Background

Tabor Home Museum: A Glimpse into Leadville's Silver Rush Era

Explore the preserved home of Silver King Horace Tabor in Leadville, Colorado, and discover the captivating stories of wealth, love, and loss.

★★★★★4.8 (10)

Step back in time at the Tabor Home Museum, the former residence of silver king Horace Tabor and his first wife, Augusta. This modest clapboard house offers a glimpse into the lives of the Tabors during Leadville's boom years.

Plan your visit

A brief summary to Tabor Home Museum

Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.

Plan your visit

📍
116 E 5th St, Leadville, Colorado, 80461, US
Monday
11 am-4:30 pm
Tuesday
11 am-4:30 pm
Wednesday
11 am-4:30 pm
Thursday
11 am-4:30 pm
Friday
11 am-4:30 pm
Saturday
11 am-4:30 pm
Sunday
11 am-4:30 pm

Explore places near Tabor Home Museum

    See all →

    Unlock the Best of Tabor Home Museum

    Find tickets, tours with entry, and experiences available for this location.

    Buy tickets

    No tickets available

    Book tours with entry

    No tours with entry available

    Book tours without entry

    No tours without entry available

    Getting There

    Walking

    The Tabor Home Museum is located at 116 E 5th St in Leadville. From the intersection of Harrison Avenue and 5th Street in downtown Leadville, walk one block east on 5th Street. The museum will be on your right. The walk is short and easy, taking only a few minutes. Sidewalks are available. Leadville is a very walkable town, so you can easily reach the Tabor Home from most downtown locations.

    Public Transport

    Leadville has limited public transportation options. The Lake County Public Transportation provides a bus service, but it may not directly serve the Tabor Home Museum. Check the current Lake County Public Transportation schedule for routes and stops. As of July 2025, a single ride fare is $2. The closest bus stop to the Tabor Home Museum is at Harrison Ave and 5th Street.

    Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxi and ride-sharing services are limited in Leadville. Availability may be scarce, and response times can be longer than in larger cities. Expect to pay around $10-$15 for a short taxi ride from another point in downtown Leadville to the Tabor Home Museum.

    Local tips

    Check the museum's operating hours before visiting, as they may vary depending on the season.
    Consider purchasing a Leadville Museums Passport for discounted admission to multiple museums in town.
    Allow at least one hour to fully explore the house and learn about the Tabor family.
    Combine your visit with a walking tour of Leadville's historic downtown to see other notable landmarks.

    Discover more about Tabor Home Museum

    The Tabor Home Museum in Leadville, Colorado, offers a fascinating peek into the life of Horace Tabor, a pivotal figure in the state's silver mining boom. Built around 1877, the two-story clapboard house was originally located on Harrison Avenue but was moved to its current location at 116 East 5th Street to make way for the Tabor Opera House. Horace Tabor, a Vermont native, arrived in Leadville with his wife, Augusta, in 1859. He initially worked as a merchant, providing supplies to miners. His fortune changed when he accepted a share of a mining claim in exchange for supplies, which led to a significant silver strike. Tabor's wealth grew rapidly, and he became a prominent businessman and politician. The Tabor Home reflects this exciting period in his life, showcasing original Victorian furnishings and household goods. Visitors can explore the rooms and imagine the Tabors' daily life during Leadville's silver rush. The museum also recounts the dramatic story of Tabor's personal life, including his scandalous divorce from Augusta and his subsequent marriage to Elizabeth McCourt, famously known as Baby Doe. This love triangle captivated the nation and ultimately contributed to Tabor's downfall. Augusta, a woman of remarkable strength and business acumen, went on to become a millionaire after the divorce, while Tabor lost his fortune when the silver market crashed in 1893. The Tabor Home stands as a reminder of Leadville's boom-and-bust history and the complex lives of those who shaped it.
    Mobile App
    Get the app

    Your all‑in‑one travel companion app

    Explore expert travel guides, compare and book tours, experiences, hotels, and more—all from the palm of your hand. Download now for seamless trip planning wherever your wanderlust takes you.

    File:Mount Elbert and horses.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

    More about Leadville

    Discover Leadville, Colorado's highest city, where historic charm meets outdoor adventure amidst the breathtaking Rocky Mountains.

    Tell me more about Leadville

    Select Currency

    Choose the currency you want prices to display in.