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Browsing Denver
16th Street Mall
The mall is a mile-long, tree-lined promenade that stretches through the heart of downtown. Bustling with street vendors, souvenir shops, clothing and jewelry stores, and a plethora of bars and restaurants, this energetic strip offers plenty of variety. The Alderfer/Three Sisters Park
Beginning mountain bikers flock to this park, 30 minutes west of Denver, for smooth, hard pack single track. The climbs will not bust the lungs, the descents are thrilling and fast, and the trails are basically void of technicalities such as rocks and steeps. That is, until you approach the Sisters Trail: a craggy climb up tight switchbacks that might be easier walking rather than riding. But the views from the top are well worth the effort.
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Apex Park
A favorite foothill destination for local mountain bikers, this park, 15 minutes from downtown, boasts a network of intermediate single-track trails with rigorous climbs and intense technical variation. The steep, narrow switchbacks of the Pick-n-Sledge Trail intersect with the Grubstake Loop, where you can reward yourself with a fast descent and yes, more climbing. Watch your speed and beware of loose rocks and waterbars. Hikers travel the trails for the views of Denver and the park is also a popular workout for trail runners.
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Arrowhead Golf Club
Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed this course which rates as one of the top 75 public golf courses in the United States. Its lofty status owes much to its spectacular scenery. Surrounded by jagged red rock formations, the par 70 course is part-course, part-park. Narrow fairways are bordered by thick roughs and an inordinate amount of traps allowing for little margins of error. Proper golf attire and golf carts are required.
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Assumption Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Denver
For over 90 years, this cathedral has been a spiritual haven for the local Greek community. The church's original goal was to simply offer immigrants a place to perpetuate religion, but today it is a center of cultural activity. The large golden dome sitting atop the church makes this one of the most recognizable buildings in the city. The interior features a large icon of the "Christ Almighty" and 14 icons of the "Great Feasts of Christ."
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Astor House Museum
Constructed in 1867 by Seth Lake, the Astor House was the first stone hotel built west of the Mississippi River. It provided lodging for the legislators holding meetings in the Loveland Building. The historic hotel also served settlers in need of temporary shelter while moving west across the continent. The house is now listed in the National Register of Historic Places and recently underwent restoration by adding period furnishings.
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Bear Creek Lake Park
Here, you can enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, fishing, picnicking and camping on 2600 acres of open space. Sailboats, sailboards, canoes, kayaks, paddleboats, and bikes are available to rent Memorial Day to Labor Day at the Soda Lake Marina. Park rangers offer a variety of interpretive programs including nature guided hikes and weekly campfire programs in the summertime. Public golfing is also available. 50 campsites are available at the Indian Paintbrush Campground. Check website for pass prices.
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Black American West Museum and Heritage Center
This museum, which started as a personal collection, explores a missing passage in the history of America. Through its exhibits of photographs and artifacts you learn that one-third of America's cowboys were African-American, and that the African-American pioneers were among some of the nation's earliest millionaires. African-Americans were an important part of the westward migration and you can learn all about it here.
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Brown Palace
Denver's most famous and recognizable hotel has been around since 1892. Its superbly designed exterior facade is a landmark of beauty, but fails to prepare the imagination for its stately interior of Victorian charm and old colonial flair. Its downtown location and luxurious accommodations have made it a favorite of celebrities and politicians since the late 1800s. Almost all of the U.S. presidents since Teddy Roosevelt have stayed at least one night in the Brown Palace, as have Elvis Presley and the Emperor of Japan.
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Buffalo Bill Memorial Museum & Grave
William F. Cody, known to the world as "Buffalo Bill," was buried here on Lookout Mountain above Golden in 1917. He attained fame through his "Wild West" shows which he performed all over the world. The Memorial museum displays articles from the life and times of Buffalo Bill's adventurous life. Souvenirs and snacks are in abundance at the nearby Pahaska Tepee Gift Shop. Views of Golden and downtown Denver from Lookout Mountain are outstanding.
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Butterfly Pavilion and Insect Center
This is your chance to get up close with the likes of tarantulas, scorpions, giant cockroaches and mammoth centipedes. There is also a glass enclosed bee factory, which allows you to safely watch worker bees, and a 7,000-square-foot conservatory complete with a small tropical forest and 1,200 butterflies. The sight is impressive and makes for a great outing with the kids. If you prefer the outdoors, wind your way through the cactus gardens. A gift shop is available.
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Byers-Evans House Museum
Guided tours take visitors through one of the city's oldest and most elegant homes, within walking distance of downtown. Rocky Mountain News founder William Byers built the red-brick Victorian home in 1883, and, six years later, the son of John Evans, the state's second territorial governor, purchased it. The museum offers changing exhibits, interactive video displays and an extensive photo archive.
