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Famous Landmarks in Denver

Famous Landmarks in Denver

Denver Colorado, USA Travel Guide

Iconic Landmarks in Denver

Denver Union Station: A true "living room" for Denver. Open daily, free to enter and explore its grand hall. Enjoy a meal or a drink at one of its many establishments. The "DENVER" sign outside is a popular photo spot.

Colorado State Capitol Building: This gold-domed building (completed 1894) houses the Colorado General Assembly. It features the 13th step on its west side, officially one mile above sea level. Free guided tours are available Monday through Friday during limited hours.

More Iconic Sights

  • Red Rocks Amphitheatre: A naturally formed, acoustically perfect amphitheater nestled in stunning red rock formations. It hosts world-famous concerts and serves as a popular hiking and workout spot (Morrison, approx. 15 miles west).
  • Larimer Square: Denver's oldest block, featuring preserved Victorian buildings that now house unique boutiques, award-winning restaurants, and vibrant bars. It is especially beautiful in the evening with its overhead string lights.
  • 16th Street Mall: A mile-long pedestrian promenade, flanked with shops, restaurants, cafes, and served by the Free MallRide shuttle. It connects many downtown attractions.
  • Tips: Arrive early at Red Rocks for stunning sunrise photos. Use the Free MallRide to cover the length of the 16th Street Mall quickly.

Museums & Cultural Institutions in Denver

Top Cultural Spots

  • Denver Art Museum (DAM): Distinctive architecture by Daniel Libeskind. Features diverse global collections. Plan at least 2-3 hours.
  • Denver Museum of Nature & Science: Exhibits on dinosaurs, space, wildlife, mummies. IMAX theater and planetarium. Great for families.
  • History Colorado Center: Interactive exhibits cover Colorado's history, mining, railroads, and cultural groups.
  • Clyfford Still Museum: Dedicated solely to abstract expressionist painter Clyfford Still. Architectural design complements the art.
  • Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art: Houses collections of international decorative art (1875-present) and Colorado art.
  • Molly Brown House Museum: Preserved Victorian the birthplace of the "Unsinkable" Molly Brown, a Titanic survivor and activist.

Galleries & Venues

  • RiNo Art District: Home to numerous independent galleries, artist studios, and street art murals.
  • The City different Arts District: Another area with plenty of galleries, especially lively during its First Friday Art Walks.
  • Denver Performing Arts Complex (DCPA): One of the largest performing arts centers in the U.S., housing various theaters for Broadway shows, opera, ballet, and symphony.
  • Levitt Pavilion Denver: An outdoor concert venue in Ruby Hill Park, offering free and ticketed concerts.

Check individual museum websites for current special exhibitions, lectures, family programs, and events. These rotate frequently.

Historical Sites in Denver

  • LoDo (Lower Downtown): Features numerous preserved Victorian-era buildings, many now housing restaurants, bars, and shops.
  • Capitol Hill: Known for its historic mansions and diverse architectural styles, from Queen Anne to Romanesque.
  • Five Points: A historically important jazz district, rich in African American history.
  • Denver Union Station: A testament to the city's railroad history and its part as a transportation hub.

Religious & Memorial Sites

  • Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception:

    A gorgeous French Gothic cathedral (built in the early 20th century) with beautiful glass that has been stained and architecture.

  • International Church of Cannabis:

    A unique, non-traditional spiritual site. Check for specific visitation rules and hours.

  • Civic Center Park:

    This park hosts various monuments and memorials, including the Voorhies Memorial, and green space.

  • Colorado Veterans Monument:

    Pays tribute to Colorado's veterans.

  • Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge:

    A former chemical weapons manufacturing site now turned into a vast wildlife refuge.

Natural Attractions in Denver

Denver's natural beauty shines through its urban parks and nearby scenic areas. Enjoy green spaces within the city and breathtaking views just beyond.

Green Spaces & Scenic Views

  • City Park:

    Denver's largest urban park, home to the Denver Zoo and Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Offers lakes, walking paths, and sweeping views of the Denver skyline against the Rocky Mountains.

  • Denver Botanic Gardens:

    A 24-acre botanical garden with diverse plant collections, themed gardens, and art exhibits. It gives a peaceful escape.

