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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 Denver Pavilions, at the entrance of the mall, is a new open-air shopping plaza filled with trendy chains, including the Denver edition of the Hard Rock Café. The D & F TowerTabor Center adds to the shopping enthusiasm. Free shuttles provide transportation up and down the mall, allowing for convenient cross-town sightseeing. More »

Alderfer/Three Sisters Park

Nestled half an hour away in the foothills just west of Denver is the little mountain town of Evergreen. One of the popular things to do in Evergreen is to get out an enjoy the mountain scenery, and one place in particular is the Alderfer/Three Sisters Park. The park is one of the many Open Space parks in Colorado set aside undisturbed to be enjoyed by Colorado's residents year round. Alderfer/Three Sisters Park is most popular for its trails for beginner mountain bikers. The park stretches over 10 miles of trails within the 770 acres of open space, and provides magnificent views over the Bear Creek Basin. The park gets its namesake from a couple different places: one is the Alderfer family who donated the land to the state in 1945, after living there for over fifty years since 1894. Evergreen and the surrounding area's first settlers arrived in the 1870s, and established various ranches. By the time the new century rolled around, grazing became the main focus of the land use making many people decide to sell their land including the Alderfer family. The Alderfers donated much of the 270 original acres that started the park. One of the most attractive features of the park is the rock outcroppings dubbed "The Three Sisters" and "The Brother," which have trails to the top for endless views of the Front Range. More »

Apex Park

Synonymous with mountain biking in the Denver community, Apex Park really is the "summit" for all single-track riders and biking enthusiasts. Story has it that the Apex City, a small frontier rest stop on the "Apex and Gregory Wagon Road" up Apex Gulch, was built on an old Indian campground that was suitable location for hunting bison down on the plains, or disappearing up into the mountains to hunt deer or elk. Today the only thing that remains of the old Apex Gulch and city are the incredible views of the landscape stretching over the changing ground. Nearby, Golden is now a bustling city sprung out of its mining roots, and rubs elbows with this popular spot for intermediate single-track trails and steep sections of technical climbs and switchbacks. For the speed-demon on two wheels, be aware that Apex is also quite a popular spot for hikers too. The natural landscape is in abundance here, with great views of Hogback Formation, Green Mountain, and the Table Mountains, with a heaping dose of frontier history dating back to the middle of the nineteenth century. For better views of nearby Golden and Denver, head up the steep 2.8 mile Apex Trail, or slide across the enjoyable 1.6 mile Pick N Sledge Trail across the ridgeline. While Golden and Denver have both changed extensively since the mid nineteenth century, you can enjoy the old world of the Rockies at Apex. More »

Arrowhead Golf Club

Golfing at Arrowhead Golf Club is something like stepping into a painting. Surrounded by jagged red sandstone cut into the ground like cenotaph of an ancient world long forgotten, Arrowhead is a spectacular test of beauty and technique. With its narrow fairways and traps and play obstacles, Arrowhead boasts more than just a walk in the park. The park has gained prestige in and around the Denver area, gaining status as the number one public course in Denver and landing among the "Top 75 Public Courses" by Golf Digest. Arrowhead has been a Denver gem since 1974, and was designed by noted golf architect Robert Trent Jones Jr. From the back nine it become easy to get engulfed in the surrounding beauty of the red slabs of 300 million year old rocks and water hazards, but you'll need all of your focus on the exceedingly difficult course. After a putting out Pars, settle in at the On The Rocks Bar and Grill for some food and more scenic views you won't want to let go. More »

Assumption Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Denver

Recognized largely by its decadent golden dome looming over its location near Alameda Avenue and Colorado Boulevard, the Assumption Greek Orthodox Cathedral is a spiritual haven for Denver's Greek community. Inside its rich tradition of music, deep illustrious colors, and musky scent of burning incense, are only a piece of the Orthodox religion and liturgy that attract hundreds of people within the Greek Orthodox community. Look for the 14 icons that decorate the interior of the building and are an important facet of Greek Orthodox religion. The cathedral is over 90 years old, and in what originally was a place for immigrants to continue their beliefs from their homelands, has turned into a integral element to the Greek community in Denver. Every year the cathedral hosts a Greek Festival, where the city's residents can all gather together and enjoy a host of food, dance, song in celebration of their Greek roots. What if you're not Greek Orthodox? That doesn't mean you can't visit. Most masses are probably different than anything you've experienced, but that it a great opportunity to experience a different culture of religion as long as you respect and observe this unique extension of faith. More »

Astor House Museum

In 1867, the year of which it was built, an article about the new Astor House appeared in the local Golden Transcript newspaper: "The Astor House will be the handsomest, as well as the most substantial hotel built in Colorado." While 140 years have passed, and the Astor House has long since closed its doors, it was a place that lived up to its name and catered to thousands of patrons over its long history. When Seth Lake moved out west from Illinois to settle in the foothills of Golden, Colorado, he went about establishing a hotel business to cater to the hundreds of legislators of the newly founded Colorado Territorial Legislature meeting hall as well as various frontier travelers heading west. Astor House was the first stone building erected in Golden, a move away from the wooden buildings that dominated the western scene. The Astor House was extremely successful until Lake eventually sold in in 1885. Later in 1892, a German widow by the name Ida Goetze bought the house an began sprucing it up for her patrons by adding a new state-of-the-art kitchen (circa 1890), in which Goetze was extremely gifted in cooking, as well as the addition of water and gas that she had piped into the building whenever available (a first for the Golden community). In fact legend has it that Goetze attracted just as many people who were willing to pay for visit for the only warm bath in town at the time, than she attracted for the boarding house itself. As Mother Goetze (a name she inherited in the community) entered her later years, the house was a popular place for students of Golden's Colorado School of Mines, largely in part to her cooking and hospitality. Today the building has survived and subsequently transitioned into a museum, where its stone walls help preserve it for a whole new generation wanting to learn about Golden's unique history. More »

Bear Creek Lake Park

Bear Creek Lake Park is a great way to get out into some real nature without having to go very far. Located just outside of Morrison and the iconic Red Rocks Park, Bear Creek Lake Park contains over 2,600 acres of land stretching across the good part of nearly three miles. The park is home to a variety of wildlife from prairie grass snakes, coyotes, and prairie dogs, to a host of mid-range animals like deer and birds of prey. Be quiet and hopefully you can spot a critter or two while you explore their home. The park is accessible over the 15 miles of dirt trails where you'll find a number of hikers and bikers escaping the city for good weather and Colorado sunshine. Another attractive feature of the Bear Creek Lake Park is the abundance of water spots scattered around the park including Big Soda Lake, Little Soda Lake, and finally Bear Creek Lake, from which it gets its namesake. Get your seafaring legs on while you hoist the sail on a sailboat or rent one of the many other boats and kayaks from the marina. The park is perfect for a wild weekend getaway at the 50 various campsites around the park (some of which include electricity for those who still want the comforts of home). More »

