Best Reasons to Visit Main Street Breckenridge
In the heart of this beautiful Colorado ski town in the Rocky Mountains lies Main Street Breckenridge. This charming town is known for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor recreation. However, it’s not just the breathtaking scenery that draws in visitors – it’s also the historic Main Street.
With its colorful Victorian buildings and bustling sidewalks, Main Street Breckenridge offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern amenities. Whether you’re in search of great food, unique shopping, or just a leisurely stroll through a picturesque downtown, Main Street Breckenridge has something for everyone.
Our family spent last summer in Breckenridge and fell in love with this adorable town! There is so much to see and do and we explored all we could and added more to our list for next time!
Best Stops on Main Street Breckenridge
Take the Free Gondola Up the Mountain
Head to the BreckConnect Gondola Station, which is located at the base of Peak 8 to take the free, scenic ride up the mountain. You can reach this station by car or by taking the free shuttle bus service that operates throughout Breckenridge. Once you arrive at the gondola station, simply hop on one of the gondola cars and enjoy the view.
The gondola operates year-round, and during the winter season, it provides access to skiing and snowboarding on the mountain. In the summer, the gondola is a great way to access hiking and biking trails, as well as the alpine slides and coasters. This was one of our family favorites last summer!
Have a Picnic at Blue River Plaza
Blue River Plaza is the perfect spot on Main Street in Breckenridge for a picnic. The plaza features several picnic tables, as well as a grassy lawn area that is perfect for spreading out a blanket. As you enjoy your meal, take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the beautiful, flowing Blue River.
After you finish your picnic, consider taking a stroll through the plaza to check out the local shops and galleries, or take a short walk to the nearby Riverwalk Center, which hosts a variety of concerts, festivals, and other events throughout the year.
Paddle Board on Maggie Lake
Stand Up Paddle Boarding on Maggie Lake is the perfect way to start off a morning in Breckenridge. You can rent a paddleboard from Charter Sports at Main Street Station.
Maggie Pond can be accessed from the Blue River Plaza. It’s a relatively small body of water, so it’s a great place for beginners to try out paddle boarding. The calm waters and beautiful surroundings make for a peaceful and enjoyable experience. As you paddle around the pond, take in the beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and the charming town of Breckenridge!
Order a Crepe from Crepes a la Cart
Crepes a la Cart in Breckenridge is a cozy little crepe restaurant that offers a variety of sweet and savory crepes made to order. The menu includes traditional French crepes as well as unique flavor combinations that are SO delicious!
For savory options, you can order the Monte Cristo or Philly Cheesesteak crepe or opt for a vegetarian option like the Veggie Lovers crepe. If you are ready for dessert, you can order the classic Nutella and banana crepe or try the s’mores crepe or the apple strudel crepe.
Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a midday snack, or a delicious dessert, I highly recommend at least a quick stop!
Visit the Christmas Store for a Souvenir
One of the most popular stores in Breckenridge is The Christmas Store, which specializes in holiday decorations and ornaments. The store features a wide selection of unique and beautiful ornaments, as well as other holiday decorations and gifts.
Ornaments are our favorite souvenir and we found the cutest bear ornament in this shop that makes me smile every Christmas when we decorate the tree!
Iowa Hill Trail
The Iowa Hill Trail is relatively short hike located just a few minutes from downtown. This gorgeous loop trail winds through the forest offering hikers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valley below.
Along the trail, visitors can see remnants of the historic mining operations that took place in the area, including old cabins, mining equipment, and other artifacts. The trail is also home to a variety of wildlife – we saw an elk when we hiked the trail last summer! The trail is a great option for hikers of all skill levels and is particularly popular with families and those looking for a relatively easy hike with beautiful scenery.
Experience the Lighting of Breckenridge During the Holidays
The Lighting of Breckenridge is an annual holiday tradition that takes place in early December. The Main Street Breckenridge event features a variety of festive activities, including carolers, hot cocoa, and visits with Santa Claus.
One of the main highlights of the Lighting of Breckenridge is the lighting ceremony, during which the town’s main street, as well as several other areas throughout the town, are illuminated with thousands of twinkling holiday lights – so beautiful! The ceremony typically takes place in the early evening and is followed by a holiday parade that winds its way through the town.
Visit the Breckenridge Troll
The Breckenridge Troll, also known as “Isak Heartstone,” is a large wooden sculpture of a troll that is a popular attraction year-round. The sculpture was created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo and is made from recycled materials.
Located just off Main Street, visitors can hike from the the Illinois Gulch Trailhead to see the Breckenridge Troll up close and take photos with the towering wooden sculpture. The forest is worth walking through itself with beautiful picnic areas and a lovely creek.
