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Historic Georgetown Colorado

History of Georgetown

Georgetown Colorado was founded during the Pikes Peak Gold Rush, in 1859. It was started by brothers George and David Griffith. The town was named after George. Silver was discovered in the Argentine Pass, about 8 miles away. Georgetown grew quickly, becoming a major mining town.

In the 1870's the Narrow Gauge Colorado Central Railroad was built from Golden to Georgetown. Later on the railroad was almost dismantled, except for one portion of it that went from Georgetown to Silver Plume. That train still runs today as the Georgetown Loop tourist railroad. georgetown colorado

During the silver boom Georgetown rivaled Leadville in prosperity and population. At one point the citizens of Georgetown lobbied unsuccessfully for it to become the state capitol. Had they achieved that goal the State of Colorado would certainly look different!

Georgetown's prosperity dwindled after the silver boom collapsed. It wasn't until the 1950's that the area's economy began to revive when the sport of skiing became more popular. Shops and restaurants opened to serve the skiers who passed through town. Georgetown soon began to accent it's history with new tourist attractions that eventually made in a tourist destination, not just a tourist stop.

Ride the Railroad

Ride the historic railroad! The Georgetown Loop will take you from Georgetown Colorado to Silver Plume over a trestle bridge.

At a halfway stop along the line you will have the opportunity to tour the Lebanon Silver Mine. The inside of the mine stays constantly at 44 degrees (fahrenheit) so if you plan to tour the mine make sure and bring a jacket.

The train ride will take you approximately an hour and 15 min and if you plan to tour the mine, it will be an additional hour and 15 minutes.

georgetown loop railroad

When you purchase tickets, be aware that the railroad cars are open, and the Railroad does not offer refunds or rainchecks during bad weather. Rain or shine, the train stays on it's schedule, so be prepared for any kind of weather. Weather can change quickly in Georgetown Colorado.

Summer rides get booked fast, so buy your tickets in advance.

Other Things To Do:

Make sure you walk around the town and take a peek in some of the shops.

If you enjoy fishing, take a drive up Guanella Pass to Clear Lake for some trout fishing. To get there, go six miles south on Guanella Pass (County Road 381).

If you don't feel like fishing, just enjoy the mountain scenery at Guanella Pass. There are scenic spots to stop along the way for short walks with photo-ops.

Another popular attraction is ghost town of Waldorf. Take Forest Road 248.

You might also be interested in visiting some historic Georgetown Colorado Museums

Dining

I personally recommend either the Raven Hill Mining Company or the Red Ram. I have visited both on trips to Georgetown. These are both casual family restaurants and no reservations are required.

Raven Hill Mining Co.
612 6th Street

Phone: 303-569-2209

Red Ram Restaurant and Saloon
604 6th Street

Phone: 303-569-2300

How to Get to Georgetown From Denver:

Take I-70 north toward Grand Junction/Limon

Follow signs for I-70 West/Arvada/Grand Junction and merge onto I-70 West.Take Exit 228 toward Georgetown. Turn left at 15th Street.

Remember that Georgetown is up at a higher altitude and weather can change quickly, so bring jackets. Also, don't attempt to drive up Guanella Pass if there is heavy rain or snow, since it is a dirt road.

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