Denver City Guide
Welcome to Denver
Overlooked by the scenic Rocky Mountains, Denver is one city in which residents never run short on entertainment. Whether one is looking for high style entertainment and dining, or simply to have fun on a budget, Denver is the place. Residents may dine on buffalo, rattlesnake, or Rocky Mountain Oysters, and may enjoy activities as varied as skiing, shopping, watching basketball games, and paleontology. Some of the highlights of Denver you'll want to visit time and again include the Butterfly Pavilion, the 16th Street Mall, the Six Flags Elitch Gardens Theme Park, and the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave.
The Butterfly Pavilion
The Butterfly Pavilion, the first stand-alone non-profit insect zoo in the nation, is home to over 1,200 butterflies. Nature lovers can walk through the outdoor butterfly gardens, explore the nature trail, watch adult butterflies emerge from chrysalises, or explore the habitats of many other species of insects both rare and common.
Both adults and children will love the new experience the Butterfly Pavilion provides to visitors. It is located just outside Denver, at 6252 W 104th Ave. Admission is $7.95 for adults, $5.95 for seniors, and $4.95 for children.
The 16th Street Mall
Denver's sprawling, sixteen-block mall, with shuttles that run from one end to the other, is the shopper's paradise. The mall has been nominated multiple years for "Best Shopping Area." It contains all the shops and food stops you would typically expect to find at a mall, with specialty features such as high end restaurants, day spas, and copy centers. You name it, it's there.
The walkway that runs from one end of the mall to the other is a popular spot to walk or jog in the morning, but if you prefer not to walk from end to end of the mall, not only are the shuttles free of charge, it's also possible to get a ride in a horse-drawn carriage to the destination of your choice.
Six Flags Elitch Gardens Theme Park
For those who enjoy roller coasters, this theme park, located in downtown Denver, provides a unique experience for park-goers to enjoy the view of the city from the peak of a roller coaster. Another famous lookout spot in the park is the top of the Total Tower, which provides a great view in every direction. Along with great scenery and plenty of rides, this Six Flags features a tropical water park, free with admission to the park. One adult day pass costs $37.99, day passes for individuals 4" or shorter (restricted use) cost $21.99, and children age 3 and under have free admission. A more economical option is the season pass; one season pass costs only $49.99.
Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave
If you're a Wild West buff, Denver has plenty to offer. Along with being the home to the filming of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and having a Western History section in the expansive public library, Denver is home to the grave of "Buffalo" Bill Cody, legendary mountain man, along with a nearby Buffalo Bill museum.
Only 30 minutes from downtown Denver, the grave and museum are located among wildlife and Ponderosa Pines on Lookout Mountain, which, with its great view of Denver, is aptly named. Touring the museum is an inexpensive activity, prices stand at $3 for adults, $2 for seniors, $1 for children under age 15, and free for children under age 6.
Denver offers a wide assortment of other museums, parks, activities, bars, and unique dining experiences. Some of the other most notable attractions include the Colorado History Museum, Water World, and professional sports teams such as the Denver Broncos and Denver Nuggets. If you're moving to Denver any time soon, be forewarned that it may take a lifetime to experience all the city has to offer.
By Riannon Cutler
Associate Editor