Denver, Colorado is a vibrant and exciting city with a variety of tourist attractions. Here are some of the best things to do and see in Denver:
Denver Art Museum
With over 70,000 pieces of art, this museum is a must-visit for any art lover.
The museum is known for its extensive collection of American Indian art, as well as its collections of European and American paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.
The museum’s permanent collection includes over 70,000 works of art, ranging from ancient to contemporary art. The American Indian art collection is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world, with over 20,000 objects from various Native American tribes. The museum also has a significant collection of Spanish colonial art, as well as European and American art from the Renaissance to the present day.
The Denver Art Museum is housed in two buildings: the original museum building, designed by Gio Ponti and built in 1971, and the Frederic C. Hamilton Building, designed by Daniel Libeskind and opened in 2006. The Hamilton Building is a striking, angular structure that has become an iconic part of the Denver skyline.
In addition to its permanent collection, the museum hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions and educational programs throughout the year, including lectures, workshops, and tours. The museum also has a gift shop and several restaurants and cafes on site.
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
This beautiful park features stunning rock formations and an outdoor amphitheater that hosts concerts and events.
The amphitheater itself is built into the rock formations, with natural stone seating that can accommodate up to 9,525 people. It has been a popular venue for concerts, festivals, and other events since it was first opened in 1941. Many famous musicians have played at Red Rocks over the years, including The Beatles, U2, Radiohead, and more recently, Mumford & Sons, The Lumineers, and Deadmau5.
In addition to the amphitheater, Red Rocks Park offers a variety of outdoor activities and attractions for visitors, including hiking trails, picnic areas, and a Visitor Center that features exhibits on the geology, history, and wildlife of the area. The park is also home to the Red Rocks Trail, a 6.4-mile loop trail that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and the amphitheater.
Overall, Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre is a must-visit destination for music lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. The combination of stunning natural beauty and world-class entertainment makes it a unique and unforgettable experience.
Denver Botanic Gardens
This 24-acre garden is a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city, featuring a variety of plants and outdoor sculptures.
In addition to the gardens, the Denver Botanic Gardens also has a conservatory that houses a collection of tropical and subtropical plants, as well as an education center that offers classes and workshops on gardening and sustainable living.
A tip I got from a Denver BIM consultant is the Denver Botanic Gardens also hosts various events throughout the year, such as outdoor concerts, art exhibits, and plant sales. It is open year-round, and admission fees vary depending on the season and day of the week.
Coors Field
This is the home stadium of the Colorado Rockies, and a great place to catch a baseball game during the season.
One notable feature of Coors Field is its location in the lower downtown (LoDo) neighborhood of Denver, which has helped revitalize the area around the stadium. The stadium’s design also incorporates features that reflect the natural beauty of Colorado, such as a view of the Rocky Mountains beyond the outfield wall and a waterfall and rock formation in the outfield.
Coors Field is known for being a hitter-friendly ballpark, due in part to its high elevation (5,200 feet above sea level) and dry air. The thin air can cause the ball to travel farther, leading to higher scoring games. Because of this, Coors Field has been the subject of some controversy and debate within the baseball community.
Denver Zoo
With over 4,000 animals, this zoo is a fun and educational experience for people of all ages.
The zoo is home to over 4,000 animals representing more than 600 species, including endangered and rare species such as Amur tigers, black rhinoceroses, and African wild dogs.
The Denver Zoo covers over 80 acres of land and features various exhibits and attractions, including Predator Ridge, Tropical Discovery, and Primate Panorama. The zoo also offers a range of activities and programs for visitors of all ages, such as guided tours, animal encounters, and educational programs.
One of the highlights of the Denver Zoo is its conservation efforts. The zoo participates in various conservation initiatives, both locally and globally, to protect wildlife and their habitats. It also collaborates with other zoos and conservation organizations to support research and conservation efforts.
Larimer Square
This historic district features unique shops, restaurants, and nightlife, making it a great place to explore.