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Casa Bonita
For almost 30 years now, Casa Bonita has been captivating diners with good, clean (and often very silly!) family fun. Enjoy one of their famous all-you-can-eat Mexican dinners while cliff divers, flame jugglers, strolling Mariachis, and an angry gorilla entertain you. There's no mistaking this restaurant with its 85-foot pink tower, 22-karat gold leaf dome, and statue of Quahuatomec, the last Aztec emperor, guarding the premises. The interior was designed to look like a Mexican village at night, and can accommodate 1,100 guests. Kids will love the puppet shows and full arcade, while adults can have fun shopping for souvenirs in the gift shop.
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Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
This cathedral began as a small brick church built by a French missionary in 1860. From these humble origins, the church has grown into a 1,500-seat French-Gothic cathedral, dating from the early 20th century. It played host to Pope John Paul II in 1983 during World Youth day. The cathedral's towering frame is a work of art, with 75 stained-glass windows, ornate decor, and imported marble. Outside, twin spires rise 210 feet above the street. Call to schedule group tours.
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Central City Opera House
This old Victorian theatre carries a long cultural legacy. Built in 1861 with Colorado granite, the theater boasts of perfect acoustics behind walls that are four feet thick. After the gold rush subsided, the theatre stopped operations. However, it was reopened in 1932 and has been at the center of opera performances in Colorado. Inside the opera house, do notice the impressive fresco on the ceiling, painted by John C. Massman. The seating area is rather compact with 750 seats. Every opera is in English.
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Cheesman Park
This park, which once served as a Denver cemetery in the late 1800s, features a west facing marble acropolis that offers incredible mountain views and opens onto the beautiful grounds of the park, which includes the Cherry Creek Bike Trail
Beginning at Confluence Park and traveling east to the Cherry Creek North Shopping District
This distinctive outdoor mall features 26 blocks of swanky salons, boutiques and restaurants. Sip coffee as you walk along tree lined avenues. Enjoy some pampering at one of the district's premier salons. Stroll through art galleries and designer boutiques. Then have dinner and drinks at a trendy bistro. The shopping district, which encompasses First, Second and Third Avenues from University to Steele, also serves as a showcase for the local galleries during the annual Cherry Creek Shopping Center
Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Lord & Taylor, Tiffany & Co, and Ralph Lauren anchor the 160 shops at this upscale mall. This indoor playground, designed around a breakfast theme, features slides that resemble bacon strips alongside enormous plastic eggs. The mall also features valet parking, in addition to 5,000 covered spaces in the adjoining free parking garage. Haagen Dazs and California Pizza Kitchen are onsite as is a multiplex movie theater.
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Cherry Creek State Park
If you need a temporary reprieve from the city bustle, take in a bit of nature at this local state park. The Cherry Creek Reservoir is the focal point of the park and is a haven for fishing, sailing, swimming and skiing. Numerous nature trails snake through the park offering hikers a chance to see wildlife, while bikers, runners and roller bladers utilize the paved trails and roads. Camping and horse back riding are available. The nature center offers various classes in subjects like aquatic entomology and falconry.
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Children's Museum of Denver
This is a place where a child's natural urge to experience the world hands-on comes together with art and science projects, building materials and imagination. The Museum includes nine interactive Playscapes including the CMD Fire Station #1, My Market, Center for the Young Child, Under My Feet and Over My Head, The Assembly Plant, Making the Team, Arts a la Carte, Around the Block, and Alphabet Soup. There are also several programs, activities and special events held throughout the year.
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City and County Building
During December and through the National Western Stock Show, this building, built in 1932, boasts one of the country's finest and largest illumination displays. More than five miles of electrical wire suspend over 20,000 lights over the building's facade. The opulent building, along with numerous boulevards and parks, including City Park
This 314-acre expanse of gardens, greenery, fountains, ponds and fine sculpture, located just east of downtown, is home to the City Park Golf Course
If you are looking to play golf, and do not have a lot of time to search for a course, this 18-hole gem is convenient to all areas. The course has enough trees and water holes to keep you humble. Reservations can be made five days in advance for residents and three days in advance for non-residents. Call the automated reservation line to ensure your tee time. A driving range is available.
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Civic Center Park
After touring the U.S. Mint or Clear Creek History Park
If you're in Golden make sure you stop by Clear Creek History Park. The park provides a look back at the 19th century, providing hands on activities that illustrate the lifestyle of the olden days. Included at the park are a schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, barn, and a smoke house making it is a great place to go with kids. Also, don't forget about the nearby Astor House.
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Colorado Convention Center
The Colorado Convention Center is the foremost venue for conferences and events in the city. Installed with state of the art facilities which includes a business center, computer rentals and a gift shop. The center is also the hub for many exciting expositions and events. Ranging from sports events to children's events to comedy shows, the center has it all. The center is also the ideal source of information for tourists. It keeps you updated on the latest happenings and answers any questions you may have regarding accommodation, eating out, transportation and entertainment. So if you're looking for entertainment for your self or family then stop by the Convention Center. It's got something for everyone.
