Breckenridge Local History

Breckenridge was first settled in 1859 following the discovery of gold in the Blue River. The town is the site of the largest gold nugget ever discovered on the continent when on July 3, 1887 Tom Groves found a nugget weighing 151oz and was the size of a human head.

In the old mining days gambling, drinking and prostitution were rampant and when the local priest – Father Dryer refused to stop ringing his church bell on Sunday to awaken the hung-over residents, the community used dynamite to blow up his steeple. No more bell.

The town was named after the then vice-president John Breckinridge. When civil war broke out and Breckinridge sided with the south, the town changed the ‘i’ into an ‘e’ and the town became Breckenridge.

Breckenridge Attractions

Breckenridge Shopping

There are many local shops in Breckenridge where you can buy a range of things including skiing equipment, gifts, clothing, fishing equipment, sporting goods and books.

Breckenridge Activities

Kids Day Off/Kids Night Out - Licensed by the state of Colorado, they do everything in town that is fun for kids aged 5-12. Tel 970.389.3211

Breckenridge Recreation Center - Featuring a huge pool with a waterslide, a climbing wall, tennis, skate park and children’s daytime activities – this is a great place for kids.

Breckenridge Parks & Gardens

Breckenridge Park - A tranquil one and a half acres of parkland that includes a playground and trails.

Breckenridge Restaurants and Bars

Breckenridge Restaurants

Breckenridge BBQ - Main Street - A great choice for the family, this restaurant serves a variety of steaks, BBQ, beers and deserts.

Hearthstone Victorian Dining - A local favourite since 1989 for hand cut steaks, slow roasted prime rib, wild game and fresh seafood. Housed in a historic 100 year old Victorian home in the centre of town.

Poirrier’s - Featuring classic French Canadian cuisine you will be forgiven for thinking you were north of the border. This is the place to come for fine dining in this town, and has been a favourite for the past 15 years. The Big Easy Lounge is a recent addition and features a collection of vintage wines and Scotches.

Breckenridge Bars & Clubs

Breckenridge Brewery - South Main Street. This place has a mixed, but extensive menu and features traditional pub dishes, burgers, sandwiches, salads, fresh fish, pasta as well as daily specials.