7 Classic Americana Downtowns In Colorado

Colorado preserves its rich heritage from the lucky gold strikes through the second half of the 19th century. When the gold dwindled, some places became ghost towns, while others continued into the 20th century, including Vail. Beyond the big-name resort corridors, many Colorado main streets still feel like they have held onto their original purpose.

What ties these places together is the downtown itself, a tight historic core with Victorian-era facades, old storefront blocks, and the kind of main street you can take in on foot. Whether you are after skiing or entertainment, or an adventurous or relaxing mountain getaway, these seven are more than towns. They are turn-of-the-20th-century postcards.