Black American West Museum and Heritage Center

Sometimes the iconic images of the west prevail all ideas that we have about the American West. Iconic portrayals of the American West with tales about Cowboys and Indians and heroics of frontiersmen and pursuers of the Wild West dominate our imaginations, but a glaringly huge void is left in that narrative. The Black American West Museum and Heritage Center attempts to fix that void by telling the story of the thousands of African Americans that were integral to the American West story. Here you will learn about the one third of all cowboys that were black as well as the countless number of miners, soldiers, homesteaders, ranchers, blacksmiths, schoolteachers, lawmen, and many others who had just as much to do with the expansion westward as anyone else. The museum was founded in 1971 by Paul W. Stewart, with the purpose of collecting, preserving and disseminating the stories of African Americans in not only Colorado, but beyond. The museum is actually housed in the former home of Dr. Justina Ford, Colorado's first Black woman doctor, and features a variety of different exhibits exploring different aspects of blacks in American life of the west. Included in the exhibits are stories about a small Colorado community of blacks established on the principles of Booker T. Washington, and the story of America's Buffalo Soldiers who fought in the great expanse of the West. Even learn about some of America's first black millionaires from the boom of Gold and other mining operations. The Black American West Museum and Heritage Center is a fascinating venue for a piece of American history buried underneath generalized ideas about the Old West. More »

Brown Palace

In 1860, a carpenter turned entrepreneur from Ohio named Henry Cordes Brown arrived in Denver after various trips around the globe. With a growing involvement with real estate, Brown purchased much of the land in Denver including the land at the capital building and the triangular lot at the corners of Broadway, Tremont and 17th street where he kept his cows for grazing. Around the same time that Brown was investing in land in and around Denver, Denver was quickly attracting people headed west seeking for Silver and Gold prospected out of the mountains. Brown turned to capitalize on this new revelation of Denver's growing numbers by building an extravagant hotel to rival the country's most elite hotels. He hired architect Frank E. Edbrooke, who took the triangular lot at Broadway, 17th, and Trenton and spent the next four years working on what eventually would be called the Brown Palace, and spared no expense in building the lavish icon of the Mile High City. An estimated $1.6 million was spent on the construction and furnishing of the hotel including the decadent use of Onyx used throughout the building. On August 12, 1892 the hotel opened its doors to the public who could rent a room for between $3 and $5 a night. For the nearly 120 years that the Brown palace has been open, they have opened their doors continuously day and night and have hosted a number of distinguished guests including every single US President since Teddy Roosevelt with the exception of Calvin Coolidge, and a 1964 visit by the Beatles. The Brown Palace today is still considered the pinnacle of class of this western city. More »

Buffalo Bill Memorial Museum & Grave

Without William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody, it could be argued that story surrounding the Old Wild West would have never taken off in popular culture where it still pervades into the social conscience of that old time. Buffalo Bill was born in LeClaire of the Iowa Territory (which later would become the state of Iowa) in 1846, however he spent most of his young and adult life venturing into the West through various conquests. He first ventured West at the ripe age of eleven as a Wagon Trail rider before he joined the other Colorado "59ers" into the hills around Blackhawk where he prospected for gold. It was here that he began the first of many visits to the state of Colorado which he would later preform and live the final years of his life. Buffalo Bill earned his nickname for his work for Kansas Pacific Railroad as a buffalo hunter. It was after a stint in the Pony Express and as a Scout in the Army, that Cody began his Wild West Show in which he would continue through the rest of his life. By the time he died in 1917, Buffalo Bill had already become an international star after tours across the US and Europe. Though disputed among some individuals, Cody's remains were interned in a plot of land on Lookout Mountain overlooking nearby Golden and Denver. Buffalo Bill's life will always be remembered for his dazzling shows, but a stop at the museum will also reveal his devotion to native Indian and woman's rights, as well as the conservation and protection of America's bison. More »

Butterfly Pavilion and Insect Center

The moment you step into the 7,000 square-foot recreation of a tropical rainforest inside the Butterfly Pavilion and Insect Center, you feel like you've entered in a completely different world from which you've came. The learning center located north of Denver in Westminster contains some 1,200 live butterflies at different stages from all around the world, as well as 350 plant species growing in a tropical setting. Walking around the enclosure, don't be surprised if one of the butterflies takes to your colored shirt and lands on your shoulder, as it truly is a hands-on experience. That's not all! The Butterfly Pavilion takes it a step further by looking at habitats of vertebrae animals as well such as turtles, frogs, doves, and finches. While at the Butterfly Pavilion you'll learn about native Colorado plants and species in various exhibits. The Butterfly Pavilion was created in 1995, and holds the distinction of being the first stand-alone non-profit insect zoo in the country. More »

Byers-Evans House Museum

Located near Civic Center Park across from the Denver Art Museum and just down the street from the Colorado Historical Museum, you'll find the nineteenth century home at 1310 Bannock Street that was once once the former home of the founder of the Rocky Mountain News, Denver's first newspaper published in 1859. William Newton Byers built the house (which is sentimentally called Victoria for short) in 1883 twenty years after his arrival in Denver from Omaha, Nebraska, and with the success of the new newspaper. Byers only lived in the house for 6 years until William Gray Evans, the son of Colorado's second territorial Governor John Evans, bought the house in 1889 where he raised his four children. The connection between the Byers and the Evans families is noted particularly through Byers involvement with Governor John Evans in establishing the University of Denver. When Davis' last living daughter, Margaret Evans Davis, died in 1981, the house was given to the Colorado Historical Society (CHS) who transformed the home into a Victorian era museum depicting the lives of some of Denver's most influential families. The collection of period artifacts and photographs help bring early Denver to life through the eyes of these pioneer families. More »

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. More »

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

Denver's first Catholic parish gathered at the corner of 15th and Stout Streets under the patriarch of Father Joseph P. Machebeuf, a French missionary who would become Denver's first bishop. Thirty years later, efforts were raised to build a new cathedral on Logan Street, and in 1890 Bishop Nicholas C. Matz built the first temporary cathedral made of brick and sandstone. While the church that stands at 1530 Logan is not the same as these two early churches, without them there would not be a cathedral in Denver. Twelve years later, ground was broken at the site for the new Cathedral in 1902. It would take the large part of the next 9 years to build due to setbacks in financial investments. The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is a unique building in modern downtown Denver with its ornate French Gothic style designed by architect Leon Coquard of Detroit. The front facade features twin 210 foot spires and the exterior is made exclusively of Indiana limestone and granite quarried from Gunnison, Colorado. The interior of the building features an altar, statuary, and bishop's chair made entirely of marble imported from Carrara, Italy. In 1979, the cathedral was elevated to the status of Minor Basilica, one of only a handful of basilicas in the United States. The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception has been an important feature of the downtown Denver community for nearly the past 100 years including its involvement in the poor and homeless communities, handing out between 50,000 to 60,000 lunches annually. More »

Central City Opera House

In the mid-nineteenth century, Central City experienced an explosion of growth following the discovery of gold in nearby Gregory Gulch. The population of the city boomed overnight increasing by nearly 300% from 600 residents in 1860 to well near 3,000 residents by 1870. A large number of Cornish and Welsh miners had moved to take part in the gold rush, bringing with them a rich tradition of music from their homelands on the western shores of the United Kingdom. In 1878. the Central City Opera House was built by these miners to provide a venue where they could preform and listen to opera and music. The building was designed by prominent Denver architect Robert S. Roeschlaub, and with the help of San Fransisco artist John C. Massman, who added the trompe l'oeil murals in the interior of the building, created a gem to the growing mining city that's reputation was growing as the "the richest square mile on earth." The opera house attained national prestige presenting performances by Buffalo Bill and P. T. Barnum’s circus. Just as it was with the Gold Rush throughout the United States and territories at the time, it was boom then bust. Falling deep into disrepair, the Central City Opera House quickly slumped in for some quiet years until in 1932 a restoration of the building led by Ida Kruse McFarlane, Edna Chappell, and Anne Evans helped restore the opera house to its past glory. Today it has hosted performances of the nation's fifth-oldest opera company ever since. Today visitors visit this iconic stone structure to enjoy music year round including the national summer festival held every year. More »

