Breckenridge, Colorado, is most known for its wide range of outdoor activities, especially those that involve the near Ten Mile Mountain range.
But before the town’s ski trails were established in 1961, Breckenridge was once most famous for its contribution to the age of the “gold rush” because several production mines were part of their territory.
Until now, they have attractions—mining facilities and museums—that reflect their former history as top mineral producers.
Breckenridge has also established attractions that can be enjoyed in comfort indoors, such as ice arenas, art galleries, and escape rooms.
Visit the town of Breckenridge for its diverse activities and beautiful sceneries, courtesy of the natural mountains and forests that surround it.
Here are the 15 best things to do in Breckenridge, Colorado:
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Since its opening in 1961, Breckenridge Ski Resort has become a premium destination in Breckenridge, currently housing several facilities and amenities all into one resort after undergoing expansion projects.
Located along Ski Hill Road, this ski resort is surrounded by mountains, creating a stunning backdrop everywhere you look.
There’re activities to do here, regardless of the season!
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In summer, they open the Gold Runner Alpine, a thrilling roller coaster experience where you ride from above 2,500 feet off the ground with heart-dropping twists and curves.
In spring and winter, they open their ski areas, estimated to take up about 1000 acres of free space for skiers with varying terrain levels, so choose wisely depending on your skill.
So, if you’re ever in Breckenridge, don’t miss out on this top-class ski resort!
Experience the past phenomenon of the “gold rush” in this fun mining facility.
Established in 1887, Country Boy Mine was one of the top mines in Colorado, known for its high production of lead and zinc, which were important materials for World War 1 and World War 2.
Now, this place offers six thrilling attractions, namely: gold mine tour, treasure hunts, pan for gold, monster truck sleigh tour, extreme sledding, self-guided snowshoe tour, and a friendly meeting with their donkeys.
However, their most famous attractions are the treasure hunts and panning for gold, where you can take home real treasures in the forms of minerals like gold, silver, etc.
With all its exciting activities, Country Gold Mine has become one of the most famous things to do in Breckenridge, Colorado.
If you’re interested, you can find this place along French Gulf Road!
Isak Heartstone is the name of a sculptured troll that’s become dear to many locals and travelers who visited his resting place.
Isak is a 25-foot-tall, wooden-crafted troll that you’ll find after a brief hike or walk from the Breckenridge Welcome Center near South Main Street.
The credit for this famous troll is given to Thomas Dambo, who completed the sculpture in 2017 using only recycled wood with the help of a few local volunteers.
With dense forests and clear skies positioned nicely behind him, Isak Heartstone has become a popular picture-taking spot.
Where else would you get a chance to meet a life-sized troll?
Fiction or not, you should take the chance and see this charming statue!
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The Breckenridge Historic District can give you an idea of what Breckenridge looked like in the past, with houses from the town’s first settlers still standing today.
Buildings from Breckenridge’s first settlement from 1859 onwards were given careful thought in 1980 to ensure that the buildings remain, beginning their incorporation as “Breckenridge Historic District.”
Now, Breckenridge Historic Alliance holds guided tours around this historic district, giving visitors leisure walks with an overview of Breckenridge’s history.
Explore century-old residences and buildings while learning about Breckenridge’s history and culture.
Interestingly, one of the oldest buildings in the district is a Chinese Laundry House!
There are a lot more of those interesting buildings in Breckenridge Historic District, so head towards South Main Street to find out more.
Train enthusiasts and history lovers, the Highline Railroad Park is right up your alley.
Situated along Boreas Pass Road, this park and museum highlighting the importance of train transport to the development of Breckenridge, which boosted the town’s trade with other places in the state.
The museum features an original locomotive train, a rotary snowplow, a boxcar display, collections of historical photos, and many more artifacts related to trains and Breckenridge.
There are picnic spots to lounge at and a mining-themed playground for children.
Drop by Highline Railroad Park and learn more about the town of Breckenridge.
Along Clubhouse Drive, you’ll find a unique way to appreciate the winter snowy mountains.
Instead of the normal winter activities—skiing and sledding—why not try riding a sleigh like Santa Claus?
Breckenridge Stables Sleigh Rides lets you view scenic sights in Breckenridge while Belgian or Percheron draft horses lead your sleigh up towards the Breckenridge Ski Resort.
Rest assured that their horses are well-taken care of—from up-to-date vaccines and proper horseshoes to premium feed and grain every day.
In fact, some of their horses were even saved from slaughter.
