Denver, Colorado

By: Savannah Miller

Must See Denver Attractions

Downtown Denver

The Brookings Institution ranks Denver as the fourth most walk

able downtown in the nation. You can save on shoe-leather by

riding the free shuttle bus on the 16th Street Mall – it makes

everything downtown easy to reach.

Colorado State Capitol www.state.co.us

Stand exactly 5,280 feet above sea level (one mile high!) on the

west steps, than climb to the rotunda for a panorama of snowcapped

peaks. It is against state law to block the view of the 200 named

mountains visible from the dome. Free tours on weekdays. Help

restore the Capitol dome! Our magnificent, gold-plated dome is

undergoing a massive restoration. Learn more about the project or

text the word DOME to 50555 to donate $10 to the project. More

Info

Denver Art Museum www.denverartmuseum.org

There are two buildings – one a fortress-like structure from Italian

architect Gio Ponti, the other, a structure that resembles a titanium crystal

with peaks and shards designed by Daniel Libeskind. Inside, find the

world's greatest collection of Native American art and 68,000 other art

objects, including works from European masters, Old West classics and

phenomenal traveling exhibits, including two major shows in 2012: Yves

Saint Laurent: A Retrospective (March 25, 2012-July 8, 2012) and

Becoming Van Gogh (Oct. 21, 2012-Jan. 20, 2013). More Info

The Clyfford Still Museum www.clyffordstillmuseum.org

Clyfford Still, considered one of the most important painters of the 20th century,

was among the first generation of Abstract Expressionist artists. The museum,

which opened at the end of 2011, was founded to promote the late artist's work

and legacy. Still's estate - 2,400 artworks - has been sealed off from the public

since 1980. More Info

U.S. Mint www.usmint.gov/mint_tours/index.cfm?action=StartReservation

Learn how to make money! The Mint produces 50 million coins a day, each

one stamped with a little "D" for Denver. Free tours show every step in the

process of turning a dull, blank, metal slug into shiny pocket change.

16th Street Mall - Pedestrian Mall

Lined with 200 trees and 50,000 flowers, this festive, mile-long pedestrian

promenade has 28 outdoor cafes and offers Denver's best people-watching.

I.M. Pei designed the gray and pink granite pathway to resemble the

pattern of a diamondback rattlesnake. Hop on the bus – they're free and

stop on every corner. After dark, horse-drawn carriages clatter up and

down the Mall. More Info

Larimer Square www.larimersquare.com

This trendy block of Victorian buildings is home to chic shopping,

dance clubs, a comedy club, outdoor cafes and a dozen of Denver's

best restaurants. For 40 years in downtown Denver, it's hip to be at the

"Square." More Info

LoDo Historic District www.lodo.org

Denver's happening historic district is filled with turn-of-the-century

warehouses, now home to 90 brewpubs, sports bars, restaurants and

rooftop cafes. Stop by Rockmount Ranchwear for a snap button

Western shirt at the store where they were invented; browse from 6:30

a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Tattered Cover Bookstore; listen to jazz at El

Chapultepec, one of Esquire Magazine's 50 best bars; or sip a

handcrafted beer at the Wynkoop Brewing Company, Denver's first brewpub opened by former

Denver Mayor (now Colorado Governor), John Hickenlooper. More Info

Confluence Park www.greenwayfoundation.org

Denver was founded here as a gold mining camp in 1858. Today, the river park is the heart of

Denver's 850-mile bike trail network, and is surrounded by attractions. Gear up for the

mountains at the REI Flagship store; ride the Platte River Trolley to the Downtown Aquarium to

see stingrays and sharks; eat and drink in the nearby neighborhoods of Riverfront, LoHi and

Highlands; or scream your head off on the Mind Eraser at Elitch Gardens – Denver's downtown

theme park.

City Park

Denver's largest park has several lakes, spectacular mountain views,

flower gardens and a hiking/jogging trail that is exactly one mile high.

Denver Museum of Nature & Science www.dmns.org

The fourth largest museum in the U.S. is a maze filled with treasures of the

earth – dinosaurs, dioramas, space exhibits, science experiments, a digital

planetarium, IMAX theatre and touring shows. More Info

Denver Zoo www.denverzoo.org

Lions and tigers and bears – and so much more, on lovely grounds make this the fourth most

popular zoo in America. Go underwater with polar bears at Northern Shores, or eyeball-to-

eyeball with a gorilla in Primate Panorama. Predator Ridge recreates the plains of Africa with a

pride of lions, while Tropical Discovery is rainforest teeming with crocodiles and gila monsters.

Coming soon: Asian Tropics, a new 10-acre home for the Zoo's elephants and rhinos. More Info

Cherry Creek

This tree-shaded neighborhood is just two miles from downtown and easily

accessible by bike on the Cherry Creek Bike Path.

