After standing immobile for a number of years, the Waterwheel was refurbished and put into operation by a group of volunteers in 1988. At the same time, a park area was created in cooperation with the Columbine Garden Club whose members continue to maintain the gardens. During the reconstruction, contributions were entrusted to the Historical Society of Idaho Springs to be held in trust to cover future maintenance expenses for the waterwheel. The waterwheel has long been a part of Clear Creek County history and an Idaho Springs landmark along I-70.
When the Colorado & Southern Railroad ceased operations to Idaho Springs, the Engine and Coach were deeded to Clear Creek County. They were left standing on a short length of track next to the property at 1800 Miner Street. The equipment was eventually given to the City of Idaho Springs. The Engine and Coach were moved to their present location behind City Hall in 1987. Conservation Trust Funds were used to build the ramp and walkway to allow viewing of the equipment.
The Idaho Springs Library was built in 1906 on locally donated land with funding from Andrew Carnegie. The building includes many of the attributes of a “Carnegie Library”. An interesting part of Clear Creek County history, this library is one of the few remaining Carnegie Libraries that is still used for that purpose. In 2011-2012 Colorado State Historic Funds were used to restore the outside of the building to its original grandeur. During 2012-13, restoration and refurbishing of the interior of the building was done. The library grounds include a civil war era cannon and an arrastra, a relic remaining from the gold mining era.
The Blue Ribbon Tunnel provided access to the Blue Ribbon Springs, producing cold mineral water. The water was bottled and sold with claims of curative properties. For many years the tunnel was open to the public. Local citizens and tourists could fill containers directly from the source. Due to public liability and health concerns, the tunnel entrance was fenced off, but not completely blocked. In the mid-1950s, the construction of I-70 altered access to the tunnel and the entrance was completely and permanently blocked. The opening is visible along the walkway to Waterwheel Park and is a fascinating chapter in Clear Creek County history.
The present Idaho Springs Cemetery is its third location in Clear Creek County history. It is located on Highway 103 on the east side of Chicago Creek where the first mining began. This originally platted area included 601 grave spaces, at least 80 of which were originally designated as “Potters Field”. The earliest grave marker dates from 1874. Many of the early pioneers to Idaho Springs were laid to rest here.
The larger-than-life statue of the cartoon character Steve Canyon was dedicated on July 8, 1950 by Colorado Governor Ed Johnson. Steve Canyon was the creation of Milt Caniff who personally had the statue carved from Indiana limestone and donated it to Idaho Springs. It is one of few statues of cartoon characters outside of Disneyland. While having no connection to Idaho Springs’ strong mining history, this statue is nevertheless a unique landmark to the area.