: Opera Colorado
Opera Colorado stages three operas (four performances each) with English supertitles each season at the new Ellie Caulkins Opera House at the Denver Performing Arts Complex. Internationally renowned singers and local favorites sing the lead roles. Opera Colorado typically performs three evenings and one matinee per week during a show's run. Tickets range in price from $30 to $120. Package subscriptions are available for those that wish to attend the opening of each show. Past shows have included well known favorites such as Madama Butterfly, Orpheus & Eurydice, Otello, and more.
: 16th Street Mall
The centerpiece of downtown Denver, the 16th Street Mall is a 16 block pedestrian and transit mall that serves as the hub Denver's shopping, dining, and entertainment scene. Designed by world famous architectural firm of I.M. Pei, the mall first opened in 1982 after 2 years of construction. Featuring an environmentally friendly free shuttle service that stops at every intersection and free wireless internet, the mall is conveniently located near many of Denver's hottest attractions. Numerous bike taxis and horse drawn carriages provide additional entertaining and cheap ways to traverse the mall. Additionally, the mall has become very popular for its wide variety of street performers, dancers, actors, impressionists, comedians, and a wide variety of musicians performing on the mall. “Downtown Ambassadors” make navigating the mall and pleasant and easy experience for locals and out-of-towners alike. Along with the numerous retail shops and restaurants, visitors will also find over 28 sidewalk cafes and 39 street cart vendors along the mall.
: Denver Civic Theater
Originally built in 1921 and home to Denver's first silent movie theater, this recently restored building focuses on contemporary and edgy productions, but also showcases numerous traditional theatrical shows. A vibrant scene, the center is open 7 days a week and is dedicated to helping new forms of theater flourish and developing theatrical talent. Shows typically range from $30 to $50
: Gothic Theater
The History of the glorious Gothic Theatre began in the roaring Twenties when magnificent movie palaces were the center of entertainment in society. The theatre’s grand art deco style awed the thousands of Denver residents who came to view the classic movies of the period. Over the years the Theater changed hands many times and attempted to be many things, to varying degrees of success.In 1998 the Gothic was reborn when two friends who love music and love to dream purchased the building out of bankruptcy, saving it from the wrecking ball. Retaining the art deco accents, the new owners remodeled and rebuilt the theatre from the foundation to the roof.
Bringing in artists and designers who shared their passion and understood their vision, the two transformed the theatre into one of the premier music venues in the world with a brand-new state of the art sound and light system that gave the theater the sound system it deserved.
The Gothic Theatre is located in the City of Englewood and is not affected by the recent change in Denver liquor license policy regarding all age concerts.
: Cleo Parker Robinson Dance
A highly acclaimed multicultural modern-dance ensemble and school based in the historic Five Points district, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance performs a varied selection of programs each year, both on tour around the world and at several Denver locations. Three major concerts occur each year in Fall, Winter, and Spring. A 12 member professional dance company, Cleo Park Robinson Dance is an international, cross-cultural, dance-arts and educational institution rooted in African American traditions. Tickets range from $25 to $40.
: Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche are Denver's resident professional hockey team. Originally the Quebec Nordiques, the franchise was relocated to Colorado in 1995. They have won the Stanley Cup twice, in 1996 and 2001. The Avalanche have played at Denver's Pepsi Center since its opening in 1999, and have a renowned rivalry with the Detroit Red Wings after many memorable playoff battles.
: Lakeside Amusement Park
Founded in 1908 and one of the oldest amusement parks in the nation, the Lakeside Amusement Park has been entertaining visitors for a 100 years. A large facility with excitement, history, charm, and amazing mountain views, Lakeside Amusement Park is the perfect place for family fun and large group events! Lakeside is home to the famous Cyclone Coaster, which has been repeatedly ranked as the best classic coaster still running. Other coasters, a merry-go-round, two steam trains, and the 140 ft tower drop ZOOM are some of the major attractions. Spinning rides include the Tilt-A-Whirl, Scrambler, Spider, Matterhorn, and other rides such as a Ferris wheel, bumper boats, sports cars, and flying rides provide additional entertainment. Kids will enjoy canoes, mini cars, a space ride, kiddie coaster, motorcycle, wet boats, and even a kiddie Ferris wheel. Admission: $2.50 at the gate, rides are 50 cents to $2.50 a piece.
: Denver Firefighter's Museum
The history of the Denver Fire Department is preserved and displayed in historic Fire Station No. 1. built in 1909 for Engine Company #1, it was one of the largest firehouses in Denver. The museum is open to the public six days a week year round. A variety of hands-on activities combine with the museum's exhibits to provide information about fire safety and prevent and the history of the Denver Fire department. Visitors can try on firefighting equipment, slide down a firefighter pole, and ride on a kid friendly fire truck and pretend to put out a fire. Informational movies and video games round out the multimedia experiences of the the museum. A thorough tour lasts over 45 minutes. Admission: $4 adults, $2 children.