Cheesman Park

Located in central Denver, just east of the Denver Botanic Gardens lies the popular Cheesman Park. The park's most notable feature is the large marble edifice, Cheesman Memorial Pavilion, which offers sweeping views of Colorado's beautiful Front Range of the Rockies. The sprawling lawns are popular for recreation and lounging, the jogging path made of crushed granite is popular with runners, and children and families love to hang out at the playground here. In the 1800s, this park was once Prospect Hill Cemetery, and was later converted from a cemetery to the park that it is today, which is named after Walter Cheesman, a Denver pioneer whose family donated the Memorial Pavilion. More »

Cherry Creek Bike Trail

Stretching from downtown Denver east to Cherry Creek Reservoir, the Cherry Creek Bike Trail meanders along Cherry Creek for about 15 miles. This is a very popular urban trail for biking, strolling, jogging, rollerblading, and walking dogs. The paved path winds its way through several of Denver's neighborhoods including from LoDo to Cherry Creek. More »

Cherry Creek North Shopping District

This upscale shopping and dining district covers 16 blocks and is home to over 320 boutiques, galleries, spas, and restaurants. Located just across from the Cherry Creek Shopping Center north of East 1st Avenue, Cherry Creek North is known for its swanky and sophisticated shops and eateries. Films on Filmore and the Cherry Creek Arts Festival are held annually on Filmore Plaza, which is the heart of this district. More »

Cherry Creek Shopping Center

Located in the Cherry Creek neighborhood of Denver, this mall is certainly more upscale than your average shopping mall. Unlike its outdoor shopping neighborhood to the north, this mall is indoors and features a total of 169 different stores, restaurants, and services. To name a few, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Lord & Taylor, Tiffany & Co, and Ralph Lauren call this mall home. With valet parking high-end shopping, a kids play space, a movie theater, and a multitude of eateries available, a day spent browsing here is sure to be well spent. More »

Cherry Creek State Park

Centered around an 880-acre reservoir, Cherry Creek State Park offers residents and visitors of the City of Denver a place to get away and relax. From fishing to hiking to boating to camping, the park is a favorite recreation venue--you can tell by how crowded it gets on weekends! There is even a model airplane field here, where aviation buffs can show their stuff flying their model planes. With 4,200 acres in the park to explore, you'll never get bored, and everyone in the group will find an activity he/she enjoys. With 102 campsites on-site, it may be a good idea to bring your tent and marshmallow-roasting sticks and stay a night or two, just to have time to explore all that the park has to offer. More »

Children's Museum of Denver

Experience the world through the interactive, hands-on exhibits at the Children's Museum of Denver. The museum offers eleven different "playscapes" (play exhibits centered on a theme) for the kiddos to explore; each is educational and entertaining and lets imaginations run free. Examples of the playscapes you'll see here include Click Clack Train Track, The Assembly Plant, Arts A la Carte, and others. The museum also offers great educational programs and events, such as Backyard Explorers, Storytime, and Science Fair. There is even an on-site adult/teacher resource room for those caretakers who want to browse information that helps provide ideas and understanding about how to facilitate a child's growth and development. More »

City and County Building

This grand architectural statement was part of the vision of Denver mayoral giant Robert W. Speer, who quested to create a "City Beautiful" in the Mile High City. He said to the City Council in 1907, Denver could be "made one of the ordinary cities of this country, or she can be made the Paris of America." He continued, "Let us start [with Civic Center] plaza near the business center—have statues, trees, and flowers—where our people and tourists may gather each evening under the most artistic electric lighting—near the spray from grand fountains and listen to the finest music in the land....Then build not an ordinary, but an extraordinary drive or Appian Way into the mountains.... Take these forward steps, and you will never turn back—our future greatness will be assured." Here, he described what we see today, the Civic Center Plaza, the City and County Building alight during the holiday season, and I-70, Colorado's highway to the mountains, which Speer compares to the Roman Appian route. The grandiose vision is exemplified by the City and County Building, with its imposing Corinthian columns, and interior made of marble. Take note of the tower clock, which will sound every 15 minutes. The building is not like most local government buildings and certainly reflects upon a soaring, hopeful perception from a city yet to be risen to prominence. More »

City Park

As Denver grew up from a small mining outpost to an actual city in the latter half of the 19th century, the city's cognoscenti recognized a need to build public parks. City Park was originally laid out by architect Henry Mayweather in 1882, while over the next few decades, add-ons as part of the "City Beautiful" movement en vogue at the time would develop the park into its current incarnation--the Denver Zoo, the Denver Museum of Natural History (now known as the Denver Museum of Nature and Science), Ferril Lake and its boathouse, fountains and statues, and the burgeoning greenery that dominates the park's 320 acres. Today, it is still Denver's largest park and includes Ferril Lake and Duck Lake, tennis courts, a golf course, running and biking paths, and of course, the zoo and the grand museum. If you're in town with good weather, consider stopping by during sunset for a spectacular view of Denver's downtown skyline cast against the setting sun. More »

City Park Golf Course

Conveniently located close to downtown Denver, City Park Golf Course offers a nice 18-hole course in an urban setting. Views of the city skyline and the Rocky Mountains abound from just about anywhere on the course, whether on the fairways or on the greens. The course stretches 6,470 yards from the longest tee boxes and 5,639 from the shortest, and there are enough tight, tree-lined fairways and unique bunkers to make the course challenging for any level golfer. When you're tired from a round of 18, stop by Bogey's on the Park restaurant for a bite to eat; it's open year-round and serves up great food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and entrees are well priced. More »

Civic Center Park

In the middle of all the important civic buildings in downtown, including the State Capitol, Colorado State Judicial Building, and the Denver Public Library, is the Civic Center Park. Since the early 1900s Denverites have gathered here for public events and free concerts. Today, the space is still a popular gathering place for festivals and events like Cinco de Mayo, Theater in the Park, and the Taste of Colorado, which all draw large crowds. Even if there isn't anything happening while you pass through, the park makes for a great place to eat lunch while touring all the buildings and museums that surround it. More »

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. Many of the park's buildings are the original structures from the old Pearce Ranch (built in 1900) nearby. When it was threatened with land redevelopment in the early 1990s, the buildings were carefully taken down, relocated to Golden, and put back together--a process that took four years. Also, while visiting the park don't forget about the nearby Astor House, a grand, historic home built in 1867. More »

Colorado Convention Center

Nestled in the heart of downtown is the state of the art and newly remodeled Colorado Convention Center. In 2004 the center more than doubled in size (now totally 584,000 square feet of convention space), became a green building--meaning they use renewable energy sources and encourage vendors to do the same--and they also attached themselves to the new Light Rail Train Station, making it easier than ever to beat the traffic and get to your event on time. The center claims to be one of the most technologically advanced convention centers in the world and its new design is easier to navigate for first time visitors. There is always something happening, so check the website to see if there is a show that you may want to check out while in the Mile High City. More »