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Colorado Governor's Mansion
Designed and built for the Cheesman family in 1908, and later purchased by the Boettcher family, this mansion was deeded to the state in 1959. The Georgian Revival residence became the Governor's Mansion in 1960 after considerable controversy. Ornate fountains, gardens and a substantial collection of European and Asian artwork and antiques grace the home. One main attraction, the Drawing Room, houses a Waterford crystal chandelier that once hung in the White House in Washington, D.C. Admission is free.
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Colorado History Museum
If you are interested in finding out more about Colorado and the west, then this is the place to go. It offers a vast collection of artifacts from the Mesa Verde Indian culture, as well as a plethora of historical exhibits related to mining and railroads. Its cowboy memorabilia is some of the most extensive in the country. Give yourself a day to tour the entire museum.
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Colorado Railroad Museum
Rated as one of the top 10 attractions of the Denver Metro area, the Colorado Railroad Museum was founded in 1959. Located on 15 acres, the museum is the largest narrow gauge museum in the Rocky Mountain West, with 100 pieces of equipment, including several historic steam locomotives. The Robert W. Richardson Library houses one of the most extensive collections of railroad materials in the country, while the Cornelius Hauck Roundhouse is a state of the art restoration facility. Outside the roundhouse is a working Armstrong turntable. The museum building, a replica of an 1880's depot, houses exhibits that tell the story of Colorado's colorful railroad history. Don't miss the Denver HO Club model railroad layout or the Denver Garden Railway exhibit on the grounds of the museum. The Colorado Railroad Museum is a great place for families and rail fans alike. Many of the historic rail cars are open to the public, and there are many opportunities throughout the year to ride behind a locomotive in a 19th century passenger car. Visit the Museum website for an operating schedule for the year.
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Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum
A rock hound's paradise, this museum exhibits mineral collections from all over the world. Examples of exhibits include "Clear Creek Cave Gemstones," "Colorado Mining History," and "Earth History." This is definitely one of those museums that upon exiting will cause you to ponder "I did not know rocks could be so diverse and complicated." A fine attraction for children, the museum also loans Trunks and Fossil Kits, including rocks, minerals, fossils, gemstones and charts.
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Colorado State Capitol Building
While the gilded dome of this building may attract the attention of visitors, the history and stunning architectural features inside holds their real interest. Standing precisely one mile above sea level, its observation deck offers impressive views of Denver, the Rocky Mountains and the surrounding plains. You can get your fill of local history by scanning the murals on the first floor and the onyx busts of Denver's important historical figures. Be sure to also take a tour of the impressive House and Senate chambers. Guided tours are available and admission is free.
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Confluence Park
This park surrounds the convergence of the Platte River and Cherry Creek. Here, the discovery of gold led to a wild influx of people, bringing about the formation of the city of Denver. Besides its fame as a great kayaking run, the park boasts a nice beach for swimming. It also provides places for picnicking and games, as well as plenty of areas for skating and walking. The park is also where the Coors Brewing Company
Who was Adolph Coors? What was the Coors Company's original name and how did it survive the prohibition years? You will find all of this out and more when you take the guided tour through this legendary brewery. All ages are welcome. If you are of legal drinking age you can enjoy 21 ounces of beer tasting at the end of the tour; just make sure to bring proof of age. Tours last about 90 minutes and can be remembered through a souvenir from the Coors gift shop.
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Coors Field
Baseball is an essential part of the American culture and a vibrant component of Denver, all of which makes Coors Field such a hub of activity during the summer. It seats more than 50,000 and is regarded as one of most fan-friendly parks in the country. For a few dollars you can take a guided walking tour and learn about the history of the field while taking in all the sights, including the Daniels and Fisher Tower
When entrepreneur William Daniels returned from a trip to Venice, mesmerized by Italian Renaissance architecture, he insisted on replicating the famous Campanile in St. Marks's square for the centerpiece of his mammoth department store. Thus, in 1911 the beautiful D&F Tower rose above downtown, becoming Denver's first skyscraper. It was anchored on both sides by a sprawling shopping complex. Today, only the tower remains, with a spot on the National Historic Register. It stands on the Denver Art Museum
Since its inception as the Denver Artists’ Club in the 1890's, the Art Museum has known many homes. From library to mansion to government building, the world-class collection finally found a permanent space in 1949 on 14th Avenue Parkway. The space has gradually expanded since then, adding first the North Building in 1971, and most recently in 2006, the much anticipated and architecturally innovative Frederic C. Hamilton Building. With 356,000-square-feet of floor space, the internationally recognized museum complex features collection gallery space, three temporary exhibition venues, and the Lewis I. Sharp Auditorium. They boast the largest art collection between Kansas City and the West Coast, an excellent Native American art collection, and lots of family friendly programming.
