Attractions (in subcategory: Mining)

The Orient Mine operated as Colorado's largest iron mine from the 1880s to 1932. Visitors can see foundations at the old Orient town site, a tipple, railroad bed and mine workings. During summer months, the mine is home to a colony of 250,000 Mexican Freetailed bats, and the outflight at dusk is a thrilling sight.

The old mine structures and shafts of the Creede Mining district will fire your imagination about the struggle of miners digging ore in the steep cliffs above Creede. The Bachelor Historic Loop Tour takes you by 17 mine sites that brought wealth to some and hard, dangerous work for many others. Sites are interpreted by a booklet available at museums and the Creede Chamber of Commerce. There is also an interpretive marker near site #17, the underground firehouse, on the north end of Creede. Stop and explore the history of this once bustling area.