Who has driven from Denver to the Mountains up I-70? Who has looked to the right about 35 miles West? Who has stopped in Idaho Springs for Beau Jo's?
My guess is if you answered YES to the first question - you probably answered YES to all three!
A few years ago - I was the luckiest girl in Denver - I worked for Dana Crawford, the renowned developer of Denver's Larimer Square, Union Station and countless other projects. I knew she had interest in Idaho Springs so when I searched the internet for the Idaho Springs slogan and came up empty handed, I knew she would be the one to ask. Of course Dana was quick to respond, "Where the Gold Rush Began." She went on to say that "Idaho Springs is known for its authentic historic downtown and its three five-million dollar restaurants. It is also the home of the Argo Mill and Mine site which soon will install a view gondola. This will make Idaho Springs one of the regions outstanding tourist destination."
@Kaskajez took the above shot of Argo Mill. She said "The town is an amazing piece of history of the Wild West. The mine is an interesting place to visit. Definitely worth a trip from Denver or a stop-by!"
The Argo Mill was at the center of the Gold Rush. Construction began in 1893. When it was an active gold mill, it processed over $100,000,000 in gold. If we add todays rates and inflation, that is almost 3 Trillion Dollars! (I wrote them differently, because honestly - how many zeros are in Trillions?) Today - you can pan for gold! "It's great family fun" - says the Argo Mill website. My nephews loved it when they visited in the summer of 2017!
In addition to the restaurants in the town, a few good beers have been born in Idaho Springs - and what goes better with pizza then beer? Tommyknocker Mountain Town Craft Beer, Two Bears Tap & Grill, Vintage Moose, Westwinds Tavern and West Bound & Down should be added to your list of places to eat and drink. @laceandlager loves herself some beer - and has posted about some of these breweries.
My friends and I stopped at West Bound & Down after white water rafting on Clear Creek last summer! At the beginning of my first ever rafting experience, I thought it was boring - kinda just floating and not having to even paddle. Fast forward about 15 minutes and the guide yelled for me and my friend to get down in the center. We had to instantly throw our bodies into a different part of the raft for weight distribution so we could avoid a rock. We then landed on a rock - and had to bounce up and down, up and down to wiggle off! The beer we had after at West Bound & Down was well deserved!
I've talked so much about the north side of I-70 - but we can't forget about the south side! Have you ever noticed the Water Wheel? It happens to be one of the most photographed spots in Idaho Springs. Usually the photos of the water wheel also include the 600-foot Bridal Veil Falls! Charlie Taylor built the wheel in 1893!
To make a trip out of your pit stop - or to mazimize a designated trip North/South/East/West in Idaho Springs - check out This IS Idaho Springs - because Idaho Springs #ISforyou!
WINTER - Perfect stop for beer and pizza instead of sitting in ski traffic.
SPRING - Perfect stop for beer and pizza instead of getting stuck in ski traffic.
SUMMER - Perfect stop for beer and pizza after white water rafting, or panning for gold!
FALL - Perfect stop for beer and pizza after leaf peeping or hiking!