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Denver Botanic Gardens
These gardens encompass an impressive 21 acres. Specialized gardens offer visitors a variety of botanical experiences. Seek solitude in the sanctuary of the Japanese Garden, overlooking a pond with goldfish and bonsai trees. Reminisce on your childhood with Dr. Suess, Winnie-the-Pooh and other favorite characters in the Storybook Gardens. The Xeriscape Demo Garden and the Rock Alpine Garden are the places to gather ideas for your own backyard. In all there are more than 30 gardens to explore.
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Denver Center for the Performing Arts
The Denver Center for the Performing Arts is the theatrical tenant of the Denver Performing Arts Complex located at Speer & Arapahoe in downtown Denver. The Center is an exhilarating mix of Broadway shows, professional theater, backstage tours, and breathtaking facilities. The Tony Award-winning Denver Center Theatre Company offers classics, revivals and world premieres while Center Attractions brings Broadway’s best touring hits to Denver and produces long-running cabaret shows. The spectacular Donald R. Seawell Grand Ballroom hosts meetings, receptions, and galas while backstage tours afford guests the opportunity to explore behind the scenes.
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Denver Firefighters Museum
Back in 1909, Fire Station Number One housed Denver's Engine Company Number One. The building is now home to the Denver Firefighters Museum, which preserves something of the local firefighting history. The exhibits include firemen related documents and photographs dating back to the 1860s, various antique firefighting equipment, and other memorabilia. The only thing missing from the museum is a live Dalmatian.
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Denver International Airport
Sprawling 53 square miles across the eastern plains, Denver International Airport (DIA) is one of the largest (and busiest) airports in the world. There are so many restaurants, shops, trees and works of art inside the airport that you almost feel like you are walking through a fancy mall rather than an airport.
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Denver Mint
Although the Colorado mining camps are long gone, swing by the Denver Mint for a glimpse at the home of second largest gold depository in the United States. If you live west of the Mississippi the coins scattered beneath your couch cushions were likely produced here since the mint creates a staggering 32 million coins everyday! There are great tours during the week, but be sure to arrive early because they are offered on a first come first serve basis.
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Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls & Toys
Located in the Pearce-McAllister Cottage, a Dutch Colonial Revival home built in 1899, this museum features rotating displays. You can take a peek at how the Three Bears are doing and check in with countless other childhood friends. This 80-room "cottage" located just west of Denver Museum of Nature and Science
This museum is one of the city's most popular attractions, drawing almost two million visitors a year. There are permanent displays on North American Indians, Egyptian mummies, dinosaurs, and minerals, all stunningly detailed and vast. The museum also hosts such traveling exhibits as 'Ramses II,' and 'Imperial Tombs of China'. An IMAX Theatre, gift shop and cafe are also on-site.
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Denver Public Library
This library, a post-modern structure full of turrets and odd geometrical shapes, is a bastion to knowledge. Internally, the academic atmosphere of each study area is indicative of individual moods. Six of the ten floors of the library are open to the public. Keeping with the tradition set in 1894, the library still has a world-class children's facility. The library is a regional depository for government publications. It offers extensive genealogical resources as well as historical books, photographs, art, and memorabilia chronicling the American West. The library also offers fiction and non-fiction texts, periodicals and computers allowing free Internet access. Tours are available.
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Denver Puppet Theatre
If you are in search of a break from the normal kid diversions of arcades and such, bring your children here for a few hours of refreshingly different fun and amusement. Be sure to arrive at least a half-hour prior to show time to give your kids time to "play" with the puppets and roam freely around the puppet-making workshop. Owner Annie Zook has a wonderful talent for bringing dolls and puppets to life for children. Each show lasts about 45 minutes.
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Denver Zoo
Where else can you visit polar ice caps, a tropical forest, the African savanna and a jungle all in one day? The zoo is a state-of-the-art habitat featuring more than 3,500 animals representing 600 species. Visit with sloths, tree frogs, and a moray eel at the indoor 'Tropical Discovery' exhibit. Or wander through the seven-acre 'Primate Panorama Exhibit'. From cold climate penguins to tropical flamingos, 'Bird World' will inspire your appreciation of winged things. It is open 365 days a year.
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Dinosaur Ridge
Travel "into the field" to dinosaur bones from Jurassic period and more than 300 dinosaur footprints from the Cretaceous period. Plus, discover the secrets of how the Rocky Mountains were formed more than 70-million years ago. This mile long excursion into the past is a perfect outing for the entire family. If you hike out on a Dinosaur Discovery Day (usually one weekend day a month seasonally) the road is closed to traffic.
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Downtown Aquarium
Although it has struggled to stay afloat in the past, the Downtown Aquarium remains a popular attraction. It is an expedition along two rivers on different sides of the world. The first journey follows the Colorado River from its headwaters at the Continental Divide as it descends to the Sea of Cortez. Along the way, you will explore the river's depths, and witness a wealth of aquatic life. The second journey treks along the Kampar River in Indonesia, through the Emerald Forest and tropical jungles, home to red arowana, clown knifefish and the wildly popular Sumatran tigers.
