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Cripple Creek's Museum and Historical Attractions

Cripple Creek is steeped in rich history and that's abundantly obvious upon seeing the town. Historical buildings adorn the streets of this quiet Colorado town and there are plenty of museums that will tell stories past. Furthermore, the town has a deep connection to gold mining and plenty of ways to learn about it. Come explore the many historic things to do in Cripple Creek.

Cripple Creek Heritage Center and Museum

- Address: 9283 S. Highway 67, Cripple Creek, CO
- Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily

There are so many historical sites in Cripple Creek and the surrounding area. The Cripple Creek Heritage Center and Museum is a perfect place to start as you get your bearings on the town. Maps and other information are available at the heritage center. Furthermore, the center offers three levels of exhibits on mining history in Cripple Creek as well as a movie on the history of the town. Guests can also enjoy some great views of the county. Admission to the center is free.

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Butte Theater

- Address: 139 E. Bennett Ave. Cripple Creek, CO
- Hours: Varies

Butte Theater originally opened in 1896 as the Butte Concert and Beer Hall but saw uneven success over the years. The theater went through several name changes as well as different uses before falling into disuse. In 1999, the city renovated the theater and it began hosting plays again. Thin Air Theatre Company calls Butte Theater home, offering shows throughout the year. Check ahead for tickets before visiting the theater, particularly in the summer.

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Cripple Creek District Museum

- Address: 510 Bennett Ave. Cripple Creek, CO
- Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Daily from Memorial Day weekend to mid-October; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sundays mid-October through December.

Cripple Creek District Museum offers a good overview of the history of the area. The museum includes artifacts, rare photos, mining memorabilia and mineral displays. Admission is $9 for adults, $7 for military members and $2 for children 6-12. Those 5 and under are free. There is also a gift shop on-site that offers books and rocks. The gift shop sits within the oldest building in Cripple Creek.

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Outlaws and Lawmen Jail Museum

- Address: 136 W. Bennett Ave. Cripple Creek, CO
- Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Daily

Outlaws and Lawmen Jail Museum served as Teller County Jail from 1901 until 1992. The museum offers insights into early city ordinances, newspaper articles about crimes in the area, mug shots and other rare photos. Many of the jail cells are preserved and look as they did over 100 years ago.

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Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine

- Address: 9388 Highway 67, Cripple Creek, CO
- Hours: Varies

Cripple Creek has an extensive gold mining history and Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine is a great place to learn about it. This authentic 1890s gold mine offers one-hour tours that takes visitors 1,000 feet below the surface to see gold mining and its history in the area. Millie Kathleen Gortner discovered the mine in 1891 and it operated until 1961 when it became a tourist attraction.

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The Old Homestead House

- Address: 353 Myers Ave. Cripple Creek, CO
- Hours: Seasonal hours

The Old Homestead was a brothel in Cripple Creek, opening in 1896. The museum opened in 1958 and has given visitors a view into the prurient history of the area. While the museum doesn't serve its original purpose, the guides tell the stories of the women who used to work in the brothel and their connection to the Old West. The museum is closed during the colder months.

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Cripple Creek's Museum and Historical Attractions

Cripple Creek Heritage Center and Museum

Butte Theater

Cripple Creek District Museum

Outlaws and Lawmen Jail Museum

Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine

The Old Homestead House

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