Explore Breckenridge's History

Explore Breckenridge’s History

Did you know Breckenridge was first settled in 1859 by 29 men and one woman following the discovery of gold in the Blue River, which still runs through the middle of town. By mid-1861, Breckenridge boasted several stores, hotels, saloons, and a post office. Breckenridge boasts a rich mining history going back 150 years and has the largest historic district of any town in Colorado. With the Breckenridge Welcome Center and Museum in the Blue River Plaza as its centerpiece Breckenridge has embraced its history with museums, walking tours and historic events and interpretations.

Start at the Breckenridge Welcome Center in the Blue River Plaza in the center of Historic Main Street. Part information center, part historical museum, the 4,000 sq. ft. facility opened the summer of 2006 to provide visitors and locals information on everything from dining and shopping to winter and summer activities in and around Breckenridge. 970-453-2913

Take a Historic Walking Tour starting at the Breckenridge Welcome Center - A local expert will lead you on a 90 minute walking tour through Breckenridge’s Nationally Recognized Historic District. 970-453-9767

Visit a Museum or Historic Site – Call the Breckenridge Heritage Alliance at 970-453-9767 or click on the name of the museum below for more information on these historic museums and sites in Breckenridge.

• Barney Ford House
• Edwin Carter House
• Red White and Blue Fire museum
• Lomax Placer Mine
• Briggle House
• Washington Gold Mine
• Rotary Snowplow Park
• Summit Ski Museum
• Valley Brook Cemetery

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