Things to see in Denver
Attractions
Denver Art Museum
More than 70,000 works of art are housed in the two magnificent buildings that make up the Denver Art Museum in the heart of downtown Denver. The main building was designed by I M Pei, architect of the Louvre pyramid in Paris, while the huge expanse of the Hamilton building was designed by Daniel Libeskind. The museum contains collections of American, European and Asian art, but the undoubted highlight is the fabulous collection of Native American art.
Address: , 100 West 14th Avenue Parkway, Denver, 80204Telephone: +1 720 865 5000.
Opening times:
Tues-Thurs and Sat-Sun 1000-1700, Fri 1000-2000.
Website: http://www.denverartmuseum.orgAdmission Fees:
Yes for those age 19+ (but free for all on first Saturday of the month)
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Larimer Square
A visit to Larimer Square, Denver’s oldest and most historic block, will you give a good deal of insight into the city’s history. Originally set up in 1858 to accommodate the gold rush, it has grown to be Denver's cultural hub. A major conservation project in the 1970s has preserved many of the original features, and horse-drawn carriages compete with yellow cabs for street space. The block is now lined with bars, restaurants, and shops. It also plays host to a number of annual events, including the Oktoberfest beer festival and the Denver Chalk Art Festival.
Address: , Larimer Square, Denver, 80202Telephone: +1 303 534 2367.
Opening times: Website: http://www.larimersquare.com
Admission Fees:
No
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Denver Museum of Nature and Science
The Denver Museum of Nature and Science is a great space in which to explore the earth and the creatures that live on it. The museum takes visitors on a journey from the age of the dinosaurs to the modern day. Attractions include an interactive investigation of the human body, a journey into the land of the dinosaurs, an IMAX theatre and a digital planetarium complete with simulated space journeys.
Address: , 2001 Colorado Boulevard, Denver, 80205Telephone: +1 303 370 6000.
Opening times:
Daily 0900-1700.
Website: http://www.dmnh.orgAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Coors Field
Denver is a sports fanatic's heaven. Visitors can choose from American football with the Denver Broncos, ice hockey with the Colorado Avalanche, basketball with the Denver Nuggets and, most importantly, baseball at Coors Field with the Colorado Rockies. Opened in 1995 and costing a cool US$215 million to build, Coors Field is a great place to experience the weird and wonderful world of American sports. With tickets starting at US$4 and regular games from February to September, an afternoon of football is always an option.
Address: , 2001 Blake Street, Denver, 80205Telephone: +1 303 292 0200.
Opening times: Website: http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/col/ballpark/
Admission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Denver’s breweries
Every October, nearly 50,000 beer lovers congregate in Denver for the Great American Beer Festival to get merry on Denver's best brews. The most popular is the Coors Brewery, located in Golden, which is the largest single brewery in the world. Guided 30-minute tours are available, following the entire brewing process, from roasting barley to bottling. There are free beer samples for those over the age of 21 years old. The microbreweries and brewpubs serve and brew in-house distinctive beer that won’t be found elsewhere. Denver’s best brewpubs are all within walking distance of each other in LoDo. Each brewpub offers tours and tiny samples of their ales, porters, stouts and lagers. The best include Wynkoop Brewing Company, Rock Bottom Brewery and Breckenridge Brewery.
Address: , , ,Telephone:
Opening times: Website:
Admission Fees: Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
Denver Zoo
It’s no wonder the Denver Zoo is one of the most popular zoos in America. There are 4000 different animals representing over 600 different species on well-maintained, easily navigated grounds. The naturalistic habits also add to the experience. Be sure not to miss Predator Ridge, Tropical Discovery, or Primate Panorama.
Address: , 2300 Steele Street, Denver, 80205Telephone: +1 720 337 1400
Opening times:
Daily 0900-1700 (Mar-Oct); daily 1000-1600 (Nov-Feb).
Website: http://www.denverzoo.orgAdmission Fees:
Yes.
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Molly Brown House Museum
The spacious, three-storey Molly Brown House is a fascinating museum dedicated to the memory of socialite Margaret ‘Molly' Brown. As a member of Victorian Denver's upper-class, Molly Brown was well-known for her incredibly outgoing nature, and this mansion's opulence reflects her personality. As an aside, Molly Brown survived the sinking of the Titanic, and the museum includes a collection of memorabilia from the famous ship. Come at Christmas to see the house decked out in the colours of Molly's legendary Christmas parties.
Address: , 1340 Pennsylvania Street (two blocks south of Colfax Avenue), Denver, 80203Telephone: +1 303 832 4092.
Opening times:
Tours run Tues-Sat 0930-1530, Sun 1000-1530 (Jun-Aug); Mon-Sat 1000-1530, Sun 1200-1530 (Sep-May).
Website: http://www.mollybrown.orgAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: NoUNESCO: No
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
Just 24km (15 miles) west of Denver, nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountain range, lies the imposing Red Rocks Park. Huge sandstone ridges create a natural amphitheatre, which houses magical musical performances. Concerts are scheduled regularly throughout the summer, and there is a weekly ‘Film on the Rocks’, with a different film shown every week. For those more interested in the natural beauty of the area, there are several trail walks with the chance to see wildlife like raccoons, deer and the occasional rattlesnake.
Address: , 18300 West Alameda Parkway, Morrison, 80465Telephone: +1 720 865 2494.
Opening times:
Visitor Center hours: Daily 0700-1900 (April-October); daily 0800-1600 (Nov-March).
Website: http://www.redrocksonline.comAdmission Fees:
No (except for performances)
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Butterfly Pavilion
Imagine being surrounded by 1,600 free-flying tropical butterflies. This is possible at the Butterfly Pavilion. It’s a place where anyone can learn about science education and experience interactive fun in five different exhibit areas with daily educational programs and outdoor exploration. Make sure you learn how you can attract butterflies to your own yard.
Address: Westminster, 6252 West 104th Avenue, Denver, 80020Telephone: +1 303 993 0051
Opening times:
Daily 0900-1700.
Website: http://www.butterflies.orgAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park
Colorado’s largest amusement park is conveniently located right on the outskirts of downtown Denver. There are a number of thrill rides that’ll get your stomach turning, as well as family rides and kids’ rides that don’t involve as much screaming. If it’s a hot day, head to the water park and jump in the Commotion Ocean, a giant wave pool ideal for relaxing or body surfing.
Address: , 2000 Elitch Circle, Denver, 80204Telephone: +1 303 595 4386.
Opening times:
Hours vary throughout the year; see website for details.
Website: http://www.elitchgardens.comAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: NoUNESCO: No
Tourist Offices
VISIT DENVER, Visitor Information Center
Address: , 1575 California Street, Denver,Telephone: +1 800 233 6837 or +1 303 892 1505
Opening times: Website: http://www.denver.org
There are visitor information centres at Denver International Airport (tel: 303 317 0629), and in the Colorado Convention Centre (tel: 303 228 8000).
