What?  A sleepy little mountain town with multiple casinos? Welcome to Black Hawk, CO – population of about 128. At 2.6 square miles, Black Hawk might be small, but generates over 85% of Colorado’s gaming revenue (www.cityofblackhawk.org). This quaint and clean town, founded in 1859, boasts over a dozen casinos. It originally was a lode gold mining town and in 1991, opened its first casinos after a ballot passed for limited stakes gaming. It is also the beginning (or end) of the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, the oldest scenic byway in Colorado. 

The town is easily walkable (just self-park at one of the casinos) and there are several places to eat, little shops to enjoy, and much history to learn. There is a buffet at Monarch Casino but beware – weekend dinner prices are approximately $60pp but does include lobster tail and crab legs! We opted to stop for dinner in Estes Park during our drive on the scenic byway but may have to return to try out this impressive buffet.