For a fun time with the horses, head to Breckenridge Stables Sleigh Rides and try out their packages!
If you’re traveling with children, you must take them to this colorful museum!
Mountain Top Explorium is every child’s fun-filled dream with the bonus of learning as they play and interact with the museum’s exhibits.
They have many themes to choose from—medical, mountain wildlife, creative arts, science, business, construction, and many others.
Each exhibit promotes hands-on learning for your children’s potential future careers.
Let your children thrive, and check out Mountain Top Explorer, located at South Park Avenue.
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Located between Munroe Pass and Munroe Road, this Sawmill Museum can give you all kinds of information about the Breckenridge sawmill—its machines, the process, and how it changed the lives of Breckenridge residents.
The Sawmill Museum first opened in 2015, intended to be a nice pitstop for hikers up Boreas Pass Road.
It’s a replication of an authentic sawmill that formerly operated in the same location.
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There are pamphlets around the premises to help visitors make sense of each machinery located within the open-air exhibit.
Primarily, its creators hoped to spread the legacy of sawmills—how it led to larger and more complex buildings such as schools and hotels, which then further boosted Breckenridge’s reputation.
Learn more about the town you’re in and drop by this free, open-air museum!
In the mood for some ice sports?
Stephen C West Ice Arena can be the next destination you’re looking for.
Enjoy a smooth game on a spacious, well-maintained ice arena and choose from their variety of ice sports, namely, ice skating, hockey, freestyle, and curling.
They also offer programs for professional lessons involving their ice sports in all levels—beginner, intermediate, and expert.
You could also get lucky and be at the arena while they have an ongoing ice-skating show, an activity where local youth and adult skaters show off their trained skills on the ice.
Situated at Boreas Pass Road, the Stephen C West Ice Arena is your go-to for all kinds of indoor ice sports, so make sure to check them out!
For a thrilling adventure, Breckenridge Snowmobile Tours and Rentals may be the right destination for your next dose of adrenaline rush.
Their agency is situated at North Main Street, where you can choose from their assortment of packaged tours ranging from beginner-friendly guided ventures to the more complex, self-driven tour.
If you’d like to drive the snowmobile yourself, just make sure you have a valid learner’s permit or driver’s license.
Most of their tours will begin in dense, snowy forests, but you’ll slowly ascend to meadows and high-alpine bowls.
In the more complex tours, you’ll get to leave the forests completely as you reach higher sceneries towards terrains that are close to some of Colorado’s highest spots.
All of this you can experience while having a stunning view of the mountains, so make sure to stop by Breckenridge Snowmobile Tours and Rentals for a memorable experience.
Those who want to relax among lush sceneries and green nature should check out the Cucumber Gulch Wildlife Reserve.
The preserve is a type of wetlands that comprises 52 acres of land and an assortment of plant foliage and wildlife.
It presents a picturesque scenery of lavish nature scattered all around the premises and calm, stable waters wherein various types of wildlife reside.
While it’s a beautiful place to hike in, guests must be careful because the ecosystem within the preserve has become vulnerable over the years.
Many of the state’s endangered species—like boreal toads, moose, and mountain lions—live in the Cucumber Wildlife Preserve, so you should be careful not to cause any destruction to their natural habitats.
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When Breckenridge Golf Club first opened in 1985, the course only involved nine holes and flat terrains.
With its popularity, the golf course expanded to what it is now a premium golf destination with 27 holes scattered across different types of terrain—some challenging, some beginner-friendly.
Aside from that, players can enjoy a jaw-dropping view of the Ten-Mile Mountain range as they play a game of golf.
Breckenridge Golf Club also has its own restaurant and bar, so guests don’t need to leave the premises if they get famished from a tiring game.
Located along Clubhouse Drive, golf enthusiasts and those who want to try the game should check out this high-end course.
Breckenridge Gallery is home to a diverse collection of fine arts from many upcoming and esteemed artists who have distinct types of medium and approaches.
Opened in 1969, their collection has grown and expanded over the years, with its new owners—Tina Rossi and Alex Kendall—having plans to add a more modern, innovative section.
You can browse through carefully curated exhibits of different styles and techniques—i.e., abstract, impressionist, landscape, wildlife, contemporary, mixed media, and many more.
Some of the artworks in their gallery can also be purchased, so you can watch your favorite paintings or sculptures.
Head towards South Main Street, where you’ll find the Breckenridge Gallery and take a look at what their artists have to offer.
How confident are you with your detective skills?
It may be time to test out those rusty skills in Escape Room Breckenridge!
