Upload
madison-middleschool
View
219
Download
0
Tags:
Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
Tourist Booklet
Citation preview
Must See Denver Attractions
Downtown Denver
The Brookings Institution ranks Denver as the fourth most walk
able downtown in the nation. You can save on shoe-leather by
riding the free shuttle bus on the 16th Street Mall – it makes
everything downtown easy to reach.
Colorado State Capitol www.state.co.us
Stand exactly 5,280 feet above sea level (one mile high!) on the
west steps, than climb to the rotunda for a panorama of snowcapped
peaks. It is against state law to block the view of the 200 named
mountains visible from the dome. Free tours on weekdays. Help
restore the Capitol dome! Our magnificent, gold-plated dome is
undergoing a massive restoration. Learn more about the project or
text the word DOME to 50555 to donate $10 to the project. More
Info
Denver Art Museum www.denverartmuseum.org
There are two buildings – one a fortress-like structure from Italian
architect Gio Ponti, the other, a structure that resembles a titanium crystal
with peaks and shards designed by Daniel Libeskind. Inside, find the
world's greatest collection of Native American art and 68,000 other art
objects, including works from European masters, Old West classics and
phenomenal traveling exhibits, including two major shows in 2012: Yves
Saint Laurent: A Retrospective (March 25, 2012-July 8, 2012) and
Becoming Van Gogh (Oct. 21, 2012-Jan. 20, 2013). More Info
The Clyfford Still Museum www.clyffordstillmuseum.org
Clyfford Still, considered one of the most important painters of the 20th century,
was among the first generation of Abstract Expressionist artists. The museum,
which opened at the end of 2011, was founded to promote the late artist's work
and legacy. Still's estate - 2,400 artworks - has been sealed off from the public
since 1980. More Info
U.S. Mint www.usmint.gov/mint_tours/index.cfm?action=StartReservation
Learn how to make money! The Mint produces 50 million coins a day, each
one stamped with a little "D" for Denver. Free tours show every step in the
process of turning a dull, blank, metal slug into shiny pocket change.
16th Street Mall - Pedestrian Mall
Lined with 200 trees and 50,000 flowers, this festive, mile-long pedestrian
promenade has 28 outdoor cafes and offers Denver's best people-watching.
I.M. Pei designed the gray and pink granite pathway to resemble the
pattern of a diamondback rattlesnake. Hop on the bus – they're free and
stop on every corner. After dark, horse-drawn carriages clatter up and
down the Mall. More Info
Larimer Square www.larimersquare.com
This trendy block of Victorian buildings is home to chic shopping,
dance clubs, a comedy club, outdoor cafes and a dozen of Denver's
best restaurants. For 40 years in downtown Denver, it's hip to be at the
"Square." More Info
LoDo Historic District www.lodo.org
Denver's happening historic district is filled with turn-of-the-century
warehouses, now home to 90 brewpubs, sports bars, restaurants and
rooftop cafes. Stop by Rockmount Ranchwear for a snap button
Western shirt at the store where they were invented; browse from 6:30
a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Tattered Cover Bookstore; listen to jazz at El
Chapultepec, one of Esquire Magazine's 50 best bars; or sip a
handcrafted beer at the Wynkoop Brewing Company, Denver's first brewpub opened by former
Denver Mayor (now Colorado Governor), John Hickenlooper. More Info
Confluence Park www.greenwayfoundation.org
Denver was founded here as a gold mining camp in 1858. Today, the river park is the heart of
Denver's 850-mile bike trail network, and is surrounded by attractions. Gear up for the
mountains at the REI Flagship store; ride the Platte River Trolley to the Downtown Aquarium to
see stingrays and sharks; eat and drink in the nearby neighborhoods of Riverfront, LoHi and
Highlands; or scream your head off on the Mind Eraser at Elitch Gardens – Denver's downtown
theme park.
City Park
Denver's largest park has several lakes, spectacular mountain views,
flower gardens and a hiking/jogging trail that is exactly one mile high.
Denver Museum of Nature & Science www.dmns.org
The fourth largest museum in the U.S. is a maze filled with treasures of the
earth – dinosaurs, dioramas, space exhibits, science experiments, a digital
planetarium, IMAX theatre and touring shows. More Info
Denver Zoo www.denverzoo.org
Lions and tigers and bears – and so much more, on lovely grounds make this the fourth most
popular zoo in America. Go underwater with polar bears at Northern Shores, or eyeball-to-
eyeball with a gorilla in Primate Panorama. Predator Ridge recreates the plains of Africa with a
pride of lions, while Tropical Discovery is rainforest teeming with crocodiles and gila monsters.
