Discover 9 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in Leadville (United States). Don't miss out on these must-see attractions: National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum, Matchless Mine, and Temple Israel. Also, be sure to include Historic Tabor Opera House in your itinerary.
Below, you can find the list of the most amazing places you should visit in Leadville (Colorado).
Table of Contents
National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum
Museum in Leadville, Colorado. The National Mining Hall of Fame is a museum located in Leadville, Colorado, United States, dedicated to commemorating the work of miners and people who work with natural resources. The museum also participates in efforts to inform the public about the mining industry.
The National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum is the only national mining museum with a federal charter, which was passed in a joint resolution (S.J.Res.192) of the second session of the 100th Congress of the United States of America and approved by President Ronald Reagan on November 14, 1988.[1]
Address: 120 W 9th St, 80461-3403 Leadville
Matchless Mine
The Matchless Mine is located in Lake County, Colorado. It made Horace Tabor's fortune. His wife, Baby Doe Tabor, died in the superintendent's cabin. The mine is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is part of the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum.
According to legend, Horace Tabor’s dying instructions to his wife were: “Hold onto the Matchless mine, it will make millions.” After some years in Denver, Baby Doe moved into a cabin next to the mine. She lost the mine in 1927, when it was sold to satisfy a debt, but the new owners allowed Baby Doe to stay in the cabin.
In the winter of 1935, after a snowstorm, some neighbors noticed that no smoke was coming out of the chimney at the Matchless mine cabin. Investigating, they found Baby Doe, her body frozen on the floor.[2]
Temple Israel
Synagogue. Temple Israel was erected at 201 West 4th Street in Leadville, Colorado, during the summer of 1884 in less than two months. The Temple Israel building is a rare example of a frontier synagogue.[3]
Address: 201 W 4th St, 80461-4301 Leadville
Historic Tabor Opera House
Concerts and shows, Theater
Address: 308 Harrison Ave, 80461-3612 Leadville
Dexter Cabin
Dexter Cabin was the Leadville, Colorado home and hunting lodge of James V. Dexter, a mining investor and businessman. Although it is a cabin, the interior has been described as "surprisingly plush," "elegantly finished," and "incredibly ornate.".
It is a Colorado State Historic Site and is operated as a museum by the state under History Colorado, together with Healy House. The two are located within the Leadville Historic District, which is itself a National Historic Landmark. Dexter Cabin was moved to its present location next to Healy House.
Dexter Cabin was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.[4]
Healy House Museum
Museum in Leadville, Colorado. Healy House Museum was the Leadville, Colorado home built in 1878 by mining engineer and city father August R. Meyer for his bride, Emma. It was purchased in 1888 by Daniel Healy, who operated a boarding house with his cousin Nellie Healy. An immigrant from Ireland, Healy served Leadville as a mail carrier and later assistant postmaster. He subsequently started several successful businesses and represented Leadville in Colorado's state legislature from 1903 to 1905.
After Daniel Healy had died in 1912, the house was given to his sister, nieces, and cousin Nellie Healy. Nellie continued to live in and operate the boarding house until 1936. She donated the house to the historical association in 1936 under the condition that the house be used to benefit the city. In 1938, Clara Gaw Norton oversaw restoration work at the house paid for through grant money from the Boettcher Foundation. Norton hoped to turn the Healy House into the city's first history museum.
Healy House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.
Currently it is a Colorado State Historic Site and is operated as a Victorian era museum by the state under History Colorado, together with Dexter Cabin. The two are located within the Leadville Historic District, which is itself a National Historic Landmark.
The restored house serves as an example of the "Elegant Eighties".[5]
Leadville National Fish Hatchery
Fish farm in Lake County, Colorado. Leadville National Fish Hatchery established in 1889 west of Leadville, Colorado is one of 70 hatcheries in the National Fish Hatchery System. It is managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. It lies within the Mount Massive Wilderness, most of whose area lies within San Isabel National Forest and which is managed by the United States Forest Service.
Leadville National Fish Hatchery was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.[6]
Address: 2844 Highway 300, 80461-9751 Leadville
Lake County Public Library
Library
Address: 1115 Harrison Ave, 80461-3398 Leadville
Matchless Mine Memories
Mine
Address: E 7th Street, 80461 Leadville