Denver is on a rocket rise, and no wonder, with its rejuvenated downtown, outdoorsy ethos and alternative vibe attracting new arrivals from all over the country. If you want a laid-back city hub with a great climate and outdoor adventures, look no further.
Prices in Denver are going up as fast as the Daredevils are going up the Front Range. It's easy to burn through your travel money on a fleeting visit to the Colorado capital, which has evolved from a cowtown to a trendy hub.
Have no fear. The world-famous Red Rocks concert venue, as well as riverside parks and street art, are all free to visit in Denver. There are many free things to do in Denver.
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If you're looking for a photo op, the grand outer staircase is a good place to start.
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The US Mint in Denver is the single largest producer of coins in the world and has free guided tours every week. The experience is engaging as guides give a detailed history of the mint and manufacturing techniques behind the pennies.
You may be able to get a ticket in advance if you use the request form on the website.
The Union Station is Denver's main transportation hub but there's more to see. There is a sumptuous central lounge with leather couches, deep chairs, and free wi-fi. Drinks and eats can be bought at various places.
The outdoor plaza by the station is filled with children running through the pop-up fountain during the warmer summer months. The farmers' market is open on Saturdays.
It's the best time to go to Denver.
The streets of RiNo are adorned with stop-you-in-your-tracks street art. A one-time industrial wasteland, RiNo is now the heart of cool Denver, with galleries, boutiques, and innovative eateries. Walk the streets and look for murals in alleys, doorways and parking lots.
The Denver Art Museum is the crown jewel of Denver's art scene and has an eclectic collection. One of the largest collections of Native American art in the world can be found at the museum.
The museum is buzzing with special exhibitions and interactive art stations. Children under the age of 18 are always free, while adults can enjoy free admission almost every month.
Civic Center Park is a great place to retreat after visiting a gallery. There are food trucks here from May to October.
Denverites go to the Santa Fe, RiNo and Golden Triangle art districts on the first Friday of the month to check out art galleries, private studios and co-ops. Drinks, food trucks, live music and a general sense of revelry are some of the things that can be found at the event.
The Red Rocks amphitheater is one of the most impressive music venues in the world. Summer nights bring big-name musicians and shoulder-to- shoulder crowds to the venue, which is renowned for its acoustics. It is well worth the 15-mile trip out of Denver to visit during the day. Go to the amphitheater, climb the stairs, check out the views, and then hit the many miles of trails that go through the red rock formations.
A free concert is something that everyone loves. Jazz concerts are held on Lake Ferril in City Park every summer. The concerts feature well-known bands playing everything from jazz and blues to R&B and salsa. The program attracts around 10,000 concert goers each week and many locals bring along picnic blankets and lawn chairs to dance in front of the bandstand.
Bring your own food and drinks and come early to stake out a good spot to make the most of the concerts.
This free tour takes you behind the scenes at an old-school candy maker that has been making candy for over a century. Many of the machines here date from the late 1800s and early 1900s, and you can watch the workers stretch, cut and fold the candy.
The largest urban wildlife refuge in the country is located on the outskirts of Denver. bison and bald eagles are two of the 330 species of wildlife that can be seen at this green space that used to be a US Army chemical weapons production facility.
There are 10 miles of hiking trails for walkers. You can either take a self-guided driving tour or go fishing. The Visitor Center has an exhibit hall and a Discovery Room for children. Tours of the refuge are free.
The bison area is only open to drivers, so if you want to see the biggest inhabitants, you'll have to bring your wheels.
Great Divide Brewery is a powerhouse in a town known for its craft beers. It has 18 Great American Beer Festival medals and is among the country's most celebrated. On a first-come, first-served basis, family-friendly free tours of its downtown brewhouse are offered every day. It is a good place to see how its magic sauces are made.
In the midst of verdant fields, dramatic skyscraper views and two colliding waterways is where Denver's urbanites come to relax. It feels like a part of everyday Denver life at this park. During the summer months, there is a small, shallow riverside beach where families can splash in the South Platte.
There are several local centers that rent out kayaks, inner tubes and stand up paddleboards.
You can take a seat at the bar at the factory whenever it's open. The bartender will show you how to make skis while you drink a beer. There is a locally-owned ski manufacturer that creates custom as well as ready-to- slide wooden skis. The results are pretty amazing because of the eco-conscious crafter's use of Colorado wood.
About 17 hours ago, this article was updated.