Labor Day always brings with it a sense of change. The weather is getting cooler, school is around the corner, and people are looking for one more fun thing to do before life gets too hectic. A hidden gem in Colorado has you covered with plenty of fun, which is why you need to visit Cripple Creek for your Labor Day getaway.
Take a Train Ride
The Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad is fun for everyone. While the train runs throughout the summer, catching it at the beginning of September is the best time as the weather is perfect for the open-air train cars. The train leaves every 70 minutes and is first come, first serve, so if you have other plans in town, make sure to call ahead to see when the last train left and if there is a wait.
Enjoy Live Music
There is always a reason to get together in Cripple Creek, and one of the common get-togethers for locals and visitors alike is music at the depot. The Cripple Creek District Museum often holds concerts, and Labor Day weekend is no exception, with Tejon Street Corner Thieves performing.
Stay and Play at Our Casinos
One of the crowns of Cripple Creek is our three casinos under the convenient banner of the Triple Crown Casinos. The Brass Ass, Midnight Rose, and McGills all offer unique experiences for staying, dining, and gambling. Each has its unique atmosphere and floor plan, so you get a fresh experience when you stop at each location. It is easy to pop between our three casinos to find a hot table, and when you are ready to rest your head at night, you can enjoy one of our deluxe suites at McGill’s. While Cripple Creek offers many fine accommodations, we pride ourselves on the popularity of our little town. So, if you can’t find a room in town, don’t worry; there are daily shuttles to our casinos from the surrounding areas like Aurora and Colorado Springs.
Explore a Gold Mine
Located just north of Cripple Creek is a literal gold mine, the Mollie Kathleen gold mine, to be exact. Not many people can say that they have been in an actual goldmine, but this one gives tours every thirty minutes. Much like the train, tours are first come, first serve, but coming toward the end of the season will likely score you a front-row seat. If you are coming over labor day weekend, prepare for all kinds of weather, especially the chill of the mine. The tour is fun and educational, and everyone leaves with a small sample of gold ore.
Gain an Education at Our Museums
Cripple Creek is a historical city, and with history comes museums to preserve that history. Join in the back-to-school spirit by touring all of our fantastic museums. Your first stop should be our Cripple Creek Heritage and Information Center, which is a can’t-miss building in town. From there, you can plan your tour of our other museums like Fire Station #3, Outlaws and Lawmen Jail Museum, The Old Homestead House, and the Victor Lowell Thomas Museum.
Take in a Theater Show
Watching a live performance is always captivating, but there is something extraordinary about being able to watch a show in a historic theater. The Butte Theater proudly presents ” Greater Tuna this Labor Day.” A satirical look at small town life in the fictional town of Tuna, Texas.
Enjoy the Local Culture
Source: Google Business Profile
Cripple Creek is not stacked with big box stores, and we couldn’t be happier. When you come to play and shop at Cripple Creek, you get an authentic experience that you won’t get anywhere else. Our local vendors sell everything from souvenirs to clothing; you can find plenty of handmade food and gifts. Labor Day is the perfect time to shop and try to score excellent deals on one-of-a-kind items.
Perhaps a bigger secret than our shops is our unique dining experience. Whether you enjoy one of the lovely restaurants inside the Triple Crown Casinos or want a more on-the-go option from one of the food trucks, you will want to come back to Cripple Creek just for the food.
Take a Hike
We may be a bit biased, but we think the Cripple Creek area is one of the most beautiful places in Colorado. Labor Day weekend is the perfect time to explore the beauty of our parks and hiking trails. The weather is excellent, and it gives you a chance to get out in nature one more time before you get too busy.
Give the Donkeys a Send-Off
During the summer months, you can experience something in Cripple Creek that you won’t find anywhere else in the country. One of our claims to fame is the wild donkeys that roam our street from May to October. Guests can interact with the donkeys and even feed them from a list of pre-approved healthy treats. The donkeys may stick around until mid-October when they are retired to their winter pasture, but Labor Day weekend is a great chance to get your last interactions with them before they retire to their winter resting place.
Labor Day and Every Day
Labor Day is a fantastic time to visit Cripple Creek because the weather is perfect, and the summer crowds have subsided, but the truth is there’s never a wrong time to visit Cripple Creek. Many of our attractions are available year-round, and Colorado weather – while a bit unpredictable at times – is pretty amiable most days. So if you can’t make it for Labor Day, don’t worry. Triple Crown Casinos are here for your entertainment throughout the year. No matter how you do at the casinos, you will leave feeling like a winner, having experienced everything Cripple Creek has to offer.
