History
As one of Colorado’s largest Historical districts, Lake City is filled with Victorian homes and 19th century charm. Over 75 buildings date to the late 1800s when the town boomed during the height of the mining industry. The town, the most isolated of the major 19th century silver and gold camps, was one of the first in the San Juans to have electricity and and was connected to Ouray, Telluride and Silverton—today part of the scenic "Alpine Loop" by telephone before the turn of the last century. It was also served by the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad. The first train arrived in 1893 via the tallest trestle on the line, the "High Bridge," located seven miles below the town.
 

Alfred Packer
Lake City is also the location of the infamous Alferd Packer, who, with a party of men were caught in a winter storm in 1874. Hungry, desperate, snow-bound, he resorted to canabilism and was arrested after he confessed. He escaped, was re-captured in Wyoming, then later tried and sentenced to death in Lake City. He died in prison before he could be executed.
 

Scenic Drives
Lake City is also part of the Alpine Loop, a National scenic Byway. An outstanding example of the backcountry byway, the Loop covers 65 miles of dirt and gravel roads—don’t try it in your motor home!—between Lake City, Ouray and Silverton. Depending on winter snows, the Loop opens in early June and closes in late October. It’s four-wheel drive all the way, and best traveled with a tour guide. Several jeeping and guide services are available in Lake City.
 

Lake City is also part of the Silver Thread Scenic Byway which travels through the Gunnison and Rio Grande National Forests and parts of the La Garita, Weminuche and Powderhorn Wilderness areas. The road takes you past very few towns. The population is sparse, especially when compared to the boomtown mining towns.

Colorado 149, a paved road leading south from Gunnison, continues past Lake City to Slumgullion Pass

Lake City also has an active arts council which presents musical and theatrical productions throughout the summer season. (Please see related story, Art section.)

For those seeking outdoor recreation, there is jeeping, hiking, climbing, horseback riding and water sports.

Lake City may small—Hinsdale County is the smallest county in Colorado—but the people are friendly and the welcome always warm!

How to get there
From Montrose, Colo., follow Colorado  50 east, toward Gunnison, to the Lake City turnoff. From Gunnison, take Colorado 149 south for approximately 40 miles. Engineer and Cinnamon Pass, both jeep trails, and both accessible only during non-snow weather, also provide access as do the four-wheel jeep trails via the Alpine Loop.