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Eldora
Eldora Mountain Resort is the closest skiing and snowboarding to Boulder available. Just a short jaunt up Boulder Canyon, and while others are barely clearing Denver and getting frustrated on I-70, you'll already be on the slopes. Located just past Nederland, Eldora is no sprawling Vail or world-famous Aspen, but it is great skiing with diverse terrain, and popular with locals. The resort also features a first rate Nordic Center where you'll find 40 km of trails for cross-country skiing, skate skiing, and snowshoeing (some trails specifically designated). Classes are available at both the resort and nordic center, teaching everything from classic alpine to telemark to cross country skiing, with something available for all ages and abilities. They also offer a full line of equipment rentals, and four different restaurants on the mountain when you're ready for drinks or chow.
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Elitch Gardens
After spending 104 years tucked away in northwest Denver, Elitch Gardens abandoned its home for a more spacious downtown site, which allowed it to add state-of-the-art rides, such as the free falling 'Tower of Doom' and the 'Sidewinder.' Besides the more than 100 rides, there are numerous shows, shopping outlets and eateries to keep the family entertained. In addition, in the summer you can alternate between the numerous roller coasters and the neighboring mammoth water park.
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Foothills Golf Course
This golf center consists of three separate courses, providing one for every level of golfer. The 6,908-yard, par 72 championship course offers a variety of diverse holes to confront the expert, while the par 31 executive course spans 2,226 yards and offers a challenging course for intermediate golfers. The par 27 course extends for 1,175 yards and is a great place for beginners to learn the game. Tee times can be reserved up to five days in advance.
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Forney Museum of Transportation
The Forney Transportation Museum has over 500 one-of-a-kind exhibits relating to historical transportation. The museum began with a small, donated collection of antique cars, but soon expanded to include vehicles of all kinds. Most of the collection's vehicles are recognizable from years past, but some were never put into production; rather, they sprung to life through the personal work of their creators.
A few of the exhibit's top-draws are the antique automobiles from 1899 to 1976, including, motorcycles, farm machinery, a giant model train setup, Amelia Earhart's Kissel Car, and Prince Aly Kahn's Rolls Royce. The world's largest locomotive, called the Big Boy and measuring over 134 feet long, also makes its home here. More »
Four Mile Historic Park
This preserved park features three barns complete with chicken coops and root cellars on 12 acres of land. Children can pan for gold or pick a pumpkin in season. Carriage rides are available for the entire family on weekends. The park provides guided tours of an original the Four Mile House, the oldest standing home in the city.
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Genesee Park
Although this park is only 20 miles west of Denver, its outdoor beauty and hiking trails create the false sense you have traveled deep into the mountains. There are three good hiking trails for children and adults to look for wildlife such as buffalo, elk and deer. There are also wide-open spaces for playing Frisbee or a game of catch. Picnic tables are available, so be sure to pack a lunch.
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Golden Gate Canyon State Park
A mere 30 miles west of Denver, this 14,000-acre park is a haven for extreme outdoor enthusiasts, weekend frolickers, and leaf peepers alike. Unpaved hiking trails range from easy to difficult and can also be used for both mountain biking and horseback riding. Plan a romantic picnic in a wildflower meadow or make it a weekend and camp. Photo buffs will want to stop by Panorama Point for an amazing shot of more than 100 miles of snow capped continental divide.
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Grant-Humphreys Mansion
Completed in 1902 by former Colorado governor James B. Grant, this colonial-style mansion includes over 42 rooms, some up to 60 feet long. The billiard room, bowling alley, auditorium and ballroom testify to the luxury of this wonderland. After Grant's death, the structure was purchased by Albert Humphreys. He installed an extravagant ten-car garage, car wash and gas pump for his Rolls Royces. Originally used as office space, the mansion is now owned and operated by the Colorado Historical Society, and is available for rental.
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Hammond's Candies
Hammond's Candies has been creating some of the world's sweetest confections since 1920. You will enjoy their heavenly sweets like Sugar Sticks, Caramels, Ice Tea Sippers, Everyday Twist Lollipops, Fruit Slice Crystal Cuts, and much more. Hammond's also sells candy made specifically for holidays such as Christmas, Halloween, and Easter. This old-fashioned shop enjoys sharing the magic of the candy making process by having extensive factory tours which show that making candy is just as fun as eating it. Hammond's Candies is sure to be a delightful experience for kids of all ages.
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Hayden/Green Mountain Recreational Open Space
Located only 10 minutes west of Denver, Green Mountain is a haven for mountain bikers, runners and other outdoor enthusiasts. The wide array of single-track trails, ranging from packed dirt to loose rock and boulders, encourages beginners, but offer enough challenge for even the most experienced mountain bikers. The 1.5-mile steep climb up the west side fire road is certainly a test of will and lung power. The less adventurous can opt for more scenic and leisurely ways to the hilltop and the short climb is worth the hike for the incredible panoramic views of the city. Be sure to watch out for prairie dogs.
