In my earlier blogs, I shared with you our experiences at the Arches National Park in Utah, our adventures around Lake Powell, and the amazing scenery of the Antilope Canyons in Arizona. Our roadtrip to these destinations, however, started in Denver, Colorado.
Arriving from the flat landscape of the MidWest and the Great Plains, the drive to Denver was long but very rewarding. Nothing beats the sight of the Rocky Mountains appearing on the horizon, and the skyline of Denver just in front of it. The mountains so high and impressive, that they dwarf the skyscrapers of the city.
Let me tell you about the city and its surroundings.
Exploring the Mile High City; Denver:
Denver is often referred to as the "Mile-High City" due to its elevation above sea level. The city is situated exactly one mile (1,609 meters) above sea level, making it one of the highest major cities in the United States.
Union Station
Upon our arrival in Denver, our first stop was the iconic Union Station. The Beaux-Arts style, 1914, the building is still the transportation hub in Denver but also houses the luxurious Crawford Hotel.
I always think Union Stations today have become cool hubs that connect a city's past with its new modern vibe.
Street Art
The Union Station is located in LoDo (Lower Downtown) and gives access to the main shopping streets, of which the 16th Street - and its 16th Street Mall - is the major one, stretching over a mile from the Union to the Civic Center Station. On the way, we enjoyed a lot of cool street art. Major murals.... and a blue bear 🐻, a simple attraction gainer for the convention center, but it has turned into a tourist magnet.
City Park
With my wife and daughter wanting to check out every store and boutique, the Travel Dad's feet started to get tired. Time for a locally brewed IPA! That is Denver too; one of the largest micro-brewery communities in the country, and boy, do those beers taste good.
We continued our walk to the City Park, an urban oasis that provides a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle. With its scenic lakes, lush greenery, and iconic Ferril Lake Pavilion, City Park is a perfect spot for a stroll or a peaceful picnic.
Exploring Areas Outside Denver:
The good thing about a family road trip is that you always have your car with you. Waking up the next morning, the plan was to take the car and venture beyond the city limits. Three destinations just outside of Denver were on the list:
1. Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum:
On the outskirts of Denver, we visited the Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum. A fascinating excursion filled with vintage aircraft and aviation history.
It includes a B-52 Stratofortress, an F-14 Tomcat, an SR-71 Blackbird, and some Star Wars X-Wings and Pod Racers as well to top it off. This is a must-do if you are roadtripping with children!
2. Buffalo Bill's Grave:
A visit to Buffalo Bill's grave transported us into the foothills of the Rockies, and back to the Wild West era. Located atop Lookout Mountain, the final resting place of the legendary Buffalo Bill Cody offers great panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
He was an iconic and controversial figure of the American West during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He gained fame as a buffalo hunter, became symbolic of the Wild West, and died in 1917 in Denver. There's more to learn about the man in the Museum in the same location.
3. The Village of Golden:
Golden is a truly picturesque small-town charm city located 15 minutes west of Denver, also in the foothills of the Rockies. It was founded in the 1850s during the Colorado Gold Rush. The city's name reflects its origins as a mining town, with prospectors seeking gold in the surrounding hills. Golden today has well-preserved historic buildings, including 19th-century architecture, with a mix of boutique shops, galleries, restaurants, and cafes. Touristy, but worth a little visit.
Tips and Links to plan your Denver Road Trip
Book a hotel in Denver as your home base for 2 or 3 days. While downtown is cool, it is also expensive. We booked a hotel on the outskirts of the city with free parking and made our way downtown or into the Rockies from there.
Read more about things to do in Denver
More background information about Denver's iconic Union Station
Book your tickets online for the Wings over the Rockies Museum
Check-out the city of Golden
More information about Buffalo Bill's grave site
