Central City is a casino town with loads of Old West history. It’s a former gold mining camp where visitors still come to cash in. The historic downtown section is remarkably well kept. The best route into town is the Central City Parkway, a scenic drive high atop a mountain pass.
Black Hawk is situated just one mile from town and has the bigger of the casinos. Central City moves at a slower pace than neighbor Black Hawk, making it more relaxed for a stroll around town.
Start your night off with a beer at Dostal Alley Saloon, the only microbrewery in town. They also serve up slots, video poker and pizza.
Main Attractions
Casinos – Visitors have long been gambling in the buildings of Central City. Popular casinos include Century, Fortune Valley, and Johnny Z’s.
Central City Opera – Home to one of the longest continually operating theater companies in the state, Central City Opera.
Recreation
Camping:
- Golden Gate Canyon State Park has 132 campsites, all beautifully laid out in a mountain forest.
Hiking:
- The best treks are right through the historic streets of Central City and in nearby Golden Gate Canyon.
Accommodations
Top 6 Cool Hotels in Central City – Get to know the town they used to call the “Richest Square Mile on Earth!” Central City has plenty of unique hotels and vacation rentals to stay in while exploring this adventurous region. Central City was another popular gold mine…
Hotels:
- Century Casino Central City – casino
- Grand Z Casino & Hotel – casino
Special Events
Jun – Stills in the Hills – Historic Main Street is filled with live music, local food and unlimited liquor tastings for a fee.
Jul-Aug – Central City Opera Festival – Can’t miss event featuring several amazing opera stage productions. Held at the Central City Opera House, each year brings something special and additional events for the whole family.
Activities near Central City
Amusement:
- Golden Alpine Slide (22mi)
Casinos:
Ghost Towns:
- Apex
- Nevadaville (1mi)
- Russell Gulch
Hot Springs:
- Indian Hot Springs (11mi)
Mine Tours:
- Argo Gold Mine (11mi)
- Phoenix Gold Mine (12mi)
Performing arts:
Scenic Drives:
Ski Areas:
- Eldora Mountain (19mi)
- Loveland (35mi)
State Parks:
- Golden Gate Canyon (10mi)
Theater:
Towns:
- Black Hawk (1mi)
- Denver (37mi)
- Golden (21mi)
- Idaho Springs (11mi)
- Nederland (19mi)
- Rollinsville (14mi)
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