Once upon a time, the railroad industry was one of the largest work forces in Colorado. From the Union Pacific to the Rock Island and more, nearly every corner of the state was impacted by the fast-paced business of moving goods and materials back and forth. Needless to say, the Denver area was no exception and welcomed many trains to the area throughout the years (and even today). In order to accommodate these large locomotives, tunnels -- like the Moffat Tunnel near Denver -- were a necessity and took thousands of hours (and even more manpower) to complete.
Originally developed in 1902 by Denver, Northwestern and Pacific industrialist David Moffat, the Moffat Tunnel was built as a means to provide Denver with a railroad connection to western Colorado via the Continental Divide. Even though it was first proposed at the beginning of the 1900s, it took nearly 30 years to complete, as Southern Colorado legislatures feared that Denver would have a one-up in terms of commerce if the route was built. Once tunnel construction was in full force, there were still obstacles to overcome, including an instance when workers struck a patch of bad rock near the west end of the tunnel, which delayed construction and increased production costs (the tunnel was originally projected to cost $6.62 million, but the final price tag turned out to be a whopping $23,972,843!). The historic tunnel is still open today and is primarily used as a way for the Union Pacific Railroad to transport coal and freight.
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Ready to take a look at the production of this important tunnel? Check out these photos from our friends at History Colorado:
1.) "Stereograph dry plate glass negative depicting three unidentified men, likely employed to work on construction of the East Portal of the Moffat Tunnel in Gilpin County, Colorado, at the site of the tunnel construction during the winter of circa 1922-1923. They are standing in front of a steam locomotive."
2.) "The left-hand image depicts Frederick Douglas Hall (1866-1938), an African-American man who lived in Denver, Colorado and was employed as an engineer and brake man for the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad Company. He stands in front of some of the buildings located at the site and holds a pocket watch. The right-hand image depicts three unidentified men who were likely employed to work on construction of the East Portal."
The ultimate Denver bucket list could undoubtedly go on ad infinitum, but here are 26 amazing attractions that every tried and true Denverite must conquer as a right of passage. From iconic dishes and eateries to our city's most notable landmarks, these are some of the best things to do in Denver!
Founded in 1893 as the Denver Artist's Club, DAM had many temporary homes before opening its own gallery in 1949. Since then it has continued to expand to include three architecturally stunning buildings totaling over 350,000 square feet. There are 10 permanent collections on display with over 70,000 works of art.
The Clyfford Still Museum is undoubtedly one of the best museums in Denver and is just around the corner from the fabulous but ever-popular Denver Art Museum. The sleek, smooth modern architecture of the two-story, 28,500-square-foot building was designed specifically to showcase Still's work, and the quality of natural light afforded by the skylights and perforated concrete ceiling is subtle yet powerful and creates an air of tranquility throughout the space. Be still my heart!
This picturesque urban park opened in 1919 and continues to serve as the nucleus for Denver's government, arts, and culture. Civic Center Park is surrounded by many of the city's most prominent institutions.
Climb the 99-step spiral staircase of the famed gold-plated dome for breathtaking views of the Denver skyline and mountains beyond from their open-air deck. You can also reserve a spot on one of their free tours and marvel at the intricate beauty of the historical stained glass windows, Colorado white granite, rose onyx, and yule marble used to construct the building, which is modeled after the Capitol in Washington D.C. (And, don't forget the Mile High photo op on the 13th step!)
DPAC sits on 12 acres, contains 10 performance spaces, and is the second largest performing arts center in the United States. Its sculpture park is home to Jonathan Borofsky's The Dancers, a head-turning piece of art that stands proud at 60 feet tall.
Confluence Park is a popular spot for picnickers, kayakers, loungers, and pretty much anyone looking for a bit of adventure or relaxation in Downtown Denver. It's also the spot where our fabulous city originated back in 1858, when William Greeneberry Russell and his party began their search for gold at the confluence of Cherry Creek and the South Platte River.
The first official game at Coors Field was on April 26, 1995, when the Rockies defeated the Mets 11-9. (Fun fact: According to the official site, "In 1999, Coors Field firmly founded itself as the most prolific offensive ballpark ever created. The Rockies and their opponents combined for 303 home runs, the most ever in a season at one venue, with one or more tenants.")
Sports Authority Field at Mile High stands at an elevation of 5,280 feet and is located less than 50 feet from the site of the original Mile High Stadium. The current digs encompass a total of 1.8 million square feet and seats 76, 125 fans. Wowzers!
Larimer Square is Denver's oldest and most historic block. Its namesake, General Larimer, founded Denver City on November 22, 1858. Larimer Street became the city's main street in 1861.
Since its establishment in 1881, Union Station has been the central transportation hub and railway station for the Mile High City. It underwent a major renovation that was completed in 2014 and now houses fabulous shops, restaurants, and a luxury hotel.