As the name suggests, you will be locked in a room where you must look for hints and solve puzzles to get out within the provided time.
It’s the ultimate challenge for your intellect and critical-thinking skills while also having fun with your friends and family who will be working with you inside the locked room.
There are levels to choose from, so feel free to pick the easiest room if you’re worried about being a beginner!
Once you’re ready to take on the challenge, you can find the place along S Ridge Street.
Don’t worry too much about losing, and give the place a chance!
Breckenridge may be famous for its activities during icy weather but don’t be mistaken.
The town also has a top destination for the summer season because of this exciting amusement venue, the Epic Discovery Fun Park!
Situated along Watson Avenue, this amusement park is home to over 11 thrilling attractions with outdoor activities such as zipline, rope course, wall climbing, trampolines, tube sliding, and many others.
They also have restaurants within the premises so you can have a quick lunch and get back out again to try all the activities available in the park.
The Epic Discovery Fun Park is perfect for anyone who wants to have a day of fun and enjoyment through dynamic ventures.
If you’re in Breckenridge during the summer, you can’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind amusement park!
Breckenridge Skate Park isn’t your run-of-the-mill skate park, as this area features not only amazing concrete facilities, but also sweeping views of the surrounding mountains of the town.
It’s a beautiful place to skate and makes for great photography because of its backdrop, most especially during fall season.
Still, the skate park isn’t all just views, as it’s one of the most spacious and well-maintained skate parks in Colorado that are visited by other neighboring locals as well.
Breckenridge Skate Park features rails, stairs, and tons of varied ramps that you can try depending on your skill level.
Surrounded by nature, this gorgeous skate park can be accessed along Airport Road.
Explore the Trails at Breckenridge Nordic Center
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Breckenridge Nordic Center is another fantastic place to go skiing and snowshoeing in Breckenridge because of its sprawling woodlands.
This attraction receives a ton of snow during winter, making it one of the most popular ski resorts alongside Breckenridge Ski Resort.
While winter is where it truly shines, you can also do a lot of scenic hiking at Breckenridge Nordic Center, especially during fall and spring.
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The place receives tons of fall foliage, and is home to a diverse ecosystem due to its dense woodlands.
You can access this ski resort along Grandview Drive, just a few minutes away from Breckenridge Ski Resort.
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One of the most exciting things to do in Breckenridge is to go gold panning, which is simply extracting gold the old-school way by using a pan from a gold mine.
Lomax Placer Mine is situated by the hilly woods along Ski Hill Road, so be sure to wear sturdy shoes and clothes that you don’t mind getting a bit of mud in them.
Catering to all ages, most especially to children, Lomax Placer Mine is a fun and cheap way to experience an iconic geological activity.
The place is brimming with gold dating back to the gold rush era, and you’ll learn a lot of history from their guides as you pan your gold.
It’s not everyday that you get to experience this, so go check out this awesome spot in Breckenridge.
Get an Adrenaline Rush at Wellington Bike Park
Wellington Bike Park is another exciting spot in Breckenridge, found along Fair Fountain Green.
The bike park is as rustic as it gets in terms of experience—it’s surrounded by hills and features rocky soil.
This makes it an exciting place for avid BMX enthusiasts, as you can utilize the raw natural beauty of Breckenridge to its full capabilities.
There’s a lot of dirt tracks along with ramps made out of rocky soil, perfect for all sorts of tricks and even a bit of fun racing.
So if you’re bringing a bike along, don’t miss out on Wellington Bike Park.
Do All Sorts of Recreational Activities at Carter Park and Pavillion
Carter Park and Pavillion is one of the best in-town attractions in Breckenridge, famous for its various activities thanks to its large vicinity.
It shines best during winter, as its elevated terrain makes it one of the best and most convenient places to do sledding with friends and family.
There’s also a ton of sporting amenities here, such as tennis courts and huge open fields during non-winter months.
Carter Park and Pavilion also has a dog park, so it’s a perfect chance for fur parents to bring their pooches for some exercise.
Found along South High Street, you won’t have to venture far from the town to experience the best areas of Breckenridge.
All in all, the town of Breckenridge has the ingredients for a worthwhile vacation—incredible sights, a rich history, thrilling adventures, and places with educational value.
Every day, you can have a new and distinct experience because Breckenridge has diverse establishments with different themes and purposes.
One day, you can be active with outdoor recreation and then the next day, you can relax and explore an art gallery.
Sky’s the limit in Breckenridge, Colorado, so make sure to write it on your bucket list!
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