ROAM / Destinations / Lincoln Hills, Colorado

Lincoln Hills
Colorado

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.

ROAM 4.5 ★ HistoryHeritageNatureDiasporaMountains
Best time
Late spring through early fall (June–September) for mountain access and events.
Currency
USD
Language
English
Mid-range / day
USD 280

Is Lincoln Hills safe for Black travelers?

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.

Rated by the ROAM BLK team from traveler reports, community reviews and Black-owned business density — no tourism boards, no sponsors. Last updated 2026-09-05. See all 283 destinations ranked →

Black Travel Profile

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.

Neighborhoods to Know

Lincoln Hills (Gilpin County)

Heritage, scenic, private

The historic mountain resort core along South Boulder Creek, now private/residential with the landmark Winks Lodge.

Five Points (Denver)

Soulful, historic, walkable

Historically Black 'Harlem of the West' jazz neighborhood and the practical base for heritage travelers.

Pinecliffe / Coal Creek Canyon

Rustic, remote

The rugged foothill gateway between Denver and Lincoln Hills — pine forest and mountain roads.

Must-Visit Places

Winks Lodge (Wink’s Panorama) Black-Owned

Historic Site · $

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

Lincoln Hills grounds (South Boulder Creek) Black-Owned

Historic District · $

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

Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library

Museum · $

Denver library and Western Legacies Museum documenting Black history of Colorado and the Rocky Mountain West; free.

2401 Welton St, Denver, Colorado

Five Points / Welton Street Historic District

Historic District · $

The 'Harlem of the West' jazz district where Lincoln Hills' famous guests performed; a walkable historic corridor.

Welton St, Denver, Colorado

Welton Street Cafe Black-Owned

Food & Drink · $$

One of Five Points' oldest Black-owned restaurants, serving soul and Caribbean food for 40+ years.

Welton St, Denver, Colorado

Coffee at The Point Black-Owned

Food & Drink · $

Longtime Black-owned Five Points coffeehouse and community gathering spot.

710 E 26th Ave, Denver, Colorado

Visa

No visa required for US citizens (domestic).

Frequently asked questions

Is Lincoln Hills safe for Black travelers?

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.

Which neighborhoods in Lincoln Hills are good for Black travelers?

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.

Are there Black-owned businesses in Lincoln Hills?

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.

When is the best time to visit Lincoln Hills?

Late spring through early fall (June–September) for mountain access and events.

How much does a day in Lincoln Hills cost?

Budget: USD 120 · Mid-range: USD 280 · Luxury: USD 600 per day, per ROAM BLK estimates.

Plan your Lincoln Hills trip in ROAM

Open in the ROAM app for live community insights, Black-owned business reviews, group trip planning, and Nova — your AI travel concierge.