Idaho Springs ushers in a new era for both residents and tourists
The small historic mountain town of Idaho Springs has traditionally existed as an Interstate 70 pit stop on the way to and from skiing for many Denverites. But this community of about 1,800, established in 1859, is poised to leave its waystation vibes behind and become a major tourist destination, with a new mountain bike park, mountain gondolas and downtown renovations. "[Our town] is definitely in a growth spurt, and I think for the better," says Josh Spinner, broker and owner of Clear Creek Realty Colorado. "It's bringing a lot of fun activities and opportunities."
Victorian cottages and American Foursquares with character
Victorian-era cottages and American Foursquares, typically located close together on smaller lots, are tucked between I-70 and the mountainside. The median price for these homes, which often maintain their historic character with decorative woodwork and colorful roof cables, is about $590,000. The town has a limited housing stock and limited land for development. To combat the shortage, in 2025, Idaho Springs broke ground on a new 120-unit apartment complex at the site of a former high school stadium. The project is expected to expand the housing stock by over 10% upon completion in spring 2026.
Breweries, restaurants and antique stores on Miner Street
Historic brick buildings line Miner Street, the downtown shopping and dining hub. Gift shops cater to visitors, but residents appreciate the breweries, restaurants and antique stores. Upcoming projects are poised to add walkability and update the 150-year-old infrastructure while maintaining the historic character. Tommyknocker Brewery and Pub is a town staple with craft beer and homemade root beer. The menu features casual bites such as burgers, flatbreads, sandwiches and salads. Safeway is the main grocery store in town, and the Idaho Springs Farmers Market brings seasonal produce and artisan goods from May through August. Idaho Springs is considered walkable, and locals can get downtown on foot.
Mountain biking and Aspen skiing
Idaho Springs is a hub for mountain biking, ziplining, white water rafting and four-wheeling. "For outdoor activities, I can't think of a better place in all of Colorado," Spinner says. Virginia Canyon Mountain Park is the town's new 400-acre mountain biking park with trails for all skill levels. Twelve downhill mountain biking and walk-only trails are open, and 28 total miles are planned. The incoming Argo Mill and Tunnel Cable Car, expected to be completed in late 2025 or early 2025, will bring locals and their bikes up the incline. They can enjoy scenic views and drinks at the upper platform, about 1,300 feet above the town.
Skiers have a head start to resort towns such as Breckenridge, about 50 miles southwest and Aspen, about 130 miles southwest. "My son who lives on the front range has to get up at four in the morning to go skiing. I can get up at 8," Spinner says.
Public schools through Clear Creek School District
The town is part of the Clear Creek School District, which earns an overall B-minus from Niche and has three elementary schools and one middle and high school. The district operates on a four-day school week to provide flexibility on Fridays. Kids typically attend Carlson Elementary School, which gets a B-minus and recently relocated to a new campus. Carlson feeds into C-plus rated Clear Creek Middle School and B-minus rated Clear Creek High School, which offers advanced coursework, outdoor education and college and career readiness programs such as ski and snowboard manufacturing and a bike tech.
Events to celebrate culture, holidays and music
Idaho Springs celebrates its heritage with a donkey race on Memorial Day weekend, a nod to the animals miners used to carry their supplies and equipment. Participants run with the donkeys through the downtown area and up the Virginia Canyon incline in a race to the finish line. The town baseball fields double as a concert venue at the Rapidgrass Bluegrass Music Festival in August. Fourth of July celebrations include live music, games and fireworks over the canyon.
Straightforward routes to Denver and the ski slopes
I-70 offers a straightforward commute to Denver, about 30 miles east, and ski resorts to the west. The I-70 Floyd Hill Project is in the works to help improve traffic flow. The Colorado Department of Transportation's Bustang bus service heads into Denver. Denver Airport, about 50 miles east, is one of the world's busiest airports, offering nonstop flights to over 30 international destinations and nearly 20 countries. Residents also head into Denver for medical care, and CommonSpirit St. Anthony Hospital offers emergency services about 25 miles east.
EPA works to mend contamination from mining
Historic mining activities have resulted in environmental contamination around the Central City-Clear Creek Superfund site. The Environmental Protection Agency and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment are investigating potential exposures to lead and arsenic. Locals are encouraged to take precautions such as wearing gloves when gardening, washing homegrown produce and washing hands after touching soil. Idaho Springs experiences more extreme winters than Denver due to the higher elevation.
