This library, a post-modern structure full of turrets and odd geometrical shapes, is a bastion of knowledge. Internally, the academic atmosphere of each study area is indicative of individual moods. Six of the ten floors of the library are open to the public. Keeping with the tradition set in 1894, the library still has a world-class children's facility. The library is a regional depository for government publications. It offers extensive genealogical resources as well as historical books, photographs, art, and memorabilia chronicling the American West. The library also offers fiction and non-fiction texts, periodicals and computers allowing free Internet access. Tours are available.
Experience the great outdoors at Denver Botanic Gardens. Sprawling over three acres (nine hectares), this natural oasis is replete with several themed gardens. Stroll along bonsais at the Japanese Garden, or enjoy a fairytale-like experience with Winnie the Pooh and friends at the Storybook Gardens. Xeriscape Demo Garden is great to gather tips on home gardening and horticulture, while the Rock Alpine Garden showcases a unique topography. Take a guided tour and marvel at the verdant landscape dotted with exotic flora, lawns, waterfalls and ponds. In addition, these gardens offer several botanical exhibitions, illustrations and workshops that are both fun and interesting.
Where else can you visit polar ice caps, a tropical forest, the African Savannah, and a jungle all in one day? The spectacular Denver zoo offers state-of-the-art habitats featuring more than 3500 animals representing 600 species. Visit with sloths, tree frogs, and a moray eel at the indoor Tropical Discovery exhibit. Or wander through the seven-acre Primate Panorama exhibit. From cold climate penguins to tropical flamingos, Bird World will inspire your appreciation of winged things. It is open 365 days a year.
This museum occupies Hangar Number One on Lowry Campus, formerly known as the Lowry Air Force Base. Here, visitors can view 31 aircraft, from a World War II Corsair to the B1A Bomber. The museum also houses extensive exhibits on the history of Lowry Air Force Base, World Wars I and II, former President Dwight D. Eisenhower and even the Hubbell Telescope. A display on the science of flight includes a space station simulator.
Baseball is an essential part of the American culture and a vibrant component of Denver, all of which makes Coors Field a hub of activity during the summer. It seats more than 50,000 and is regarded as one of most fan-friendly parks in the country. For a few dollars you can take a guided walking tour and learn about the history of the field while taking in all the sights, including the Colorado Rockies dugout and the visiting team's clubhouse.
This restored Victorian mansion, once the home of legendary Denver resident Maggie (Molly) Brown now serves as a popular museum that attracts more than 40,000 visitors a year. The museum explores the eccentric life of the 'Unsinkable Molly Brown,' a Titanic survivor and eminent figure in the city's Gold Rush heritage. After the tour, browse around the gift shop and check out the selection of t-shirts, books and other memorabilia. There are guided tours available and regular special events and performances also take place.
This beautiful nine floor building was once said to be the tallest structure in Denver until 1911. This Renaissance Revival structure built with brick granite on the front portion is mainly used for commercial purpose. Comprising of offices, this building looks stunning in architecture and is a great tourist attraction since the early times.
Built in 1897, the Avoca Lodge was the summer home of Margaret Brown, an American philanthropist and socialite who is best known for being an RMS Titanic survivor. She lived in the lodge with her husband James Joseph Brown. The late 19th century country home boasts of typical Victorian architecture and comes complete with red brick walls. Expansive gardens also complement the 20th century house. Now listed in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, the Avoca Lodge is a must-visit during your time in Denver, for the fascinating history of the house as well as its owners.
Red Rocks Amphitheater is a stunning, naturally formed amphitheater located in the Rocky Mountains. The first ever natural amphitheater in the world, it is geologically formed, made up of two, three hundred foot (91.44 meters) monoliths. The Red Rocks area is known as the Garden of Angels and is world-famous for its perfect acoustic pitch. Red Rocks has been the venue for entertainers since the turn of the century and has a plethora of musicians and artists performing every month. Even if there isn't a concert playing, there's always the majestic splendor of the 640-acre (259 hectares) park that surrounds the venue.
Located in quaint Arvada Downtown, the Arvada Flour Mill Museum is located in a vacant flour mill. Built in 1926, the restored mill is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Come view equipment dating back to the late 1800s. Packed with history and interesting stories, the mill is currently owned by the Arvada Historical Society, who give tours of the place by appointment only.
Chamberlin Observatory houses a historic 28-foot (8.5-meter) long, 20-inch (50 centimeter) aperture refracting telescope. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the building was constructed from red rustic sandstone blocks with Romanesque style. It organizes open houses and public nights featuring informative and fun presentations on astronomy. Presentations are beautifully illustrated with colorful computer graphics and audio visual methods, and are designed for visitors of all ages.
See a different side of Denver city by booking yourself a place at the Nightly Spirits tour. The company was started on a whim in 2012 by two friends and has now grown over time. The tour-guides are friendly and informative and throw light on the history of Denver. Haunted places, ghost stories and eerie buildings are the center of attraction here.