Coming soon: Asian Tropics, a new 10-acre home for the Zoo's elephants and rhinos. More Info
Cherry Creek
This tree-shaded neighborhood is just two miles from downtown and easily
accessible by bike on the Cherry Creek Bike Path.
Cherry Creek Shopping District www.shopcherrycreek.com, www.cherrycreeknorth.com
More than 500 department stores, boutiques, galleries, spas, and one-of-a-kind shops grace this
browsing paradise – the largest concentration of stores between St. Louis and San Francisco.
Cherry Creek Shopping Center is an ultra upscale mall with Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and
Tiffany's, while across 1st Ave., Cherry Creek North offers tree-line streets with cafes, spas and
galleries amidst fountains and public art.
Denver Botanic Gardens www.denverbotanicgardens.org
This 23-acre oasis in the middle of the city has 45 different gardens
(some 33,000 plants), as well as one of the nation's top 10 conservatories. Relax in the Japanese
Garden, climb through the Rock Alpine Garden and explore the new Mordecai Children's
Garden. Don't miss Native Roots/Modern Form: Plants, Peoples and the Art of Allan Houser, a
phenomenal open-air art exhibit on view through Nov. 13, 2011. More Info
Golden
Colorado's first capital celebrates its Old West history and mountain location with a trendy
downtown filled with galleries and recreation shops. Sip a beer at an outdoor café, while
kayakers float by on fast rushing Clear Creek.
Red Rocks Amphitheatre and Visitors Center www.redrocksonline.com
Carved from towering red rock monuments, this 9,000-seat arena is one of the world's most
renowned concert venues and has hosted everyone from the Beatles to Bruce Springsteen.
Listening to a concert here is on the "bucket list" of every true music fan. When there's no
concert, the Visitor Center has a museum and Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame, while the surrounding
park has hiking trails that weave in, around and over the colorful red
rocks. More Info
Buffalo Bill Museum & Grave www.buffalobill.org
Welcome to the Wild West! Buffalo Bill Cody's exciting story as Pony Express rider, army
scout, buffalo hunter and showman comes to life at this fun museum, high atop Lookout
Mountain. Enjoy views of the snowcapped Rockies in one direction, the Great Plains in the
other. For those with strong nerves, drive to the museum on the hairpin Lariat Loop Drive ... then
continue to I-70, exit 250, to see a live herd of buffalo. More Info
Colorado Railroad Museum www.coloradorailroadmuseum.org
Surrounded by towering Western buttes, the Colorado Railroad
Museum combines a spectacular location with more than 100
narrow and standard gauge locomotives, cabooses and cars. Exhibits include a working
Roundhouse, model railroads, photographs and artifacts, much of it housed in a replica of an
1880s-style depot. Train rides every Saturday on the Galloping Goose take guests on a third of
mile loop of track, while "Steam ups" and special events including "A Day Out With Thomas"
occur throughout the year. More Info
Within An Hour from Denver
Central City & Black Hawk www.cityofblackhawk.org
These two old gold mining towns (once known as the "Richest Square Mile on Earth") have
come alive with casino gambling. Two dozen casinos rock 24-7 with 10,000 slot machines,
poker, black jack, roulette and craps. The surrounding hills are covered with abandoned gold
mines, Victorian buildings and Old West history. Located 34 miles west of Denver. More Info
Georgetown www.georgetown-colorado.org
Nestled in a steep mountain valley, the "Silver Queen" is one of
Colorado's most elegant mining towns with 200 Victorian
buildings. Ride the Georgetown Loop Railroad over a 100-foot high trestle to neighboring Silver
Plume, tour historic homes and shop on the quaint Main Street that has been used in films by
Clint Eastwood and John Denver. Located 42 miles west of Denver on I-70. More Info
Echo Lake and Mount Evans www.mountevans.com
The highest paved road in North America climbs 9,000 feet from
Denver, passing through five life zones en route to the 14,264-foot
high summit. This is one of Colorado's 54 fourteeners (peaks that
climb to 14,000 feet and above), and one of only two in the nation that you can drive up. Stop at
Echo Lake along the way for hiking trails, fishing, picnic tables and an unusual eight-sided log
cabin restaurant. At timberline, the Denver Botanic Gardens maintains a trail that winds through
wildflowers. Due to snow, the Mount Evans Highway is generally open to the top only between
Memorial Day and Labor Day. More Info
Boulder www.bouldercoloradousa.com
Home to the University of Colorado, Boulder has been described as
the "the city nestled between the mountains and reality." A recent
study pegged it as the "happiest" city in America. You'll find out
why when you stroll past the shops, cafes and street performers on the Pearl Street Mall, or take
a hike on the city's 200 miles of trails. Nearby attractions include the National Center for
Atmospheric Research with a museum on weather and global warming, and towering Eldorado
Canyon State Park, one of the most famous technical climbing centers in America. Boulder is 27
miles from Denver on Hwy. 36. More Info
If You Have a Full Day
Rocky Mountain National Park www.nps.gov/romo
Colorado's No. 1 attraction is 71 miles from Denver and offers an
unforgettable trip into the heart of the Rocky Mountains. More than
350 miles of trails meander to valleys of wildflowers, thundering
waterfalls, high alpine lakes and craggy, snowcapped peaks. Trail
Ridge Road is the highest continuous highway in the world with
panoramic views in all directions. See elk, moose and big horn
sheep, while hawks and eagles circle overhead. At the entrance to the park, the historic resort
village of Estes Park offers shopping and dining. More Info
Denver Itineraries & Day Trips Whether you have a few hours, a few days or a week in the Mile
High City, here are some suggested itineraries and trips for visitors.
