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Excited to Explore: Best & Fun Things To Do + Places To Visit In Black Hawk, Colorado

Black Hawk is a casino town first and everything else second. The gaming sits in one short stretch at the bottom of a gulch, so you can walk between most of the properties without moving the car. Everything outdoors is a drive: Golden Gate Canyon State Park, the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, Eldora for skiing. Denver is down the canyon. Check the road before you set off in winter.

For a fun and exciting getaway, Black Hawk, Colorado is the answer. This charming mountain town is known for its casinos and gaming, and there is a good deal more here than that. Outdoor activities, dining and entertainment, or the history. All three are covered.

The history is one of the biggest draws in Black Hawk. This town was a booming mining community once, and the evidence is still standing in the historic buildings and landmarks around the area. But Black Hawk is not stuck in the past. It is a modern town with plenty to keep visitors busy.

So what is worth doing and seeing in Black Hawk? History buff, food lover or outdoor enthusiast, all three are covered here. Hiking trails and scenic drives through to serious dining and entertainment, Black Hawk covers the range.

Key Takeaways

• Black Hawk, Colorado is a fun and exciting getaway with something for everyone.
• The town has a rich historical significance and many historic landmarks to explore.
• Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities, dining and entertainment, and nearby attractions.

Historical Significance

You cannot talk about Black Hawk without the history. The town was founded in 1859 during the famous Colorado Gold Rush, which pulled thousands of miners into the area looking for riches. The discovery of gold in Gregory Gulch, now part of Black Hawk, is what established the town and the area around it.

Black Hawk played an important role in the gold rush era and was a hub for mining activity. The town was named after a Sauk Indian chief, Black Hawk, who fought against the United States government in the Black Hawk War. The old mines and mining equipment are still visible across the landscape today.

One of the most significant historical landmarks in Black Hawk is the Gilpin Tramway. It was built in the late 1800s to move ore from the mines down to the mills in Black Hawk and Central City. The tramway was vital to the mining industry and ran until the early 1900s.

Another notable landmark in Black Hawk is the Native Statue, which stands at the entrance to the town. The statue depicts a Native American warrior and stands as a tribute to the town’s Native American heritage.

Black Hawk is a popular tourist destination now and it draws visitors from all over the world. The town’s history and its unique culture make it an interesting place to work through. The gold rush era, Native American history, or simply the Colorado landscape, Black Hawk covers all three.

Casinos and Gaming

Black Hawk is known for its casinos and gaming options, and they draw visitors from all over the world. With over a dozen casinos to choose from, one of them will suit your style. These are the top casinos in Black Hawk:

Ameristar Casino

The Ameristar Casino is one of the largest and most popular casinos in Black Hawk. Over 1,250 slot machines, 40 table games and a luxurious poker room. There is also a high-limit slot area, a VIP lounge and several dining options.

Saratoga Casino

Saratoga Casino is the smaller, cozier one, and the gaming options are still deep. Over 500 slot machines, table games and a poker room. There is a sports bar and grill on site serving food and drinks.

Sasquatch Casino

Sasquatch Casino is the quirky one, built around a Bigfoot theme. Over 140 slot machines, table games and a small poker room. There is a full-service bar and grill on site.

Monarch Casino

Monarch Casino is the modern and stylish one, with gaming options across the board. Over 700 slot machines, table games and a poker room. There is also a high-limit slot area, a VIP lounge and several dining options.

Gilpin Casino

Gilpin Casino is the charming and historic one, with a rustic atmosphere to match. Over 400 slot machines, table games and a small poker room. There is a casual restaurant and bar on site.

Lodge Casino

Lodge Casino is the comfortable one, built to feel like a lodge. Over 900 slot machines, table games and a poker room. There are several dining options, a buffet and a steakhouse among them.

Mardi Gras Casino

Mardi Gras Casino is the festive one, with a New Orleans theme running through it. Over 650 slot machines, table games and a poker room. There are several dining options, including a buffet and a grill.

Golden Mardi Gras Casino

Golden Mardi Gras Casino is a sister property to Mardi Gras Casino and sits right next door. Over 650 slot machines, table games and a poker room. There are several dining options, including a buffet and a grill.

Lady Luck Casino

Lady Luck Casino is the sleek and modern one, with gaming options across the board. Over 400 slot machines, table games and a small poker room. There is a casual restaurant and bar on site.

