Creede Colorado Is Being Called One Of The Best Small Town Vacations

Since the early 1930s, Esquire Magazine has been an authority for all things cool and worth checking out, so when they tell you the best places to visit – especially if it involves Colorado! – you better believe we are going to pay attention. In terms of Charming American Towns You Haven’t Heard of But Should Visit ASAP, Esquire has spoken and has named Creede, Colorado as one of the best:

“This historic mining town is like walking into an old western movie,” begins Esquire’s feature, noting that “Johnny Depp shot scenes here for the action western Lone Ranger” and how " The downtown shops and surrounding nature adventures allow you to enjoy a trip that’s as busy or quiet as you’d like."

Flickr/Simon Foot

Once a booming silver town (the last silver boom town in Colorado, to be exact), Creede is truly the epitome of the Old West, as the mountain town still boasts most of its original architecture and charm.

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Incorporated in 1892, Creede’s population of 10,000 dwindled at a record pace due to the Silver Panic of 1893 but made somewhat of a comeback with the zinc and lead scrap from surrounding ores.

Andreas Feininger/Wikimedia Commons

Thanks to the diverse history, there is plenty to take in during your trip to Creede, including museums and mine tours, ample outdoor recreation opportunities, scenic drives, and much more.

Tim Engleman/Wikimedia Commons

As if this wasn’t reason enough to visit, Creede’s Old West-esque downtown is home to unique shopping and dining, art galleries, and even a world-class theater.

Jerry R. DeVault KSUJD/Wikimedia Commons

In addition to Creede, Esquire recommends visiting other small and charming towns like War Eagle, Arkansas; Lead, South Dakota; and Guilford, Connecticut (pictured).

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To learn more about Creede, please visit the Creede & Mineral County Chamber of Commerce’s website.

Flickr/Jeffrey Beall

For even more to discover around Creede, check out Escape 2020 By Going Far Underground At The Underground Mining Museum In Colorado.