Colorado Governor's Mansion

Originally designed for the Cheesman family in 1908, the Governor's Mansion went through two subsequent ownerships until it was donated to the state of Colorado by the Boettcher family foundation. Since it was donated and renovated in the early 1960s, the mansion has served as the residence of at least seven Colorado governors, and will most likely be the home of many more leaders of the state. The architecture of the home is modeled after a formal Georgian Revival house and has stunning features such as dark-red brick walls, gabled dormers, porticoes, cornices, and stately columns. The home is not only a residence, but also a repository for museum-quality furnishings, art, and home accessories. More »

Colorado History Museum

The history of Colorado and the west is on display at this museum. Run by the Colorado Historical Society, the museum offers visitors a glimpse into the past through exhibits such as The Italians of Denver, Ancient Voices: Stories of Colorado's Distant Past, and Soldiers on Skis. Check out the Colorado TimeScape, a 3-D model of the state that tells the story of 10,000 years of Colorado history through lasers that move across the state. Or the A Women's Place...Is On The Range exhibit that documents women's part in shaping the west, from ranching to rodeo to cattle associations. Not only do visitors of the museum get a view of the lives of settlers and ranchers in early Colorado, but they also get a glimpse into the history of the Native American tribes who have lived in the area for thousands of years. More »

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 renowned 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 Depot, a replica of an 1880s 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. More »

Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum

Started in 1894 by the school's first curator, Arthur Lakes, this museum displays a wide variety of rocks, minerals, fossils, and gemstones. The collection comprises over 50,000 pieces that are split into exhibits such as minerals from Colorado, Mining Artifacts, Gemstones, Special Radioactive Exhibits, World Minerals, and others. The museum offers educational tours for groups; they can be conducted inside to learn about the museum's rocks, or outside to learn about local geology. If you're at all interested in geology, gems, or mining, the geology museum is a great place to visit. More »

Colorado State Capitol Building

The Capitol Building was built between the years of 1890 and 1908, in a Corinthian architectural style that is one of the more impressive Greek architectural styles. Much of the material used for construction and for decoration comes from Colorado, including the Yule marble and Colorado Rose Onyx marble, which you will not find anywhere else in the world. It is said that if you look closely at the marble you can see images of Colorado native, the Unsinkable Molly Brown, and also of George Washington. The gold dome was added the building in 1908 as a symbol of the abundance of gold in the area. After climbing the 94 steps to the dome's observation deck, you'll be treated with stunning views of the city and of the Rocky Mountains. More »

Confluence Park

Located in the heart of Denver, Confluence Park is a popular, quick escape for kayakers, picnic goers, and for nature lovers. The water comes from the merging of Cherry Creek and the South Platte River and it offers cool relief on a hot day. After being renovated in 2002, the park is more popular than ever for locals, so pack a lunch, bring a book and blanket and relax in the park. More »

Coors Brewing Company

The fifth largest brewing company in the world can be found at the base of the mountains in Golden, Colorado. Coors, now MillerCoors, was started by Adolf Coors in 1873 at the young age of 26. Adolf was a hard worker from the start and had completed several apprentices at breweries in Europe before heading out on his own and starting what would one day be a world-wide recognizable brand. His first brewed beer was a pale lager that we now know as the Coors Banquet Beer, or the Original Coors. Over 130 years later, Coors Brewery is still family operated and owned and it still gets the freshest water from crystal clear streams flowing out of the Rocky Mountains. You can take the self-guided tour at any age, but you have to be 21 years old to taste the beers. If your thirst gets the best of you, head to the taste room first and take the tour afterwards. More »

Coors Field

Opened in 1995 and meant to evoke the urban wonderlands of a different era in baseball, Coors Field is home to Major League Baseball's Colorado Rockies. The park is made from brick and steel and houses a little over 50,000 fans. Coors ensconces perfectly with the industrial area that Lower Downtown Denver used to be and is now revitalized. Architects knew that playing baseball at altitude was likely to yield more home runs as the balls fly a few percent further in the thinner air, and so Coors is home to one of the most expansive outfields in all of baseball. For the first 7 years of its life, Coors Field was known as the premier hitter's park in the Majors, but in 2002, the Rockies began to place game balls inside a humidor to combat Colorado's very arid climate that was causing the baseballs to harden and fly further. As a result, Coors Field is no longer the league's preeminent launchpad and home run totals are quite average as compared to other league parks. Don't fret, though--there are still plenty of dingers at Coors. It's a wonderful place to take in a ballgame, and ticket prices are quite reasonable. More »

Daniels and Fisher Tower

Department store owner William Cooke Daniels traveled to Venice, Italy and returned a changed man, determined to build Denver a grand tower in the style of the Campinile di San Marco. It was to befit the emergent Western metropolis as grand as Denver aspired to be--the "city beautiful." As such, when it was completed it the third largest building in the entire country. It would be the tallest building in the Mile High City until 1957, and its first skyscraper. By the 1970s, the department store was scrapped during a urban renewal campaign, and there was talk of demolishing the building. But it was saved by Denver preservationists and in 1981, it was converted into office and loft space. Today, the building, capped by its 16-foot clock tower features prominently in the bustling Denver downtown. Stop and hearken back to a time when Denver was just a little cowtown. More »

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. More »

Denver Botanic Gardens

Founded in the early 1950s in a different location, the Denver Botanic Gardens eventually settled here on York Street in 1958, occupying a former cemetery in the Congress Park neighborhood. Varied botanical delights native to the West are featured here--flora that can survive the arid climate of Colorado. But there are also plants, trees, and of course, flowers that are indigenous half-way across the world, like those on display at the authentic Japanese Garden. The tropical greenhouse is as futuristic as it gets, and was actually used as a backdrop for the Woody Allen film "The Sleeper." Horticulture enthusiasts will love this place for its vast collection of colorful plant life, contrasting against the urban landscape of Denver. More »

Denver Center for the Performing Arts

The epicenter of Denver's performing arts scene, the Denver Center for the Performing Arts houses several theatres that are used by the Denver Center Theatre Company as well as other performance troups. The main theater, the Auditorium Theatre opened in 1978 and seats about 2,700. You'll find original performances, Off-Broadway plays, Shakespearian dramas, and everything in between. The architecture is worth seeing in its own right, should you be so inclined. If you do want to go to a show, definitely buy tickets ahead of time online. More »

Denver Firefighters Museum

When it opened in 1909, it was Denver's first firehouse--Fire Station #1 housing Engine Company #1, and the firemen traveled by horse-drawn carriage. Eventually they transitioned to the gasoline-powered vehicle of today, but this museum takes you through the history of the Denver Fire Department and its tools of the trade over the generations. The 11,000 square-foot, two-story structure was a working fire station until 1974, when it was retired from daily duties. Your kids will love trying on the firefighting equipment for size, and you'll love the pictures. Lots of hands-on and historical information here and it's a great off-beat museum to visit on your trip to the Mile High City. More »

Denver International Airport

As you come into the city by air, you'll notice the white peaks of the teflon tent that encapsulates the Denver International Airport. Those fascinated by architecture may like to explore the airport's structure more than you usually would. The airport is massive, stretching some 33,000 acres, by far the largest in the United States. It's best admired from afar, the white peaks appearing to mimic the snow-capped Rocky Mountains. More »