In the early days, Larimer Square was a bustling center of commerce and transportation, with shops, hotels, and restaurants catering to the needs of miners and other travelers passing through the area. Over the years, the area fell into disrepair and was threatened with demolition. However, in the 1960s, a group of concerned citizens banded together to save the historic block from destruction.
Today, Larimer Square has been restored and revitalized into a popular dining, shopping, and entertainment destination, featuring a variety of boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. The area is also home to several festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Denver Chalk Art Festival, the Cherry Creek Arts Festival, and the Denver Film Festival.
Colorado State Capitol
This impressive building houses the offices of the governor and legislature, and features a beautiful gold dome.
The Colorado State Capitol features a distinctive gold dome that is covered in real gold leaf. The dome is 180 feet high and is one of the most recognizable features of the Denver skyline. Inside the building, visitors can tour the rotunda, which is decorated with murals depicting scenes from Colorado’s history, as well as the legislative chambers, where lawmakers debate and pass laws.
In addition to its role as the seat of Colorado’s government, the State Capitol is also a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can take guided tours of the building, which include visits to the dome, the legislative chambers, and other historic areas of the building. The Capitol also hosts special events throughout the year, such as concerts, art exhibits, and public lectures.
Denver Museum of Nature and Science
This museum has a wide range of exhibits, from prehistoric fossils to space exploration.
The museum features exhibits on a wide range of natural history topics, including dinosaurs, minerals, space exploration, wildlife, and human history.
Some of the most popular exhibits at the museum include:
- Prehistoric Journey: This exhibit takes visitors on a journey through time, from the earliest forms of life on Earth to the age of the dinosaurs and beyond.
- Space Odyssey: This exhibit explores the mysteries of space, including the history of space exploration and the latest discoveries in astronomy.
- Gems and Minerals: This exhibit showcases a stunning collection of gems and minerals from around the world, including rare specimens and famous gems like the Hope Diamond.
- Wildlife Halls: The museum has several halls dedicated to the diverse wildlife found around the world, including African animals, North American mammals, and birds of prey.
- Health: This exhibit explores the science of human health, including interactive displays on anatomy, genetics, and infectious diseases.
The museum also has a planetarium, an IMAX theater, and a variety of educational programs and events for visitors of all ages.
16th Street Mall
This pedestrian mall is lined with shops, restaurants, and entertainment, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
The mall is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, and is home to a wide variety of shops, from national retailers like H&M and Forever 21 to locally-owned boutiques and specialty stores. There are also many restaurants, cafes, and bars along the mall, offering a range of cuisine from casual fast food to upscale dining.
In addition to its shopping and dining options, the 16th Street Mall is also known for its free shuttle bus service, which runs up and down the mall every few minutes. The shuttle is a convenient way for visitors to explore the area without having to worry about parking or navigating through downtown traffic.
Mount Evans Scenic Byway
This scenic drive takes you up to the summit of Mount Evans, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Rocky Mountains.
The byway is located about 60 miles west of Denver and leads visitors to the summit of Mount Evans, which is one of Colorado’s highest peaks at 14,264 feet above sea level.
The byway starts at an elevation of 7,500 feet and climbs over 7,000 feet to the summit, passing through five different climate zones along the way. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of alpine lakes, deep forests, and rugged peaks. Wildlife sightings are also common, including bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and marmots.
At the top of Mount Evans, visitors can explore the Summit of Mount Evans Interpretive Site, which offers exhibits on the mountain’s geology, history, and ecology. There is also a gift shop and a restaurant where visitors can enjoy a meal with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
The Mount Evans Scenic Byway is open seasonally from Memorial Day through the first weekend in October, weather permitting. It is important to note that the road can be steep and winding in places, and visitors should be prepared for changing weather conditions and altitude sickness. It is recommended to take the drive slowly and make frequent stops to enjoy the stunning scenery along the way.
These are just a few of the many tourist attractions that Denver has to offer. There’s something for everyone in this vibrant and exciting city.