Empire Colorado Tourism

Surrounded by stately evergreens and towering mountains, Empire is situated in a sunny, star-shaped valley traversed by Clear Creek. Empire’s ideal location makes it a perfect base for mountain adventures, refreshing tranquility, or a mix of both.

This 1860 gold mining camp was called Valley City until 1882, when some homesick New Yorkers incorporated the Town of Empire and named its main thoroughfare Park Avenue.

Bands of Ute Indians were the first to enjoy this “Valley of Big Timber.” Within five years of Empire’s discovery, we were making history with Colorado’s first sawmill, gold mines, a brewery and a large Ute Indian Campground.

Two of Empire’s original settlers, James and Mary Grace Peck, built a Victorian mansion that they called The Peck House. The Peck’s were known for their hospitality, entertaining luminaries like Ulysses S. Grant, Gen. William T. Sherman and Phineas T. Barnum. Today, The Peck House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is the oldest operating hotel in Colorado. The eleven guest rooms feature antiques transported by the Pecks from Chicago.

Although the American Indians and miners are gone, Empire has retained its charm of old. The scenic valley is dotted with old mine sites and the ageless beauty of the Ute Campground area. Pay us a visit and see for yourself.

Visit Minton Park and Miner’s Cemetery on Bard Creek Road south of U.S. Hwy. 40. This site is open daily.

Only 5 minutes from the Georgetown-Silver Plume Historic District and narrow gauge railroad, Empire is the perfect place to stay. The Miner’s cemetery, quaint main street and artisan shops, the original 1935 Hard Rock Café, and magnificent views create a town with a unique flavor all it’s own.