Since its inception in 1974, Casa Bonita has been captivating audiences with its cliff divers, pirate caves, mariachi bands, and other wacky forms of entertainment.
Established in 1908, Lakeside Amusement Park is another family-friendly Mile High landmark that every Denverite should visit at least once - but preferably repeatedly.
The sprawling 330 acres of City Park offer magnificent views of the Denver skyline and the Rocky Mountains beyond. City Park was designed in 1882 and is one of the oldest public spaces in the city. There are some magnificent hiking trails throughout the Park to explore as well.
The Denver Museum of Nature and Science was essentially conceived in 1868 when naturalist Edwin Carter began accumulating specimens of Colorado fauna and putting them on display in his log cabin. Word of Carter's collection got out and in 1900, The Colorado Museum of Natural History (now Denver Museum of Nature & Science) was founded. It gained a permanent home in City Park in 1908 and has continued to expand over the years to what is now a 716,000-square-foot complex with over 1,000,000 objects and artifacts.
Don't miss out on the magic of the 12,850-square-foot Leprino Family Atrium and open air terrace that affords breathtaking views of City Park, Denver, and the distant Rockies.
Wash Park has a little something for everyone - serene lakes, tended gardens, interesting playgrounds, and lush lawns with horseshoes, bowling, and croquet. Play a pick-up game of tennis or soccer, take a cruise on the bike path, or meander through the Mount Vernon Garden near Grasmere Lake. The perfect combination of activity and leisure!
With locations on East Colfax, Tennyson, and South Broadway, as well as a food truck roving the metro area, the Denver Biscuit Company is one of the Mile High City's most cherished treasures and the perfect place to overindulge before a nice long nap.
The Buckhorn Exchange is Denver's original steakhouse and oldest restaurant, it has been serving Old West fare since 1893. The building is overflowing with historical artifacts, including a 125-piece gun collection and a 575-piece collection of taxidermy. You've got to see it to believe it!
One of the most infamously iconic dishes in the Mile High is undoubtedly Rocky Mountain "oysters." This Colorado delicacy (aka deep-fried bull testicles) are a right of passage for Denverites and tourists alike. Buffalo Exchange and the Fort are serving up some of the ballsiest versions of this Western treat, so go get 'em!
My Brother's Bar is the oldest watering hole in Denver that's still in operation. In fact, it was once the preferred hangout of Neal Cassady, the Beat crew, and other notoriously nefarious lushes. This laid-back neighborhood haunt is still a popular spot for burgers and beers and barflies, so get on down there and make yourself a regular. (There's no website or sign out front, but you can find them in LoDo at 2376 15th Street.)
There's no denying that Denver has undergone drastic changes in recent years, and the Cherry Creek neighborhood is no exception. But there's one thing that certainly hasn't changed, and that's the Cherry Cricket, where they've "been slinging burgers, brews and good times since 1945." You can always count on this nostalgic neighborhood favorite for fantastic food because at the Cherry Cricket "delicious never goes out of style."
Denver's self-proclaimed sausage czar has been handing out gourmet dogs at his cart at the 16th Street mall for more than a decade. Biker Jim's now has three carts and two brick-and-mortar locations in Ballpark and Highlands Ranch. His wildly unique gourmet dogs have received many accolades, especially his elk jalapeño cheddar dog, which was featured on Food Network's "The Best Thing I Ever Ate." Every Denverite needs an elk dog smothered in cola-soaked caramelized onions (or any of his other funky toppings like Harissa roasted cactus or bacon red onion marmalade.) Whew dog!
Probably one of the most wonderful and well-known free events in Denver is the First Friday Art Walk held every month. Works by regionally and nationally acclaimed artists are on display in studios and galleries in the Art District on Sante Fe, as well as Tennyson, RiNo, Belmar, and the Navajo Art District in Littleton. A free feast for the eyes!
You don't have to break the bank to get good eats, and this no-frills, family-owned, female-run operation on Sante Fe is a testament to that truth. Many Denverites will tell you this joint serves the best chile relleno, smothered burrito, and green chile in town. I suggest you see for yourself!
This little slice of paradise in Cheesman Park promises that no two visits will ever be the same. There are thousands of plants, both from Colorado and around the globe, lovingly placed in about 50 meticulously designed gardens over 24 acres.
Red Rocks Amphitheatre is "the only naturally-occurring, acoustically perfect amphitheatre in the world." The first documented performance took place in 1906, and it's been rocking ever since.
"I See What You Mean" by artist Lawrence Argent is a true jewel of Downtown Denver that induces a sense of wonder and delight in all who encounter it. You can find this fantastically whimsical 40-foot-tall bright blue bear peering into the Colorado Convention Center on 14th Street.
