Central City
Central City is the “Little Kingdom of Gilpin”: a steep Victorian mining town about 40 minutes west of Denver, where an 1878 opera house, the Teller House and brick Main Street casinos share the same canyon walls that once produced Colorado’s gold boom.
Central City, Colorado: Gold Rush Opera & Casinos
Founded in 1859, Central City and neighboring Black Hawk formed the richest square mile on Earth during the Colorado Gold Rush. Today the National Historic Landmark District still shows off elaborate brick facades, the Central City Opera House and the Teller House—home of the legendary Face on the Barroom Floor—while six casinos keep the lights on year-round. The free Central City–Black Hawk shuttle links the two towns every half hour.
Start at the Visitor Center at 139 Nevada Street for walking-tour tips, then climb Eureka Street toward the Opera House and Gilpin History Museum (seasonal). Gaming fans hop between Century, Grand Z, Dostal Alley and others; history fans tour Washington Hall and the Thomas House when open. Pair a Central City afternoon with Idaho Springs on I-70 or a scenic stop at Georgetown farther west.
Insider tip: Park in the free Century garage or Big T Lot and walk—streets are steep and parking fills on weekend nights. Bring a jacket; at about 8,500 feet the evening chill arrives fast even in summer.
Photo Gallery
Photo credits: Main Street in Central City, Colorado by TheCatalyst31 (CC0); Central City Downtown by Ampersonett (CC BY-SA 4.0); HARRIS BLOCK IN CENTRAL CITY, COLORADO by JERRYE AND ROY KLOTZ MD (CC BY-SA 3.0); Teller House Central City CO by Hustvedt (CC BY-SA 3.0); Central City City Hall by Toohool (CC BY-SA 4.0); Century Casino Central City by Toohool (CC BY-SA 4.0); Colorado & Southern Steam Train at Central City, Colorado by D&RG Railfan (CC BY 3.0); Downtown Central City, Colorado, With Abandoned Mine Tailings by D&RG Railfan (CC BY 3.0); 1982-06-22-Central City Col L 05-ps by Rainer Halama (CC BY-SA 3.0). Images via Wikimedia Commons.
News & Events
The Central City Visitor Center at 139 Nevada St. is open daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. year-round (303-582-3345). Opera festival dates, museum hours and casino details are at visitcentralcity.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Central City from Denver?
Central City is about 35 to 40 miles west of Denver via I-70 Exit 243 and the Central City Parkway, typically a 40- to 55-minute drive.
What is there to do in Central City besides casinos?
Tour the Central City Opera House and Teller House, visit Gilpin History Museum, browse Eureka Street shops, walk historic cemeteries and take gold-mine tours at nearby Hidee Mine.
Where is the Central City visitor center?
The Visitor Center is at 139 Nevada Street (south end of Main Street / Belvidere Theater area), open daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 303-582-3345.
Are Central City casinos open 24 hours?
Several Central City casinos operate extended or 24-hour schedules. Confirm individual casino hours; the Visitor Center can help you plan.
What is nearby Central City?
Black Hawk’s casino strip is less than a mile away by free shuttle, and Idaho Springs is a short hop back toward I-70 for mining museums and Miner Street dining.
Central City Visitor Center, 139 Nevada St., Central City, CO 80427. Call 303-582-3345 or visit visitcentralcity.com.