Unique Denver
Unique Denver Shopping Experiences
Ten Free Activities
Rock 'n' Roll Experiences in Denver
Free Denver Tours
An Overview of Denver Shopping Options
Business Traveler's Itinerary
Multicultural Denver
High Altitude Experiences in Denver
Great Honeymoon Suites
Ten Great Attractions in Denver
More Free Activities in Denver
Great Attractions a Short Drive from Denver
Discover Downtown Denver
Behind The Scenes Denver Tours
Where To See Amazing Animals in Denver
Historic Denver
Dinosaurs in Denver
Denver's African American Heritage
Downtown Denver Historic Walking Tour
Authentic Old West Experiences in Denver
Gold Rush Denver: The REAL Old West
Denver Transportation Attractions and Museums
Denver's Creative Side
Hidden Gems In Denver
Hidden Gems A Short Drive From Denver
Downtown Public Art Walking Tour
Downtown Denver's Architectural Treasures
Discover Denver's Arts World
Mile High Cuisine & Nightlife
Romantic Restaurants
Patio Dining
Microbreweries
Ten Nighttime Hotspots
Denver Dance Clubs
A Guide to Denver's Essential Beer Spots
Favorite Martini Destinations
Ten Romantic Mile High City Spots
Ten Great Ethnic Restaurants
Delicious Denver Desserts
Denver's Cocktail Lounges
Family-Friendly Denver
Great Places to Take Kids in Denver
Free Family Friendly Activities in Denver
Ten Great Denver Restaurants for Kids
Denver's Great Outdoors
Denver’s attractions
Denver: A Pro Sports Paradise
Denver's Outdoor Adventures
Mountain Town Adventures Near Denver
Colorado's National Parks, Monuments & Historic Sites
Old West & Historic Attractions
Despite its 21st-century leanings, Denver’s Old West legacy lives on, from Buffalo Bill's final
resting place to the Denver Art Museum's unparalleled collection of Western and Native
American art and artifacts.
Explore More
Old West Attractions Overview
Colorado History Museum Denver's Early History Buffalo Bill Gravesite & Museum Denver's Cowboy Culture
Amusement & Theme Parks
Thrill seekers will find plenty of pulse-pounding fun in Denver. Ride rollercoasters at
Downtown's Elitch Gardens or the family oriented Lakeside Amusement Park. Beat the heat at
the wet 'n' wild, 64-acre Water World.
Explore More
Mile High Thrill Rides Elitch Gardens Lakeside Amusement Park Water World
Wildlife Attractions
From native Colorado species to creatures hailing from the other side of the globe, and from
delicate butterflies to lumbering elephants, Denver is filled with amazing animals in state-of-the-
art habitats.
Explore More
Wild Denver Denver Zoo Downtown Aquarium
Family Attractions
Denver is a year-round playground, with attractions made just for kids as well as spots that the
whole family will love. Wherever your adventure takes you, this is the ideal city for a family
excursion.
Explore More
Kid-Friendly Activities Denver Family Itinerary Children's Museum of Denver Free Family Friendly Activities
Museums
See Western art along with cutting-edge works at the Denver Art Museum and dinosaur bones at
the Museum of Nature & Science. Explore hidden gems like Museo de las Americas and the
Black American West Museum.
Explore More
Denver Art Museum Denver Museum of Nature & Science Museum of Contemporary Art Denver Planes, Trains & Automobiles
Parks & Gardens
Get outside! Denver boasts more than 4,000 acres of traditional parks and parkways, which
include 2,500 urban natural acres and an additional 14,000 acres of spectacular mountain parks.
Explore More
Great Denver Parks Denver Botanic Gardens Colorado State Parks
Denver Spa and Beauty Sometimes you have to slow things down
and unwind.
Spa Scoop
Local expert Rebecca Landwehr shares her tireless research efforts on where to spa in Denver.
