Crested Butte History & Museums: Crested Butte National Historic District, Elk Avenue

Crested Butte Colorado
> History Museums
> National Historic District

National Historic District

Often referred to as "Colorado's last great ski town", Crested Butte’s downtown area is a unique example of a quaint 1880's historic mining town and a registered National Historic District. Year round, you will find interesting shops, great restaurants, and all types of lodging options.

  • Crested Butte’s National Historic District can be found along Elk Avenue in the heart of Crested Butte. 
  • Historic buildings add their charm and unique atmosphere to this quaint mountain town. 
  • Fun shops and delicious dining can be found throughout the National Historic District. 

Overview

Locals and visitors alike stroll and bike along the sidewalks of Crested Butte’s National Historic District, creating an atmosphere of friendliness and hospitality and further enhancing this mountain town’s Victorian charm, which is still reflective of turn of the century mining life. On each side, the street is lined with unique shops, colorful buildings and other examples of one hundred year plus architecture and the coal mining history of the town is evident everywhere you look.

Location

Crested Butte’s National Historic District is located right downtown, along Elk Avenue.

For more information, contact the Crested Butte Tourism Association (www.gunnisoncrestedbutte.com) or the Crested Butte Chamber of Commerce (cbino@cbchamber.com or 970-349-6438).

Seasons

Come winter, summer, spring or fall – it’s always a good time to visit Crested Butte’s Historic District. Spring and fall see the least numbers of visitors (some businesses may close or reduce their hours during the off-season months), while winter snows cover the streets and buildings with a beautiful white and the summer wildflowers have garnered Crested Butte the title ‘Wildflower Capital of Colorado’.