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Heritage Square
This park is a throwback to the days when theme parks were more than corporate carnivals seeking to build the biggest roller coaster. It is set in the guise of an old Victorian town and provides old-fashioned fun for the whole family. Rides abound, including the merry-go-round and alpine slide. Numerous shops carry everything from candy to souvenirs. The acclaimed Music Hall offers a variety of entertainment ranging from vaudeville to mystery plays. There is even a wedding chapel. General admission is free, but the rides and the Music Hall have separate fees. Outdoor rides are only open during the summer.
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Historic Lower Downtown
The ghosts of the red light district from Denver's gold rush days may still haunt the streets of lower downtown, but they are not alone anymore. The area, termed LoDo by locals, was virtually empty 10 years ago. But since the opening of Coors Field, home to baseball's Colorado Rockies, this 20-block district of 19th-century brick buildings has come alive with energy and entertainment. The original commercial core of Denver underwent a major renovation and now sports a seemingly endless variety of trendy pubs, restaurants, nightclubs, shops and luxurious loft apartments. Larimer Square, at the southern end of LoDo, occupies a portion of Denver's oldest street. Today, it radiates Victorian charm and bustles with such dining and dancing delights as Josephina's Restaurant and the 80s disco flashback, Lucky Star. The buildings, now occupied by upscale chains, including Morton's of Chicago, and Denver originals like the Wynkoop Brewing Company, have long histories as former brothels, saloons and old-time general stores.
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Holy Ghost Church
Located in downtown Denver, this historic church also serves as a homeless shelter. The building, which in 1905 was nothing but a basement foundation, now displays a beautiful Renaissance exterior with blonde bricks and tan-colored trim. Three-hundred tons of travertine marble were incorporated during the construction. The stone creates a defined contrast with the dark wooden pews making for a distinct interior. One of the more interesting aspects of this site is the semi-circle of 40-story high-rise towers placed around the church.
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IMAX Theater
This theater is on the second floor of the Ivy Chapel at Fairmount Cemetery
This chapel is a beautiful place to visit if you are particularly interested in classic church architecture. The chapel is the city's purest example of French neo-Gothic architecture, complete with flying buttresses, barbed finials and gargoyles. The structure is a designated Denver Landmark, and is primarily used for funeral services. The public is welcome to enter at all other times. Call in advance for schedule information.
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Kirkland Museum
Kirkland Museum displays an internationally important collection of 20th-century decorative arts with more than 3,000 examples of Arts & Crafts, Art Nouveau, Wiener Werkstätte, De Stijl, Bauhaus, Art Deco, Modern, and Pop Art. A retrospective of Colorado's unique and important painter, Vance Kirkland, and the works of over 150 other 20th century Colorado artists are also on view.
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Lakeside Amusement Park
This park contains 40 rides, including the Cyclone Roller Coaster, a classic wooden roller coaster built in 1940. The Miniature Steam Train is a great way to get acquainted with the park. It carries passengers through the park and around a picturesque lake, letting all take in the aura of a traditional carnival. Adjoining the larger park is Kiddy Land, complete with 15 rides for children under eight.
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Larimer Square
Nestled in historical lower downtown Denver, Larimer Square occupies a one-block strip of the city's oldest street, dating back to the 1860s. Lined with Victorian brownstones, the area is now a thriving shopping and entertainment district flowing with activity. Spend the morning combing the ever-changing boutiques and clothing stores, then head over to Tamayo's for lunch. For the afternoon, take a self-guided walking tour of the historical district (brochures are located at the information gazebo). In the evening, dine at the Little Russian Café, Littleton Golf & Tennis Club
This golf and tennis center features a par 63 executive golf course that spans 4,270 yards. To handle the crowds it recently added an additional nine new holes and a newly renovated clubhouse. There is also a large, lighted driving range and a practice putting green. The club also offers six indoor tennis courts, as well as indoor and outdoor lounging areas. For a snack or full meal, an on-site café grill and bar is available. The short course is perfect for duffers squeezed for time.
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Lookout Mountain Nature Center
If you are heading up to Golden with the kids to visit the Mizel Museum
The Mizel Museum examines and reflects upon the values of the Jewish religion and culture. Wandering around the place feels almost sacred, and the hallowed halls display art that is as forceful as it is beautiful. Utilizing art to explore social injustice, community, history, and healing, the museum takes you on a quest for understanding the basic elements of humanity. The museum's permanent collection features the popular Bridges of Understanding exhibit. This interactive presentation teaches the importance of tolerance, and seeks to show unifying factors between seemingly diverse cultures.
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Molly Brown House
This restored Victorian mansion, once the home of legendary Denver resident, Maggie (Molly) Brown, now serves as a popular museum, attracting more than 40,000 visitors a year. The museum explores the eccentric life of the 'Unsinkable Molly Brown', a Titanic survivor and eminent figure in the city's Gold Rush heritage. After the tour, browse around the gift shop and check out the selection of T-shirts, books and other memorabilia.
