About US

The city of Idaho Springs is the largest municipality in Clear Creek County, Colorado. As of the 2020 census, Idaho Springs had a population of 1,802 residents. Idaho Springs is located in Clear Creek Canyon with the Clear Creek river running through the center of the city.

Idaho Springs was founded 162 years ago in 1859 by prospectors during the early days of the Pike's Peak Gold rush, the town was at the center of the region's mining district throughout the late nineteenth century. The Argo Tunnel drained and provided access to many loads of ore between Idaho Springs and Central City, Colorado. During the late twentieth century, the town evolved into a tourist center along U.S. Highway 6 and U.S. Highway 40, which ascend Clear Creek Canyon through the historic mining district.

The town today is situated along the north side of Interstate 70, with a historical downtown in the central portion, a strip of tourist-related businesses on its eastern end, and mostly residences on its western end. It also serves as a bedroom community for workers at the Loveland Ski area farther up the canyon. The town today is the largest community in Clear Creek County, but, for historical reasons, the county seat has remained at the town of Georgetown.

The Idaho Springs Police Department currently employs nine sworn officers, two civilian staff, and one Code Enforcement Officer. The department provides take home vehicles for officers living with 25 miles miles of the city limits, and outstanding health insurance plan (includes medical, dental, vision, and prescription), retirement plan through the Fire and Police Pension Association of Colorado (vested at five years), life insurance, paid leave, and paid access to the indoor City Recreation facility (gym, swimming pool, basketball court, weights, cardio machines, etc.). The ISPD creed is:

"Commitment to Integrity and Safety through constitutional Policing and Dedication to our community."

The opportunity for recreational activities in our area are unlimited. During the fall/winter you find skiing, snowshoeing, hunting, ice fishing, etc. During the spring/summer we have river rafting through our city along with fishing, camping, hiking, bike riding trails, zip lining, panning for gold, etc. The historic district of Idaho Springs has numerous restaurants, breweries, shops, boutiques, antiques stores, and many other small businesses to visit. 

We look forward to seeing you and welcome to Idaho Springs!

Nathan Buseck

Chief of Police