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Now this is more than enough to keep you occupied for quite a while, but we also do have this fun list of day trips just outside the city that would be perfect to add to your Colorado bucket list!
Our massive Mile High metropolis is home to an innumerable amount of amazing attractions, and it's often hard to choose which ones to explore on our free evenings and weekends. But we've made it a little easier for you by coming up with 10 Denver hidden gems everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. From museums and bookstores to watering holes and western wear, here are some unforgettable urban Mile High treasures that promise fun for visitors and locals alike.
"I See What You Mean" by artist Lawrence Argent is a true jewel of Downtown Denver that induces a sense of wonder and delight in all who encounter it. You can find this fantastically whimsical 40-foot-tall bright blue bear peering into the Colorado Convention Center at 700 14th Street.
Travel to Denver, in this video with Phey’s Travel Time, to see the Big Blue Bear in downtown Denver:
The incomparable Tattered Cover is an independently owned book store and cafe that's been "Bringing People and Books Together Since 1971 and is most certainly a tried and true Denver landmark. Their locations on Colfax and in LoDo have been community hubs for decades and provide a perfect place to gather with friends for coffee and conversation or to simply find a cozy nook for reading and relaxation.
The quaintly charming Larimer Square is Denver's oldest and most historic city block and a prime location for strolling, sipping, and shopping. Larimer Street became the city's main street in 1861, shortly after General Larimer founded Denver City on November 22, 1858, and today it boasts a bounty of restaurants, shops, and bars that cater to visitors and locals alike.
Just a stone's throw from Larimer Square on Wazee Street is another one-of-a-kind Denver landmark that everyone should experience. "Papa Jack" Weil founded this third-generation family business back in 1946 and worked every day of his life until his passing at the ripe old age of 107. He was a true pioneer of Western fashion who founded the original snap shirt and put out the first commercially produced bolo ties. As Papa Jack said, "The West is not a place. It is a state of mind."
Mile Highers are often proclaiming that they "never" go Downtown or even "avoid it like the plague," but frankly, we think that is a crying shame because there is SO much to see and do, especially if you explore on foot. From Union Station and Coors Field to the Theatre District and Civic Center Park, there are hundreds - if not thousands - of museums, attractions, eateries, bars, and shops in which to while away the hours. Go on and be a tourist in your town!
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Learn about a few things to do in downtown Denver in this video from Travel Lemming:
The historic Cruise Room, located at 1659 Wazee Street in the Oxford Hotel, is renowned both for being Denver's oldest post-prohibition bar and for making a mean martini. This upscale Art Deco establishment was modeled after a lounge on the Queen Mary and promises a cocktail experience totally unique to the Mile High City.
The Clyfford Still Museum is a once-in-a-lifetime Denver experience that you won't find anywhere else in the nation - or the world for that matter. The jaw-dropping 28,500-square-foot building was designed specifically to showcase Still's work, 95% of which is in the museum's possession - an unprecedented phenomenon in the art world. The sleek, smooth architecture and the quality of natural light afforded by the structure's perforated concrete ceiling are subtle yet powerful and create an air of tranquility throughout the space that is nearly as lovely as Still's work itself. (Pro Tip: The museum has several free days on select days throughout the year and will be implementing eight "Pay-What-You-Wish Days" in 2024) The Clyfford Still Museum is located at 1250 Bannock Street, directly behind the ever-popular Denver Art Museum.
After you get your fill of awe-inspiring art at the museum's Downtown, check out the superbly eclectic ART Hotel at 12th and Broadway, which boasts stunning decor and a fabulous rooftop lounge and restaurant with cozy fire pits, killer cocktails, mouthwatering munchies, and phenomenal views of the urban landscape. There are plenty of unique places to stay in Colorado - the ART Hotel is certainly one of them.
Every first Friday of the month, the charming Art District on Santa Fe hosts First Friday Art Walks from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., featuring the largest concentration of art galleries and specialty shops in Colorado, with 60 participating artists studios, galleries, and restaurants. (Pro Tip: FREE guided shuttle buses pick up at the light rail station at 10th Avenue and Osage Street and ferry guests around the Art District.)
One of Denver's newest and brightest community hubs is the Central Market, located in the historic 1928 H.H. Tammen building on the corner of 27th and Larimer in RiNo. Denver's Central Market is a "one-stop culinary shop," which houses a local butcher, fish market, bakery, bodega, chocolatier, pizzeria, and more!
Check out the Denver Central Market in this video from Properties By Cory:
Which of these Denver hidden gems have you experienced? Share a few more of your favorites with us in a comment. Then, check out this hidden resort near Denver that's the perfect place to get away from it all. Denver is also one of the biggest craft beer meccas in the US. If you enjoy a pint or two, try this craft beer tour in Denver.
