Breckenridge is widely known for its world-class ski resort and year-round outdoor activities, but this charming mountain town is so much more. Breckenridge boasts one of the largest historic districts in the state of Colorado and was founded in 1859 by a small group of Gold Rush prospectors seeking their fortunes. Although we’ve graduated from brothels and prohibition speakeasies, Breckenridge still offers some good ole fashioned cowboy fun. Head to these local saloons, underground mines and western boutiques for the ultimate wild west vacation. Yee haw!
Western-Themed Activities in Breckenridge
Horseback Riding
Step back into the Old West and experience the timeless beauty of Breckenridge on horseback. Whether you’re exploring the town’s winding trail network or riding across the open range to the north, there’s no better way to discover the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Grab your boots and saddle up for an authentic mountain adventure!
Gold Panning & Mining
Head just 2 miles outside town to the historic and restored Country Boy Mine, which offers underground mine tours and even gold panning! In the midst of the majestic Rocky Mountains, the Country Boy Mine was one of the largest and most famous gold mines in Breckenridge, Colorado. Today, enjoy the many activities the mine has to offer. Gold pan, pet the burros, slide down the 55 foot ore chute, explore the authentic mine site, view the exhibits and equipment that were used in the mine and visit the general store.
For more gold panning fun, head to Lomax Gulch, the site of an 1860’s era mining operation that used high-pressure water hoses and sluices to collect the precious mineral. The site features historic buildings and equipment, a miner’s cabin and gold panning lessons from an expert guide. What you find is yours to keep!
Historic Tours & Museums
Whether you’re interested in ghost tours, historic Victorian architecture or our gold mining history, Breckenridge’s historic tours and free, family-friendly museums have something for everyone! Create memories with affordable guided hikes to old dredges and miner’s cabins, learn about taxidermy at the Edwin Carter Museum, or wander Main Street by night with stories of Breckenridge’s famed madams, miners and local lore.
Parks & Playgrounds
Breckenridge offers playgrounds throughout the town, each easily accessible from lodging and recreational locations. Breckenridge playgrounds have unique offerings and themes, with elements suitable for kids of all ages. The young ones will love climbing and playing at mining-inspired Prospector Park on North Main Street and the Highline Railroad Park on Boreas Pass Road where a real Engine No. 9 train and boxcars are displayed.
Escape Rooms
Try an Escape Room and seek clues, solve unique puzzles, answer questions and work together to try to escape! These all-age friendly, themed rooms consist of stories, decorations and technology to immerse you in a fun game for all. Be sure to try the Search for Sasquatch room or Avalanche Cabin– you’ll have 60-minutes to complete each of your adventures!
Live Music
Seated and acoustic or live, loud and out of your seat, Breckenridge has music for every type of listener. Bust out those cowboy boots and get ready for a night out to dance, stomp and sing along. Be on the lookout for country artists, folk bands and bluegrass- visit the Breckenridge community calendar for the most up to date lineup!
Western Shops & Boutiques
Marigolds Farmhouse Funk & Junk
This three generation-woman owned shop is full of farmhouse-style decor, jewelry and clothing from cast-offs and found items. Old hymnal books become Christmas ornaments, silverware gets a new life as rings and pendants, recycled saris turn into wrap bracelets, all upcycled and made in Breckenridge.
Rugged & Roses
Rugged & Roses is a new, refined western boutique featuring curated western wear and accessories. Be sure to try their “Boot Bow Bar,” where you can customize your cowgirl boots, just in time to hit up the dance floor! As a sister store to Lace & Lariat, this shop is a premier Stetson hat retailer on historic Main Street.
Lace & Lariat
Lace & Lariat, sister store to Rugged & Roses, is an Indie-Western boutique that puts the WILD back in the West, one piece at a time! Planning a bachelorette party? Make your trip unforgettable by designing a custom hat at their one-of-a-kind Hat Bar!
Midsommar Hat Co.
If you’re looking for one-of-a-kind designer hats, look no further! Midsommar is run by two women who have called Breckenridge home for the past 15 years. They share a passion for creating unique, handcrafted hats that are sustainably sourced, handsewn and fully customizable. Choose from a variety of Coypu, rabbit or beaver felts, plus, each hat features lambskin silk liner interiors. Top it off with colored hat bands, sewing, branding, raw stones, leather, feathers, crystals, quills and more!
Antler & Crown Provisions
Swing by Breckenridge’s premium custom hat shop on Main Street: Antler & Crown! Provisions will steam and hand-shape your hat or fedora that compliments every part of you, thanks to their facial structure analysis. If you’re looking for a full getup, explore hand-made leather bags from Thistle Industries. Hyer Boots, Through the Storm Apparel and El Sussi just landed in town, too!
