comfortable, well-designed rooms with plush beds and plasma televisions are a great place to rejuvenate after evenings on the gaming floor of McGills or many other nearby casinos.
What’s unique: Themed Western, Roman and safari “fantasy” rooms
When you’re not gaming:
- See a show at the restored 1890s Butte Theater
- Ride the scenic and historic Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad
- Visit the Outlaws & Lawmen Jail Museum
- Tour the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine
- Explore prehistoric plants and insects preserved at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument