Why Travelers Are Falling for This Small Historic Town in Colorado

Colorado’s Interstate 70 is world-renowned for its lineup of top-tier ski resorts, including Keystone, Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Vail, and Beaver Creek. The notoriously busy highway isn’t just a powder sport corridor, though—it also leads to Georgetown, a must-visit small historic town in Colorado.

Located 45 minutes west of Denver at an elevation of 8,520 feet, Georgetown is a tiny community in Clear Creek Valley, home to around 1,300 residents. With a real-life Hallmark feel and supreme walkability, given the town covers just over 1 square mile of scenic Colorado Rocky Mountains real estate, Georgetown is a friendly small town worth veering off route for. After experiencing the kind townspeople and all the National Historic Landmark District has to offer, you may very well decide to stop and stay a while.

The History Behind This Must-Visit Small Historic Town in Colorado

Georgetown is one of the oldest and most historic towns in Colorado. The tiny town was established in 1859 during the Colorado gold rush, but ultimately made a name for itself—“Silver Queen of the Rockies”—by striking silver in 1864.  

To this day, visitors can immerse themselves in the town’s 19th-century culture. From the Georgetown Loop Railroad, which offers silver mine tours and gold panning, to the beautifully preserved Victorian-era architecture that lines the streets, Georgetown has managed to maintain its wild west, storybook charm, all while ushering in modern comforts and amenities for delightful shopping and dining in town.

Where to Eat, Stay, and Explore in Georgetown

The historic heart of Georgetown, Colorado, is located on 6th Street, where restaurants, cafes, and shops stand side-by-side in 19th-century buildings that feel plucked out of a John Wayne movie. As you meander down the 5-block strip, you’ll stumble across Nara Visa Coffee, a coffee and outdoor gear shop where you can sip on an espresso while perusing backcountry apparel and accessories, as well as snowshoe and ski rentals. Prefer to browse art and books while you caffeinate? Nara Visa is connected to the co-op Georgetown Gallery and also has an upstairs library that looks down on the cafe.

If you’re in the mood for a full meal, 6th Street’s small-town restaurants include 511 Rose, a saloon serving American bites alongside hefty bourbon pours and live music, and The Historic Happy Cooker, a brunchtime must, dishing up griddle comfort classics, eggs benedicts, and a variety of burritos and sandwiches. On the main drag, you’ll also find the Georgetown Valley Candy Company, where homemade ice cream, fudge, caramel corn, and chocolates are ripe for the picking. 

If you’re willing to get a few extra steps in, Georgetown has a few other great eateries to consider. Scooter’s Smokehouse BBQ sits at the edge of town, just off the interstate, as does Mother’s Saloon, Cooper’s on the Creek, and Cabin Creek Brewing, all of which specialize in American fare. Of these, Cooper’s is the most upscale, offering craft cocktails and menu items like duck poutine, bacon-wrapped filet mignon, and crispy truffle fries. 

Beyond food, Georgetown is home to a precious town square, perfect for lounging and picnicking—even though the picturesque 50-year-old gazebo was crushed by the town’s 150-year-old Engelmann spruce during recent winds. It even has a playground for kiddos! For more immersive outdoorsy activities, head over to Tom Bennhoff Lake at the edge of town for an easy (and breathtaking) 1.5-mile stroll.

Alternatively, if you book a stay in Georgetown, there’s always the option to hit the slopes at nearby ski resorts or head out on one of the many surrounding hiking trails before heading back to town for the evening.

Where to Shop in Georgetown

While visiting Georgetown, be sure to pop into the shops that line 6th Street. Jerky lovers will swoon over the vast offering at Georgetown Jerky, while treasure hunters will want to spend hours at Ophelia’s Antiquities. Meanwhile, for unique (and local) clothing and gifts, you can’t go wrong with Columbine Corner or End of the Line. 

Of course, no visit to Georgetown is complete without a trip to Kneisel & Anderson, the town’s beloved food market, which has been in operation since 1883. With a mix of local Colorado goods and Northern European influences, this family-owned vintage gem is one you won’t want to miss. Speaking of European influence, just down the street on 6th, visitors can peruse a bevy of German and Scandinavian trinkets, including cuckoo clocks, Christmas ornaments, ceramic houses, and more, at Shoppe Internationale. 

Seasonal Events in This Small Historic Town in Colorado

If you’re trying to decide when the best time to visit Georgetown is, consider this: The small historic town is the start to the Guanella Pass Scenic Byway, which winds through some of the state’s most stunning scenery, including glimmering aspens as far as the eye can see. 

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