Black Hawk

Black Hawk is a city in Gilpin County, Colorado's Front Range, known as "The City of Mills." With a population of just 127 in 2020, it is the least populated city in Colorado. Despite its tiny population, Black Hawk is a major casino gambling destination, attracting visitors from across the state and beyond. The town sits at about 9,350 feet elevation in the Rocky Mountains, just 35 minutes from Denver, making it one of the closest casino destinations to a major metropolitan area.

Casino gambling was approved by Colorado voters in 1990, with gaming beginning on October 1, 1991. Black Hawk has more casinos than Atlantic City, New Jersey. In 2008, additional legislation raised betting limits, introduced new table games, and allowed casinos to stay open 24 hours. The town's historic buildings from its gold mining heyday have been preserved alongside the modern casino developments, creating a unique blend of Old West charm and contemporary entertainment.

By Plane

Denver International Airport (DEN) is about 90 minutes east of Black Hawk. Frontier Airlines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines maintain hubs at the airport. Most other major domestic carriers also serve DEN.

By Train

By Car / Road

Black Hawk is easily accessible from Denver via I-70 west to exit 244, then US-6 east to CO-119. The drive takes approximately 35-45 minutes from downtown Denver depending on traffic. From Boulder, take CO-93 south to US-6 west to CO-119. Casino shuttles depart downtown Denver and Aurora all day, roundtrip from $23, taking 30-40 minutes.

Black Hawk is very small and walkable once you arrive. The historic Main Street area contains most of the casinos and restaurants. Walking is the best way to get around town. For arriving from Denver, casino shuttles provide convenient transportation. Parking is available at individual casinos, with some free lots and paid garages.

• Historic Black Hawk: The town retains its 19th-century gold mining heritage with preserved buildings and historic signage. Walking along Main Street reveals the town's rich mining history.

• Central City (1 mile away): The neighboring historic mining town, accessible by shuttle, with its own casinos and Victorian architecture.

• Gilpin County: The surrounding mountain scenery offers beautiful views of the Front Range foothills.

• Casino Gaming: Black Hawk offers extensive casino gaming with slots, blackjack, poker, roulette, and craps at multiple properties. Ameristar Black Hawk Casino has over 1,100 slot machines and 12 live blackjack tables. The Lodge Casino, Monarch Casino Resort Spa, and Horseshoe Black Hawk are among the major properties.

• Outdoor Recreation: The surrounding mountains offer hiking, mountain biking, and scenic drives in summer. Golden Gate Canyon State Park is nearby.

• Historic Tours: Self-guided walking tours of historic buildings and mining sites.

• Casino Dining: Many casinos offer all-you-can-eat buffets and restaurants. Crooks Palace (200 Gregory St) has great food and delivers pizza and homemade ice cream to local hotels. +1 303-582-5182.
• White Buffalo Grill (240 Main St, at Lodge Casino): Open Su-Th 4-9PM, F Sa 4-10PM, closed Tu W. +1 303-582-6375.
• Fine Dining: Several casino restaurants offer upscale dining options.

Casino bars and lounges serve drinks throughout the day and night, with most casinos open 24 hours. Several casinos have dedicated bars and lounges with live entertainment. The atmosphere varies from casual casino bars to more upscale lounge settings.

• Budget: Chase Creek B&B (250 Chase St) offers basic bed and breakfast accommodation. +1 303-582-3550.
• Mid-range: Most casino hotels offer standard rooms. Base Camp at Golden Gate Canyon (661 CO-46) offers RV sites, rustic cabins, glamping cabins, and tent sites with showers and laundry. Check-in 3PM, check-out 11AM. Pet friendly.
• Upscale: The Nest at Black Hawk (900 Miners Rd) offers 27 luxury domes with kitchenettes and decks, plus an entertainment dome with bar, restaurant, and lawn games. Check-in 4PM, check-out 11AM. +1 720-881-7998.

• Casino Gift Shops: Each casino offers souvenirs, apparel, and gift items.
• Historic Main Street: Small shops and galleries along the main drag.

• Central City (1 mile, 5 min walk): The neighboring historic casino town, connected by shuttle service.
• Denver (35 miles east, 45 min): Colorado's capital city with world-class museums, dining, and nightlife.
• Boulder (40 miles northeast, 1 hour): A progressive university city with Pearl Street shopping and Flatirons hiking.
• Golden (20 miles southeast, 30 min): Home to the Colorado Railroad Museum and the Coors Brewery.
• Idaho Springs (10 miles west, 15 min): A historic mining town with gold mine tours and hot springs.