: Paramount Theater
The Paramount Theatre is Denver's most intimate concert venue with just under 2,000 seats
Built by Temple Buell for Publix Theatres in 1930, the Paramount Theatre instantly surpassed the standards set by the dozens of theatres that lined the streets of Denver. It is the only local theatre of its generation to maintain its original dignity and glamour. The glamorous atmosphere was, and is, heightened by the original architectural and design elements. Buell built several important buildings in the region and is credited for founding the “Western style” of architecture. Despite his many successes, Buell claimed the Paramount as the finest example of his work.
Originally designed for the silent movies of the time, the Paramount houses a one-of-a-kind Wurlitzer twin-console organ, designed to produce varied sound effects in accompaniment with the picture show. The organ remains one of the largest ever installed in the Rocky Mountain region and is joined by its sister in New York City’s Radio City Music Hall as one of only two remaining in the United States.
The Paramount Theatre was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 and was declared a historic landmark by the City of Denver in 1988. Today, the historic Paramount Theatre remains a vibrant, multi-event facility where Denver’s residents and visitors enjoy a wide variety of entertainment options each year. From rock concerts to dance performances, comedy to lectures, and movies to the Wurlitzer organ performances, the historic Paramount Theatre remains a top choice in Denver’s entertainment scene.
: Antique Row
The Antique Row area of South Broadway in Denver is rich in history, and has retained its fascinating historic character while evolving to become a vital modern commercial, artistic, cultural, and residential neighborhood. Although known locally as "Antique Row," a variety of shops and services now inhabit the historic structures along South Broadway. Antique Row merchants, many of whom have been in business 30 years or more, offer quality antiques, garden supplies, fine wines, antique rugs, handcrafted picture frames, tiles, vintage lighting, custom furniture craftsmen, as well as several dining establishments and a tea room. Walking tours are available that provide historical recollections of the neighborhood's history and amazing architecture. The Holiday season is another beautiful time to visit Antique Row for a warm and inviting holiday shopping experience. Antique Row is located just south of downtown Denver, near the intersection of Interstate 25 and Broadway where you can always find "a bit of the past in the present."
: Denver Nuggets
The Denver Rockets, one of the original franchises of the American Basketball Association, became the Denver Nuggests when they moved to the NBA in 1977. The team is now home to all-star Allen Iverson and made it into the first round of the 2008 NBA play-offs. The Nuggets play at the Pepsi Center in the heart of downtown Denver just off I-25, there is also a light rail station on the western side of the complex.
: Colorado Ballet
One of Colorado's oldest and most successful arts institutions, Colorado Ballet is the state's premier professional resident ballet company performs at various theaters in downtown Denver. Founded in 1951, the company usually offers five productions during its fall through spring season, usually a balance of classical and contemporary works that always include The Nutcracker during the Christmas season. Some popular shows performed by the Colorado Ballet have included Swan Lake, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Sleeping Beauty, Romeo and Juliet, and more. Tickets range from $25 to $150 and seasons tickets are available for those that never want to miss a performance.
: Red Rocks Ampitheater
Nestled in the Rocky Mountain Foothills fifteen miles west of Denver, there stands a symbol of nature's unparalleled majesty. Red Rocks is a geologically formed, open-air Amphitheatre that is not duplicated anywhere in the world. With Mother Nature as the architect, the design of the Amphitheatre consists of two, three hundred-foot monoliths (Ship Rock and Creation Rock) that provide acoustic perfection for any performance. Both of the monoliths are taller than Niagara Falls, and the Red Rocks Amphitheatre was once listed as among the Seven Wonders of the World.The area of Red Rocks, originally known as the Garden of Angels, has attracted the attention of musical performers since before the turn of the century. The majestic setting of the Amphitheatre, along with the panoramic view of Denver, makes for a breathtaking scene.
The dramatic sandstone monoliths serve as a history book of animal and plant life in the area for the past 250 million years. As spectators gaze at the towering red sandstone rocks, they view the ancient tales of prehistoric times.
Denver architect Burnham Hoyt designed the Amphitheatre with an emphasis on preserving the natural beauty of the area. The plans were completed in 1936, and the Amphitheatre was dedicated on June 15, 1941, though the actual construction spanned over 12 years.
In 1947, the first annual Easter Sunrise Service took place. Since then, Red Rocks Amphitheatre has attracted performers like the Grateful Dead, The Beatles, U2, John Denver, and more onto its one of kind stage.
: Lannie's Clockwork Cabaret
In the basement of the landmark D&F Tower on the 16th Street Mall, Lannie's Clockwork Cabaret is a funky bordello-inspired theater that sees a wide variety of entertainers on its stage, including hostess/singer Lannie Garrett (also known as “Patsy DeCline”), and burlesque, comedy, and music performers such as torch singers, jugglers, magicians, belly dancers, comedians, and more! Thursday nights are the traditional burlesque shows, and special events and performances make up the rest of the week. Tickets range from $5-$30 depending on the day and show.
