Tabor History Tour: Leadville, Central City & Ballad of Baby Doe Opera

Join the Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum for a three-day guided tour through Central City and Leadville, exploring the real people and places behind The Ballad of Baby Doe whose dramatic story of love, betrayal and money inspired this iconic American opera, based on real life.

This special experience is built around the rare staging of the opera—performed at Central City Opera only once every ten years—making this an exceptional opportunity for history and opera lovers alike.

Travel through Colorado’s mining history as you learn about the lives of Horace Tabor, Augusta Tabor, and Elizabeth “Baby” Doe Tabor, whose dramatic story of love, betrayal and money inspired this iconic American opera (based on real life).

The Ballad of Baby Doe is a classic American opera written and performed in English, commissioned by Central City Opera that was first performed in 1956. Set in 19th-century Colorado, it tells the real-life rags-to-riches love story of silver magnate Horace Tabor, his wife Augusta, and the young Elizabeth “Baby” Doe Tabor.

The emotionally rich work explores love, ambition, scandal, and loyalty, capturing universal human truths through accessible music and timeless themes. Beloved by audiences worldwide, the opera remains a highlight of Central City Opera’s repertoire.