Located on the smaller of the two lakes at the foot of Mt. Elbert, the resort was developed between 1883 and 1890 by wealthy Leadville miner James V. Dexter.  The primary building, the Interlaken Hotel, is a two-story log structure the facade of which is faced with board and batten.

The Matchless Mine is significant for industry and social history as a working silver mine and for its association with Horace Austin Warner Tabor from 1879 to 1899, and with Elizabeth "Baby Doe" Bonduel McCourt Tabor form 1901 to 1935.

The hatchery was established in 1889 by Executive Order of President Benjamin Harrison as the first national fish hatchery in the Rockies.

The district encompasses a scattered collection of architecturally distinctive and historically important masonry buildings supported by numerous residential and commercial buildings that contribute to the overall appearance associated with late 19th century western mining towns. 

Originally built as a two-story residence in 1878, a third floor was added in 1888. 

The building complex is an intact example of an early high country agricultural operation.  Noted for the cattle that supplied the area miners with beef, hay and grain were also cultivated on the ranch.

The log cabin was built in 1879 by Leadville banker and mining magnate James V. Dexter for use as a hunting lodge.

Although a large rambling, log and wood frame building on the approximately 8½-acre site dates from earlier ranching operations, the property primarily reflects its association with the mining activities occurring there from 1906 to 1923.  Ditches, ponds, and tailings piles continue to dot the landscape.

Talus Village is one of only three excavated Basketmaker II sites in Colorado, and the extent of wood preservation at the site allowed for the first complete understanding of Basketmaker II pithouse construction.  

As Durango’s first educational facility dedicated solely to junior high classes, the building served as the city’s only junior high school from its construction in 1937 until a second junior high opened in 1961.