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. More »

Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls & Toys

Founded in 1981, the museum eventually moved to a historic 19th century home near City Park, the Pearce-McAllister Cottage. It is a sort of history of the doll and other collectible toys that occupy such a cherished place in childhood memories. There are many, many of these old dolls and toys on display here at the museum, and this is sure to send your synapses back to a more youthful time and keep your youthful flock engaged too. The exhibitions are frequently updated and it's easily the best place in the city to take a little girl who loves dolls and dollhouses. The giftshop is a great place to pick up a souvenir or two. More »

Denver Museum of Nature and Science

One of Denver's most visited attractions, this world-class natural history museum is an exhaustive catalogue of the physical world as we know it. There are tons of dioramas of animal taxidermy, full-sized and complete dinosaur fossils, an IMAX theater, Egyptian mummies, gems, a meditation on health and the human body, the state-of-the-art Gates Planetarium, and on and on. It's an absolutely wonderful museum and can be visited several times without much overlap. A new exhibition called "Prehistoric Journey" traces the development of life on Earth from 3.5 billion years ago to today. It is visionary and executed perfectly. This place shouldn't be missed, no matter your age. More »

Denver Public Library

The Denver Public Library has its roots in Andrew Carnegie's philanthropic vision of networking American communities with a public library system, a cause to which he devoted much of his personal net worth. He sponsored the first 8 branches to open, and in 1955, noted architect and Denver native Burnham Hoyt completed the new building in Civic Center Park; Hoyt also designed the beautiful Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado. It was updated by another noted architect, Michael Graves, in 1995, as part of a major overhaul. The collection of books, maps, and other materials are fabulous and include a quite informative historical look at the rise of the Western frontier complete with original paintings by famous artists such as Russell and Audubon. There is also a great children's library that you might bring your kids through as a stop-over. Much more than just stacks of books. More »

Denver Puppet Theatre

Annie Zook, the proprietor of the Denver Puppet Theatre does it all--she owns and operates the business and she's the talent, too. Zook makes her own puppets, does the voices, and is all manner of speaking, a true one woman show. The bright yellow building of the theatre is a converted plumbing shop, which makes it really hard to miss. It's a great stop for little kiddos who will definitely be captivated by the puppetry, and you will too. More »

Denver Zoo

The Denver Zoo was founded in 1896 whereupon Denver's mayor was gifted a stray black bear. The bear, who was named Billy Bryan after the three-time Democratic presidential loser William Jennings Bryan of "free silver" fame, was quite a handful and so the mayor turned him over to the head of Denver's City Park. Thus was born the Denver Zoo, and over the years it has expanded to what it is today, one of the city's most visited tourist attractions. Bear Mountain, created in 1917, was the first naturalistic habitat in America, and it has been hugely influential in the development of zoos across the country ever since. Today the zoo spans the globe in terms of its habitats and animal residents, from polar bears to monkeys to chirping birds. There's a clear mission towards the protection of endangered species as well, which soothes the conscience a bit if you have some reservations about the ethics of zoos in general. Nevertheless, it's a great opportunity to show your kids an up close and personal view of the wonders of the animal kingdom. More »

Dinosaur Ridge

An amazingly rich archaeological area, Dinosaur Ridge is like few other places in the world in that the hard physical evidence that dinosaurs once ruled the Earth is overwhelming and so accessible. Brontosaurus tracks that date to over 145 million years ago during the late Jurassic epoch and fossil quarries truly hammer this reality home. You may like to spend a whole day hiking the area and exploring the sites, in which case you should get a map from the visitor's center or join one of the day hikes led by the Friends of Dinosaur Ridge. There is much to be learned here, from the formation of the Rocky Mountains over 70 million years prior, to the 300 million year old red rock formations (Red Rocks Amphitheater, just up the road in Morrison, is carved out of the same rocks). More »

Downtown Aquarium

The Downtown Aquarium offers guests an exciting look into underwater life. It comprises over 100 million gallons of water enclosed in various aquariums that display over 500 species of marine animals. Some of the exhibits guests will find here include a Sting Ray Reef touch tank and an Under the Sea exhibit that showcases various kinds of sharks. One of the highlights of the museum is its Aquarium Restaurant that is surrounded by a 150,000-gallon tank. Guests can dine on seafood, chicken, steaks, salads, and pasta while watching the serene surroundings of rays, starfish, and sharks as they swim by in their underwater habitat. More »

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. More »

Elitch Gardens

This is the perfect place to spend a summer afternoon with your family and friends. Located in downtown Denver, Elitch Gardens offers a mixture of over 50 thrilling rides for those who seek extreme fun and for those who are a little more timid. The best part about the park is that its joined with a water park, so after riding rides like the Mind Eraser, where you free-fall 60 mph down ten stories, or the Halfpipe, where you spin on a giant snowboard with 16 other people up and down a halfpipe, head over to the water slides! The water park has a lazy river, tunnel slides, a white water ride, and more. At the end of the day, you will have plenty of memories to share and your face will be hurting from smiling so much! More »

Foothills Golf Course

Consisting of three separate golf courses, this golf facility offers something for everyone. The championship course is an 18-hole, par 72, and it comprises 6,900 yards of playable space from the back tees. The executive is a nine-hole, par 31 course, with a length of 2,300 yards. The 9-hole, par 27 course is the most economical, as the greens fees are the lowest and the course is the fastest to play (typically under two hours). There's even a restaurant at Foothills Golf Course--called the Foothills Grill, it serves up tasty meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. More »

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

Encompassing 12 acres just outside of downtown Denver, Four Mile Historic Park features pioneer exhibits, old buildings, and guided tours that tell of Colorado's storied past. The park was once a stage stop and wayside inn, so there is enough history here to entertain the whole family. From touring Denver's oldest home (Four Mile House, built in 1859) to panning for gold to enjoying a chuck wagon lunch, visitors will get their fill of old time history and stories. The park is a great place for corporate rentals, school field trips, and birthday parties, as well as individual visits, as it boasts banquet halls, a great room, and conference room to accommodate all group sizes. Volunteers staff the park and provide educational program support in areas such as crafting, gardening, children's programs, trail guides, and more. More »

Genesee Park

This popular park lies about 20 miles outside of Denver and offers great hiking trails and gorgeous vistas. Genesee Park is the largest park in Denver, encompassing over 2,400 acres. It also was the city's first mountain park, acquired in 1912-1937; it's name comes a Native American term meaning "shining valley". Genesee Park is also home to Colorado's buffalo herd, which roams free in the park; there's even has an under-freeway tunnel on-site so the herd can cross from one side of the park to the other safely. There are two mountain summits in Genesee, Genesee Mountain and Bald Mountain, standing at 8,284 and 7,988 feet, respectively. More »

Golden Gate Canyon State Park

With over 12,000 acres of forested Colorado hills and grassy plains, Golden Gate Park beckons many hikers, campers, picnickers, and horseback riders year-round. The park is home to Panorama Point, a scenic view point where visitors are treated to a vista of over 100 miles of Continental Divide views. It is also a favorite spot for camping, as there are 155 campsites within the park, including two cabins, two yurts, and two guest houses available for rent. There are over 35 miles of hiking trails at the park that are easily accessible and are marked with the animal's footprint they're named after. There are also trails that permit mountain bikers and horseback riders, making for enough room for everyone to enjoy the beautiful park. More »