: Black American West Museum
Nearly one-third of the cowboys in the Old West were black, and this museum chronicles their little-known history, along with that of black doctors, teachers, miners, farmers, newspaper reports, and state legislators. The museum's founder and curator emeritus, Paul Stewart, loved to play cowboys and Indians as a boy, but his playmates always chose him to be an Indian because “There was no such thing as a black cowboy.” He began researching the history of blacks in the West after meeting a black cowboy who had led cattle drives in the early 20th century.
Stewart explored almost every corner of the American West, gathering artifacts, memorabilia, photographs, oral histories, anything to document the existence of black cowboys, and his collection served as the nucleus for this museum when it opened in 1971. Families will enjoy hands on experiences exploring the customs, traditions, and crafts of the African American pioneers of the West. Tour lasts about an hour; Adults $6, children, $4.
: Larimer Lounge
The Larimer Lounge first started as a concept amongst a group of music loving friends attending the University of Colorado at Boulder in the early 90’s. It was obvious at the time that there was no one catch-all club attempting to bring in all the different elements of the burgeoning independent rock scene that was going on in the country at that point in time. After graduation, three guys from the circle of friends, Scott, Scott and Hans attempted to start their own club, but soon learned that their lack of experience was too large a barrier to facilitate the transition of making a venue from a dream into reality. One of these friends decided to book another club for years and was fortunate to have been part of many up and coming artists early shows in Denver, amongst them QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE, THE WHITE STRIPES, BRIGHT EYES, THE SHINS, AND YOU WILL KNOW US BY THE TRAIL OF DEAD, FLOGGING MOLLY, DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE, THE PROMISE RING, JIMMY EAT WORLD, THE RAPTURE and many more.
In 2002 the pals finally got their own venue – The Larimer Lounge. They remain committed to providing a relaxed atmosphere where customers can have a good time while viewing live performances from the across the spectrum of independent rock that is currently going on in this country and around the world.
: Denver Pavilions
Located on the southern end of the 16th Street Mall, this three level complex is jammed with retail, entertainment, and dining options. Some of the establishments include Denver's Hard Rock Cafe, a movie-plex, Niketown, a bowling alley, Virgin Records, Barnes and Nobles, Coyote Ugly Saloon, Victoria's Secret, Hot Topic, Maggiano's, and much more. This is the perfect place to stop and shop if you're in the downtown area.
: Tiny Town and Railroad
The oldest kid sized village and railroad in the US, Tiny Town and Railroad was built in 1915 at the Denver-Leadville stage coach stop. A one-sixth scale Western village, the town is nestled in a scenic mountain canyon 20 miles outside of Denver. Now a historic Colorado Landmark, the town features over 100 hand made colorful miniature buildings. Kids will love the authentic steam train that provides transportation around the mini city. Gift shops and snack bars provide shopping and dining around the town. Admission: $3 adult, $2 children. Steam train rides are an additional $1.
: Bluebird Theater
The Bluebird Theater was built in 1913 and originally named after the prominent Denver grocer and druggist, John Thompson. The Theater was renamed in 1922 and became an important part of the community. The theater was initially a movie house and went through various phases over the years. In 1994, Chris Swank and a business partner invested in the Bluebird and it re-opened as the Mecca for rock music that you know today.The theater is laid out in three tiers with a bar at the top and a balcony overlooking the entire theater. Seating and tables are arranged according to the type of entertainment being offered. These go fast for the more popular shows but if you're desperate for a seat, there's always the balcony!
A diverse range of entertainers have performed at the Bluebird from the mellow jazz violinist Jean Luc-Ponty to such acts as Oasis, Creed, Beth Orton, Cowboy Junkies, and The Vines. All shows at the Bluebird Theater are 16 and over unless otherwise noted.
: Colorado History Museum
Founded in 1879, The Colorado Historical Society's Permanent exhibits include “The Colorado Chronicle,” an 1800-1949 timeline that use biographical plaques and a remarkable collection of photographs, news clippings, and paraphernalia to illustrate Colorado's unique past. Dozens of dioramas portray episodes in state history, including an intricate recreation of 19th century Denver. There's also a life size display on early transportation and industry.
Newer multimedia exhibits such as “Ancient Voices” and “Confluence of Cultures” are dedicated to the history of Colorado's native tribes and the state's Pioneers. Statewide historical and archeological tours and lecture series are among the other offerings of the museum. Kids will especially enjoy “Let's Make History” Saturdays, programs especially designed for families that involve music, interactive displays, and arts and crafts. Allow at least one hour for the tour, admission is $7 for adults and $5 for children.
