Unique Things To Do In Denver
Denver is quickly becoming one of the most popular cities to live in the country, but a lot of people think it’s all about the mountains. While the world famous ski slopes and hiking trails are right next door, there are plenty of other reasons to live in the Mile High City. For one, this metro city is rich in history and boasts a number of unusual characteristics. Old bars, haunted areas, unique festivals, and much more makeup the diverse culture of this capital city. If you’re looking for unique things to do in Denver, this is a great list to consider.
Rather than focus on the normal perks, let’s take a look at all of the oddities that make Denver such a great place.
Denver Offers More for Every Lifestyle
This capital city in Colorado is filled with rich history tied to it’s wild West progression. With its proximity to nature, it offers many activities, attractions, events, restaurants, shops, and more suitable for any lifestyle. But what are some unique things to do in Denver? Check out the list below:
Drink at the Oldest Bar in Denver
A lot of places claim to be the oldest or the original, but the Buckhorn Exchange can prove it. They proudly hold the first liquor license issued in the state of Colorado, and people have been eating and drinking here since 1893.
It was founded by Henry “Shorty Scout” Zietz, who was a buddy of Buffalo Bill Cody in the crazy days of the Wild West. It was a popular spot for miners, railroad men, and other adventurers of the time, and it has hosted multiple presidents and plenty of celebrities. The walls are covered in hunting trophies, photos, and other memorabilia that make it feel more like a museum than a restaurant.
Eat with the Dead
As cities get older, certain buildings are no longer needed for their original purpose. In most cases, anything creepy will be used for the same thing that it was originally intended, or it will be knocked down and rebuilt. Linger Eatery isn’t one of those situations.
It was originally Olinger Mortuary, so the owners only had to slightly redo the sign to give it a new life. Some of the décor subtly hints at the darker minds of those who designed it, but most people love going purely for the quality of the food.
An Indoor Little Mexico With Cliff Divers
Likely one of the most unique things to do in Denver is dine-in at this unusual restaurant. Casa Bonita is more than just a restaurant. It’s an entertainment venue, an arcade, a terrifying experience in Black Bart’s Cave, and it’s tacky to the point of being wonderful. The food isn’t the highest quality, but the portions are great, and you’ll stuff yourself on the sopapillas at the end. You’ll get to see the famous cliff divers jumping off an indoor waterfall while you eat, and you’ll get to explore the many other rooms and attractions while you digest.
Words don’t do this place justice – you really just have to go.
Feel Like a Giant
In a state full of giant mountains and beautiful views, it might be refreshing just to see something tiny. The Denver Museum of Miniatures is a fun museum dedicated to all things tiny, and the collection of toys will be entertaining for kids of all ages. The Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls and Toys (DMMDT) was founded in 1981 through the support of a grass-roots community coalition of miniature doll artists, business owners and civic leaders.
Climb Trees
Do you have fond memories of climbing a tree as a kid? Well, the heights you reached in those days probably wouldn’t get you to the same level of adrenaline now, but maybe Tree Climbing Colorado can help you with that. They have a series of instructors who will help you get up some massive trees, and it resembles rock climbing much more than it does your climbs in the back yard of your childhood home.
Become a Parkour Professional
Looking for a little more adventure? Check out unique things to do in Denver, including this indoor play gym for adults. For another physical adventure, why not try learning parkour? The running and jumping of this sport are definitely thrilling, but the danger of hurtling across rooftops scares most people away. That’s why Apex Movement is an indoor gym that lets you learn and practice the moves in a safe and controlled environment. You’ll feel like the star of an action movie.
Relive the 80’s
Do you miss the good old spirit of the 80’s? You’re not alone! Fortunately, Fifty-Two 80’s is a store still living in the neon, pixelated glory of the decade, and they have enough nostalgia for sale to feel like you’ve stepped in a time machine.
Spooky Cheesman Park
Cheesman Park is a relaxing, 80-acre park that’s a great place to have a picnic, play some Frisbee, or just catch some rays. But, its history will make your skin tingle. Before being a park, it was a cemetery full of interesting characters. Denver had quite a rough bunch during the Wild West days, and a lot of them ended up here as their final resting place. So, it’s not uncommon to have a bit of a spooky experience at the park, and you might just want to avoid going there alone after dark.
See a Concert and a View
A lot of concert venues are beautiful places with great sound, but not many of them are formed by nature. Red Rocks Park is one of the multiple areas held in the Denver Mountain Parks system, and it’s home to a famous amphitheater formed by rocks.
The park is a great place to hike and explore during the day, and some of the biggest musical acts put on performances under the stars at night. The concerts are even better because of the beautiful view you see behind the stage.
Denver is Full of Surprises
All in all, Denver is a great city that’s evolving every day. This list is just a taste of the fun, crazy, and spooky things that you’ll find if you spend enough time in the Mile High City. If you know of other fun and unusual things to do in Denver let us know!