In town
Breckenridge’s Historic District: 249 historic buildings, the Barney Ford and Edwin Carter museums, High Line Railroad Park and tours.
Photo: Bidgee, CC BY-SA 3.0 AU, via Wikimedia Commons
Historic District
Breck was founded in 1859 as a gold-mining town, and its historic district is one of the largest in Colorado, with 249 structures in the old town east of the Blue River. It was designated in 1980, a hundred years after the town was incorporated, and strict design rules keep new buildings in character.
The commercial buildings are along Main, Ridge and Lincoln streets. The old houses climb up Ridge, French, Harris and High streets, along with three 19th-century churches. It's worth an afternoon off the slopes.
Some links on this site may be affiliate links. If you book through one, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. How this works.
Historic District
Museum
On East Washington Avenue.
In the former home of Barney Ford, who was born into slavery in 1822, escaped on the Underground Railroad and came to Colorado in the gold rush era. The museum tells his story and the civil rights history around it.
Museum
On North Ridge Street.
Named after Edwin Carter, a 19th-century naturalist who collected and studied the wildlife of the Colorado Rockies. It has a taxidermy collection from his work.
Outdoor
On Boreas Pass Road.
An outdoor railroad museum with restored steam Engine No. 9 and a huge rotary snowplow. Free to wander, and a good stop with kids.
Tours
From Breckenridge History.
Breckenridge History runs guided tours of town, including a Walk Through History tour and a Saloon Tour. Check their site or call 970-453-9767 for winter dates.
Exhibits
Mining and lumber history.
The Breckenridge Sawmill exhibit and the Washington Mine and Milling exhibit show how the town actually made its money before skiing.
Check before you go
Keep exploring
Book online before you arrive and pick your gear up in town the evening before. The morning rush at the base shops can eat your first hour, and booking ahead can be cheaper.
Breck is on the Epic Pass. Buying a ticket at the window on the day is the most expensive way up the hill, so buy ahead online or look at an Epic Day Pass if you're here for a few days.
One short email a week in season: what fell, what's open, and where to ride this weekend.
