Gerogetown: Historical Experiences in Colorado

Gerogetown combines a Victorian atmosphere with impressive insights into Colorado’s history. In the Georgetown-Silver Plume Historic Mining District, maple and oak trees line the streets—trees planted by early pioneers. Those who want to plan a trip with culture, railroad history, and special excursions will find many different options for organizing their days here.

Discover Historic Houses and Museums

The Georgetown-Silver Plume Historic District was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1966. The Hamill House is a particularly vivid example. It was built in 1867 and expanded by the silver baron William Arthur Hamill. At the Hamill House Museum, 19th-century middle-class domestic life is presented through architecture, furnishings, Victorian plants, landscaping, and the social and cultural history of the period.

The former Hotel de Paris is also one of the area’s notable historic sites. The French inn was established in 1875 in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. Its English-style interior was built by Chinese workers. The Hotel de Paris offers both guided and self-guided tours. The Hotel de Paris Museum is located in the Georgetown–Silver Plume National Historic Landmark District and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.

Railroads, Mining, and Special Excursions

The Georgetown Loop Railroad offers a scenic round trip through Clear Creek Canyon. Historic bridges and explanations of Colorado’s mining and railroad history make the journey an experience in its own right. At Devil’s Gate High Bridge, the line crosses over its own track, creating the characteristic loop. The offering also includes a guided visit to the Lebanon Silver Mine, where visitors explore original mine tunnels.

Guided tours at the Capital Prize Gold Mine provide further insights into mining. They lead more than 1,000 feet into the original mine tunnels. This allows families and travel groups with different interests to combine a relatively leisurely museum day with a guided underground activity.

Travel Planning Information

The Georgetown Gateway Visitor Center provides real-time traffic information, access to the COTrip website, and travel and local information services. Interpretive exhibits and films there also explain the National Historic Landmark District. Historic Georgetown is one of the designated features along the Guanella Pass Route.

Walks can also complement the trip. The Rutherford Trail is 2.1 miles long and leads from Georgetown to Silver Dale. A wide, relatively level gravel trail named after Georgetown’s former mayor, Tom Bennhoff, leads around Georgetown Lake. Depending on your preferred daily rhythm, you can combine historic sightseeing, a train ride, a tour, or outdoor activity.

Which Accommodation Suits Your Travel Plans?

When choosing a vacation apartment or vacation home, it is worth first determining the focus of your trip. Those who want to gather as many historical impressions as possible can include Hamill House, Hotel de Paris, the Energy Museum, and the Visitor Center in their plans. For an activity-focused day, the Georgetown Loop Railroad, the Lebanon Silver Mine, or the Capital Prize Gold Mine are good options. Those who prefer a more relaxed stay can combine museum visits with the Rutherford Trail or the path around Georgetown Lake. The Old School was originally built in 1874 and extensively restored to preserve its historic character while also enabling modern use by the community. As part of an ongoing partnership with the Clear Creek Library District, The Old School is intended to continue presenting concerts and other cultural programs.

The annual Georgetown Plein Air Art Festival is also one of the regular events in the Georgetown Arts at The Old School cultural program. For additional destinations to include in your travel plans, you can also discover Silver Plume and Idaho Springs.

For the broader travel overview: Clear Creek.