Discover Denver
Featuring a series of unique guided tours around the Mile High City
Introduction by Sarah Ford
Tours compiled by Danielle Krolewicz, Conner Dawson, Robert Davis, and Sarah Ford
Photos by Giles Clasen, Conner Dawson, and Sarah Ford
Art by Book Williams Jr.
Welcome to the Denver VOICE’s eighth annual tourism edition. Each year, we put together a series of guided tours that showcase the side of Denver you may not be familiar with. We strive to showcase some of Denver’s best hidden secrets — the best, weirdest, and quirkiest places that make up our city.
This year, we take you to see the places you may already know from the silver screen. Sure, Denver is no Hollywood, but we have our own burgeoning TV and film industry. Or take our tour of historical sites. You may be familiar with some of Denver’s most prominent historical locations, such as the Molly Brown House, but have you ever visited the Richthofen Castle? Do you know why the Goosetown Tavern, at 20 years old, is considered a notable part of Denver’s history?
Each tour is unique and specially crafted to bring you to places even the locals may not know. Plus, all are doable with just your feet, a bike, or a few dollars for public transit. No cars necessary! At the VOICE, we strive to focus on perspective and the many different perspectives of a single story. That isn’t true of just poverty and homelessness. Whether you’re local or just visiting, we hope these tours will provide a fun way to see a part of our city you may not have known before, or help you find new layer to the city you already know and love. Enjoy!
1. Historic Locations
After 160 years of history, you may be surprised at how hard it is to find some of Denver’s oldest locations. As the city grows, more historic sites are lost each year. Sure, you can head down to see the famous Molly Brown House or Daniels and Fisher Clock Tower. But to step into the lesser-known parts of our city’s history, try this tour that will bring you to some of Denver’s grooviest and most delicious spots.
Photo: Goosetown Tavern.
(Credit: Giles Clasen)
2. As Seen on TV
After 160 years of history, you may be surprised at how hard it is to find some of Denver’s oldest locations. As the city grows, more historic sites are lost each year. Sure, you can head down to see the famous Molly Brown House or Daniels and Fisher Clock Tower. But to step into the lesser-known parts of our city’s history, try this tour that will bring you to some of Denver’s grooviest and most delicious spots.
Photo: Diners enjoy lunch at the popular Tocabe.
(Credit: Sarah Ford)
3. A Day Out
Denverites are known for being outdoor enthusiasts. In the winter you find us on the slopes, and in the summer bikers, hikers, and campers fill the mountains. But if you don’t have time for a multi-day escape, there are lots of ways to get away for a day and enjoy Colorado’s beautiful outdoors in and around our city.
Photo: Chamberlin Observation Tower.
(Credit: Giles Clasen)
4. Denver Street Art
One of Denver’s best-kept secrets is the city’s street art. Many murals were commissioned by businesses looking to spruce up their neighborhood. Others were painted by local artists who contribute to the vibrancy of the city as much as the Rocky Mountains looming in the horizon. Here is a great tour of the best pieces to see while in the Mile High City while they last.
Photo: The “Project Colfax” art installation.
(Credit: Sarah Ford)
5. RiNo Galleries
RiNo is expanding quickly, with new apartment complexes and businesses going up everywhere you look. As RiNo continues to develop, it should be distinguished first and foremost as a community for creative aspiration and collaboration rather than a mass of craft breweries and trendy fitness studios. To find the “Art District” roots of RiNo, this walking tour will bring you to the galleries where artists strive to create meaningful art in a meaningful community.
Photo: The mural behind RiNo Athletics.
(Credit: Conner Dawson)
6. Back to the Future
The 80s were an era of great music, great fashion, great movies, and groovy style. To find the 80s vibe in Denver, you won’t need a DeLorean. South Broadway is a haven for retro-themed spots. In addition to all the antique shops, here are a few favorites on the strip.
Photo: Fifty-Two 80’s: A Totally Awesome Shop.
(Credit: Giles Clasen)
7. Vendor Spots
VOICE vendors have become as much a staple of our city as the restaurants, sites, and attractions highlighted in these tours. You may run into some of our vendors on any of these tours or spot one outside of the next Broncos or Rockies game. However, some loyal readers have been asking where they can reliably find our vendors to pick up each month’s edition of the paper. To help, our final tour highlights some locations where you can count on finding one of our hardworking vendors. Although this tour will show you where you can get our paper, it will also bring you to some of the best and most well-loved parts of Denver along the way.
Photo: Penny Sandoval.
(Credit: Jesse Borrell)