Grant-Humphreys Mansion

This Denver Landmark is a 30 room mansion built in the popular Beaux-Arts architectural style from Paris. The home was built in 1902 for a wealthy entrepreneur and businessman, James Benton Grant and his wife, Mary Matteson Goodell. Mary sold the house in 1917, after her husband passed away, to another wealthy entrepreneur, Albert E. Humphreys. Albert shared the mansion with his wife, son and daughter in law. Today, the mansion is used for offices and special events. It was added to the list of National Register of Historic Places in 1970. More »

Hammond's Candies

The best place to cure a sugar craving is at Hammond's Candies, which has produced high quality candies since 1920. It was the dream of Carl T. Hammond to design and personally make savory sweets that are equally as beautiful as they are tasty. Because of the increasing demand to produce more and to offer factory tours, the candy shop moved to its current larger location in 2004. You will be delighted to try hand dipped chocolate covered toffee, hand rolled old fashioned lollipops, homemade carmel corn, flavorful chocolate covered cherries, and more. There are hundreds of candies to choose from, so be sure to come with a big sweet-tooth! More »

Hayden/Green Mountain Recreational Open Space

One thing you'll notice when you visit Colorado is that people here love their open space parks! These parks are designated areas between residencies that will forever remain free of development. Hayden/Green Mountain is the second largest open space park in Lakewood, at 2,400 acres. It's offers a variety of trails to explore, ranging from easy to difficult and it is also known for its many singletrack trails, which are used by mountain bikers. The best time to visit is in the spring, when the wildflowers are in full bloom and its not too hot to stay a while. At the top of Green Mountain, which is just over 6,000 feet in elevation, you can see the heart of downtown Denver and also the towering peaks in the Rocky Mountains. More »

Heritage Square

Denver is a family oriented city and one attraction that is definitely the place to find family fun and adventure is Heritage Square. This amusement park is set in the picturesque foothills of Golden, Colorado and is an option for those who want to avoid long lines and overpriced entrance fees. Upon entering the park, you'll be taken back in time to the Wild West, as many of the games and rides are set in mock historical Victorian houses. No matter what kind of theme park rider is in the family, there is something to please all. You can take a spin on the Tilt-A-Whirl, or on the carousel, or you can get wet on the bumper boats. Heritage Square has a miniature golf course. Go-Kart track, giant swing, and more, so bring the group and let the fun begin. More »

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. More »

Holy Ghost Church

The Holy Ghost congregation dates back to the 1890s, when the first Catholic church in Denver was founded, but it wasn't until the 1920s that the first foundation stone was laid. The congregation met here while it was under construction for nearly twenty years, until Helen G. Bonfils, a member of the church, donated enough money to purchase three hundred tons of Colorado marble to finish the building in 1940. It was built in a Spanish and Italian Renaissance architectural infusion to create a serene, simple, and inspiring masterpiece. A 110 foot tower greets you at the entrance and inside you will find stained glass windows, bronze statues, and two shrines. More »

IMAX Theater

IMAX is short for Image MAXimum and there is no shortage of this at the Phipps Imax Theater in the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. The theater recently won the Maximum Image Award two years in a row for "Best IMAX Booth." The films shown here feature scientific journeys to deep space, to the Antarctic ice shelves, to the Alaskan wild, and to foreign lands that you may have never even heard of before. Because the screen surrounds you, it feels like your actually there and doing the exploring with the film crew. More »

Ivy Chapel at Fairmount Cemetery

Of the four chapels at Fairmount Cemetery, the Ivy Chapel is the oldest. It was built in 1890, the same year that the cemetery was built, in a Gothic design that is unique in the city of Denver. The chapel can be seen while touring the cemetery and its gargoyles, flying buttresses, and historical backdrop have made it a landmark in the Mile High City. More »

Kirkland Museum

This decorative arts museum offers an eclectic display of objects from the Art Nouveau, Modern and Pop Art genres, and from the Art Deco movement which was a popular design style in the United States from 1890 to 1975. The museum opened after the death of Vance Kirkland, who was a painter from Ohio and the first Director of University of Denver's School of Art. Kirkland was known for painting images of galaxies and nebulae long before any humans had gone into space and took pictures of it. Much of Kirkland's work is inspired by raw materials found in the Rocky Mountains, which he would see while hiking in the area. When he died in 1981, his estate was left to Hugh Grant, a Denver native who founded the museum. Today, the Kirkland Museum displays work from over 170 artists from all over the world, so be sure to stop by if you love funky fresh art. More »

Lakeside Amusement Park

The Lakeside Amusement Park has been a family favorite since 1908, the year it opened. During its early years, it was called the "Coney Island of the West," as it offered thrill rides, kiddie rides, couple rides, and a place to go to forget about your job and worries. Today, many of the rides, like the Steam Trains that take you around the lake, still operate just as they did 100 years ago. Perhaps the most famous ride is the Cyclone Coaster, a ride that the Discovery Channel once named a top ten roller coaster in the United States. Other rides include the Tilt-A-Whirl, The Scrambler, and the Flying Dutchman. If you want to have an old fashioned fun time, then the Lakeside Amusement Park is the just the place for you. More »

Larimer Square

Larimer Square offers some of the most refined shopping and dining experiences in Denver. What was once the first city block in Denver, has now become an über chic place to try on fashions fresh off the runways of New York and Milan. The area is full of independently and locally owned boutique stores, so you're sure to find that perfect, one-of-a-kind outfit and accessories. Larimer Square's selection of restaurants include world-class menus and there is something for every foodie in the family--everything from Mediterranean, to French, to Latin Infusion, and more. After dinner, there are classy wine bars, mojito bars, and savy lounges to hang out in and mingle a little while longer. More »

Littleton Golf & Tennis Club

Looking to get some outdoor court and/or course time while visiting Denver? Head down to the Littleton Golf & Tennis Club. The golf course features an executive par 31, 18-hole game, comprising 4,706 yards from the longest tee box. It opened in 1986 and was designed by Richard M. Phelps. If you get tired of the links, head over to the tennis bubble for a different challenge. There are six courts here, and it can be busy on weekends, so try to go early or on weekdays. In addition to the golf course and tennis courts, the club features a bar and cafe, fully stocked pro shop, locker rooms, and indoor and outdoor lounges. More »

Lookout Mountain Nature Center

The Lookout Mountain Nature Center offers guided hikes, educational nature exhibits, and has helped pioneer sustainable living. Before heading into the wild, stop by this 110 acre park to get a closer look at what kinds of animals and insects call the Ponderosa Pine Forest their home. The Nature Center shares the land with Boettcher Mansion, which was once the home of Charles Boettcher, a wealthy Denver businessman in the early 1900s. In 1968, Charliene Breeden, Boettcher's granddaughter, donated the land to Jefferson County. Be sure to ask questions about how the building and nature preserve are dedicated to sustainability--the deck, for one, is made from recycled soda bottles and sawdust! More »

