These Are Denver’s Most Recognizable Landmarks & Historical Sites

I’m a Denver local here to help you discover the Mile High City’s most famous landmarks and historical sites! 

Some of these are well-known Denver attractions. But there are a few lesser known sites and hidden gems that you’ll want to explore as well! I also share free activities, things to do in every season, and options for a variety of interests. 

31 Famous Landmarks in Denver

Colorado State Capitol Building

Tour the historic Colorado State Capitol Building, where the most important decisions in the state are made.

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The Colorado State Capitol Building is more than 100 years old, and there’s plenty to learn about this historic building! On weekdays, you can walk in and wander around or show up for a tour. 

Some of the most interesting Denver facts relate to the Colorado State Capitol Building. For example, its dome is covered in gold leaf that was mined from Colorado mountain towns. The Capitol is also easy to spot because state law prohibits structures from blocking the building’s views of the Rockies. 

Denver Union Station

Catch a train, grab a bite to eat, and browse Colorado’s favorite local bookstore.

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Denver Union Station is also over 100 years old, and the historic building is one of the city’s most well-known landmarks! It’s a major hub for getting around Denver via bus or train.  

Inside, you’ll find an upscale hotel and some of the city’s best restaurants. There’s also Tattered Cover Book Store and many other stores to browse. Fountains out front are a place for kids to cool off in summer. 

Colorado Convention Center

Spot the Big Blue Bear and see the site of popular Colorado events like the Great American Beer Festival! 

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The Colorado Convention Center is the site of one of our most well-loved public art pieces. The official name of the art piece is I See What You Mean, but everyone in Denver, for obvious reasons, calls it the “Big Blue Bear.” 

Several Colorado events are hosted here. These include the Great American Beer Festival, the Colorado Garden & Home Show, and other conventions. 

Coors Field

Cheer the Rockies to victory at this top-rated ballpark!

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USA Today rated Coors Field as one of the year’s top 10 MLB stadiums!

It has beautiful views of the mountains and delicious food. Plus, its location in the Ballpark District means there are plenty of bars and restaurants near the game. In my opinion, it’s one of the best Denver date ideas — but also a great place to enjoy a summer evening with friends and family! 

City Park

Have a picnic after a visit to the Denver Zoo or the Museum of Nature & Science. 

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City Park features Ferril and Duck Lakes, two of the best lakes in Denver. There’s also a rose garden, a kids’ splash fountain, rocks to climb, and lots of walking paths. 

It’s also a nice spot for lunch. I recommend picnicking after a trip to the Denver Zoo. The Museum of Nature & Science, one of the best museums in Denver, is also located in City Park. 

Mustang

This is the first Denver landmark to greet you when you arrive.

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Flying into Denver International Airport? Mustang, better known to locals as “Blucifer,” is one of the first landmarks you’ll spot. The demon horse of DIA has lots of conspiracy theories surrounding him, plus his own dark and fascinating history. 

Denver Mint

Tour this moneymaker and learn about how the country’s cash is made. 

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Learn how the largest coin producer in the world makes all its money! There are free, guided tours of the Denver Mint available Monday through Thursday, excluding holidays. It’s definitely one of the best experiences when visiting Denver on a budget. 

And yes, there is a gift shop. Get your dad jokes about hoping to leave with souvenirs ready. 

Denver Botanic Gardens

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The Denver Botanic Gardens are open year-round, providing an oasis during Colorado’s long winter months. The Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory is one of my favorite spots to visit when it’s chilly out. Wander among orchids and tropical flowers when it’s 20° outside. 

The botanic gardens are, of course, a riot of color in late spring and summer as well — which are some of the best times to visit Denver. 

Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception

Admire the workmanship of this cathedral or participate in a worship service. 

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The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception was dedicated in 1912, and Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass here in 1993. The exterior of the impressive building has limestone from Indiana and granite from Gunnison, Colorado. The altar, bishop’s chair, and statuary inside are made of marble imported from Italy. 

The cathedral is still an operating place of worship, and you can attend Mass several times during the week. 

Brown Palace Hotel

Attend afternoon tea, hit up one of the restaurants or bars, or indulge in pampering at this historic hotel. 

