Things to do in Idaho Springs this Winter

Once a mining town, Idaho Springs is a short drive from Denver, Winter Park ski resort, Black Hawk casinos and St. Mary’s Glacier. Finding yourself in this little mountain town during the summer will provide you with hiking, rafting, zip lining, and biking, but winter also holds its own little treasures. If you like to take a little risk, swing by one of the casinos in nearby Black Hawk. The Lodge Casino is known for its glass atrium aesthetic outside and the rustic lodge décor inside. Monarch Casino boasts a 24 hour deli for those late night munchies, while the Ameristar Casino has a rooftop pool. The Lodge, Monarch, Ameristar, and Isle Casino carry slot machines, table games, and poker rooms. Score big at a game of Texas Hold ‘Em or blackjack, then try out their spectacular dining variety from their grills and steakhouses that afford incredible mountain views to the all-you-can-eat fine dining buffets.

When you’ve got some extra cash in your pocket, make your way back down to Idaho Springs for a sit down meal at the Tommyknocker Brewery. Grab a refreshing, seasonal Cocoa Porter Ale and dive into duck wings, buffalo burgers, and pub fare entrees. Step back into time and visit the Underhill Museum, a house once lived in and owned by Dr. James Underhill and his wife, Lucy. Underhill was very much immersed in Colorado’s geology culture after graduating from Harvard; he wrote several books on surveying, taught at the Colorado School of Mines, and was the first person to earn his doctorate in Geology in Colorado.  Dr. and Mrs. Underhill built the home to serve as an office and a place to entertain their friends and enjoy the Colorado Rockies. After the Underhills passed away the home was made into a museum by the Historical Society of Idaho Springs.

After a jaunt through Colorado’s heritage, grab some delicious eats at Beau Jo’s, an apres ski hotspot since 1973 that uses solar and wind source power in their restaurant. Relax under a translucent dome at the Indian Hot Springs pool, featuring 90 – 100 degree mineral water, flowering plants, and tropical trees. Over a century ago, caves were built in the solid rock mountain side in Idaho Springs and geo-thermal caves featuring 104 – 112 degree pure mineral water were built. The Indian Hot Springs also features a spa, outdoor jacuzzis and a “club mud” for those looking for a refreshing face mask or full body detox. Take a break from it all to visit this charming mountain town!