Denver: Historic Walking Tours

(The Daniels and Fisher Tower, built in 1910 and once the tallest building West of the Mississippi. The top floors were recently put up for sale and therefore tours of the upper levels may only last for a limited time).

The city of Denver is currently undergoing a surge in population growth, making way for a new wave of businesses and infrastructure adjustments. As these changes continue, let us not tear down all of the old for the new.

On the contrary, Denver's foundations (like all cities) are layered with pieces of the past.

As you walk along the sidewalks, drive along the streets, or sit among the city parks....you are treading where Amerindians, gold seekers, homesteaders, and early entrepreneurs have already walked.

And let's not forget about the architecture.

Many of early Denver's buildings line the streets of downtown, as well as, surrounding neighborhoods. It is apparent the quality of design and thoughtfulness that went into early 20th century construction (especially in contrast to many of the new, fast and cheap designs going up right now).

Denver is the cool place that it is because of the way it has preserved its historic elements. However, whether it be forests or urban jungles, preservation usually takes place because of bold, passionate individuals. (Lower downtown Denver is no exception. See: Dana Crawford).

So, whether you are a Colorado native (and there seem to be fewer and fewer) or perhaps you recently moved here ....and all the rest of us in between....come explore Denver's past.

There are several historic walking tours offered seasonally or year-round.... And at least one that is even dog-friendly! Take a look and then book a tour today!

 

Historic Walking Tours!

 

 

View of the 16th Street Mall and downtown

 

1)  History Colorado offers historic walking tours. A new and exciting program they are offering is their History Hounds program. Tours consist of dog-friendly historic walking tours of Cheesman Park, City Park, and Mt. Falcon Open Space Park. Join expert guides, Shawn Snow or State Archaeologist Holly Norton for a guided tour! Sign up today!

2) Historic Denver initially began as a way to protect the Molly Brown House. Now, they are guiding the way, helping to preserve Denver's architectural treasures and historic past. They have several historic walking tours.

3)  The Crawford Hotel offers tours of Union Station.

4) Walk and sip, anyone? Check out a Denver microbrew tour.

5) Another option is Historic LoDO Walking Tours.

6) And, of course, there are several house museum tours (I have mentioned most of these before): Denver's oldest house, known as the  4 Mile House, the 17 Mile House, Molly Brown House Museum, and the Byer's-Evans house to name a few (there are many more).

7) Here are some ideas if you would rather make up your own walking tour.







So, put your walking shoes on and get out and explore! 

View from behind the clocktower of the Daniels-Fisher Tower

Denver's Union Station: A Dining Destination

Photos: J. Foster, 2016.

 

    I finally made my way to the newly renovated Union Station at 17th and Wynkoop, in downtown Denver. It was a fabulous mix of travelers with luggage surrounded by locals with curious appetites. Besides operating as a central hub for Amtrak, as well as, local RTD lightrail and bus terminals this historic location is now a hot spot for local food and drink fare.   

 

   As I examined the architecture both inside and out, I was reminded of two things: 1) the importance of historic preservation and 2) the thrill of being on a journey. I felt a sense of romantic nostalgia for another time and place. But as I stood in the present moment, I realized how grateful I am to live in a city that is expanding its infrastructure to include more rail lines. Denver really is a cool place to be.  

 

The Terminal Bar was a popular place at happy hour.

 

I stood in the main lobby/terminal for several minutes staring at the large terminal windows before going off to explore the hallways, stores, and restaurants.

I found the kiosk counter where I could have bought an Amtrak ticket to the east or west coasts before arriving at the Next Door Community Pub, where I chose to drink and dine.



Fish Tacos

 


Bacon Burger with Mashers

 I tried their "special of the day" fish tacos along with the Next Door's version of a Moscow Mule--very tasty! My date enjoyed a bacon burger with mashers. It was a fun time exploring some place new, as well as, tasting some yummy food. Also, our waiter was from London and quite fun to talk with.               

 Union Station is now home to several other popular restaurants:

 



Snooze an A.M Eatery

Stoic and Genuine

Mercantile Dining and Provision

Milkbox Ice Creamery

Next Door Community Pub

The Terminal Bar

The Cooper Lounge

 

Union Station is also home to the prestigious Crawford Hotel. The Crawford Hotel also gives tours of Union Station. Tickets must be purchased in advance. For more information on tours click here.  

 

For information regarding train and public transit, click here.

 

So, come and explore some Colorado history while enjoying the nostalgic ambiance of Denver's Union Station! Heck, maybe catch a train while you're at it!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denver; The Mile High City (and a funny story of inaccurate surveying)

Downtown Denver is a popular place for locals as it seems there is always a festival, concert, new restaurant or cultural event going on. Not to mention the art museum, history museum and central library are all located nearby as well.

Recently, as I was working on a history project, I needed to locate a specific monument designating the end of one of the old pioneer trails (the Smoky Hill trail marker at Colfax and Broadway), I remembered that on the steps of the Capitol building is the survey marker designating that you are standing officially one mile above sea level. So, I headed up to get some pics. The original engraving that says "one mile above sea level" was etched in 1947  on the 15th step of the Capitol (etched  because people kept taking the sign). However, in 1969 people determined that the 18th step was in deed the accurate elevation....Well....guess what....in 2003 the marker was moved again to the 13th step. (Apparently, land surveying is not always easy to decipher). At any rate if you stand at or near one of these markers you are standing pretty much officially at one mile above sea level.

As you stand on the steps and face west, you can see Denver's courthouse across the lawn, and beyond that the mountains or front range as we say here in Denver.

So, if you are downtown and want a quick, fun photo op--walk up the west side of the Capitol steps and pick a survey marker.

Banjo Billy's Bus Tours

For my 34th birthday I went on a fun, historical tour of Denver. It was a lot of fun learning about the history surrounding me! And Banjo Billy's Bus Tour was not disappointing! The tour guy was very knowledgeable and witty. The bus was decked out like a gypsy's home on wheels as we traveled back in time to the 1800's and the founding of Denver. We learned of gold prospectors, Molly Brown's home (whom apparently would not be too thrilled that everyone these days calls her Molly), brothels across from the Brown Palace, sacred Native American burial sites, and various other tidbits. It was a very interesting and fun time! Also, I highly recommend reservations if you are going in the summer.

For more information:

Banjo Billy Bus Tour

They also do tours in Boulder, as well as, Brewery and private tours.

Denver Bike Share

Have you ever wanted to just take a bike ride around Denver? Well, now you can without even having to bring your own bike. Denver's new bike share allows you to essentially rent a bike for minutes or hours at a time. There are several stations set up near downtown. You can start at the art museum and then ride to the 16th street mall and back...or wherever else you want to go.