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The Brown Palace is one of the top Denver hotels. It opened in the 1890s and is popular today for its legendary tea service in the lobby. 

There are also six restaurants and bars, a spa, and a salon. Additionally, you can sign up for a themed tour of the hotel, which includes Ghost Tours, Presidential Visits, and Ladies of the Brown. 

📚 Related Reading: Check out Nate’s comprehensive guide for more ideas on where to stay in Denver! 

Denver Art Museum

Check out work from local artists and world-renowned masterpieces. 

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The Denver Art Museum is a must on any Denver itinerary. It has over 70,000 pieces of art from around the world and throughout history. You’ll find classic paintings, sculptures, and interactive art pieces. 

In my opinion, visiting the Denver Art Museum is also one of the best things to do in Denver with kids! There’s a dedicated space for them to practice art forms and learn about famous museum pieces. 

Colorado Railroad Museum

All aboard for a history-filled day of exploring!

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The Colorado Railroad Museum is one of many things to do in Golden and an easy day trip from Denver. 

Here, you can ride a train or tour the outdoor railyard with dozens of cars from the 1880s to the 1980s. You’re allowed to board several of the cars and get a close-up look! There’s also a model train layout and special events for kids. 

D&F Tower (Daniels & Fisher)

See one of the city’s most memorable landmarks along the 16th Street Mall.

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The Daniels & Fisher Tower (known to most of us as “the clocktower”) was part of a dry goods store built in downtown Denver in 1911. The tower is all that’s left of the original store. 

There is now a cabaret in the basement of the building with burlesque, comedy, and music shows, plus a full bar and restaurant. 

Meow Wolf Denver

Experience Meow Wolf’s otherworldly cosmic adventure.

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It’s hard to explain Meow Wolf, but I’ll give it a try. It has elements of a dystopian novel and a Burning Man-style art installation, and it all adds up to a trippy afternoon of fun! The building itself has become a Denver landmark that you can spot as you drive into town from the west. 

For more, check out our full guide to visiting Meow Wolf.

Wells Fargo Center

Learn about the distinctive cash register building that’s part of Denver’s skyline. 

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The Wells Fargo Center is a Denver landmark because of its unique shape — it looks like a cash register! In fact, if you live here, you may not even know the actual name of this building. We all call it the Cash Register Building. The tower houses various offices and workspaces.

Empower Field

Cheer on the Broncos at this sports and live music stadium!

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Empower Field at Mile High is the biggest of all stadiums in Colorado. You can see it from I-25 while driving near downtown Denver. It’s the place where the Denver Broncos play, and it has hosted some of our largest concerts. These include performances by Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran. 

Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre

Go to an outdoor concert or take a hike at Red Rocks.

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Red Rocks is a gorgeous outdoor music venue, and many top artists say the views make it one of their favorites. There are also some scenic hikes that wind through Red Rocks. My personal favorite is Red Rocks Trading Post Trail. 

Finally, Red Rocks is home to the Colorado Music Hall of Fame, one of the top free things to do in Denver!  

Lookout Mountain

See the grave of a Wild West star, visit an Arts & Crafts mansion, or go on a scenic hike.

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Lookout Mountain is also home to some of Denver’s best hikes! Plus, it’s the site of Buffalo Bill’s grave and a museum on his life. 

The Lookout Mountain Preserve and Nature Center is fascinating for kids, with lots of hands-on exhibits and a short hiking trail. And the Boettcher Mansion next to the nature center is a lovely building with pretty views and rustic features.  

Molly Brown House Museum

Tour the museum and learn more about this famous philanthropist and activist.

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Molly Brown is best known for surviving the sinking of the Titanic, but she was a key figure in Colorado’s mining history, too! Tour her home in Capitol Hill, one of the best Denver neighborhoods. 

Here, you can trace Molly Brown’s life from Mississippi to Leadville, Colorado, followed by her work as a progressive reformer in downtown Denver. 

16th Street Mall

Window-shop, people-watch, and grab a bite to eat along this pedestrian mall. 

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The 16th Street Mall stretches from Union Station almost to the Capitol Building. It has hundreds of shops, restaurants, and attractions. 