Mizel Museum

Inspired by London's museum of Judaica, the Mizel Museum seeks to encourage visitors of all backgrounds and religion to learn about Jewish religion and culture. The museum opened in 1982, after Carol and Larry A. Mizel generously gave Rabbi Stanley Wagner the means to create a place that would build intercultural respect and understanding. The exhibits, which feature art, sculptures, and historical artifacts continuously rotate, and some, like the Bridges of Understanding exhibit, have won the Governor's Award for Excellence in the Arts. More »

Molly Brown House

Built in 1889, this is the former home of Margaret "Molly" Tobin Brown and her husband, J.J, from 1894 to 1932, when Molly died of a brain tumor. By the late 19th century, the Browns rose to prominence in Denver as her husband's engineering work provided them with wealth and social standing, which Molly used to promote women's rights and other social causes. In 1912, she became an international celebrity, "the Unsinkable Molly Brown," as she survived the sinking of the Titanic and saved the lives of immigrant women also in danger from the boat's encounter with the iceberg. The house--at one point, used by the governor of Colorado as the Browns were away--has been restored to look as it did in 1910, and artifacts from the Brown's life and times are displayed, as are frequently updated exhibits. The tours are highly informative and entertaining, and do a very admirable job at bringing the life the history of a most incredible woman and Coloradoan. More »

Mother Cabrini Shrine

Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini was sent from Lombardy, Italy, her place of birth in 1850, to New York City in 1889, where she established the first of several orphanages for immigrants and young girls. By the time of her death in 1917, she had establish 67 orphanages, hospitals, and schools around the world, including an orphanage in the foothills of Colorado. While visiting Italian immigrants in the area, Mother Cabrini purchased a plot of land and built the Stone House--now on the list of National Register of Historic Places--to serve as a dormitory for orphans. The shrine consists of a 22-foot statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and a large heart, crown of thorns, and cross made out of white stone. Thousands of people visit the shrine each year to pay homage to the Patron Saint of Immigrants and the area also offers amazing views of the mountains and of Denver. More »

Museo de Las Americas

To help promote understanding and respect in the Latino community and the surrounding community of Denver, the Museo de Las Americas was created. Located in the arts district of Denver, it is a place where Latino artists can share their work; both contemporary and historical works of arts. It is a great place to see innovative art and learn more about the culture and voice within the diverse Latino Americano community. If you have kids, consider enrolling them in one of the several artistic workshops, like the Aztec mask making workshop where kids use raw materials to create their own wearable works of art. The workshops offer a chance to be creative, but they also offer a history, geography, and cultural lesson to the young ones. More »

Museum of Contemporary Art

The Museum of Contemporary Art, or MCA as it is also known, was the first contemporary art museum to open in Denver. Since opening in 1996, it has become a cultural leader among art museums and continues to push the boundaries in the art world in order to inspire and challenge the thousands of visitors it receives each year. MCA has recently moved into a larger space in the historic downtown part of Denver, so there is more to see and explore than ever before. More »

Museum of Outdoor Arts

Bringing art to the community through a "museum without walls", the Museum of Outdoor Arts features a collection of beautiful sculptures set in a quiet outdoor landscape. The museum currently operates two outdoor sculpture gardens--one is the City Center in Englewood (about 10 minutes from downtown Denver), and the other is Greenwood Plaza, in Greenwood Village. Since opening in 1981, the museum has been working towards its goal of providing art that is fully accessible to the public and art that is immersed in everyday life. They showcase various pieces, from local to international artists and offers broad support and sponsorship of artists around the globe. In addition to outdoor showcases, the museum opened an indoor gallery and studios in 2000, where they feature rotating exhibits, performances, and special events. More »

Native American Trading Company

Located in a historic Mission-Revival home that was built in 1906, the Native American Trading Company is a gallery that offers high quality, authentic Indian art and decorations. Jack Lima and Robin Lima Riddel, owners and operators of the gallery since it opened in 1983, travel around the country to visit reservations and buy only the best works of art. If you are looking for Navajo basket weavings, Pueblo pottery pieces, Zuni carvings, or anything else, Jack and Lima will find it for you if it's not here already. More »

Oxford Hotel

Not only was the Oxford Hotel the first luxury retreat in the city of Denver, it was the first building to have both gas and electric lighting, steam heating, and separate sanitary systems for each water closet in the hotel. It also had its own power plant, which was unheard of for a hotel in 1891, the year it opened to the public. The building was designed by Frank E. EdBrooke and features exquisite stained glass decorations, marble floors, and antique furniture made from Oak. Its worth it to stop by this historical hotel that also once had its own barber shop, library, and pharmacy, but staying here is the best way to experience it. More »

Paramount Theatre

Since 1930, when the doors first opened to the public, the Paramount Theatre has been a glamorous place for all to gather and enjoy an evening at the theater. On opening day over 20,000 people gathered to be part of the festivities, as it was considered one of the best theaters in the Rocky Mountain region. It was designed by Temple Buell, in a Zig Zag Art Deco style which came from Jazz influences. The interior includes vaulted ceilings, glass chandeliers, elaborately painted walls, rosettes, Terre Cotta moldings, and more. It's elegance and historical charm, along with award winning performances, have kept this venue alive, so if you have time and are looking to be entertained, definitely check the website to see what's showing. More »

Pepsi Center

Denver prides itself on offering a variety of professional sports for every athletic appetite. If you are in the mood for an action packed night, head down to the Pepsi Center, which is home to the Mile High city's national hockey team, the Colorado Avalanche, to the National Lacrosse team, the Colorado Mammoth, to the Arena League football team, the Colorado Crush, and to the infamous professional basketball team, the Denver Nuggets. Since 1999, the year the Pepsi Center opened, it has been the home of many victories and championships, which is why Denver natives are always filling the stands. You can also see concerts here, which occur between sporting events. Huge names like Madonna, Coldplay, and Keith Urban have played here. More »

Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Between sandstone rock formations overlooking the sparkling lights of Denver is Red Rocks Amphitheatre--one of Colorado's most beloved entertainment venues. The theater was formed by the earth's shifting movements that began 250 million years ago. The two 300-foot rocks ("Ship Rock" and "Creation Rock") that give Red Rocks its natural amphitheater shape and perfect acoustics were pushed up from the ocean floor to form the theater that was constructed in the early 1900s. The venue had primitive beginnings, as a few local concerts were performed in the area starting in 1906, but it wasn't until 1927 that construction on the amphitheater (as we know it today) began. With the help of the Civilian Conservation Corps and the Work Projects Administration, the City of Denver built the amphitheater in a style that emphasized and preserved the area's natural scenic beauty; it was dedicated on June 15, 1941. Red Rocks has hosted hundreds of big- and small-name performers over the years, such as The Beatles, Sonny & Cher, the Greatful Dead, Widespread Panic, Blues Traveler, and many, many others. More »

Roxborough State Park

When Denverites want to venture out in the wild, they head to Roxborough State Park, just south of Denver. The 3,339 acre park is known for its diverse wildlife and plant life, but it is most known for its natural red rock formations that seem to jut out of nowhere. They are really sandstone rocks that have faced erosion from the wind, rain, and snow coming over the Rocky Mountains for millions of years. If you want to see the rock formations, but don't feel like a long hike, the half-mile loop from the visitors center offers scenic overviews of the rigid rocks and the grassy prairie lands. If you think you're up for a challenge, consider taking the 6.4 mile loop to Carpenter Peak. Along this route you will be able to see more of the wetlands, Rocky Mountain Maple, Ponderosa Pines, and Douglas Fir forestry. You will also have better chances of spotting wildlife, which includes mule deer, bears, golden eagles, and the short horned lizards that roam the area. More »

