Guide to Unique Attractions in Cripple Creek

Cripple Creek hosts the annual fair for the surrounding area. It's a ton of fun for the whole family. Activities include rodeos, country music, the circus, and livestock shows. If you have rhythm, you can compete dance all day and enjoy fireworks at night. This is one of our guests' favorite events of the entire year.

You can't talk about mining history without talking about donkeys. The Two Mile High Club cares for the donkeys and has been since 1931. During the offseason, visitors can find the herd in the winter pasture just off C Street and Thurlow. Guests can feed the donkeys but the club encourages healthy foods such as carrots, apples and approved donkey nuggets.

While the donkeys are a mainstay throughout the summer, Cripple Creek's Donkey Derby Day is another great way to experience them. The event includes donkey races, food vendors, a beer tent, a parade and a concert. This is a great event for the entire family.

Victor, Colorado is a short drive from Cripple Creek but still offers a lot of fun things to do. The Victor Lowell Thomas Museum is one of those as it houses two floors of artifacts, books, exhibits and photographs that depict life in Victor during the gold mining boom. The building itself is an original 1899 structure.

There are opportunities to pan for gold and gems outside of the museum during the summer. Admission is $10 for all ages. There are also tours available through the museum including of Sunnyside Cemetery or a guided bus tour.

If you're visiting Cripple Creek in June, be sure to stop by the Top of the World Rodeo. The Colorado Pro Rodeo Association has sanctioned the event that allows spectators to enjoy top-level competition in a beautiful setting. Events include bareback riding, barrel racing, breakaway roping, bull riding, mixed team roping, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, team roping, tie down roping and mutton busting.

The rodeo goes on over two days with a parade happening to start off the event. The rodeo, however, is more than those activities. Visitors can also enjoy a street dance, beer garden, food vendors and many other great activities.

Cripple Creek Fire Station #3 is a testament to the bravery of firefighters in Cripple Creek throughout the years. The city built the station in 1900 after two fires devastated the town in 1896. The station houses historic photo displays of firefighting equipment. This allows visitors a glimpse into the history of firefighting and its impact on Cripple Creek.