: Breckenridge
Breckenridge Ski Resort, known by many as just Breck, is one of Colorado's world class ski resorts located in Summit County near the town of Breckenridge. Considered by many to be the most popular ski resort in North America, Breckenridge gets an unheard nearly million and a half skiers a year, many of whom come from out of state or from other countries. 30 lifts serve 10 peaks, with terrain ranging from some of the best learning slopes in the world all the way to some of the most challenging 45 degree pitches to be found. From the challenging terrain of the Lake Chutes, to the gentle rollers of Peak 7, the Breckenridge Ski Resort can put a smile on every level of skiers face. Breckenridge has become world renowned for its amazing terrain parks.Four professionally designed parks are filled with huge kickers, jibbing features, and several world class half pipes. A world class ski and ride school can help even the earliest beginner become a pro in no time. Plenty of Professional competitions, shopping, night life, spas, art galleries, and live music keep things exciting for visitors when not on the slopes. The new Winter Dew Tour attracts top winter sports athletes from around the world, and is televised on NBC.
: US Mint
Of the four US Mints in the US, only Denver and Philadelphia offer tours where you can literally witness the actual coin minting process. The Denver Mint is a branch of the United States Mint established in 1862 that is today operational and produces coins for circulation, as well as mint sets and commemorative coins. The Denver Mint is the single largest producer of coins in the world.
Reservations are required for all tours. Tour reservations can be scheduled through this web site, or by visiting the Reservations Booth at the United States Mint Visitor Center located on Cherokee Street between 14 Avenue and Colfax Avenue in Denver, Colorado. If space is available, walk-up tour reservations will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. As such, there may be days when walk-up tours are not available.
All United States Mint tours are free of charge. Guided tours start on the hour and are available from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday (excluding federal holidays). We encourage you to submit your request as early as possible since a limited number of tours are available. All visitors should call the 24-hour tour information line at (303) 405-4761 to determine if any last minute changes have been made to the tour schedule.
: Larimer Square
Located in downtown Denver, just blocks away from every major downtown attraction, this restored quarter of Denver's historic district includes numerous art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and night clubs. Featuring numerous award-winning, chef-driven restaurants, Larimer Square has quickly become one of Denver's hottest restaurant neighborhoods. Retail stores include such favorites as Z Gallerie, Mariel, Dream Gallery, and favorite night spots include Comedy Works, Cru Wine Bar, Below, and even more. This elegant, charming and completely irresistible package of dining, shopping and nightlife defines hip urban revitalization.
: Vail
Located in Eagle County, Colorado, in the town of Vail, Vail Ski Resort is the largest single mountain ski resort in the US. The resort is comprised of three distinct areas of the mountain, each with their own features and fortes, including three terrain parks, seven bowls and 5,289 acres of free-ride terrain. Nearly seven miles wide, finding fresh tracks is never a difficulty. In fact, on an average day, there are only two skiers per acre, and on a busy day, only four! Nearly half of the terrain of the mountain is classified as intermediate/more difficult, but there's still plenty of easier stuff for beginner's. The resort opened in 1962 and has since become one of the most popular ski destinations in the world. Ample lodging and plenty of restaurants, shops, lodging, and nightlife in the town of Vail mean there's plenty to do even when you're not on the lifts. Visit the resorts site to check for the frequent special vacation and family packages available.
: Colorado Rockies
Enjoy a relaxing Colorado Rockies game under the Colorado sun at the world famous Coors Field. The only stadium in the country with seats a mile high above sea level, this stadium provides spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains. An expansion team formed in 1993, the Rockies have consistently set attendance records at Coors field as long as they've been playing. The field is located in the historic lower downtown district of Denver, and features an on-site microbrewery and old fashion design meant to mimic the style of classic ballparks from times past.
: Denver Zoo
The Denver Zoo has been on the leading edge of re-creating natural habitats for its animals and is one of the most popular Zoos in the United States.
Zoo visitors can view nearly 4,000 different animals, representing well over 700 species. Visitors have a means to take a rare look at exotic animals like amur leopards, king cobras, black rhinos, coral reef fish, elephants, zebras, vampire bats, gorillas and more.
Modern zoo exhibitry has improved the lives of animals and created a richer experience for Denver Zoo visitors. With naturalistic habitats like the new Predator Ridge as well as Tropical Discovery, Primate Panorama and the Dragons of Komodo exhibit, the Zoo is working to enhance the lives of some of the world's most endangered species. A carousel and gas powered train will delight children, while the wide variety of endangered species should keep adults equally fascinated.
: Butterfly Pavillion & Insect Center
The Butterfly Pavilion combines science education with hands-on fun to teach visitors about invertebrates, science and conservation. The interactive exhibits are geared primarily towards families with kids ages 2 to 12 years old, but people of all ages will enjoy the beauty and wonder of a tropical conservatory filled with 1,200 free-flying butterflies imported from around the globe. The constant mist creates a hazy habitat to support the lush green plants that are both food and home to the butterfly inhabitants. Giant animatronic bugs, touch carts, nature trails, and glass enclosed bee factory are a few more of the amazing sites you'll see here.
