Lincoln Hills (Gilpin County)
The historic mountain resort core along South Boulder Creek, now private/residential with the landmark Winks Lodge.
Founded in 1922, Lincoln Hills was the only African American mountain resort community west of the Mississippi — where Black families owned cabins and legends like Duke Ellington and Lena Horne stayed at Winks Lodge after Denver's whites-only hotels turned them away. Today the historic core is preserved by the Lincoln Hills Cares nonprofit.
Lincoln Hills scores 4.5/5 (Excellent) on the ROAM BLK safety index for Black travelers. A purpose-built Black heritage site in a quiet rural mountain county; the experience is welcoming and low-friction. Standard rural-Colorado precautions (mountain driving, weather, limited cell service, respecting private property) apply more than any interpersonal concern.
Insider note: The land is mostly private today and Winks Lodge is a National Historic Landmark used for Lincoln Hills Cares programming — arrange a visit through the nonprofit in advance rather than driving up. Most heritage travelers base in Denver's Five Points (the 'Harlem of the West' where Lincoln Hills' famous guests performed) and pair it with a booked lodge visit.
The historic mountain resort core along South Boulder Creek, now private/residential with the landmark Winks Lodge.
Historically Black 'Harlem of the West' jazz neighborhood and the practical base for heritage travelers.
The rugged foothill gateway between Denver and Lincoln Hills — pine forest and mountain roads.
The 1928 National Historic Landmark lodge that anchored the resort and hosted Black music and literary icons during segregation; visit via Lincoln Hills Cares.
Lincoln Hills, Gilpin County, Colorado
The historic resort landscape and creek where Black families owned cabins — scenic and private, best seen on an arranged visit.
South Boulder Creek, Gilpin County, Colorado
Denver library and Western Legacies Museum documenting Black history of Colorado and the Rocky Mountain West; free.
2401 Welton St, Denver, Colorado
The 'Harlem of the West' jazz district where Lincoln Hills' famous guests performed; a walkable historic corridor.
Welton St, Denver, Colorado
One of Five Points' oldest Black-owned restaurants, serving soul and Caribbean food for 40+ years.
Welton St, Denver, Colorado
Longtime Black-owned Five Points coffeehouse and community gathering spot.
710 E 26th Ave, Denver, Colorado
No visa required for US citizens (domestic).
Lincoln Hills scores 4.5 out of 5 (Excellent) on the ROAM BLK safety index for Black travelers. A purpose-built Black heritage site in a quiet rural mountain county; the experience is welcoming and low-friction. Standard rural-Colorado precautions (mountain driving, weather, limited cell service, respecting private property) apply more than any interpersonal concern.
Lincoln Hills (Gilpin County), Five Points (Denver), Pinecliffe / Coal Creek Canyon. The historic mountain resort core along South Boulder Creek, now private/residential with the landmark Winks Lodge.
Black-owned spots ROAM BLK recommends include Winks Lodge (Wink’s Panorama), Lincoln Hills grounds (South Boulder Creek), Welton Street Cafe, Coffee at The Point.
Late spring through early fall (June–September) for mountain access and events.
Budget: USD 120 · Mid-range: USD 280 · Luxury: USD 600 per day, per ROAM BLK estimates.
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