Interesting Things To Do In Denver

An Overview of Denver

On the edges of the imposing Rocky Mountains, the city of Denver serves as the capital of Colorado and an American metropolis. The city has the flat plains of the Midwest to the East and sharply rising foothills to the west, a mild, dry and sunny climate present throughout the year. The city is well known for it’s museums, indigenous cultural landmarks, Western pioneer history and brewery culture, but the city is mostly used as a launching-off point for treks, hikes, skiing, snowboarding, camping and other outdoor activities in the nearby Rockies. Also known as “The Mile High City” due to its elevation and full of unique outdoor activities, there are many interesting things to do in Denver.

Interesting Things To Do In Denver

International Church of Cannabis

This Lutheran Church is part of a recent faith system known as “Elevationism,” with central tenants discussing the spiritual impacts of cannabis. The interior of the church is impressive, flamboyant technicolor lights glowing along the religious walls and neon-colored murals on the ceiling. The venue holds regular gatherings, as well as music and light shows for guests. There’s a cover charge to enter.

Buckhorn Exchange

Far more than a simple steakhouse, the Buckhorn Exchange is also a historical shop-and-eatery with dozens of historical artifacts on display within. The steakhouse has numerous mounted game heads across the walls, including mountain lions, big game, deer, elk and more. The menu is likewise outlandish, offering unusual foods like yak, ostrich, elk and Rocky Mountain Oysters (bull testicles). Trying the local menu is one of the strange and interesting things to do in Denver.

Blue Mustang

Otherwise known as “Blucifer,” this demonic-looking horse rearing back on its hind legs is an iconic cast-fiberglass sculpture seen at the Denver International Airport.

Fool’s Gold Loaf

This is a unique sandwich made and sold by the Colorado Mine Company restaurant in Denver. The interesting meal involves a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with peanut butter, special grape jelly and a pound of bacon.

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre

Denver is home to some truly fantastic rock formations and hiking trails, but the most famous and often-visited are those around Red Rocks Park. Aside from having unique geography and impressive cliffs, the Red Rocks Amphitheatre is an iconic outdoor music venue formed in the slopes of a natural mountain-edge.

Denver Botanical Gardens

The Denver Botanical Gardens are located in the Cheesman Park Neighborhood, hosting a large conservatory, several themed gardens, some nice sculptures and a sunken amphitheater which hosts regular events.

Dinosaur Ridge 

Found on the edge of town, this is a unique little visitor’s center which hosts several dinosaur fossils and numerous dinosaur tracks along a pair of mountain hiking trails.

Little Man Ice Cream

This is a popular ice cream chain native to Denver known for homemade ice cream, novelty treats and unique snacks. The distinct storefront is the shape of a giant bottle of old-fashioned cream.

The Wild Animal Sanctuary

Located in the nearby town of Keenesburg, this sanctuary is dedicated to the rescue, wellbeing and care of large predators who faced ill-treatment. the sanctuary has rescued lions, tigers, bears and other large predators. There’s an admission charge for those wishing to visit the sanctuary.

Inventing Room Dessert Shop

This is a novelty dessert shop which makes ice creams, outlandish candies and other desserts using unique molecular techniques in a brightly colored shop.

Meow Wolf Denver

This is a part of a surreal, interactive art-and-sound immersion experience, best defined by strange sculptures and miniture story arcs. There are several Meow Wolf studios throughout the US, with the venue in Denver being one of the most urbanized and popular.

Mile High Comics

For visitors who might enjoy comics and pop culture, Mile High Comics is a splendid warehouse-sized shop with tons of comic books, life-sized props and unique toys.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Deep in the mountains past the edges of Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park is a fantastic outdoor protected area with stunning mountain terrain and a vast network of hiking trails, campsites, river routes and outdoor activities. Popular sights in the region includes Bear Lake, Alberta Falls, Sky Pond, Emerald Lake, Dream Lake, the Rainbow Curve Overlook, the Forest Canyon Overlook, Moraine Park and activities in the nearby community of Estes Park.

Elves at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science

The Denver Museum of Nature and Science is a natural history and science museum focused on the Rocky Mountain Region. However, the museum also hosts a number of murals and dioramas, created by artist Kent Pendleton. Pendleton often hid tiny mythical beings in his works, so there are now eight hidden “elves” lurking about in the images.

The American Museum of Western Art

This museum is the permanent home for the startlingly excellent Anschutz Collection, which contains a large array of historic paintings depicting the American West. The paintings have compelling subject matter from the region, capturing scenery and events from the 1800s through the 2000s.

Museum of Outdoor Arts (MOA)

This is a non-profit museum full of outdoor sculptures and unique, abstract pieces. The MOA often hosts special events, art exhibitions and performances.

Plains Conservation Center

The Plains Conservation Center, located slightly to the East of Denver, is a large natural area known for daunting overlooks of the natural plains, commanding views of the rocky mountains and numerous plant and animal species. Of special interest, there are replicas of tipis and a homestead village, as well as wild pronghorns, a prairie dog town and horses.

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