The historic homes, stores, and mines still standing in Breckenridge today could not have existed without the sawmills that processed trees cleared from local hillsides. One of our newest attractions, the sawmill museum offers a self-guided tour of the equipment used by early frontiersmen to cut and prepare timbers for construction.
Civil rights history comes alive in the home of Barney L. Ford, an escaped slave who went on to become a prospector, entrepreneur, and activist for African-American rights. The restored 1882 Victorian home offers a glimpse into the 19th century lives of a well-heeled Breckenridge family. The fenced lawn on Main Street can be rented for private events.
Explore local wildlife in Breckenridge’s own museum of natural history, home to the taxidermy specimens of Professor Edwin Carter, a 19th century miner-turned-environmentalist. A family favorite, the center features interactive exhibits including a hands-on taxidermy workbench, theater, and children’s room. It can also be rented for private events.
People were skiing in Breckenridge from the start. See black-and-white photos and equipment from the earliest days of Summit County skiing, and learn about the 10th Mountain Division, a military unit that fought on skis in World War II. Then slide on to the history of Breckenridge Ski Resort, which opened in 1961 and welcomed snowboarders in 1984.
History lovers can get their fill of Breckenridge heritage on a guided tour of our nationally recognized Historic District. View historic buildings from log cabins to stately residences, and learn about the people who lived here more than 100 years ago. This tour can be taken more than once, as routes and themes vary.
All tours and hikes are available as private events – per person cost applies and $40 surcharge.
History lovers can get their fill of Breckenridge heritage on a guided tour of our nationally recognized Historic District. View historic buildings from log cabins to stately residences, and learn about the people who lived here more than 100 years ago. This tour can be taken more than once, as routes and themes vary.
All tours and hikes are available as private events – per person cost applies and $40 surcharge.
Those interested in the seedier side of Breckenridge history can knock one back on the saloon tour, which visits the Breckenridge Distillery tasting room between stories of the many local saloons that once operated here. Tour stops include establishments whose roots date back to the 19th century. Must be 21+.
All tours and hikes are available as private events – per person cost applies and $40 surcharge.
Prepare to be haunted by eerie tales of Breckenridge past on our most popular tour as you stroll the Historic District and visit homes of former residents in search of ghosts still rumored to haunt these establishments today.
All tours and hikes are available as private events – per person cost applies and $40 surcharge.
The historic homes, stores, and mines still standing in Breckenridge today could not have existed without the sawmills that processed trees cleared from local hillsides. One of our newest attractions, the sawmill museum offers a self-guided tour of the equipment used by early frontiersmen to cut and prepare timbers for construction.
Civil rights history comes alive in the home of Barney L. Ford, an escaped slave who went on to become a prospector, entrepreneur, and activist for African-American rights. The restored 1882 Victorian home offers a glimpse into the 19th century lives of a well-heeled Breckenridge family. The fenced lawn on Main Street can be rented for private events.
Explore local wildlife in Breckenridge’s own museum of natural history, home to the taxidermy specimens of Professor Edwin Carter, a 19th century miner-turned-environmentalist. A family favorite, the center features interactive exhibits including a hands-on taxidermy workbench, theater, and children’s room. It can also be rented for private events.
People were skiing in Breckenridge from the start. See black-and-white photos and equipment from the earliest days of Summit County skiing, and learn about the 10th Mountain Division, a military unit that fought on skis in World War II. Then slide on to the history of Breckenridge Ski Resort, which opened in 1961 and welcomed snowboarders in 1984.
The historic homes, stores, and mines still standing in Breckenridge today could not have existed without the sawmills that processed trees cleared from local hillsides. One of our newest attractions, the sawmill museum offers a self-guided tour of the equipment used by early frontiersmen to cut and prepare timbers for construction.
The Breckenridge Fire Department dates back to 1880, when volunteer firefighters used hand-powered equipment to fight the catastrophic fires that swept through town. Find an original ladder cart, restored hose cart, uniforms and more at the Red, White & Blue Fire Museum, available for tours with a modern firefighter and as a rental for kids’ parties and events.
The museum is open year-round with tours lead by modern firefighters; please visit the Red, White & Blue Fire Station (next to the museum) or call 970-453-2474 to arrange a tour.
This state-of-the-art new archives room is the first of its kind in Breckenridge. Housed in the Breckenridge Grand Vacations Community Center, it preserves historic newspapers, photographs, maps, records, rare books and other Summit County treasures, making them available to students, authors, researchers, and history buffs alike.
Researchers are encouraged to make an appointment to explore the Archives collections. For more information, visit breckenridgearchives.com.
This hike tells the story of hydraulic mining — how gold was extracted from the surrounding hills using high-pressure water hoses. Offered year round as hike or snowshoe. Advance reservation and payment required. Year-Round. Monday; 10am. $20/Adult (ages 13+) $15/Child (ages 4-12).
All tours and hikes are available as private events – per person cost applies and $40 surcharge.