  • Washington Park:

    Popular for recreation, featuring two lakes, beautiful flower gardens, and extensive running and biking paths.

  • Cheesman Park:

    Known for its stately trees, open lawns, and mountain views.

  • Lookout Mountain (Golden):

    A scenic drive with impressive views of Denver and the foothills. Buffalo Bill's Grave is also here.

  • Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre:

    Dramatic red sandstone formations create a stunning landscape, even on non-concert days.

Wildlife Viewing Areas

Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge (just outside Denver) is home to bison, deer, coyotes, prairie dogs, and a variety of bird species. Drive a wildlife loop or walk trails. Denver Zoo (within City Park) houses over 3,000 animals.

Geological Features

Red Rock formationss Park: Famous for its tilted red sandstone monoliths. Roxborough State Park (south of Denver) features dramatic red rock formations similar to Garden of the Gods.

Lakes & Waterways

Sloan's Lake Park, City Park Lake, and Washington Park lakes for paddleboarding, kayaking, plus fishing. Cherry Creek State Park has a reservoir for boating, swimming, and fishing. The South Platte River runs through Denver with greenway trails.

Hidden Gems in Denver

Discover some of Denver's lesser-known but equally captivating attractions. These offer unique perspectives and local favorites.

  • MCA Denver (Museum of Contemporary Art Denver): A smaller museum often featuring cutting-edge and thought-provoking exhibits.
  • Lakeside Amusement Park: A historic (opened 1908) Art Deco amusement park with vintage rides, offering a nostalgic and charming experience. Check seasonal operating hours.
  • Hammond's Candies: Take a free factory tour to see how handmade candies are made.

Local Favorites & Photo Ops

Explore places cherished by residents and capture memorable shots at unique city landmarks.

Local Favorites

Spots cherished by residents and emerging destinations.

Hidden Gems

  • Denver Public Library - Central Branch: Impressive architecture and often interesting exhibits.
  • Confluence Park: Where the South Platte River and Cherry Creek meet, popular with locals for recreation.
  • Globeville and Elyria-Swansea: Emerging neighborhoods adjacent to RiNo, with growing art and brewery scenes.

Unique Photo Opportunities

Capture memorable shots at these distinctive Denver landmarks.

Picture-Perfect Spots

  • The "I See What You Mean" (Big Blue Bear) sculpture: Outside the Colorado Convention Center.
  • The giant red "DENVER" sign at Denver Union Station: A popular spot for arrival and departure photos.
  • Find unique tours and activities on GetYourGuide.

Attraction Accessibility

Most major attractions and venues in Denver are ADA compliant, offering ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms. Public transportation also offers accessibility features.

Accessible Services

  • RTD Access-a-Ride: Paratransit for individuals with disabilities.
  • Ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms at venues.
  • RTD buses and streetcar vehicles are wheelchair accessible.

Always check specific venue details for detailed accessibility information.

Industrial & Military Heritage

Explore sites connected to Denver's past industrial growth and military history.

Historical Insights

  • Denver Union Station: A significant symbol of the city's railroad history.
  • Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge: Former chemical weapons site, now a vast wildlife refuge.

The refuge demonstrates an unique ecological restoration story.

No Archaeological Sites

There are no significant archaeological sites or ruins within Denver city limits.

Explore Further

  • For ancient Puebloan sites, plan a multi-day trip.
  • Mesa Verde National Park (southwestern Colorado).
  • This destination requires significant travel from Denver.

Focus on Denver's urban history and natural beauty.

Attraction Planning Summary

Morning

Visit Denver Art Museum or Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Explore City Park or Denver Botanic Gardens. Take a guided Capitol Building tour.

Afternoon

Wander through Larimer Square and 16th Street Mall. Hike at Red Rocks Park. Explore RiNo Art District galleries. Visit Union Station.

Evening

Enjoy a show at Denver Theater And dance Complex. Catch a concert at Red Sandstones. Experience Larimer Square's nightlife. Visit an outdoor movie in a park (seasonal).

Helpful Tip for Attractions

Many Denver museums offer free admission days or reduced rates on certain evenings. Check their websites for current schedules to save on entry fees.