Interacting with and viewing the extensive collection of live invertebrates can be an eye-opening experience for anyone, and one that is both life changing and unique! Outside the pavilion is a large garden featuring indigenous wildflowers and a short nature trail. Allow 2 to 3 hours to fully experience the museum!
: Downtown Aquarium
Denver is home to the biggest state of the art aquarium between Chicago and Monterey, California. With tanks equaling over 1.2 million gallons of water, the Downtown Aquarium is home to a wide variety of aquatic species. You'll visit a number of exhibits representing a variety of locales such as North America, the desert, the wharf, the rainforest, and more.
There are several interactive exhibits as well, including a horseshoe crab touch tank and a stingray touch and feel tank. Families will love programs such as Marine Biologist for a Day, Storytelling time, and overnight adventure. The aquarium is also home to an amazing restaurant that wraps itself around a 150,000 gallon tank and offers incredible views of rays, sawfish, guitarfish, and more. Adults can also enjoy the Dive Lounge, which has a happy hour every Monday through Friday. License divers and novice snorkelers can swim in the big tanks for a fee on Saturdays.
: Water World
Water World is one of the largest family water parks in America has been featured on the Travel Channel's list of best water parks. Located just 15 miles north of downtown Denver, the park provides nearly 64 acres of entertainment. Water World has over 42 attractions ranging from the kid friendly to hair raising water thrill rides. Picnics are welcome and parking is free, making this a great summer destination for a families on a budget. Families will enjoy the abundance of tube rides, the kid friendly Wally World and Big Top! Silly Shores,, the adventure filled Voyage to the Center of the Earth, or the incredible 1.8 million gallon wave pool. Thrill rides like the Red Line Speed Slide, Screamin' Mimi, Space Bowl, and Storm. Admission: $29 Adult, $24 Children.
: Mile High Flea Market
The Mile High Flea Market is located just 10 minutes northeast of downtown Denver and is considered by many to be the largest outdoor shopping experience in the West! This large flea market attracts more than 1.5 million shoppers a year, and covers more than 80 acres. The market includes closeouts, garage sales, seasonal merchandise, fresh produce, and also has more than a dozen places to eat, snack, or grab a drink. There's even a few family rides to keep younger children entertained including a dragon roller coaster, 3 story super slide, and kiddie cars. Admission is $2 on Saturday's, and $3 on Sunday's.
: Molly Brown House Museum
Built in 1889, this was the home of J.J. And Margaret (Molly) Brown from 1894 to 1932. The “unsinkable” Molly Brown became a national heroine in 1912 when the Titanic sank. She helped lead a lifeboat of immigrant women and children, and later helped raise charity for their benefit. She famously ran for both state and national senate seats, and was a founding member of the Colorado chapter of the National American Women's Suffrage Association and fought hard to win women the right to vote.
Now restored to its 1910 appearance, the Molly Brown House has a large collection of early 20th century furnishings and art objects, many of which belonged to the Brown family. There are also temporary exhibits, and a carriage house with a museum store at the rear is open to visitors. The house can be seen on guided tours. Allow 1 hour for the tour, which is $6.50 for adults and $3 for children.
: Colorado Symphony Orchestra
Established in 1989 as the successor to the Denver Symphony, this international class orchestra performs more than 100 classical, pops, and family concerts each year at locations throughout the Denver metropolitan area, most often at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts Boettcher Hall. Each season nearly 250,000 persons attend CSO concerts, including a 21-week Masterworks series of classical programs. CSO often performs with star musicians and singers, such as Burt Bacharach, Bernadette Peters, and more.
: Mr. Biggs
Mr. Biggs has some of the best kid friendly attractions in town! Featuring over 144,000 square feet of indoor entertainment, this is a destination that will keep kids entertained for hours. Take a spin in the Grand Prix Raceway with cars that can go up to 40 mph! Or go head to head with friends in the Laser Jam – Urban Assault challenge, a sophisticated interactive laser tag game played in a futuristic arena. You may also want to take a journey into the 3-Story foam factory, which houses over 20,000 foam balls that are propelled, shot, and moved all around the clubhouse! Get a little dizzy on the Twister, a massive ride that produces heart-pounding excitement and blazing fast speeds. There's also bowling, miniature golf, a high-tech mech-simulator, arcade, inflatable bounce house, and more! Kids 10 and under will enjoy Little Bigtown, with 8 themed rooms like the Bakery, Little Princess Dress Shop, the Police Station, and the Boutique! Admission starts at about $20.
: Elitch Gardens Theme Park
Elitch Garden is a world class thrill ride amusement park that features over 50 rides, shows, and attractions. Admission also includes Island Kingdom Water Park from mid may to labor day. Thrill rides include Halfpipe, Boomarang, The Mind Eraser, Twister II, the Tower of Doom, XLRBR, and Shipwreck Falls. Other will enjoy rides like the carousel, Big Wheel Ferris Wheel, Tea Cups, Sea Dragon, Tilt-A-Whirl, the Rainbow, and the Spider. Kids can enjoy 13 pint sized rides and attractions, including a foam factory, mini roller coaster, bumper cars, swing ride and more. Plenty of shopping, games, stunt shows, arcades, and live music shows provide entertainment for those that prefer to stay away from the rides. Yearly events include October's Fright Fest, the Summer Music Festival, the Lowrider Invitational, and more!
