Join the Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum for a three-day guided tour through Central City and Leadville, exploring the real people and places behind The Ballad of Baby Doe whose dramatic story of love, betrayal and money inspired this iconic American opera, based on real life. This special experience is built around the rare staging of the opera—performed at Central City Opera only once every ten years—making this an exceptional opportunity for history and opera lovers alike.
Travel through Colorado’s mining history as you learn about the lives of Horace Tabor, Augusta Tabor, and Elizabeth “Baby” Doe Tabor, whose dramatic story of love, betrayal and money inspired this iconic American opera. (based on real life)
The Ballad of Baby Doe is a classic American opera written and performed in English, commissioned by Central City Opera that was first performed in 1956. Set in 19th-century Colorado, it tells the real-life rags-to-riches love story of silver magnate Horace Tabor, his wife Augusta, and the young Elizabeth “Baby” Doe Tabor. The emotionally rich work explores love, ambition, scandal, and loyalty, capturing universal human truths through accessible music and timeless themes. Beloved by audiences worldwide, the opera remains a highlight of Central City Opera’s repertoire. Central City Opera Info
Tour Guides:
Duane Vandenbusche
Kathryn Keller
Schedule:
Guests are responsible for their own transportation between all locations
Day 1 – Wednesday, July 15th-Central City
1pm – Free Pre-Performance Talks- 45 minutes prior to every 2026 main stage performance, in the Williams Stables Theatre (across the street from the Opera House)
2pm – 5pm – Baby Doe Opera
Check In at Monarch Hotel Blackhawk
Dinner on your own – suggested Central City or Monarch Hotel Blackhawk
Accommodations: Monarch Hotel Blackhawk
Included Meals: none
Day 2- Thursday, July 16th
Voucher for breakfast available at Twenty Four-7 Restaurant at the Monarch Hotel Blackhawk
10am – Private Tour of the Teller House and Face on the Barroom Floor
Lunch on your own at Blackhawk, Central City, Idaho Springs, Leadville
Make your way to Leadville on your own time, approximate travel time in 2 hours, optional road to take is “Oh My God Road”
4pm- Check in at Delaware Hotel
6pm-Group Dinner
Accommodations: Delaware Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast at Monarch and Dinner in Leadville (included for Museum Members)
Day 3 – Friday, July 17th
Voucher Breakfast at the Delaware Hotel
Check out of Delaware Hotel
10am Tour of the Tabor Opera House-90 minutes tour
Lunch
1pm Tour of Matchless Mine
Day ends by 4pm
Optional: Self Guided or Private Group Tour: Mining History Museum
