A mile high above sea level, Denver is one of the highest cities in the US. It’s also among the liveliest, with seriously fun attractions and quirky sights. Explore the city, then uncover the best activities in northern Colorado.
Navigate the best attractions in Denver
Colorado’s capital is the ideal place for a romantic city break or action-packed family vacation. Even if you’re here on business, the range of enticing crowd-pleasers makes it easy to take a break the right way.
The Denver Botanic Gardens are centrally located, creating the perfect spot to escape the city’s busy streets. Discover 23 acres of enchanting plant life, palm trees, flowers and even a Japanese-style eastern garden.
The nearby Denver Art Museum is another top attraction, great for whiling away a peaceful afternoon. The futuristic building houses a vast collection of regional works as well as classic paintings from Europe.
History and culture buffs will love the collection of other niche centres, from the American Museum of Western Art to the United States Mint. The Mint produces every single coin made in America – and you can pick up a commemorative dollar at the gift shop after a tour.
Catch a show at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre to soak up the unique atmosphere of live music in an open-air mountain park. If you prefer sport, witness the livelier side of US culture with an energetic NFL game at Denver Broncos’ Mile High Stadium.
Visit a Buddhist Stupa
The North Colorado hills are not the most obvious site for a traditional Buddhist monument, but this mystical landscape is full of surprises. The Great Stupa of Dharmakaya is tucked away in the northern Colorado hills near Red Feather Lakes in the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forest.
This replica of traditional Asian buildings stands at 32 meters tall, and is one of the finest examples of Buddhist architecture in North America. Stupas are designed to promote feelings of peace, harmony and health - so the surrounding cliff-top forests provide the perfect location.
Learn about the Rocky Mountains
Taking to the slopes and trails is a popular way to explore Colorado’s rugged landscape, but the Rocky Mountains National Park is also a great place to learn about nature.
Moraine Park Discovery Centre is a mountaintop museum, historic building and seat of nature-themed learning. Interactive exhibitions and a wealth of information on the mountain range are provided within.
There’s also a bookstore and outdoor nature trail the whole family will enjoy. This fascinating centre is open throughout the summer months, and you can visit from Denver via the US-36.
Discover small town beauty at Fort Collins
Outside the bustling cities and deserted wilderness, northern Colorado has its own unique Midwestern culture. Small towns dotted along the highway are like time capsules, with slow-paced charm and a relaxing atmosphere.
Venture north to Fort Collins, stopping off at a traditional diner for an authentic taste of America. Here, you’ll find 18th century architecture, airy parks and plenty of recreation ground. The suburbs provide a taste of small town beauty, while the iconic Swetsville ‘Zoo’ offers a menagerie of scrap metal animal sculptures standing at the roadside. Lucky visitors will spot grinning beasts made from vehicle parts and the mechanic likeness of famous faces.
Car rental from Denver airport is a great way to see all these sights and more. Start planning your itinerary today and delve into the heart of the Coloradan Badlands.