Overland Sheepskin Co.
Overland Sheepskin Co. is a high-end boutique specializing in handcrafted sheepskin, leather and fur goods. Located in the heart of downtown, they provide a wide range of alpine-ready outerwear, home decor, high-end accessories, shoes and more!
Cowboy Bars & Chic Chalets
Breckenridge is known for its delectable dining, from farm to table eats featuring local Colorado game to casual saloons with that ultimate western feel. After dinner, giddy up and hit the town to explore our local libations and buzzing nightlife scene.
Gold Pan Saloon & Carboy Winery
Thirsty miners, trail-worn skiers and curious visitors have been swilling brews and whiskey at this 19th century watering hole since 1879. A Breckenridge legend, the Gold Pan Saloon holds the oldest liquor license west of the Mississippi. Order an Old Fashioned, watch the game, grab a bite or mingle with the locals. Head here on Friday and Saturday nights for live tunes and a small, but rowdy, dance floor.
Attached to the Gold Pan Saloon, Carboy Winery serves playful flights, wine on tap and creative meat and cheese boards. Main dishes include Rocky Mountain trout and grilled beef shortrib. Be sure to try their frosé on a hot summer day, or hang on the patio and listen to local tunes.
The Chalet
Grab your faux-fur jackets; The Chalet is where après never ends! This new, intimate cocktail lounge is perfectly designed for lingering and conversation. With a true mountain town feel and elevated western vibes, this is sure to be a new favorite with locals and visitors alike. Pair their expertly crafted cocktails with charcuterie, flatbreads, fondue and more!
Blue Stag Saloon
The Blue Stag Saloon has quickly become a local favorite. This boutique bar is certainly the coziest ambiance in town- recycled beetle kill wood ceilings and barn wood walls make for the perfect mountain atmosphere. Warm up by one of their fireplaces (inside or outside) after a big day on the mountain, and be sure to try their menu filled with local game. The Colorado Bison Chili, Rattlesnake Sausage, Rocky Mountain Oysters, Wild Boar Lettuce Wraps and Elk Tacos are always a hit!
Briar Rose Chophouse
Belly-up wild west style among taxidermy and white tablecloth service at the Briar Rose Chophouse & Saloon! This landmark Breckenridge restaurant has perfected the stiff cocktail with its basil-tinged Blackberry Briar and spicy White Flame. And when nothing but the finest USDA steak, chops and prime rib will do, you know where to go.
The Boot Saloon
Grand Timber Lodge’s cozy hangout delivers ski lodge vibes with western memorabilia and classic pub food. Honoring the hard-working adventurer, The Boot is gaining a fan following for its delicious takes on comfort food—think pretzel knots with house made queso, saucy wings, creative pizzas and high-piled tater tots with pulled pork. The modern restaurant and bar is situated in the Grand Timber Lodge. Watch old ski films inside or sip Colorado craft brews outside by the fire pits.
Whiskey Star Smokehouse
Nestled in the heart of Main Street lies Whiskey Star, a popular BBQ spot known for its Texan-style smoked meats (try the 18-hour dry-rubbed sliced brisket) and an extensive list of over 150 whiskeys. Check their calendar for local love music, or enjoy a frozen Jack & Coke slushie on their back patio.
The Canary Speakeasy
Inside the Hotel Alpenrock, Breckenridge’s hidden speakeasy is a throwback to historic Prohibition-Era dance halls. Ask to be escorted to this hidden jewel-box bar and peruse the bespoke cocktail creation guide—the bartender will design your custom cocktail based on your whims and desires.
The Prospector
Cozy up to this Main Street mixology haven where regionally sourced fare is paired with expertly crafted cocktails in a historic 1892 building. Order a few seasonally inspired, from-scratch dishes to savor with your favorite libations at the Prospector. If you’re feeling brave, be sure to say hi to the local ghost, Silvia, who is said to haunt the top of the stairs back by the restrooms.
Tin Plate Pizza
Fall in love with the crisp chewy obsession that is naturally leavened sourdough crust at Tin Plate Pizza. Situated in a historic Ridge Street cabin dating back more than 130 years, this amicable, artisan pizza stop leans into seasonal, high-quality ingredients and divine house-made mozzarella. Taste the elevated, chef-driven approach in the house-crafted sausage pizza topped with rich caramelized onion, roasted fennel bulb and feathery fennel frond.
