10 Must-Visit Historic Mountain Towns in the US

The story of America’s mountain towns is one of resilience, adventure, and transformation. Many of these communities were born during the mining booms of the 19th century, where gold and silver lured settlers to the rugged wilderness. Over time, these once-bustling boomtowns have evolved, preserving their historic roots while becoming havens for outdoor enthusiasts. From Victorian streets to Wild West relics, these towns invite visitors to step into history while surrounded by stunning mountain landscapes. If you’re a fan of history, scenic beauty, or both, these ten mountain towns are a must-visit.

Aspen, Colorado, founded in 1879 during the silver mining boom, nestles in the Rocky Mountains’ Sawatch and Elk ranges at an elevation just below 8,000 feet. It’s a must-visit historic ski town in America.

You can explore the Wheeler Opera House, built in 1889, which hosts various performances and events. The Wheeler–Stallard House, an 1888 Queen Anne-style Victorian mansion, now serves as a museum operated by the Aspen Historical Society, offering insights into the town’s past.
Additionally, the Holden/Marolt Mining and Ranching Museum provides a glimpse into Aspen’s industrial heritage.

2. Park City, Utah

The Park City Main Street Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, showcases architecture from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, reflecting the town’s mining era.

You’ll have the chance to see the Park City Museum to delve into the area’s mining past and cultural evolution.

Another notable site is the Glenwood Cemetery, established in 1885, which serves as the final resting place for many of the town’s early miners and pioneers. Additionally, the historic St. Mary of the Assumption Church, built in 1884, stands as Utah’s oldest extant Catholic church, offering insight into the diverse cultural fabric of the early community.

3. Lake Placid, New York

Founded in the early 19th century, this historic town found in the Adirondack Mountains initially developed as an iron ore mining site. In 1845, philanthropist Gerrit Smith purchased land in the area and granted large tracts to former slaves, demonstrating his support of abolitionism. Abolitionist John Brown heard about Smith’s reforms and left his anti-slavery activities in Kansas to buy 244 acres of land in North Elba, near Lake Placid.

This parcel later became known as the “Freed Slave Utopian Experiment,” Timbuctoo. Brown’s farm remains preserved as the John Brown Farm State Historic Site, offering insights into his life and mission.

In the late 19th century, Lake Placid transformed into a resort destination, attracting the wealthy to its scenic beauty. Melvil Dewey, inventor of the Dewey Decimal System, established the Lake Placid Club in 1895, further promoting the area as a year-round resort and aiding the development of winter sports.

Lake Placid’s rich Olympic heritage is evident through its hosting of the Winter Games in 1932 and 1980. The Lake Placid Olympic Museum commemorates these events, showcasing memorabilia and stories from the Games.

Visitors can explore the Lake Placid-North Elba Historical Society Museum, housed in the historic train station built in 1904.

Chartered in 1763, Stowe is a historic mountain town nestled between Mount Mansfield and the Worcester Range. Its early economy was dominated by farming and lumber industries, with sheep farming being particularly prominent. By the mid-19th century, Stowe had become a well-known summer resort, attracting visitors to its mountain scenery.

The Stowe Village Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, showcases architecture from the 19th century, reflecting the town’s development as a resort center.

You’ll have the chance to visit the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum, which relocated to Stowe in 2000, to learn about the state’s rich skiing and snowboarding history.

The Gold Brook Covered Bridge, built in 1844 and also known as “Emily’s Bridge,” is another historic site notable for its unique Howe truss design and associated local legends.

5. Telluride, Colorado

Founded in 1878, Telluride quickly became a significant mining hub in the San Juan Mountains. Its name originates from tellurium, a mineral initially believed to be present in the area.

The Telluride Historic District, a National Historic Landmark, features 19th-century buildings like the New Sheridan Hotel, originally built in 1895. You can also explore the Telluride Historical Museum, located in a former hospital, which delves into the town’s rich past.

A unique claim to fame is Telluride’s association with Butch Cassidy, who robbed his first bank here in 1889. The site of this infamous event remains a point of interest.

Telluride’s location in a box canyon offers breathtaking views and outdoor activities.

