Things to do in Denver

Wandering around Denver, it’s easy to appreciate the city’s unique heritage as a gold and silver boomtown. Victorian mansions and red-brick warehouses blend in perfectly with its more contemporary components, offering plenty of colourful history waiting to be explored.

Denver is one of the best cities in America to experience the exciting character of the Western frontier, with its pioneers, miners and silver barons. But look to the west and you’ll see the source of its legacy, as the Rockies rise up from the plains like a mighty fortress. It’s this blend of urban sprawl and proximity to nature that makes Denver special. With so many choices and amazing sights, you’ll be planning your return trip before you even leave.

Colorado History Museum

This is the place to go to learn about Denver’s rise from a mining camp to its position as one of America’s greatest cities. The Colorado Chronicle is a permanent exhibition timeline from 1800 to 1949 that presents this state’s past through an impressive collection of photographs, news clippings and artefacts. Dozens of dioramas illustrate important moments in Colorado’s history, complemented by a life-size display on early industry and transportation. Exhibits on the state’s Native American tribes and the early pioneers also make the museum well worth the visit. Phone: +1 303 866 3682.

Denver Art Museum

Founded in 1893, this museum’s extensive collection of Western works of art is its main attraction. Sculptures by Remington and paintings by Georgia O’Keefe are just some of the highlights. The collection of Native American art is also amazing, with over 17,000 pieces from 150 different tribes on display. General tours are given Tuesday through Sunday and in-depth tours of specific subjects are offered each Wednesday and Friday at noon. Phone: +1 720 865 5000.

Denver Zoo

Denver Zoo is home to more than 750 species of animals which live in this expansive and well-maintained complex. There are a number of interesting rare and endangered animals such as Komodo dragons and okapi, which form part of the zoo’s species protection programme. The zoo has long been at the forefront of creating realistic habitats for its animals, which is something all animal lovers can appreciate. A natural gas train and electric Safari Shuttle take visitors along all the paths of the park, making for an enjoyable and easy day out. Phone: +1 303 376 4800.

Four Mile Historic Park

At the centre of this 12 acre open-air museum is Colorado’s oldest standing log home, dating from 1859. Everything in the grounds is authentic from the period 1859 to 1883, offering a remarkable glimpse of life during the early frontier days in Denver. The house and several outbuildings are fully-furnished and farm equipment still works the land. Weekend visitors can enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride and seasonal heritage events featuring pioneer-era music.  Food and craft demonstrations occur throughout the warmer months. Phone: +1 303 399 1859.

Larimer Square

This is where it all began in Denver, way back in 1858. Larimer Street encompassed the entire community in its early days, complete with saloons, hotels and general stores. Today, Larimer Square is part of Denver’s major historic preservation programme. All of the square’s 16 original commercial buildings have been painstakingly restored and now house some of the city’s best pubs, restaurants and shops. Special events are held throughout the year, adding to the festive atmosphere that always pervades this lively street.

Microbreweries of Denver

For Europeans, the art of brewing beer is nothing new. But in America, the craft of brewing only took off about 25 years ago, and Denver was at the forefront of this movement towards good beer. Today, the city is famous for the quality of its microbreweries, most of which are housed in charismatic, historic buildings downtown. Denver’s first and arguably finest microbrewery is the Wynkoop Brewing Company. Located in the renovated 1898 JS Brown Mercantile Building, across from Union Station, this is the place to go for incredible beers and a stylish atmosphere. If you enjoy having a pint, you won’t want to miss it. Phone: +1 303 297 2700.

Six Flags Elitch Gardens

Even gold prospectors like to have fun now and again. This amusement park was first opened in 1889 and continues today, although everything has been modernised to meet the demands of today’s thrill-seekers. There are more than 45 exciting rides in the park, ranging from roller coasters to water flumes and restored 1925 carousels. Adults and kids alike will find plenty of fun right on the edge of town. Phone: +1 303 595 4386.

The Gold Circle

The old mining towns of Golden, Idaho Springs and Georgetown were among the most prosperous during the peak of the 1859 gold rush. If you rent a car, you can visit these towns, which are still thriving today and retain much of their original Victorian architecture and mining town feel. A tour of these towns is the ideal way to experience the atmosphere of one of Denver’s greatest legacies. Not only are they located among beautiful mountain settings, but they have cafés, bars and shops to add to the enjoyment of a daytrip.