Z Casino

Z Casino is small and intimate, and the atmosphere is the friendliest on the strip. Over 400 slot machines, table games and a poker room. There is a casual restaurant and bar on site.

Bull Durham Casino

Bull Durham Casino is the historic one, built around a Wild West theme. Over 200 slot machines, table games and a small poker room. There is a casual restaurant and bar on site.

Golden Gates Casino

Golden Gates Casino is the lively one, with gaming options across the board. Over 270 slot machines, table games and a poker room. There are several dining options, including a buffet and a grill.

Golden Gulch Casino

Golden Gulch Casino is cozy and charming, with a rustic atmosphere. Over 150 slot machines, table games and a small poker room. There is a casual restaurant and bar on site.

Red Dolly Casino

Red Dolly Casino is small and friendly, with a classic vibe. Over 150 slot machines, table games and a small poker room. There is a casual restaurant and bar on site.

Seasoned player or complete beginner, Black Hawk’s casinos have gaming options to suit. Slot machines to table games, poker to roulette, craps to blackjack. Sign up for each casino’s Players Club to earn rewards and perks, and check the kiosks for promotions and discounts. And read the reviews before picking where to spend the evening.

Hotels and Accommodations

Planning a trip to Black Hawk, Colorado means finding somewhere comfortable to stay. The town has a range of hotels and accommodations. These are the best options:

Ameristar Hotel

The Ameristar Hotel is one of the most popular hotels in Black Hawk, and with reason. It has over 500 rooms and they are all spacious and comfortable. Free parking, an indoor pool and a fitness center come with it. There are elevators, so nobody carries luggage up several flights of stairs, and the staff are helpful.

The Lodge

The Lodge is the other strong option. This hotel has over 50 rooms and they are well-appointed and comfortable. Parking is free, and a resort fee covers Wi-Fi and access to the fitness center. There are elevators, and the staff are always available.

Z Casino Hotel

For a more affordable option, the Z Casino Hotel. This hotel has over 100 rooms and they are clean and comfortable. Free parking and friendly service. There are elevators too, and while it does not carry as many amenities as the others on this list, it works if the budget is the constraint.

Whichever hotel you choose, Black Hawk works. Comfortable rooms, free parking and friendly service, which is enough to relax on.

The town runs along one road at the bottom of Gregory Gulch, with the casinos stacked up either side of it and parking structures behind them. Central City is a mile up the hill and it is the historic half of the pair, with the opera house and the museum. Black Hawk is the money half. Golden Gate Canyon State Park is west, over the ridge. The mines and the mining equipment are still visible from the road if you know to look for them. Most people do not.

Dining and Entertainment

The dining and entertainment in Black Hawk, Colorado will not disappoint. The city runs on its restaurants and its lively entertainment scene. These are the best places to eat and be entertained in Black Hawk.

Ameristar Restaurants

The Ameristar Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk holds some of the best restaurants in the city. A prime rib dinner or a burger deal, both are here. The Timberline Grill is the fine dining room, while the Fireside Kitchen and Bar 8042 handles sandwiches and casual food.

Saratoga Dining

For good food and a lively atmosphere, Saratoga Dining is the place. This popular restaurant runs steak and seafood through to pasta and salads. There is live music and other entertainment, which makes it a good spot for an evening.

Z Casino Dining

The Z Casino is another good spot for a meal and some entertainment. The Mustang Grill handles a quick bite or a casual meal, while the Z Cafe is the more upscale room. The casino also runs live entertainment, concerts and comedy shows included.

The Lodge Dining

The Lodge Casino holds some of the best dining in Black Hawk. The White Buffalo Grille is the fine dining room, while the Seasons Buffet covers a wide spread at an affordable price. The casino runs entertainment too, live music and other performances.

Black Hawk, Colorado is a strong destination for anyone after good food and entertainment. A prime rib dinner or a Taylor Swift concert, you will find it here.

Outdoor Activities

Black Hawk is surrounded by mountain scenery, which makes it work for outdoor enthusiasts. A leisurely hike or an adrenaline-pumping adventure, both are within reach. These are the top outdoor activities in Black Hawk:

Hiking Trails

Black Hawk has hiking trails at every level, from easy nature walks to hard mountain climbs. Clear Creek is the popular spot, with scenic views and plenty of wildlife. Golden Gate Canyon State Park is the other one, with over 12,000 acres of pristine wilderness. The Mule Deer Trail and the Black Bear Trail are the popular ones in the park.