: Winter Park
Barely and hour and a half from Denver, Winter Park is one of Colorado's most popular ski resorts. The extremely convenient ski train, which goes directly from Denver to the base of the mountain, makes getting there a snap from the city. If you don't want to travel out each day, you can stay in the village, which has lodging and enough restaurants to make for a very pleasant stay. The resort is actually made up of three different mountain peaks, Winter Park, Mary Jane, and Vasquez Ridge, all of which share a common lift ticket. Winter Park peaks are known for their moguls, tree skiing, hidden huts, and all around difficult terrain. 435 acres of back country skiing additionally round out the resort's offerings. For those not wanting to spend their entire trip on the mountain, Winter Park has ice skating, snow bikes, scenic chairlifts, snowcat tours, snowshoe tours, and even a Nascar racing course. The resort is also home to a load of cross country skiing opportunities, and in the Spring and Summer has become known for its mountain biking, hiking, alpine slide, climbing wall, disc golf, and fishing. The world's largest and oldest skiing program for those with disabilities, the National Sports Center for the Disabled, calls Winter Park its home.
: Byers-Evans House
Visit this historic and beautiful Victorian home, now a distinctive house museum. Originally built in 1883 by Rocky Mountain News publisher Williams Byers and sold in 1889 to the family of William Gray Evans, an officer of the Denver Tramway Company. Now owned by the Colorado Historical Society (CHS), the house is open to the public for guided tours, which offer a rewarding look at life in early Denver. The two-story, claret-colored brick residence, built in Italianate style with a flat roof and a decorative cornice, remains an important link to the men and women who once lived there and left a strong imprint on the city that grew up around them.
Tour the house and view a short film that features the careers of these two pioneer Denver families and the city they built.
: Eldora
Conveniently located just 21 miles west of Downtown Boulder, CO, Eldora Mountain Resort is an easy 40 minute drive or hour bus ride from Boulder. One of the few Colorado ski resorts on the east side of the continental divide, the easy accessibility of Eldora makes it most popular with day skiers staying in nearby towns and Colorado locals. Whether you cross country or downhill ski, snowboard, or snowshoe, Eldora has something for you. Despite its close proximity to the Denver metropolitan area, Eldora is still an impressive mountain: its longest run is 3 miles long, it has over 680 acres of skiable terrain, has a double black diamond, and receives nearly 300 inches of snow a year. Gear can be rented at the resort or nearby in the Boulder, and both individual and group lessons mean that anyone can learn! Eldora's convenient location and number of gentler runs make it a great mountain for beginners, families, and experts alike.
: Comedy Works
Considered one of the region's top comedy clubs for more than 20 years, this is your best bet for seeing America's hottest comics! Performers like Dave Chappelle, Lewis Black, Jerry Seinfeld, Martin Short, and Jimmy Fallon are just some of the big names to have taken the stage here. Aspiring comedians can sign up for “New Talent Night” Tuesdays to give the fine art of standup comedy a shot. A second Comedy Works location opened in Greenwood Village in the early winter of 2008.
Admission is around $7-10 for weekday shows, and more for weekend shows and headliners.
: Denver Botanical Gardens
The Denver Botanical Gardens house over 23 acres of indoor and outdoor displaying native desert, plain, mountain, and even tropical and sub tropic plants. The park contains a conservatory, a variety of theme gardens, and a sunken amphitheater, which hosts various concerts in the summer. Woody Allen's 1973 movie Sleeper filmed some scenes at the gardens.
Throughout Denver Botanic Gardens, the time honored traditions of European horticulture merge with a dynamic diversity of plants and design that represent the best in horticultural achievement. Many of the innovative gardens are models of drought-tolerance and showcase native and adapted plants that thrive in Western gardens. Denver Botanic Gardens has opened the city's first publicly accessible green roof, on top of the Gardens' Gift Shop. The green roof is the first of its kind on a city-owned building in Denver, and is a highly visible demonstration of the many benefits of green roofs for communities and for building owners.
: Capitol Building
The Colorado State Capitol Building, located at 200 East Colfax Avenue in Denver, Colorado, is the home of the Colorado legislature and the offices of the Colorado Governor and Lt. Governor. The building is intentionally reminiscent of the United States Capitol. Designed by Elijah E. Myers, it was constructed in the 1890s from Colorado white granite. The distinctive gold dome consists of a plate of real gold, first added in 1908, commemorating the Colorado Gold Rush. The building is part of Denver's Civic Center area.Serving as the beginning of the Capitol Hill district, the historic building sits slightly higher than the rest of downtown Denver. The main entrance hall is open 180 feet (55 m) to the top of the dome, about the height of an 18-story building. Additionally, the official elevation of Denver is measured outside the west entrance to the building, where the 15th step is engraved with the words "One Mile Above Sea Level." From this step, around dusk, a magnificent view of the sun setting behind the Rocky Mountains can be taken-in at 5,280 feet (1,609 m).
