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Its Western heritage has withstood the test of time to lure families with mining museums, historic architecture and abundant outdoor recreation.

Leadville, Colorado, the highest incorporated city in North America at 10,430 feet, was recently named one of the “Top Ten Western Towns” by True West magazine. Once one of the West’s richest and wildest mining boom towns -- with over $5 billion worth of gold, silver, lead, zinc, copper and molybdenum extracted from the surrounding mountainsides -- much of Leadville's colorful past is preserved in its abundance of Victorian architecture.

Add to that an average of 310 days of sunshine each year with summer temperatures rarely exceeding 80°F, and it’s no wonder that Men’s Journal called it one of the top 20 “Dream Towns in America” and Runner’s World described it as a “Trailway to Heaven.”

Leadville is a little over a hundred miles southwest of Denver, less than two hours from Denver International Airport by shuttle van with Colorado Mountain Express (970-926-9800), conveniently located in the baggage claim area. There’s also limited air service to Eagle Airport, about 65 miles (1.5 hours) west.

Mosey Down Streets with a Storied Past

This town of 3,000 friendly and proud citizens began preserving its rich past in the 1890s. You can stroll about Leadville's 70 square blocks of National Historic Landmark District any time of the year, though there’s more happening in the summer. The Mineral Belt Trail, a 12.5-mile, all-season, no-motor route, meanders approximately six miles through the Historical District and offers spectacular mountain views and numerous access points. Maps and brochures are available at the Visitor Center (719/486-0487, 800/LEADVILLE) at 809 Harrison Avenue, the town's main street. While you're moseying along Harrison, don’t miss a glimpse inside the Silver Dollar Saloon, the historic Delaware Hotel and several interesting stores.

Tabor Opera House (719/486-8409) was built in 1879. It retains its original facade, many original fixtures and painted scenery, and is currently being slowly restored. Among the many celebrities who spoke or performed there were Houdini, Susan B. Anthony, Sarah Bernhardt, Oscar Wilde, the Flora Dora Girls and Sousa’s Marine Band. There are tours every day except Sunday from May 30th to October 1st.

The National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum (719/486-1229), open daily in summer and from Monday through Friday in winter, is Smithsonian-class, with impressive displays of minerals and artifacts, plus a walk-through replica of an underground mine. The Matchless Mine and Baby Doe Tabor Museum, open daily in summer (call 719/486-4918 for winter hours), is only 1.25 miles east.

The Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad Company (719/486-3936, 866/386-3936) offers a secluded and scenic 2.5-hour train tour through the mountains from its 1896 depot, late May through early October, twice daily in summer and on September weekends.