Things To Do
Miner Street Market
The main street in Idaho Springs, Miner Street, has several blocks that are closed to vehicle traffic and are full of great options for bars, restaurants, and shops, all with a great Colorado mountain town aesthetic. Some of our favorite places to check out on Miner Street include Tommyknocker Brewery & Pub, Clear Creek Cidery, Westbound & Down Brewery, Edelweiss Pastry Shop, Beau Jo's, Pickaxe Pizza, and the Gold Pan Tavern specifically for any late night activities. While you're there, be sure to take a short walk on the paved trail along Clear Creek with a great view of a waterfall!
Argo Gold Mill and Tunnel
The Argo Gold Mill offers tours through old historic gold mining tunnels right in the town of Idaho Springs. They are also currently constructing a gondola (anticipated to be completed several months before the wedding) that will provide the quickest and easiest access to stunning mountain views and a network of hiking and mountain biking trails.
Indian Hot Springs
While Indian Hot Springs does offer lodging, it is also an activity option for even those not staying there. They have various hot spring options including pools, hot tubs, and caves, some of which can be booked privately. For anyone that would want an even more private and upscale experience, Raspberry Hot Springs is also a nearby option.
Central City/Black Hawk
Central City and Blackhawk are two immediately adjacent towns just 20 minutes away from Idaho Springs. Central City features a historical "wild west" aesthetic from the gold mining boom, while Blackhawk is built up with large casinos tucked in a valley in the mountains.
St. Mary's Glacier
While there may already be some snow on the higher Colorado peaks in September, one place to always see snow in Colorado regardless of the season is St. Mary's Glacier. Only about a 20 minute drive from Idaho Springs, this natural glacier and lake provide beautiful views year round.
Georgetown Loop Railroad
The Georgetown Loop Railroad is a historic 4.5 mile open air railroad that was originally built in 1884, but still open to guests for a ride from Georgetown to the nearby town of Silver Plume and back again. While you're there, you can also check out various shops and food options on Sixth St. in Georgetown.
Downtown Golden
Golden is where Emily and Brett first lived together. It sits between Denver and Idaho Springs at the base of the foothills and is the home of Coors Brewing as well as many other shops, breweries, and restaurants. Always a great place to stop on your way in or out of the mountains!
Lookout Mountain Park
Immediately adjacent to Golden is Lookout Mountain. A winding drive up the mountainside leads to several great lookout points where you get sweeping views of the entire city of Denver!
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
Only a few minutes down the road from Golden is Red Rocks Amphitheater. While it is one of the most famous concert venues in the country, it is also a public park! The venue is open to the public during the day, even when there is an event scheduled later that evening. It features a small museum of the legendary artists and bands that have played there as well as great views of Denver and the surrounding area.
Mt Blue Sky Scenic Drive
Mt. Blue Sky, located just south of Idaho Springs is one of fifty-eight 14ers (mountains with peaks over 14,000 ft. in elevation) in Colorado. However, it is one of only two 14ers that you can drive all the way to the peak of. The top of Mt. Blue Sky is actually the highest paved road in the US. While you need to make reservations to do the upper part of this drive, there are also plenty of great views and scenery to take in along the lower part of this road at places like Echo Lake, Juniper Pass, and the Chicago Creek Waterfall which should all offer great leaf peeping at this time of year. There are also some great hiking opportunities such as the Chief Mountain Trail.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Located approximately 35 minutes from Idaho Springs, Golden Gate Canyon State Park is the one of the best place to go to see the fall colors that will be abundant at this time of year. There are great hiking options and plenty to see.
Other Things To Do In Denver
While the wedding location is a quick trip into the mountains from Denver, you will still be passing through the city when traveling from/to the Denver Airport. If city activities are your preference, there are plenty in Denver including the Meow Wolf Convergence Station, Denver Zoo, Downtown Aquarium, Butterfly Pavilion, River North (RiNo) neighborhood, Larimer Square, Denver Botanic Gardens, and 16th Street Mall, just to name a few!
Other Things To Do In The Mountains
While we could make an exhaustive list of all the fun things to do in the mountains of Colorado here's just a few more: - Scenic drives on Guanella Pass or Loveland Pass - Go to Rocky Mountain National Park - Check out other mountain towns like Breckenridge - Activities like hiking, biking, fishing, ATV tours, Zip lines, etc.