Free and Frugal Activities For Everyone in Breckenridge
Free Activities for the Whole Family
Breckenridge is a dream destination for many, but affording all of your favorite activities while you’re in town can be tough if you’re on a shoestring budget.
Just getting to Breck, finding affordable lodging, and lift tickets alone can wipe out your wallet, but we’ve got you covered with a few free activities you can participate in that will give you a slice of this town’s heart, no admission required. Here’s 7 activities that won’t break the bank next time you’re visiting beautiful Breckenridge, Colorado.
#1: Take a Walk Down Main Street
A stroll through town is always free and can be a great way to get some exercise while taking in a bit of the local color that Breckenridge has to offer to visitors.
The quaint and historic Main Street of Breck features a variety of eclectic shops and locally-loved restaurants, and you can pick up various souvenirs, home goods, and tasty foods on your walk. Taking a walk is a great way to get to know this ski town–parking isn’t too expensive, and most people can spend a whole day wandering around and still not see everything Main Street has to offer.
#2: See the Sights at Boreas Pass
The great outdoors is just better when you’re surrounded by mountains. For visitors looking for a bit of adventure and some jaw-dropping scenic panoramas, hiking the 2.5 mile Borea Pass loop is a free activity that takes no more than two hours to complete. If you’re hoping to see the fall colors during the first blush of autumn in the mountains, there’s no better time of year to hike Boreas Pass and get a good view of the aspens changing from green to gold and yellow.
#3: Take a Hike to a Waterfall
Another free activity that is also a great way to take advantage of Breck’s warmer seasons is taking a hike down the McCullough Gulch trail. This 3.6 mile hike takes a bit longer than the Boreas Pass Loop, so plan for about three or so hours for this excursion, but the myriad streams, lakes, and waterfalls you’ll see on this trail make it well worth the walk.
#4: Learn About History at the Barney Ford Museum
The Barney Ford Museum is an underrated gem, and this free activity can give you some insight into Breckenridge’s past without compromising your budget. This museum is dedicated to Barney Ford, a remarkable figure from the late 1800s who escaped from slavery and rose to become one of the most prominent businessmen in Breckenridge during his lifetime. There are both self-guided and guided tours of the museum available to visitors.
#5: Sled at Carter Park
During the winter months, Carter Park provides another activity for frugal travelers–sledding.
One of the best parts of visiting Carter Park is that, while you can buy your own sled nearby, there’s also communal sleds to ensure that everyone has a chance to slide at top-speed down one of Breckenridge’s best sledding hills. There’s also a dog park available for your furry friends as well.
#6: Explore the Breckenridge Welcome Center Museum
Another free place that’s worth stopping by at the beginning of your trip to Breckenridge is the Welcome Center. This is not your normal Welcome Center, however–this expansive building features both an information center for new visitors as well as a museum that gives an overview of Breckenridge’s storied past. Learn more about Breck’s culture, its mining history, and the people who have made this mountain town their own, with no admission fees required.
#7: Visit the Troll, Isak Heartstone
Whether you’re on a budget or not, visiting Isak Heartstone should be on your itinerary on your next trip to Breckenridge. Isak Heartstone was created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, who has sculpted a number of wooden trolls all around the world to bring awareness to how recycled and repurposed materials can have second lives in art. This local landmark was recently relocated due to its overwhelming popularity and now resides just a short walk from the Stephen C. West Ice Arena near the Illinois Gulch Trail.
Build Your Next Breckenridge Vacation
You don’t have to spend a pretty penny to find fun things to do next time you’re visiting Breckenridge. And best of all, all of that savings can go into investing in your next ski adventure to the mountains.
If you’re looking for some of the best places to eat next time you’re building out your Breck itinerary, check out our blog on eating like a local. And if you needed further convincing, we’ve got you covered with five reasons to visit Breckenridge this winter.