
Charlie Tayler Water Wheel
Colorado's largest wooden waterwheel — all 30 feet of it — still turns beside a cascading waterfall, built in 1893 by a grizzled miner who swore off bathing and kissing as his personal health regimen. The wheel is free, accessible year-round, and reached via a short paved path under I-70 from Harold A. Anderson Park.
The move: Park behind Idaho Springs Town Hall, walk the 750-foot paved path under the I-70 overpass to the viewing benches beside Clear Creek, watch the massive wheel churn next to Bridal Veil Falls, then stroll back into town for a meal or a beer at a local spot along Miner Street — the whole stop is free and takes about 30–45 minutes.
- 📍 Idaho Springs
- 💸 Free
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Outdoors
Where: I-70 exit 240, Harold A. Anderson Park, Idaho Springs, CO 80452
Hours: Mined 2026-06-07 — confirm current hours before you go.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Proof: source 1 · source 2 · source 3
Verified 2026-06-07.