Empire Town Information
Historic Star Shaped Valley

Link to town website
www.empire-colorado.com
History
Empire began as a gold mining camp in the 1860s and was called Valley City until 1882, when it was incorporated as the Town of Empire. Bands of Ute Indians were the first to enjoy this "Valley of Big Timber" where their ceremonial camping grounds existed. Take a tour through Minton Park and the Miners' Cemetery, where the elaborate headstones are some of the best preserved in the area.

Empire is one of Clear Creek County's hidden jewels. Located just off I-70 on U.S. Highway 40, Empire is in an ideal location. Its sunny star-shaped valley traversed by Clear Creek, makes it a great base for mountain adventures, refreshing tranquility, or a mix of both. Empire offers fantastic recreational opportunities including the Continental Divide Trail, fishing, hiking and numerous 4WD trailheads as well as wonderful lodging, dining and the original Hard Rock Café (Hard Rock Mining)

Whether you want to experience the thrill of snowshoeing in a pristine valley, shopping for stained glass artwork and antiques, soaking in a claw-foot bathtub in a Victorian bed and breakfast, or enjoying gourmet cuisine in a historic inn, Empire is the perfect destination. Come spend some time strolling down historic Park Avenue, where you can enjoy unique shopping and dining opportunities. If you're looking for a relaxing way to spend an afternoon, sit on the front porch of the legendary Peck House and take in the breathtaking view. This Victorian inn is the oldest continually operating hotel in Colorado and luminaries such as Ulysses S. Grant and P.T. Barnum have made it their Colorado home. Although the Ute Indians and gold miners are gone, Empire has retained its charm of old.