Opened in 1922 by Black entrepreneurs from Denver’s Five Points neighborhood, Lincoln Hills was an oasis in a segregated society—the biggest resort west of the Mississippi built BY and FOR African Americans. People from across the country came to Lincoln Hills to camp, stay in Wink’s Lodge, or buy a lot and build a cabin.


As cars became common in the 1920s, Americans took to the road—but Black travelers often had trouble finding hotels and restaurants that would serve them. Lincoln Hills and its hotel, Wink’s Lodge, ranked among the most popular Black-friendly destinations. Billed as “a national gathering place for the colored race during the summer months,” the resort played host to writer Langston Hughes, bandleader Count Basie, and other prominent African Americans.


Small lots, only 25 feet by 100 feet, were sold for between $50 and $100 each, with payment plans for as little as $1 down and $1 per week. Typically they had cabins erected on them or were used for camping. The core ownership group was found in the African American community of Denver but people from all over the country owned property at Lincoln Hills.


Brochure of Lincoln Hills and lots advertised for purchase.

William Pitts (original contractor for Lincoln Hills cabins) writes to the  Lincoln Hills Company to describe his experience at Lincoln Hills. He also states that he is available to provide his services to others looking to build in the area. 

Passengers look out windows as a group of African American campers and their counselors from Camp Nizhoni (Gilpin County), Colorado stand near a D.& R.G.W. Railroad train near Lincoln Hills. 

A group of African American teenagers at Camp Nizhoni in Lincoln Hills (Gilpin County), Colorado pose atop a tailings pile near either a silver, gold or tungsten mine.

Fourteen African American campers (including Mary Frances) stand near a truck on the Camp Nizhoni campground in Lincoln Hills (Gilpin County), Colorado. 

Standards for Lincoln Hills