Denver

Black American West Museum & Heritage Center

Set in the home of Dr. Justina Ford, Colorado's first Black woman doctor, this museum is dedicated to the contributions of Black pioneers in the Old West. The 19th-century building was moved 12 blocks to become a museum.

Fri Sat 10AM-2PM·Adults $17, seniors $15, youth 6-17/college ID/military ID $12, children 5 and under free

Center for Colorado Women's History

Byers-Evans House Museum

One of Denver's great historic homes, built in 1883 by Rocky Mountain News publisher Williams Byers and elegantly furnished with original turn of the (20th) century pieces. Tour the house or catch featured exhibitions in the gallery.

Mon-Sat 10AM-4PM, Sun noon-4PM (guided tours at 10:30AM, 11:30AM, 12:30PM, 1:30PM, 2:30PM and 3:30PM)·Adult $7, senior (60+) $5, child (18 and under) free

Chamberlin Observatory

Built in 1890, this working observatory is a historic landmark and a pride of the University of Denver. Star Parties and other events are open to the public.

Cheesman Park

The Acropolis-inspired pavilion has a commanding view of the Denver skyline.

Children's Museum of Denver

This educational museum takes a fun, hands-on approach to learning. Note: No adults are allowed in the Museum without a child, and no children without an adult.

9AM-4PM·$18.75 ages 2-59, $16.75 age 1 or over 60

City Park

Enjoy the Denver sunshine at this 330-acre (130 hectares) urban park east of downtown. Two lakes, numerous fields, playgrounds, and a golf course, as well as the Denver Zoo and the Museum of Nature and Science are all within its expansive bounds.

Clyfford Still Museum

Clyfford Still was in the first generation of US abstract expressionist artist of the early-mid 20th century. He pioneered the path which Rothko, Pollock, and others followed. But Still was not concerned with fame or sales, which is why you have heard of the others but not Still. And so he kept most of his works, and his will called for a city to create a museum to exhibit the whole collection, intact, which was a very Still move. Denver rose to the challenge, and the result is this museum: fascinating architecture with fascinating contents. The curators are interested not just in Still's work but in the questions it raises, such as how to preserve forever drawings which fade with light and paintings which darken with time.

Tue–Sun 10AM-5PM, Mon closed·$18, less if Colorado resident, senior, teacher, or student, under 18 years free

Colorado State Capitol

A gorgeous domed building at the southern edge of Downtown. Tours are available, though the big attraction for tourists is standing above the words "One Mile Above Sea Level" engraved into one of the steps out front. Free tours start at the visitor information desk every hour M-F 10AM-3PM.

Mon-Fri 7:30AM-5PM·Free

Confluence Park

Named for the confluence of Cherry Creek and the South Platte River, Confluence Park is a summertime spot for many of Denver's residents. Cool off in the river, or bring a kayak or inner tube for the purpose built rapids near the REI store. The park is also accessible via the Cherry Creek or Platte bike trails.

Denver Animal Shelter dog sculpture

A 20-foot (6 m)-high sculpture of a dog, made out of metal dog tags.

Denver Art Museum

A huge museum with art from all over the world. You'll want to give yourself several hours to properly explore the place.

Wed-Mon 10AM-5PM, Tue 10AM-8PM·Adult $27 ($30 weekends and holidays); senior, student, teacher, or veteran $24 ($27 weekends and holidays); 18 and under free. Discounts for Colorado residents

Denver Botanic Gardens

Come for the array of flowers and plants from around the world, stay for the peace and quiet (and the free WiFi), then check out the bonus attractions. Above the gardens' bistro, you'll find Denver's first public green roof, a living example of the benefits of green design. Space and science buffs won't want to miss the OmniGlobe exhibit, a spherical simulation of the Earth from space.

May-Sep: Sat-Tue 9AM-8PM, Wed-Fri 9AM-5PM; Sep-May: daily 9AM-5PM. Closed on major holidays and for special events·$12.50 adults, $9.50 seniors, $9 students/children

Denver Firefighters Museum

Historical and interactive exhibits, activities and special events celebrating Denver's firefighters.