The interior of the building uses copious amounts of Colorado Rose Onyx, a rare rose marble from a quarry near Beulah, Colorado. The amount used in the building consumed the entire known supply. White Yule Marble from the quarries near Marble, Colorado was also used throughout the capitol for the floors. Many designs have been found in the marble including an image resembling George Washington and another of Molly Brown.
Many of the windows are stained glass, depicting people or events related to the history of Colorado. The halls are decorated with portraits of every president of the United States. Open to the public, Monday through Friday from 7am to 5:30pm.
: Museum of Contemporary Art
Rotating avant-garde exhibitions by numerous local and national artists form the main attraction at the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver. The museum has five distinct galleries, three spaces for education, multiple sites for special projects and commissioned works, and one live art/lecture hall. The galleries rotate in a sequence that means at least one is almost always active and new, providing return viewers with new pieces to see during return visits.
Popular aspects of the museum include the MI 5 Program, which is intended to make the museum cater cover the full spectrum of five intelligences discovered by Howard Gardner, and the very popular “Penny Saturdays”, which invites everyone to visit the museum on the first Saturday of the month for just one cent. Tours are available by request for $8 per person.
: Fiddler's Green Ampitheater
Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre (formerly Coors Amphitheatre) is a 17,916 seat amphitheatre located in Greenwood Village, Colorado. It is the largest outdoor amphitheatre in the Denver metropolitan area.It features 7,500 fixed seats and a general admission lawn section. The amphitheatre is nestled in Greenwood Plaza near the Denver Technological Center amongst office buildings. The amphitheatre began as an earth sculpture (made up only of earth and grass) where local business people could break for a lunch time concert series sponsored by Museum of Outdoor Arts. Later, walls and seats were installed and it opened in 1988 under the original name of Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre with a performance by Dan Fogelberg on June 11, 1988.
It was later renamed to Coors Amphitheatre and had an exclusive operating contract with House of Blues until its sale to the new operator Live Nation. John Mayer and Counting Crows opened their 2003 tour with Maroon 5 on July 7, 2003 at Coors Amphitheatre with pre-tour rehearsals taking place at Coors Amphitheatre. The name has since reverted back to Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre.
: Denver Art Museum
Located in Denver's Civic Center, the Denver Art Museum is renowned for its collection of American Indian art, and has an an expansive collection of over 60,000 works covering a wide spectrum of art from around the globe.
Since its beginnings in the 1890s as the Denver Artists’ Club, the Denver Art Museum has had a number of temporary homes, from the public library and a downtown mansion to a portion of the Denver City and County Building.
The museum opened its own galleries on 14th Avenue Parkway in 1949, and a center for children’s art activities was added in the early 1950s. In 1971, we opened what’s now known as the North Building. Our most recent expansion, the Frederic C. Hamilton Building, opened in October 2006.
Today, the 356,000-square-foot museum complex includes collection gallery space, three temporary exhibition venues, and the Lewis I. Sharp Auditorium. In addition to our art collections, the Denver Art Museum is internationally recognized for our family-friendly environment, and has received critical acclaim for encouraging art appreciation through interactive activities. The Hamilton Building's design recalls the peaks of the Rocky Mountains and geometric rock crystals found in the foothills near Denver. The building is covered in 9,000 titanium panels that reflect the Colorado sunshine.
: Fillmore Auditorium
The Fillmore Auditorium is an auditorium located on Colfax Avenue and Clarkson Street in Denver, Colorado, United States. Founded in 1999, it is used for performances of live music. It is named after The Fillmore, a famous venue in San Francisco.The building opened in 1907 as a skating rink, serving several different functions over the decades following. In 1969, it was bought by Stuart Green, with the intent of "emulating Bill Graham’s Fillmore". Under the name Mammoth Gardens, the venue hosted such powerful names as The Who and The Grateful Dead, but it was closed in October 1970. By the 1990s, it was operating as the Mammoth Events Center, hosting a mix of public and private functions. Finally, under new ownership, it was renovated and reopened as The Fillmore Auditorium in 1999. The Fillmore is a mid sized venue with a capacity around 3,000. Its size and History attracts numerous acts and tours.
: Museum of Nature and Science
Home to a number of exhibits, the museum focuses on research and education of the Denver Metro Area. DMNS maintains a number of diorama halls, such as the Discovery Zone, Extreme Ice, Egyptian Mummies, Gems & Minerals, A Space Odyssey and more. The museum is also a home to the Phipps IMAX Theater and the Gates Planetarium.
