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Ouray Historical District: A Glimpse into Colorado's Mining Past

Step back in time and explore the well-preserved Victorian architecture and mining history of Ouray, Colorado's charming Historical District.

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The Ouray Historical District, nestled in the San Juan Mountains, preserves the charm and architecture of a late 19th-century mining town. With well-preserved Victorian buildings, the district offers a captivating journey back to Ouray's origins as a silver and gold mining hub.

A brief summary to Ouray Historical District

  • 280-298 7th Ave, Ouray, Colorado, 81427, US
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Take a stroll along Main Street (Third Street) to admire the well-preserved commercial buildings and learn about their history.
  • Visit the Ouray County Historical Museum for an in-depth look at the region's mining, ranching, and railroading heritage.
  • Explore the residential areas on the hillsides to see a mix of finely designed Victorian homes and more modest vernacular dwellings.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Ouray Historical District is easily walkable, with most attractions located along Main Street (Third Street) and the surrounding blocks. From the Ouray Visitor Center at 580 Main Street, head south for 0.3 miles, then turn left onto 7th Avenue and walk 0.2 miles. The district will be on your right, between 280-298 7th Ave. Parking is available on the streets, but can be limited. Be aware of winter parking policies.

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Discover more about Ouray Historical District

The Ouray Historical District encompasses almost the entire original townsite of Ouray, Colorado, offering visitors a captivating glimpse into the late 19th century. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983, the district showcases the town's rich history as a supply center for nearby mining regions. The district's boundaries extend to the Ouray Hot Springs Pool on the north, the west side of Oak Street on the west, the south side of Third Avenue on the south, and the east side of 6th Street on the east. As you wander through the district's charming streets, you'll be transported back in time by the beautifully preserved Victorian buildings and landmarks. Many of the commercial buildings feature Italianate-style architecture, while the residences showcase a variety of styles, reflecting the diverse population that once called Ouray home. Prominent structures like the Ouray County Courthouse, Beaumont Hotel, and Wright Opera House stand as testaments to the wealth and commercial development that mining brought to the community. Today, tourism is Ouray's primary industry, and the Historical District is a major draw. Visitors can explore the district's quaint shops, cozy cafes, and fascinating museums, each housed within a historic building with its own unique character. The Ouray County Historical Museum offers a deeper dive into the area's mining, ranching, and railroading history, displaying artifacts from Ouray's earliest days.

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