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Mother Cabrini Shrine
This shrine serves as a place of annual pilgrimage and prayer for thousands of visitors. Built in 1954, it pays tribute to Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini, the first American citizen canonized as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church. Here, 400 steep steps meander to the top of Mount Sacred Heart. Spectacular mountain and city scenery await those who reach the summit. For others, the shrine offers a peaceful stroll through the convent and the beautiful flower gardens. Comfortable shoes are a must.
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Museo de Las Americas
This art museum, located just south of downtown, contains a stunning replica of the Aztec Sunstone created with 4,400 pieces of wood. As the only Latino museum in the state it helps preserve the history of the Latino art experience in America by offering Spanish Colonial works as well as many contemporary pieces of varying mediums. Surrounded by restaurants and eclectic shops, the museum makes for a pleasant, informative day trip from downtown. Admission: Adults USD4; Seniors USD3; Students USD3; Children 13 and under free.
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Museum of Contemporary Art
The Museum of Contemporary Art/Denver, now residing in downtown's Sakura Square, began as a migrant. The founders wandered from leased gallery space to rented exhibition halls, displaying everything from installations to simple shows by national and international artists. Since settling into a permanent home, the museum has become a prominent force in the area art scene, exhibiting a diverse array of contemporary art, from mixed media to computer and video creations.
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Museum of Outdoor Arts
The Museum of Outdoor Arts contrasts the ornate beauty of bronze, granite, and kinetic sculptures with Bauhaus influenced glass office buildings stretching across a 400-acre business park. The collection contains 55 pieces from such revered sculptors as Arnaldo Pomodoro, and includes six works from Harry Marinsky's Alice in Wonderland series. Although 80 percent of the pieces are outside, some smaller pieces are on display in the Madden Gallery, which resides inside the Harlequin Park Building.
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Native American Trading Company
Owned and operated by Jack and Robin Lima, this gallery is part-museum as it hosts a variety of pieces, including handmade clothing and blankets, beautiful bronzes, leather leggings, wooden flutes and squash blossom necklaces. The true attractions of this gallery, however, are the antique artifacts from Native American tribes of the western United States, including both the northwest and southwest regions. Some date back as far as the 1850s and include colorful saltillos.
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Oxford Hotel
Built in 1891, the Oxford Hotel, situated next to Union Station in LoDo, has endured more ups and downs than a roller coaster. The hotel, designed by Frank E. Brooke, renowned architect of the Brown Palace, served Denver's early Silver Boom. After a long history of booms and busts, including a lengthy spell on skid row, the hotel has again emerged as the city's premier destination for business travelers
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Paramount Theatre
Elegantly decorated with silk tapestries, marble and terra cotta, this historic theater is a haven for performing arts enthusiasts. Performances by the Colorado Ballet and other fine artists in dance, theatre, music and opera can all be seen on the Historic Paramount Theatre stage.
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Pepsi Center
With granite and marble-tiled walls and floors this new state-of-the-art indoor venue brings Denver to the forefront of high-tech and luxurious entertainment space. Located downtown, the new home of the Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a stunning, naturally formed amphitheatre located in the Rocky Mountains. The first ever natural amphitheatre in the world, it is geologically formed, made up of two, three hundred foot monoliths. The Red Rocks area is known as the Garden of Angels and is world-famous for its perfect acoustic pitch. Red Rocks has been the venue for entertainers since the turn of the century and has a plethora of musicians and artists performing every month. Norah Jones, Blues Traveler, Beastie Boys and Lyle Lovett have all played here. Red Rocks is fifteen miles from Denver and tours can be arranged through the visitor's center.
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Roxborough State Park
This park is one of the most visually stunning parks in Colorado, best known for its fabulous red rock formations, with fossils chronicling the life of animals and plants for more than one billion years. The ecological diversity here is a result of the "zone of transition" location, between the plains and the mountains. Micro climates within the parkland have produced seven unique plant communities, all mixing species from both the mountain and plains zones. This is a great place to hike and view wildlife without dodging mountain bikes. But watch out for mountain lions.
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Sacred Heart Parish
The oldest functioning church in the city, this place of worship was established in 1879 for Italian and Irish immigrants as a place to worship. Run by the Jesuits, this church is in the traditional cruciform shape. The present wooden steeple was replaced after the original belfry threatened to crash through the roof. Back in 1912, two priests in residence restored the scaffolding and repainted the whole church. The interior has a Gothic feel with ornate windows of stained glass. In addition, there is a beautiful mural of the death and resurrection of Jesus.
