Welcome to Denver, where 300 days of sunshine, a thriving cultural scene, diverse neighborhoods and natural beauty combine for the world's most spectacular playground. A young, active city at the base of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, Denver's stunning architecture, award-winning dining and unparalleled views are all here, year-round.

Denver History

Local boosters named the frontier mining camp on the South Platte River "Denver" after Kansas Territorial Governor James Denver in hopes of gaining political favor. Unfortunately, Denver had retired by the time they named the town. There were originally three separate towns, with three separate names, where Denver now stands. In 1859, the other names were dropped in return for a barrel of whiskey to be shared by all. Fittingly enough, the first permanent structure in Denver was a saloon.

Denver's Nickname

By an amazing stroke of good luck, the 13th step on the west side of the Colorado State Capitol Building is exactly 5,280 feet above sea level — one mile high. In Denver's rarified air, golf balls go 10 percent farther. So do cocktails. Alcoholic drinks pack more of a punch than at sea level. The Mile High City is also extremely dry, so it is a good idea to drink more water than usual. With less water vapor in the air at this altitude, the sky really is bluer in Colorado.

Denver's Location

Denver is near the mountains, not in them. The Mile High City is located on high rolling plains, 12 miles east of the "foothills," a series of gentle mountains that climb to 11,000 feet. Just beyond is the "Front Range of the Rocky Mountains," a series of formidable snowcapped peaks that rise to 14,000 feet. Denver might not be in the mountains, but the mountains still dominate the city. The picturesque mountain panorama from Denver is 140 miles long. There are 200 visible named peaks including 32 that soar to 13,000 feet and above.

LOCAL DENVER

Local Activities

  • Tour the Coors Brewery- Cost : $20.00 per adult-
    • This tour experience involves going up and down stairs. If your party requires ADA accessibility, please use the contact us button above prior to booking your brewery tour.
    • The Coors Brewery Tour showcases the largest single-site brewery in the world! Since 1873 the Coors Brewery has thrived on a legacy of quality, innovation and customer service. Learn about our history and passion for brewing in a 60-minute tour.
    • Visitors who are 21 years and older, with a valid government issued ID will be able to receive 3 beer samples of their choice. Non-alcoholic beverages also are available.  Finally, be sure to shop in the Coors & Co. gift shop for unique branded and Colorado-themed merchandise.
  • Tour the Denver Mint—There is no fee for entry.  Tickets are first come first served basis. Tickets window opens at 7am. 
    • Same-day tickets only: You must pick up tickets in person at the Tour Information Window on Cherokee Street starting at 7:00 AM, Monday through Thursday.  First-come, first-served: No advance reservations, and tickets go fast—especially during peak season. 
    • The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes. Tour Start Times: 7:30am,9:00am,10:30am, 12pm, 1:30pm and 3:00pm.
  • Denver Natural History Museum - Tickets are $25.95 per adult
    • The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is a leading natural history and science museum in the Rocky Mountain region, inspiring learning through exhibits, programs, and activities. It houses a vast collection of artifacts, including dinosaur bones, Egyptian mummies, and wildlife habitat scenes, as well as a planetarium and IMAX theater. The museum is known for its hands-on exhibits, particularly in the "Space Odyssey" area, and its dedication to informal science education. 

Arts & Culture

Art in a Day: https://www.denver.org/things-to-do/itineraries/art-in-one-day/

  • Visit places such as:

    • Meow Wolf Denver's Convergence Station is an unforgettable and transformational experience for all ages that will get you in the mood for a day of creative exploration. Discover immersive, mind-bending art across the four alien worlds of C Street, Eemia, Ossuary and Numina. Uncover the secrets within. 

    • MCA Denver - Museum of Contemporary Art

    • 16th Street Mall where you'll find oversized downtown sculptures

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Red Rocks Park & Ampitheater:  https://www.redrocksonline.com/ 

  • If you think of Red Rocks Park as just a beautiful place to see a concert, think again! All around you are 738 total acres of deer, dinosaurs, pines and prairie, geological wonders and spectacular vistas. At 6,450 feet above sea level, Red Rocks Park is a unique transitional zone where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains. The diverse environment allows visitors to see plants, birds and animals of both regions. Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a geological phenomenon – the only naturally-occurring, acoustically perfect amphitheater in the world. From Sting and The Beatles, to opera stars and U2, every artist aspires to play on this magical, spiritual and emotional stage.

    The land on which Red Rocks Amphitheatre resides is the traditional territory of the Ute, Cheyenne and Arapahoe Peoples. The Ute, Cheyenne and Arapahoe are among the 48 contemporary tribal nations having an historic presence on the land that makes up the State of Colorado.

Buffalo Bill Museum & Grave: https://buffalobill.org/

  • Distance from Denver: 25 miles (40 km)
    One of the most famous cowboys to ever ride the range, William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody epitomized the Old West. Upon his request, he was buried atop Lookout Mountain, a site boasting one of the best views in all of Colorado. The Buffalo Bill Museum & Grave , which opened in 1921, offers a look into life in the Old West, with exhibits on Buffalo Bill's life, the Wild West shows, Indian artifacts including Sitting Bull's bows and arrows, Western art, and firearms.   

Dinosaur Ridge:  https://dinoridge.org/  

  • Distance from Denver: 23 miles (37 km)  
    Dinosaur Ridge  is a famous natural landmark, located along the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, near Morrison, Colorado. It features famous Jurassic dinosaur bones, such as Stegosaurus and Apatosaurus, discovered in 1877, and Cretaceous dinosaur footprints. A guidebook is available for use on self-guided tours and guided tours can be arranged through the Friends of Dinosaur Ridge.