Cherry Creek Shopping District www.shopcherrycreek.com, www.cherrycreeknorth.com

More than 500 department stores, boutiques, galleries, spas, and one-of-a-kind shops grace this

browsing paradise – the largest concentration of stores between St. Louis and San Francisco.

Cherry Creek Shopping Center is an ultra upscale mall with Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and

Tiffany's, while across 1st Ave., Cherry Creek North offers tree-line streets with cafes, spas and

galleries amidst fountains and public art.

Denver Botanic Gardens www.denverbotanicgardens.org

This 23-acre oasis in the middle of the city has 45 different gardens

(some 33,000 plants), as well as one of the nation's top 10 conservatories. Relax in the Japanese

Garden, climb through the Rock Alpine Garden and explore the new Mordecai Children's

Garden. Don't miss Native Roots/Modern Form: Plants, Peoples and the Art of Allan Houser, a

phenomenal open-air art exhibit on view through Nov. 13, 2011. More Info

Golden

Colorado's first capital celebrates its Old West history and mountain location with a trendy

downtown filled with galleries and recreation shops. Sip a beer at an outdoor café, while

kayakers float by on fast rushing Clear Creek.

Red Rocks Amphitheatre and Visitors Center www.redrocksonline.com

Carved from towering red rock monuments, this 9,000-seat arena is one of the world's most

renowned concert venues and has hosted everyone from the Beatles to Bruce Springsteen.

Listening to a concert here is on the "bucket list" of every true music fan. When there's no

concert, the Visitor Center has a museum and Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame, while the surrounding

park has hiking trails that weave in, around and over the colorful red

rocks. More Info

Buffalo Bill Museum & Grave www.buffalobill.org

Welcome to the Wild West! Buffalo Bill Cody's exciting story as Pony Express rider, army

scout, buffalo hunter and showman comes to life at this fun museum, high atop Lookout

Mountain. Enjoy views of the snowcapped Rockies in one direction, the Great Plains in the

other. For those with strong nerves, drive to the museum on the hairpin Lariat Loop Drive ... then

continue to I-70, exit 250, to see a live herd of buffalo. More Info

Colorado Railroad Museum www.coloradorailroadmuseum.org

Surrounded by towering Western buttes, the Colorado Railroad

Museum combines a spectacular location with more than 100

narrow and standard gauge locomotives, cabooses and cars. Exhibits include a working

Roundhouse, model railroads, photographs and artifacts, much of it housed in a replica of an

1880s-style depot. Train rides every Saturday on the Galloping Goose take guests on a third of

mile loop of track, while "Steam ups" and special events including "A Day Out With Thomas"

occur throughout the year. More Info

Within An Hour from Denver

Central City & Black Hawk www.cityofblackhawk.org

These two old gold mining towns (once known as the "Richest Square Mile on Earth") have

come alive with casino gambling. Two dozen casinos rock 24-7 with 10,000 slot machines,

poker, black jack, roulette and craps. The surrounding hills are covered with abandoned gold

mines, Victorian buildings and Old West history. Located 34 miles west of Denver. More Info

Georgetown www.georgetown-colorado.org

Nestled in a steep mountain valley, the "Silver Queen" is one of

Colorado's most elegant mining towns with 200 Victorian

buildings. Ride the Georgetown Loop Railroad over a 100-foot high trestle to neighboring Silver

Plume, tour historic homes and shop on the quaint Main Street that has been used in films by

Clint Eastwood and John Denver. Located 42 miles west of Denver on I-70. More Info

Echo Lake and Mount Evans www.mountevans.com

The highest paved road in North America climbs 9,000 feet from

Denver, passing through five life zones en route to the 14,264-foot

high summit. This is one of Colorado's 54 fourteeners (peaks that

climb to 14,000 feet and above), and one of only two in the nation that you can drive up. Stop at

Echo Lake along the way for hiking trails, fishing, picnic tables and an unusual eight-sided log

cabin restaurant. At timberline, the Denver Botanic Gardens maintains a trail that winds through

wildflowers. Due to snow, the Mount Evans Highway is generally open to the top only between

Memorial Day and Labor Day. More Info

Boulder www.bouldercoloradousa.com

Home to the University of Colorado, Boulder has been described as

the "the city nestled between the mountains and reality." A recent

study pegged it as the "happiest" city in America. You'll find out

why when you stroll past the shops, cafes and street performers on the Pearl Street Mall, or take

a hike on the city's 200 miles of trails. Nearby attractions include the National Center for

Atmospheric Research with a museum on weather and global warming, and towering Eldorado