It is located in City Park, about two miles east of downtown Denver. The view from western side of the museum is one of the most famous vantages of the Denver skyline and the mountains behind them due to the museum's elevation above the rest of the park. It was founded in 1900 as the Colorado Museum of Natural History.
The T-Rex Cafe and Snack Bar is a great place to sit down and grab a meal, while the Grab & Go Snack Bar offers quick and easy snacks for those on the go.
: Cherry Creek
Cherry Creek Shopping Center is a lavishly appointed shopping center in the heart of Denver. Cherry Creek is a premier shopping and fashion destination home to Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Macy's, Nordstrom, Tiffany & Co, Burberry, and Foley's and much more in this deluxe million-square-foot mall. Totaling over 160 shops and restaurants, Cherry Creek is also home to an eight screen movie theater, and sits just across the street from the Cherry Creek North, an upscale 16 block retail neighborhood that has more than 320 additional boutiques, restaurants, galleries, spas, and more! Cherry Creek and Cherry Creek North have enough to satisfy is the most indulgent shopper!
: Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos call Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium their home, and often enjoy playing to sold out crowds during football season. A state of the art stadium completed in 2001, Invesco Field is thought to offer a larger than average home field advantage due to the Bronco's acclimation to the above normal altitude. Games are often sold out well in advance, so plan ahead and get tickets early or risk chancing to find tickets for sale on game day.
: Children's Museum of Denver
The Children's Museum of Denver offers 11 innovative and interactive Playscapes, engaging daily programming and exciting special events designed for children newborn through age eight. This is the best hands on experience for children that want to learn and have some fun! Some of the Playscapes and attractions include: Alphabet Soup, the Assembly Plant, CMD Fire Station No. 1, My Market, Ready Vet GO! And much more! The museum also hosts other special events like Trick or Treat Street, Storybook hour, Playdates, and more. Grab a bite to eat at Eat Street Cafe, which has a wide variety of affordable, healthy eating options for children and grown ups alike. Checkout the Museum on Youtube! Allow at least 2 hours for a full experience of the museum. Admission: $7.50 for both kids and adults.
: Ogden Theater
A Denver favorite, the Ogden Theatre is an official city landmark and hosts over 150 world class performer's a year. The theatre was built in 1919 by the same designer of the Bluebird Theater. The Ogden Theatre originally hosted live performances such as weekly organ recitals, dances, lectures and vaudeville acts - most notably, the legendary Harry Houdini. By 1937 it had been converted to a movie theater featuring the classics to the avant-garde and in the '80's featuring the cult movie classic, the Rocky Horror Picture Show.The Ogden Theatre was re-opened in 1993 featuring a wide variety of live performances. The theatre found it's niche and has become Denver's premier concert venue featuring approximately 150 concerts per year. The Ogden Theatre is an official Denver landmark and a national historic landmark.
A variety of performers have graces the Ogden Theatre stage including John Hiatt, No Doubt, Green Day, Ben Harper, Allman Brothers Band, Blink 182, Smashing Pumpkins, and the Goo Goo Dolls.
: City Park
City Park is an urban park and neighborhood in Denver, Colorado. The park is 330 acres (1.3 km2) and is located in east-central Denver. The park contains the Denver Zoo, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, Ferril and Duck Lakes, and a boathouse. City Park is also the name of the neighborhood that contains the park, though the park is the vast majority of the neighborhood. To the immediate north of the park is the City Park Golf Course. City Park is the largest and most notable park in Denver.
Thousands of visitors come to see not only the park itself, but the cultural institutions contained within. The park holds a free summer concert series and has an interactive fountain that attracts many people to cool off in the water. The park has boat rentals, both standard paddle-boats as well as some shaped like various water creatures like pelicans and ducks.
: Four Mile Historic Park
Four Mile Historic Park, which is located four miles southeast of downtown Denver, is home to the oldest log home (built in 1859) still standing in Denver, an serves as the centerpiece for this 12-acre open air museum. Everything is entirely authentic from the period of 1859 to 1883; the house, its furnishings, outbuildings, and even the farm equipment. Draft horses and chickens occupy the bar, and the garden is full of plants and crops.
If visiting on the weekend, you can enjoy a horse-drawn carriage for $2 when the weather is permitting. Other seasonal “Heritage Events” feature various pioneer-era musicians and actors, as well as many food and craft demonstrations. Other big events include the 4th of July, a Great Pumpkin Harvest Festival, traditional Christmas festivities, and an outdoor theater series. Allow at least one hour for the tour, tours are $3.50 adult and $2 for children.
: Denver Center for Performing Arts
The Denver Center for the Performing Arts is a top level organization for local and touring theater, youth outreach, conservatory training, and includes the Denver Center Theater Company, the largest professional resident theater company in the Rockies. The center is also home to Denver Center Attractions, which brings in nearly a dozen touring Broad2ay productions annually. Tickets range from $20 to $80. Most shows, regardless of the company, sell out well in advance. Classes are available through the Denver Center Theatre Academy such as acting, public speaking, voice, and improvisational dance.