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Saint Elizabeth of Hungary
St. Elizabeth's, the second oldest church in the Denver area, is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Established by Franciscan friars and nuns in 1878, the beautiful stone landmark is located in downtown Denver on the Auraria campus, facing the west bank of Cherry Creek. The most striking architectural feature of the design is the arcade that curves around the courtyard holding a statue of St. Francis of Assisi, the leader of the Franciscan order. The building now serves as a chapel for the Auraria campus.
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The Ridge at Castle Pines North
Snowcapped mountains, a thick forest of oaks and pines and open expanses of land welcome you to The Ridge at Castle Pines North. This spectacular golf course, in the heart of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, is in many ways an entirely different game. Due to a higher elevation, the thin mountain air causes the ball to spin less and carry further which adds an element of excitement not found elsewhere.
This par 71 course measures over 7000 yards. The Ridge challenges golfers of all skill levels with its elevated greens and the deep bunkers which surround them. The bunkers, with their bent grass, are loaded with contours and some feature two tiers.
The front nine are open and plays through open fairways and oaks. The back nine changes it up by opening with a tight, Ponderosa pine-framed hole. The #18 hole rewards you for advancing with views of sandstone monoliths and a gully. More »
Tivoli Student Union
The site was originally the Rocky Mountain Brewing Company, but owner John Good changed the name in the 1860s to the Tivoli, in honor of the gardens in Copenhagen, Denmark. Now it serves as a student center for the Auraria Campus of the Metropolitan State College of Denver, and students as well as the surrounding community enjoy the mixture of shops and restaurants located here. Visitors can take a self-guided tour, and browse the historical information and period photographs posted throughout the building.
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Trinity United Methodist Church
Located on the corner of 18th and Broadway in the heart of downtown Denver, Trinity's architecture is "modern Gothic." The modern comes from the recent additions of a state-of-the-art theater and auditorium, and the Gothic is in the style and design of the facade and sanctuary. Two areas of architectural interest are the 184-foot spire, towering above the church, and the entrance gates, which emulate a Medieval prototype.
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Union Station
Standing as a grand focal point for the west end of 17th Street, Union Station is one of lower downtown's most attractive pieces of architecture. Numerous restaurants and nightclubs occupy the same neighborhood as this historic building. You can sip martinis and relate with urban hipsters at A Bar, or get rowdy to the blues and chow down on Cajun cuisine. The original building, constructed in 1880, burned to the ground. In 1914, the current beaux arts building took shape, complete with three story windows and high ceilings.
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University of Denver
The University of Denver is an independent university, not to be mistaken with the University of Colorado at Denver (or "CU Denver"). The majority of this campus stretches across 124 acres of beautifully landscaped terrain and offers a peaceful and relaxing site for touring. Stroll through the campus for an afternoon or evening, and then relax in the shade under one of the many trees that grace the grounds. Browse the bookstore for something interesting to read or a DU souvenir.
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Washington Park
A relic of Denver's City Beautiful period, this 155-acre park is home to two formal gardens—one of which is a replica of George Washington's garden at Mount Vernon. The park is always full of walkers, joggers and bicyclists taking advantage of the trails and roads that encompass and dissect the entire grounds. Fishing on the park's two lakes is popular and there are also greens for lawn bowling, tennis and basketball courts, playgrounds, plenty of space for volleyball games and a recreation center with an indoor pool.
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Water World
This amusement park offers rides that range from steep slippery slides to raft rides down the "Lazy River." The wave pool is ideal for wading, and Wally World, with geysers and shallow water slides, is a perfect water introduction for young ones. Although an array of food is available here, personal picnics are allowed in the park.
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White Fence Farm
Come to the farm for the afternoon to visit animals at the petting zoo, and then stay for dinner and enjoy some down-home country cooking. Kids love all the activities the restaurant provides, including horse drawn carriage rides, a petting zoo and playground. Get ready for some family-style cooking, with tables full of corn fritters, red beets, cottage cheese, and other offerings. Entrees include broiled pork chops, grilled beef liver, and award-winning fried farm chicken. Desserts are just what you would expect from a country inn: pies, fruit cobblers and ice cream.
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Wings Over the Rockies Museum
This museum occupies Hangar Number One on Lowry Campus, formerly known as the Lowry Air Force Base. Here, visitors can view 31 aircraft, from a World War II Corsair to the B1A Bomber. The museum also houses extensive exhibits on the history of Lowry Air Force Base, World Wars I and II, former President Dwight D. Eisenhower and even the Hubbell Telescope. A display on the science of flight includes a space station simulator.
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Winter Park
For years, while tourists invaded Aspen and Vail, locals reveled in Winter Park's anonymity. That, however, has changed, for word has leaked out that Winter Park, Denver's favorite snow secret, is a great mountain to ski. It has 134 trails, with 41 percent of them being black diamond. The Olympia Express area provides designated easy trails for beginners, and snowboarders can revel in two terrain parks which include half-pipes. The new Zephyr Mountain Lodge, at the base of the area, is convenient for après ski. But for true nightlife one must travel two miles into town.
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