Tue-Sat 10AM-4PM·$9 adults, $8 seniors/military/firefighters, $7 children 3-12, Free for children under 3

Denver Mint

Thanks to this place, more U.S. money is made in Denver than anywhere else in the world. Fish a coin out of your pocket and look for the "D" on the face side (usually in the bottom right quadrant). That means the money was minted in Denver. Tour times vary by day. Each day, tickets are available starting at 7AM until they run out. Check the website for closures and for the list of permitted/forbidden items before your visit.

Mon-Thu 7:30AM-3PM, closed on all federal holidays·Free

Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Exhibitions, planetarium and IMAX. Highlights include extensive geological specimens and a lovely view of the mountains with a diagram identifying which peaks are which.

Open every day of the year except Christmas Day. Sat-Thu 9AM-5PM, Fri 9AM-9PM·$25.95 adult, $22.95 senior 65+, $20.95 youth 18-3

Denver Zoo

Denver zoo's pride is Bear Mountain, created using casts of actual Colorado rock outcroppings to simulate the bears' natural habitat. For a different way to watch the wildlife, hop on the Pioneer Train, the first train in a U.S. zoo to be powered by natural gas. Other exhibits include an indoor rainforest and the 7-acre (3 hectares) Primate Panorama.

Open every day of the year, hours vary by season·$5-12

History Colorado Center

The center has many displays and exhibits focusing on historical sites throughout Colorado (prairie settlement, mine, Native American life, etc.) Great for families with kids and even adults; only takes 1-1½ hours to take in.

Daily 10AM-5PM·Adults $15, children (under 18) free

Kirkland Museum

Kirkland Museum of Fine and Decorative Art

Fine and Decorative art museum featuring over 30,000 works by more than 1,500 artists and designers. Building was moved in 2016.

Tue-Sat 11AM-5PM, Sun noon-5PM

Molly Brown House Museum

This restored Victorian was once home to labor reformist, actress and Titanic survivor Margaret Brown. It now showcases that era of Colorado history through exhibits and special events. Museum is limited to 16 visitors at a time, so purchasing tickets in advance is highly recommended.

Tue-Sun 10AM-5PM, Thu 10AM-7PM. Guided tours start on the hour. Last admission 1 hour before closing.·$22 adult, $20 senior (70 & up)/military/teachers/student with ID; $18 child (ages 18-6); free for 5 and under. Prices are $5 less for the explore-on-your-own option, $2 less for CO residents

Museo de las Americas

Denver is home to a large and growing Latino population, and this museum focuses on their art and heritage.

Tue-Fri 10AM-5PM, Sat Sun noon-5PM·$5

Museum of Contemporary Art Denver

Housed in an ultra-modern building downtown, this innovative museum seeks to engage the community with workshops, films, lectures, and a relaxing, open environment. Visit the rooftop deck for 360-degree views of Denver, grab a quick bite in the cafe, and check out the functional public performance space called The Lane.

Tue-Thu noon-7PM, Fri noon-9PM, Sat Sun 10AM-5PM·$8 adults ($5 after 5PM), $5 students/seniors, children and teens under 18 free

National Ballpark Museum

A family-run museum that contains one of the best private baseball collections in the country, this museum holds a stunning collection of artifacts from ballparks all over the country, including signs, bricks, and seats from the classic ballparks of old, as well as a section of Fenway Park's "Green Monster".

Open by appointment; call to schedule a visit·$10 adults, $5 seniors/children, free for active military and children under 6

Washington Park

Beautiful and lush Denver park, with lakes, flower gardens, a recreation center, soccer fields and tennis courts. Over 160 acres (65 hectares) of natural beauty, surrounded by turn-of-the-19th-century homes. A favorite jogging, volleyball, and drinking destination. This used to be the favorite hang-out of young residents during the summer months, but regulations requiring permits for many common activities have reduced park usage and transferred it to City Park.

Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum

An air museum at the former Lowry Air Force Base with large aircraft and spacecraft collection.

10AM-5PM·$20 adults

Forney Transportation Museum

4303 Brighton Blvd

Thu-Mon 10AM-5PM (closed Tue Wed)·$17 adults, $14 seniors, $9 children (3-12), free for children under 3