Unwind and Relax
Suggested Search: Spas & Salons Denver Winery Tour Boutique Shopping
Historic Hotels
From Old World luxury to renovated Victorian Mansions, Denver is filled with unique places to
sleep (and eat, and spa, while you're at it).
More History
Downtown Denver Historic Walking Tour Denver History
Honeymoon Suites
For those lucky romantics willing to splurge, the Mile High City has more than a few options.
From sweeping mountain views to over-the-top luxury, the honeymoon suite is all about
indulgence.
Mile High Romance
Ten Romantic Spots Romantic Restaurants Denver Date Night Free Denver Wedding Planning
Bed & Breakfasts
Whether you’re here on business, vacation or just looking for a romantic getaway, Denver’s bed
and breakfasts can’t be beat.
Get To Know Denver
Off Beat Denver Tours What the Locals Know Ten Hidden Gems In Denver
Denver Day Trips. Of all the great things Denver has to offer, the greatest may be its
ability to serve as a base camp for incredible one-day excursions. Denver offers quick,
easy access to the state’s biggest attraction, the Rocky Mountains, where a wealth of
national and state parks, national forests and scenic areas fill your senses. Gold rush
mountain towns and ski resorts are great places to spend a day shopping, exploring and
taking in the amazing scenery. From Denver, your next great adventure is just around the
bend or right over the next ridge. And remember, when you're out in the city, stop in at
one of the city's conveniently located Visitor Information Centers for more day trip tips.
For more great trip ideas, check out Denver itineraries.
Central City and Black Hawk
Once called the “Richest Square Mile on Earth”, Central City
and Black Hawk are two historic mining towns from the
1870’s that have come alive. Located 34 miles (55km) west of
Denver, the two towns offer more than 30 casinos with over
10,000 slot machines, blackjack tables and poker games. In
2009, the stakes in Black Hawk were raised – betting limits are now $100, craps and
roulette tables have been added and casinos will be open around the clock. In other
words, a fun mountain town just got a lot more fun. The two cities are also known for
having some of the best-preserved Victorian architecture in the West. Other attractions
include the Teller House Hotel where President Grant once stayed and the Central City
Opera House, which still features an outstanding summer season of opera. There are mine
tours, mining museums and several places offering instruction in the fine art of gold
panning in streams where a half billion dollars of the coveted, shiny metal was found.
Georgetown
Located just 42 miles (68 km) west of Denver, Georgetown is
a delightful Victorian village set in a spectacular mountain
valley with 200 restored buildings from the 1870’s. The main
street has shops and restaurants and many of the old homes
have been turned into antique stores. The Georgetown Loop
Railroad operates in the summer months with narrow gauge steam locomotives curling
down a mountain ledge, at one point crossing over a 90-foot (27 m) high trestle.
Mount Evans
Mount Evans has the highest paved auto road in North
America snaking its way to the 14,260-foot (4,346 m) summit.
The road ($10 for a three-day pass) is open only from the
Friday before Memorial Day through the first Monday in
October, and frequently has snow on it, even in August. (The
road closes at Summit Lake after Labor Day, preventing you from reaching the top). The
view from the top takes in the entire Front Range. The summit is 60 miles (97 km) from
downtown Denver. On your way up the mountain, be sure to stop at M. Walter Pesman
Trail (maintained by Denver Botanic Gardens) for a wildflower hike; you won’t see
anything like the rare flowers and 1,500-year-old bristlecone pine trees anywhere else in
the world. The trail winds through subalpine and alpine areas where wildflowers and
animals of the fragile tundra live. Volunteer guides from Denver Botanic Gardens give
interpreted hikes that follow the trail throughout the summer (call 720-865-3539 for
information). Get an in-depth look at Mount Evans Scenic Byway!
Pikes Peak Country
Pikes Peak Country is located 60 miles (97 km) south of Denver
and features more than 40 attractions centered around 14,000-
foot (4,267 m) high Pikes Peak. Things to see include the Air
Force Academy, one of three United States military colleges;
the famous Broadmoor Resort with its lake and three golf
courses; the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame with its exhibits on this
exciting professional sport; and Garden of the Gods which has gigantic 500-foot (152 m)
high red sandstone rock monuments at the base of Pikes Peak.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Located 71 miles (114 km) northwest of Denver, Rocky Mountain
National Park features 400 square miles (1,036 sq km) of scenic
beauty, including Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous
highway in the world crossing the Continental Divide at over two
miles above sea level. The park has two information centers,
hundreds of miles of hiking trails, tranquil lakes, waterfalls, wildlife and horseback
riding. Estes Park is a resort town on the edge of the park with restaurants and shops. Get
an in-depth look at Rocky Mountain National Park!
Information brought in from: Denver.org/what-to-do/Colorado-day-trips