This mountain town was established in 1894 and incorporated in 1914. Notably, in 1920, Jackson made history by electing the nation’s first all-female town council, reflecting Wyoming’s progressive stance on women’s rights; the state was the first to grant women the right to vote, serve on juries, and hold public office.

The town’s historic Town Square, older than Jackson itself, began taking shape around 1900 when early settlers Maggie Simpson and Grace Miller plotted the first business lots, forming a central hub that evolved into the present-day square.

A notable historic site is the Van Vleck House and Barn, built between 1910 and 1911 by Roy Van Vleck, a prominent local businessman. This property is the only remaining residential structure near the Town Square and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

7. Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Founded in 1797 and named after Governor Samuel Ashe, it has evolved from a modest settlement into a renowned cultural and historical hub.

The city’s development accelerated with the arrival of the Western North Carolina Railroad in 1880, transforming Asheville into a popular health retreat and summer resort.

Asheville boasts several historic sites that reflect its rich heritage. The Biltmore Estate, completed in 1895 by George W. Vanderbilt, stands as America’s largest privately-owned home, showcasing opulent architecture and gardens.

The Downtown Asheville Historic District features a variety of architectural styles, including Colonial Revival and Art Deco, with notable buildings like the Jackson Building and the Grove Arcade.

The Thomas Wolfe House, the childhood home of the famous author, offers insights into his life and work.

Additionally, the Smith-McDowell House, built around 1840, is Asheville’s oldest surviving brick structure and now serves as a museum dedicated to regional history.

Leavenworth is a distinctive mountain town nestled in the eastern foothills of the Cascade Range. Established in the early 1900s as a timber and railroad hub, the town faced economic decline when the railroad re-routed in the 1920s. In a remarkable transformation during the 1960s, community leaders revitalized Leavenworth by adopting a Bavarian village theme, drawing inspiration from its alpine surroundings.

Today, Leavenworth’s Bavarian architecture and cultural festivals attract visitors year-round. The Greater Leavenworth Museum offers insights into the area’s history, including its Native American heritage and the town’s evolution. It’s also known as being one of America’s most attractive historic Christmas towns

Visit the Leavenworth Ranger Station, which was built in 1936 by the Civilian Conservation Corps and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

9. Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Gatlinburg is located at the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Established in the early 1800s, it was originally known as White Oak Flats due to the abundance of white oak trees in the area. The town was later renamed after Radford C. Gatlin, who opened its second general store in 1854.

Gatlinburg’s rich history is reflected in several notable sites. The Ogle Cabin, constructed in 1807, holds the distinction of being the town’s first log home. Built by Martha Jane Ogle and her family, it stands as a testament to the early settlers’ resilience.

Another significant landmark is the Noah “Bud” Ogle Place, a well-preserved 19th-century homestead featuring a log cabin, barn, and tub mill. This site offers insights into the subsistence farming lifestyle prevalent in the Appalachian region during that era.

Additionally, the Walker Sisters Place, located in the Little Greenbrier section of the national park, is a historic log cabin built in the 1840s. It was home to the Walker Sisters, who famously maintained their traditional lifestyle well into the 20th century.

Bristol, straddling the Tennessee-Virginia border, is a unique city with a rich history and vibrant cultural heritage. Founded in 1852 by Joseph R. Anderson, who foresaw the potential of the area due to the convergence of two railroads, Bristol was strategically established across the state line, fostering a unified community despite being administratively separate.

A distinctive feature of Bristol is State Street, where the state line runs down the center, with Tennessee on one side and Virginia on the other.

This unique arrangement has led to the city being known as “A Good Place to Live,” a slogan proudly displayed on the iconic Bristol Sign, erected in 1910 and now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Bristol’s rich musical heritage is celebrated at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, a Smithsonian-affiliated institution that commemorates the historic 1927 Bristol Sessions, often referred to as the “Big Bang” of country music.

The city’s historic downtown district features a variety of architectural styles and cultural landmarks. The Paramount Center for the Arts, an art deco theater opened in 1931, continues to host performances and events, contributing to Bristol’s vibrant arts scene.