Businesses in Idaho Springs and surrounding towns within Clear Creek County are navigating a slow Memorial Day weekend as inclement weather dampened holiday tourism, but local owners remain optimistic about the approaching summer season.
Clear Creek County, where nearly 75% of the land is public, depends heavily on tourism to sustain its small businesses in towns such as Idaho Springs, Georgetown, and Silver Plume. However, storms that swept through the state over the holiday weekend caused many businesses to experience revenue drops of up to 40%.
“It is a really, really nice experience, a really pretty place,” said one visitor from California, reflecting the area’s appeal despite the recent weather challenges.
Sadie Schultz, Idaho Springs Director of Business and Community Promotions and owner of the Spice and Tea Exchange, described late spring as a transitional period that presents obstacles for local businesses preparing for the summer influx of visitors.
“Mud season, the end of ski season to the beginning of the summer season, is really important for us. It’s a time when many small businesses rely on the additional foot traffic,” Schultz explained.
Nick Juenemann, owner of Kind Mountain Music, which sells a variety of instruments including handmade pieces, noted the importance of the spring season in their yearly planning.
“The small team we have knows each instrument personally,” Juenemann said, adding that business tends to pick up when the weather improves and tourists return to Miner Street.
Currently, Miner Street is closed to vehicle traffic and open exclusively to pedestrians and tourists, who can enjoy the town’s restaurants and specialty shops while relaxing under decorative tents.
Schultz highlighted that Idaho Springs is a popular destination during the summer heat, attracting visitors from lower elevations seeking cooler temperatures.
“We’re always at least 20 degrees cooler up here. When it gets really hot in the metro area, Idaho Springs is the perfect place to escape,” she said.
Looking ahead, a significant boost to tourism and local revenue is anticipated with the construction of the Mighty Argo Cable Car. The new gondola, linking the historic Argo Mill to the mountaintop, will offer panoramic views, a restaurant, a wedding venue, and a large event space. The project is slated for completion by June 2026.