16th Street Mall also contains the Denver Pavilions. In this more traditional mall, you’ll find chain stores, a bowling alley, and a movie theater. 

History Colorado Center

Learn about Colorado’s past with lots of interactive exhibits. 

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The History Colorado Center teaches visitors about Colorado’s unique lands and stories. Pretend you’re landing a jump in the ski jump simulator or create something in the makerspace. You can also try your hand at life in the 1910s at the “Destination Colorado” exhibit. 

Buckhorn Exchange

Have dinner at the oldest restaurant in Denver!

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Buckhorn Exchange is a place where silver barons, railroad men, and even President Theodore Roosevelt once ate and imbibed. Order up some unique Denver foods like buffalo, rattlesnake, elk, and quail. This Denver institution also offers more standard meats like beef and fish. 

Denver Center for Performing Arts

See an opera, a musical, a play, and much more!

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The Denver Center for the Performing Arts complex encompasses more than fourteen performance and event venues. The Ellie Caulkins Opera House, the Buell Theatre, and the Boettcher Concert Hall are three venues. They host the Colorado Symphony, the Colorado Ballet, traveling Broadway shows, and many other events. 

Civic Center Park

Enjoy a sunny afternoon near the Capitol!

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Civic Center Park is located next to the Colorado State Capitol Building. It has flower gardens, public art, and historic structures. It’s also the site of many Colorado events throughout the year, as well as the Mile High Tree — one of the best winter attractions in Denver. 

Denver Public Library

Play games, brush up on Western history, and grab a coffee at the Denver Central Public Library!

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The Central Branch of the Denver Public Library is seven stories of books and offices. The children’s section on the bottom floor includes a craft room, oversized games, and plenty of books. The library is also known for its collection of Western history books, art, and photos.

👉 Pro Tip: The library is currently undergoing a $60 million renovation, and only the first floor is open. The renovation is expected to be completed in 2024. 

Denver Zoo

Marvel at animals from around the world!

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The Denver Zoo has more than 3,000 animals over 84 acres. It recently opened a new flamingo habitat, and the Toyota Elephant Passage is one of the largest elephant habitats in North America. 

Zookeepers also do live demonstrations with animals! A one-on-one penguin encounter, which you can book for an extra fee, is one of our favorite experiences at the Denver Zoo.  

Larimer Square

Enjoy trendy bars, restaurants, and shops in this quaint area of downtown Denver.

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Larimer Square has incredible Denver bars, delicious restaurants, and lots of small shops. The stores are perfect for finding unique Denver souvenirs since most of them are small businesses. Flags and twinkle lights are strung across the buildings year-round and add to the atmosphere of celebration.

Four Mile Historic Park

Explore Denver’s oldest standing structure and learn about the area’s Western heritage. 

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Four Mile Historic Park is a 12-acre space that includes a working farm and the Four Mile House Museum, the oldest standing structure in Denver. The museum has artifacts from the mid-to-late 1800s. There are often reenactors at the park, sharing about life in Denver in the 19th century. 

Elitch Gardens

Shriek on death-defying roller coasters at the only downtown theme and water park in the U.S. 

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You can scream your head off on terrifying roller coaster rides and eat your share of amusement park food at Elitch Gardens. The amusement and water parks are open all summer. Elitch’s also has a Fright Fest each fall and a holiday light show called Luminova Holidays. 

Confluence Park

Cool off in Denver’s downtown river park!

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Confluence Park is at the joining of Cherry Creek and the South Platte River, near REI’s flagship store. Kayakers enjoy paddling in the park, and people will tube, wade, and swim there in the summer. There are also riverside trails for walkers and bikers, plus a dog park nearby.

Cheesman Park

Head out for a run or a picnic at Cheesman Park — but watch out for ghosts!

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Cheesman Park has a pavilion and fountains that give it a classical feel. A two-mile loop around the park is a popular route for runners and walkers. The park backs up to the Denver Botanic Gardens. 

Cheesman Park was also once a cemetery, and there are still plenty of bodies buried there, leading to rumors that the park is haunted. 

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Want more? Check out Nate’s guide to the essential things to do in Denver.