Grab a Cookie from Mountain Top Cookie Shop
Mountain Top Cookie Shop is a popular bakery located on Main Street Breckenridge and when you are walking around downtown you can literally smell the cookies in the air! Follow your nose and stop at this local favorite for fresh baked cookies.
The bakery offers a wide variety of cookies, including classics like chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, and peanut butter, as well as more unique flavors like snickerdoodle, peanut butter pretzel, or Cocoa Dough. All of the cookies are baked fresh daily and are made using high-quality ingredients.
I highly recommend the “cookie sandwich” option! Choose two cookies and have them filled with icing for a delicious treat!
Have Dinner with a View at Ollie’s Pub & Grub
Ollie’s menu features classic pub fare, including burgers, sandwiches, salads, and appetizers. Some of the most popular menu items include the Mac and Cheese Burger, Barbecue Chicken Wings, and Fried Pickles.
In addition to its tasty food, Ollie’s is also known for its impressive selection of beers on tap and its great water-front view from the boathouse restaurant.
Stop by the Visitor’s Center
The Breckenridge Welcome Center is the spot to stop for information and resources for visitors. The center is located on Main Street and is a great starting point for anyone looking to explore the area.
The visitors’ center provides a wide range of services and resources, including maps and guides to the town, information on local events and activities, recommendations for dining and lodging options, and tips on outdoor recreation like hiking, skiing, and snowboarding.
The center also offers a clean and convenient restroom – take note of that and thank me later!
Do a Scavenger Hunt with the Kids
The Breckenridge Scavenger Hunt is a fun and interactive activity for kids. It’s designed to help kids explore the town and learn about its history and culture in a fun and engaging way.
The scavenger hunt involves a series of clues and challenges that lead kids to various locations throughout the town, including historic landmarks, local businesses, and public art installations. The clues are designed to be age-appropriate and accessible for kids of all ages.
To participate in the scavenger hunt, families can purchase a scavenger hunt kit from the Breckenridge Welcome Center for $10. The kit includes a map of the town, a set of clues and challenges, and a small prize for completing the hunt.
Challenge Yourself at Mountain Time Escape Room
The Mountain Time Escape Room is a fun activity to fill a rainy afternoon or chilly winter day when you need a break from the slopes.. The escape room is designed to challenge participants to solve a series of puzzles and clues in order to escape from a locked room before time runs out.
The Mountain Time Escape Room features a variety of different themed rooms with unique puzzles, clues to decode, and hidden challenges. Some of the current themes include a ghost from Breck’s past, an avalanched cabin, and the search for a sasquatch. The experience usually takes about an hour and is one of our new favorite things to do!
Watch the 4th of July Parade
The Breckenridge 4th of July Parade is an annual event that takes place in the town of Breckenridge on Main Street. It is one of the most popular events of the summer season. The parade typically starts in the morning and winds its way through the heart of downtown Breckenridge, showcasing a colorful array of floats, marching bands, dancers, and performers.
The Breckenridge 4th of July Parade is an annual event that takes place in the town of Breckenridge, Colorado, and is one of the most popular events of the summer season. The parade typically starts in the morning and winds its way through the heart of downtown Breckenridge, showcasing a colorful array of floats, marching bands, dancers, and performers.
The parade is a celebration of American independence and features a patriotic theme with many participants dressed in red, white, and blue. Visitors and locals alike come out in droves to enjoy the festivities, with many lining the streets of Main Street to watch the parade and catch candy and other treats thrown by participants.
In addition to the parade, there are also a number of other events and activities taking place throughout the day in Breckenridge, including live music, food vendors, and a fireworks show in the evening.
Ride the Trolley Around Downtown
The Breckenridge Trolley is a free mode of transportation in the downtown area of Breckenridge. It offers a convenient and fun way for visitors and locals to explore the town and its many attractions while visiting car-free.
The trolley route travels along Main Street and stops at various locations, including popular destinations such as the Breckenridge Welcome Center, the Blue River Plaza, and the Breckenridge Arts District.
Are you ready to visit Main Street Breckenridge?
Main Street Breckenridge is a true gem in the heart of the Rockies. Its blend of historic charm and modern amenities makes it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the area. From its picturesque storefronts and quaint restaurants to its lively nightlife and unique shopping, the town has so much to offer.
So whether you’re planning a romantic weekend getaway, a family vacation, or just passing through on your way to Denver or Rocky Mountain National Park, be sure to take some time to explore Main Street Breckenridge and all it has to offer. You won’t be disappointed!