Sacred Heart Parish

Built in 1879, Denver's Sacred Heart Parish is the oldest church that still functions as a church today. The city boomed in the 1880s, when the railroads were built through the middle of town, and the population grew from almost 5,000 people to 35,629. Many of the newcomers were immigrants from Italy and Ireland and they flocked to the Sacred Heart Parish to worship each Sunday. In 1902, the building was converted into a synagogue and in 1970 it became an art gallery and was added the list of National Register of Historic Places. It was turned back over to the Sacred Heart Parish, which continues to be open to all and regularly meets on Sundays and during the week. More »

Saint Elizabeth of Hungary

St. Elizabeth's originated in 1879 and originally served much of Denver's German immigrant population in the Auraria and southwestern parts of the city. As the Catholic population of Denver boomed in the late 1800s, the original church was torn down and a larger one was constructed in its place. It was built of rhyolite stone from a quarry in Castle Rock, Colorado, and the design followed Romanesque principles. Today, the church offers various services, including Roman Rite masses and Byzantine Rite Divine liturgies. The parish also contributes to the local community through programs such as a sandwich line, a peace and justice committee, a hospitality ministry, and a food ministry. More »

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

Constructed in 1866 as a brewery, Tivoli Student Union now houses a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and meeting spaces. It serves students of three local educational institutions--the Community College of Denver, Metropolitan State College of Denver, and the University of Colorado at Denver--as well as the public as a whole. Tivoli brewed beer from the time it opened until 1966, when a worker strike took place. After the strike, Tivoli couldn't recover and finally closed its doors in 1969. The building was renovated and re-purposed into a student union starting in 1979; it included eateries, entertainment venues, and shops that locals of the area enjoyed. The project was finally completed to its current specifications in 1994 and serves as a leisure center and gathering place for the surrounding community. More »

Trinity United Methodist Church

Constructed in 1888, Trinity United served a community of Methodist church members that had been worshiping in the Denver-area since 1859. The church was completed by Christmas 1888 and opened to a capacity crowd of 2,000 people. In the 1980s, Trinity underwent renovations and additions, making the church an example of "Modern Gothic" style, which combines its original Gothic design aspects with modern amenities and design elements. The church was designed by Robert S. Roeschlaub, one of Colorado's first licensed architects, who decided to build the structure out of rhyolite rock quarried from the neighboring town of Castle Rock. Roeshlaub would later go on to design other prominent Denver-area buildings, including East Denver High School, Carnegie Library, and the Central City Opera House. More »

Union Station

The original Union Station in Denver was constructed in 1881, but burned down in 1894. After the fire, the station was partially rebuilt, but wasn't fully constructed until 1914, when the building we see today first opened. The 1920s-1930s were the station's heyday; during this time, Union Station hosted over 80 trains a day. It was a bustling transportation hub over the next few decades, and has been undergoing improvements since the 1980s. Today, Union Station is in the process of being renovated and preserved, and it still serves various rail lines, such as Amtrak's California Zephyr, a ski train that travels between Denver and the mountain town of Winter Park, and a couple of the city's light rail trains. More »

University of Denver

Locally known as DU, the University of Denver is a private institution that enrolls about 11,000 students per year. It was founded in 1864 and is one of the oldest private universities in the Rocky Mountain region. The 125-acre campus is nicely landscaped and is a great place to wander in the grass and enjoy the trees, flowers, and ponds that dot the landscape. DU offers over 65 undergraduate programs of study, ranging from Art History to Music Performance to International Business to Molecular Biology. The school is particularly well-known for its Daniels College of Business, Graduate School of International Studies, Graduate School of Social Work, and Sturm College of Law. More »

Washington Park

One of the largest parks in Denver, Washington Park (or "Wash Park" as locals call it) stretches over 165 acres in central Denver. The park was originally designed by German architect Reinhard Schuetze in the early 1900s, but has had a few renovations since then. It is a very popular park with locals because of its beautiful landscaping, multiple park features, and proximity to downtown. The park boasts a 2.6-mile jogging trail (one of the most popular in Denver), a nicely appointed recreation center, two lakes, tennis courts, playgrounds, soccer fields, and a lawn bowling green. The park also offers gorgeous landscaping, which includes 54 vibrant flowerbeds, a wide variety of shade trees, and an idyllic lily pond. Wash Park is very popular in warmer weather, and offers free evening concerts in the summertime that attract crowds of locals. More »

Water World

Water World claims to be "America's Biggest" and "America's Best," so get ready for extreme family fun and adventure. Even if you're 100 years old, there is fun to be had. The park's newest ride, The Revolution, allows you to pack four people in one giant tube before being "flushed" down an oversized pipe that spits you out into a giant bowl. The more people you have in the tube, the faster you spin and the longer the ride. If thrills and shrills are what you seek, head over to Zoomerang, where you free fall four stories while being splashed with water. Going down this ride backwards will surly impress the family. For those who just want to lounge in the sun, check out the Wave Pool and Lazy River. You can pack a picnic or purchase food at the park for a decent price. More »

White Fence Farm

Visit this Denver-area farm for great country-style food and a tour of a functioning farm. The whole family will love the farm, and will want to see all of its attractions. Stop by the Ok Corral to feed and pet live farm animals such as goats, sheep, and donkeys; head to the Treehouse and Playground for some before-dinner play time; and visit the Carriage Museum to get a glimpse of popular vehicles of the past. After checking out all of the attractions that the farm has to offer, head in to the restaurant for a delicious meal of White Fence Farm's famous fried chicken with comfort-food-style sides such as corn fritters, coleslaw, and bean salad. More »

Wings Over the Rockies Museum

Housed in a huge airplane hangar at the former Lowry Air Force Base, this museum showcases machines and memorabilia that pay tribute to aviation in Colorado's Rocky Mountain area. The highlight of the museum is its large aircraft collection, which includes such items as a rare B-1A Lancer, a NASA space capsule used during the Apollo mission, and an X-wing Fighter (the X-wing is occasionally on tour around the country; call ahead to find out if it will be at the museum before your visit). In addition to its collection of over 35 air and space vehicles, the museum houses intriguing displays such as various World War I uniforms and artifacts and a great exhibit about the science of flight. Wings Over the Rockies also plays host to many special events and celebrations throughout the year; stop by for the annual Air Fair or Cockpit Demo Day, where visitors get to sit in the cockpit of their favorite display airplanes. More »

Winter Park

Only about an hour drive from Denver, Winter Park is a skier's and snowboarder's heaven. With 3,060 acres available for skiing and a 1,700-foot vertical drop, Winter Park offers great terrain for snow bunnies of all levels. 21% of the park's terrain is geared toward beginners, 21% is for intermediates, 33% is for advanced skiers, and 18% is labeled "most difficult", so there are plenty of options for everyone. And, with 25 lifts, it's easy to reach every part of the mountain. Tired of the slopes? Head into the town of Winter Park for great restaurants, lodging options, and small shops to check out. Winter Park's season generally extends from mid-November until mid-April, depending on the quantity of snowfall during the winter season. More »