Camping

For a night under the stars, Black Hawk has camping options. Golden Gate Canyon State Park runs several campgrounds, the Reverend’s Ridge Campground and the Aspen Meadows Campground among them. Both have good views and easy access to the hiking trails.

Biking

Black Hawk is strong country for mountain biking, with plenty of trails to work through. The Peak to Peak Scenic Byway is the popular route for cyclists, and the views of the surrounding mountains do the rest. For a harder ride, the Chimney Gulch Trail or the Apex Trail, both steep and technical.

Skiing

During the winter months, Black Hawk turns into a skiing and snowboarding base. Eldora Mountain Resort is a short drive away with over 680 acres of skiable terrain. There are runs for all skill levels and a terrain park for freestyle skiers and snowboarders.

Whichever outdoor activity you pick in Black Hawk, it will be memorable. So pack the hiking boots, grab the bike, or hit the slopes.

Nearby Attractions

Black Hawk is surrounded by some of the best country in Colorado. A day trip to the nearby cities and attractions is easy from here, and there is a lot to see.

Denver

Denver is a short drive from Black Hawk and there is plenty in it. Take a stroll through the Denver Botanic Gardens, catch a game at Coors Field, or visit the Denver Art Museum. The famous Red Rocks Amphitheatre is the other one, known for its natural setting and its concerts.

Central City

Central City is up the hill from Black Hawk and it is a charming historic town worth the trip. Take a tour of the Central City Opera House, which has been putting on performances since 1878. The Gilpin History Museum is the other stop, and it covers the history of the area properly.

Golden

Golden is about 30 minutes from Black Hawk and it is a picturesque town, home to the Coors Brewery. Take a tour and sample the beer. The Colorado Railroad Museum is the other one, with over 100 historic trains.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a longer drive from Black Hawk and holds some of the state’s most famous attractions. Hike through Garden of the Gods, a park with towering rock formations. The United States Air Force Academy and the famous Pikes Peak are both there too.

Gilpin County

Black Hawk sits in Gilpin County, which holds some of the best natural areas in Colorado. Take a scenic drive through the county for the mountain views. Golden Gate Canyon State Park is in it, with hiking, fishing and camping.

There are plenty of nearby attractions to work through from Black Hawk. History, nature, or just a day out, all three are covered. Check TripAdvisor or Facebook for more recommendations and reviews from other travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-rated casinos to visit in Black Hawk?

Black Hawk is known for its casinos and there are a lot to choose from. The top-rated ones include the Ameristar Casino Black Hawk, Monarch Casino and The Lodge Casino.

Are there any hot springs near Black Hawk, Colorado?

Yes, there are several hot springs near Black Hawk, Colorado. The popular ones include Indian Hot Springs, Hot Sulphur Springs Resort & Spa and Glenwood Hot Springs Resort.

Where can I find live music in Black Hawk, Colorado?

For live music in Black Hawk, there are a few places to check. The Gilpin Casino and Bull Durham Saloon both run live music on select nights.

What are some of the best restaurants to try in Black Hawk, Colorado?

There are some good restaurants in Black Hawk, Colorado. The best include the Centennial Buffet at Ameristar Casino Black Hawk, The Buffet at Monarch Casino, and Farraddays Steakhouse at Isle Casino Hotel Black Hawk.

Is Black Hawk, Colorado worth visiting for a weekend getaway?

Absolutely. Black Hawk, Colorado works well for a weekend getaway. Mountain scenery, outdoor activities and the casinos, and it is only a short drive from Denver, which makes it easy to reach.

Frequently asked questions about Black Hawk, Colorado

Can you walk between the Black Hawk casinos?

Yes, most of them. They are packed into one short stretch at the bottom of the gulch and the whole strip is short. The altitude is real though, and the hill out of town is steep enough to notice, so pace yourself if you have just driven up from Denver that morning. Park once and leave the car where it is.

Is there anything to do in Black Hawk if you do not gamble?

Some, but plan on driving. Central City is up the hill with the opera house and the Gilpin History Museum. Golden Gate Canyon State Park has hiking, camping and over twelve thousand acres of ground to use. The restaurants are all inside the casinos, which is worth knowing before you turn up with children.

How hard is the drive up to Black Hawk in winter?

The canyon road climbs steadily and it gets weather that Denver does not. Snow tires or all-wheel drive are the sensible call between November and April, and the road can close outright. Check conditions before setting off up the hill. The casinos stay open regardless of whether you can get to them.

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