Canyon State Park, one of the most famous technical climbing centers in America. Boulder is 27

miles from Denver on Hwy. 36. More Info

If You Have a Full Day

Rocky Mountain National Park www.nps.gov/romo

Colorado's No. 1 attraction is 71 miles from Denver and offers an

unforgettable trip into the heart of the Rocky Mountains. More than

350 miles of trails meander to valleys of wildflowers, thundering

waterfalls, high alpine lakes and craggy, snowcapped peaks. Trail

Ridge Road is the highest continuous highway in the world with

panoramic views in all directions. See elk, moose and big horn

sheep, while hawks and eagles circle overhead. At the entrance to the park, the historic resort

village of Estes Park offers shopping and dining. More Info

Denver Itineraries & Day Trips Whether you have a few hours, a few days or a week in the Mile

High City, here are some suggested itineraries and trips for visitors.

Unique Denver

Unique Denver Shopping Experiences

Ten Free Activities

Rock 'n' Roll Experiences in Denver

Free Denver Tours

An Overview of Denver Shopping Options

Business Traveler's Itinerary

Multicultural Denver

High Altitude Experiences in Denver

Great Honeymoon Suites

Ten Great Attractions in Denver

More Free Activities in Denver

Great Attractions a Short Drive from Denver

Discover Downtown Denver

Behind The Scenes Denver Tours

Where To See Amazing Animals in Denver

Historic Denver

Dinosaurs in Denver

Denver's African American Heritage

Downtown Denver Historic Walking Tour

Authentic Old West Experiences in Denver

Gold Rush Denver: The REAL Old West

Denver Transportation Attractions and Museums

Denver's Creative Side

Hidden Gems In Denver

Hidden Gems A Short Drive From Denver

Downtown Public Art Walking Tour

Downtown Denver's Architectural Treasures

Discover Denver's Arts World

Mile High Cuisine & Nightlife

Romantic Restaurants

Patio Dining

Microbreweries

Ten Nighttime Hotspots

Denver Dance Clubs

A Guide to Denver's Essential Beer Spots

Favorite Martini Destinations

Ten Romantic Mile High City Spots

Ten Great Ethnic Restaurants

Delicious Denver Desserts

Denver's Cocktail Lounges

Family-Friendly Denver

Great Places to Take Kids in Denver

Free Family Friendly Activities in Denver

Ten Great Denver Restaurants for Kids

Denver's Great Outdoors

Denver’s attractions

Denver: A Pro Sports Paradise

Denver's Outdoor Adventures

Mountain Town Adventures Near Denver

Colorado's National Parks, Monuments & Historic Sites

Old West & Historic Attractions

Despite its 21st-century leanings, Denver’s Old West legacy lives on, from Buffalo Bill's final

resting place to the Denver Art Museum's unparalleled collection of Western and Native

American art and artifacts.

Explore More

Old West Attractions Overview

Colorado History Museum Denver's Early History Buffalo Bill Gravesite & Museum Denver's Cowboy Culture

Amusement & Theme Parks

Thrill seekers will find plenty of pulse-pounding fun in Denver. Ride rollercoasters at

Downtown's Elitch Gardens or the family oriented Lakeside Amusement Park. Beat the heat at

the wet 'n' wild, 64-acre Water World.

Explore More

Mile High Thrill Rides Elitch Gardens Lakeside Amusement Park Water World

Wildlife Attractions

From native Colorado species to creatures hailing from the other side of the globe, and from

delicate butterflies to lumbering elephants, Denver is filled with amazing animals in state-of-the-

art habitats.

Explore More

Wild Denver Denver Zoo Downtown Aquarium

Family Attractions

Denver is a year-round playground, with attractions made just for kids as well as spots that the

whole family will love. Wherever your adventure takes you, this is the ideal city for a family

excursion.

Explore More

Kid-Friendly Activities Denver Family Itinerary Children's Museum of Denver Free Family Friendly Activities

Museums

See Western art along with cutting-edge works at the Denver Art Museum and dinosaur bones at

the Museum of Nature & Science. Explore hidden gems like Museo de las Americas and the

Black American West Museum.

Explore More

Denver Art Museum Denver Museum of Nature & Science Museum of Contemporary Art Denver Planes, Trains & Automobiles

Parks & Gardens

Get outside! Denver boasts more than 4,000 acres of traditional parks and parkways, which

include 2,500 urban natural acres and an additional 14,000 acres of spectacular mountain parks.

Explore More

Great Denver Parks Denver Botanic Gardens Colorado State Parks

Denver Spa and Beauty Sometimes you have to slow things down

and unwind.

Spa Scoop

Local expert Rebecca Landwehr shares her tireless research efforts on where to spa in Denver.

