Nestled in a stunning valley of wildflowers and majestic mountain peaks, is the small captivating town of Crested Butte. A year-round destination, Crested Butte is a recreational paradise offering a dizzying array of activities for any traveler—from the avid sports enthusiast to the history buff. This former coal mining town has faithfully held onto its 19th century heritage, retaining the heart and spirit of the landscape while creating a main street that oozes charm. Often referred to as "the last great Colorado ski town," Crested Butte exudes a friendly warmth, peaceful ambience and rugged beauty that serves as a perennial escape from urban life.

A National Historic District since 1974, Crested Butte illustrates the vibrant design of a Victorian-era village, with its wooden false front buildings, street-corner flower boxes and antique lamplight. The main street, Elk Avenue, is lined with original 19th century buildings that have been reinvented as inviting coffee shops, quaint restaurants and specialty shops. The Town enacted a preservation ordinance 35 years ago setting forth the conservation of its historic fabric. Today, with a "no demolition" law in place, more than 465 residential and commercial buildings make Crested Butte the eighth largest historic district in Colorado.

Attractions include the Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum, built in 1883. One of the oldest standing structures in town, the building first housed the Crested Butte Hardware store and later a blacksmith shop and gas station. The museum is now a repository for relics from the town's past mining era and more recent skiing history. The front of the building features a coal stove as well as all the original cases, which are filled with a sampling of the merchandise that was originally sold. Portraits of early residents—many of Croatian and Slovenian descent—line the walls. The rear of the building, initially a working garage, showcases a functioning model railroad, life-sized mining diorama and one of Crested Butte’s original mining gondolas.

"Crested Butte is a delightful hidden gem that offers a rare mix of beauty, history and adventure," said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. "Filled with endless recreational opportunities no matter the time of year, this authentic mountain town is arguably one of the most charming vacation destinations in the Rockies.

"Our town is very honored and excited to receive this designation from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Our historic buildings create a town with distinct character and the human-scale has been preserved," said Melissa Belz, curator of the Crested Butte Mt. Heritage Museum. "We hope that people come and experience the beauty that Crested Butte has to offer. There is something for everyone from the mountain adventurer to the bench enthusiast."

Crested Butte Mountain, easily accessed from town by a free shuttle bus, is a 12,162 foot peak that offers thrills like few other resorts. It boasts 1,125 acres and 121 trails where anyone can find the right winter challenge, from an innovative beginners' program to the most extreme terrain for the boldest skiers and snowborders. Once the snow melts and the mountain's summer blossoms burst into an exploding palette of color, visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, climbing and river rafting. Festivals and other cultural events run year-round, providing dynamic entertainment alternatives.