Unwind and Relax

Suggested Search: Spas & Salons Denver Winery Tour Boutique Shopping

Historic Hotels

From Old World luxury to renovated Victorian Mansions, Denver is filled with unique places to

sleep (and eat, and spa, while you're at it).

More History

Downtown Denver Historic Walking Tour Denver History

Honeymoon Suites

For those lucky romantics willing to splurge, the Mile High City has more than a few options.

From sweeping mountain views to over-the-top luxury, the honeymoon suite is all about

indulgence.

Mile High Romance

Ten Romantic Spots Romantic Restaurants Denver Date Night Free Denver Wedding Planning

Bed & Breakfasts

Whether you’re here on business, vacation or just looking for a romantic getaway, Denver’s bed

and breakfasts can’t be beat.

Get To Know Denver

Off Beat Denver Tours What the Locals Know Ten Hidden Gems In Denver

Denver Day Trips. Of all the great things Denver has to offer, the greatest may be its

ability to serve as a base camp for incredible one-day excursions. Denver offers quick,

easy access to the state’s biggest attraction, the Rocky Mountains, where a wealth of

national and state parks, national forests and scenic areas fill your senses. Gold rush

mountain towns and ski resorts are great places to spend a day shopping, exploring and

taking in the amazing scenery. From Denver, your next great adventure is just around the

bend or right over the next ridge. And remember, when you're out in the city, stop in at

one of the city's conveniently located Visitor Information Centers for more day trip tips.

For more great trip ideas, check out Denver itineraries.

Central City and Black Hawk

Once called the “Richest Square Mile on Earth”, Central City

and Black Hawk are two historic mining towns from the

1870’s that have come alive. Located 34 miles (55km) west of

Denver, the two towns offer more than 30 casinos with over

10,000 slot machines, blackjack tables and poker games. In

2009, the stakes in Black Hawk were raised – betting limits are now $100, craps and

roulette tables have been added and casinos will be open around the clock. In other

words, a fun mountain town just got a lot more fun. The two cities are also known for

having some of the best-preserved Victorian architecture in the West. Other attractions

include the Teller House Hotel where President Grant once stayed and the Central City

Opera House, which still features an outstanding summer season of opera. There are mine

tours, mining museums and several places offering instruction in the fine art of gold

panning in streams where a half billion dollars of the coveted, shiny metal was found.

Georgetown

Located just 42 miles (68 km) west of Denver, Georgetown is

a delightful Victorian village set in a spectacular mountain

valley with 200 restored buildings from the 1870’s. The main

street has shops and restaurants and many of the old homes

have been turned into antique stores. The Georgetown Loop

Railroad operates in the summer months with narrow gauge steam locomotives curling

down a mountain ledge, at one point crossing over a 90-foot (27 m) high trestle.

Mount Evans

Mount Evans has the highest paved auto road in North

America snaking its way to the 14,260-foot (4,346 m) summit.

The road ($10 for a three-day pass) is open only from the

Friday before Memorial Day through the first Monday in

October, and frequently has snow on it, even in August. (The

road closes at Summit Lake after Labor Day, preventing you from reaching the top). The

view from the top takes in the entire Front Range. The summit is 60 miles (97 km) from

downtown Denver. On your way up the mountain, be sure to stop at M. Walter Pesman

Trail (maintained by Denver Botanic Gardens) for a wildflower hike; you won’t see

anything like the rare flowers and 1,500-year-old bristlecone pine trees anywhere else in

the world. The trail winds through subalpine and alpine areas where wildflowers and

animals of the fragile tundra live. Volunteer guides from Denver Botanic Gardens give

interpreted hikes that follow the trail throughout the summer (call 720-865-3539 for

information). Get an in-depth look at Mount Evans Scenic Byway!

Pikes Peak Country

Pikes Peak Country is located 60 miles (97 km) south of Denver

and features more than 40 attractions centered around 14,000-

foot (4,267 m) high Pikes Peak. Things to see include the Air

Force Academy, one of three United States military colleges;

the famous Broadmoor Resort with its lake and three golf

courses; the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame with its exhibits on this

exciting professional sport; and Garden of the Gods which has gigantic 500-foot (152 m)

high red sandstone rock monuments at the base of Pikes Peak.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Located 71 miles (114 km) northwest of Denver, Rocky Mountain

National Park features 400 square miles (1,036 sq km) of scenic

beauty, including Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous

highway in the world crossing the Continental Divide at over two

miles above sea level. The park has two information centers,

hundreds of miles of hiking trails, tranquil lakes, waterfalls, wildlife and horseback

riding. Estes Park is a resort town on the edge of the park with restaurants and shops. Get

an in-depth look at Rocky Mountain National Park!

Information brought in from: Denver.org/what-to-do/Colorado-day-trips