Explore Wild West heritage, gold rush history, and Colorado's frontier past!

Discover Denver's fascinating Wild West history from frontier settlement to modern Mile High City! Historical tours explore the 1859 Pikes Peak Gold Rush that founded Denver, visit historic Larimer Square (oldest block), tour State Capitol building (mile-high marker on 13th step!), explore LoDo (Lower Downtown) with 19th-century warehouses, and learn about Colorado's cowboy culture, mining heritage, and Native American history. Tours include Buffalo Bill's grave on Lookout Mountain, ghost tours in haunted hotels, Brown Palace Hotel (historic luxury), and Capitol Hill Victorian mansions. Learn about Molly Brown (Titanic survivor), silver boom, prohibition gangsters, and Denver's evolution from lawless Wild West town to sophisticated city. It's American West history brought to life!
Discover our top picks for historical tours in Denver

THIS TOUR REQUIRES 4 GUESTS TO START What's LoDo? I’m happy you asked! Lower Downtown is Denver’s oldest neighborhood which is home to some of the best restaurants and attractions in Denver. On this 2 hour walking tour your savvy local guide will share fascinating history and point out local hot spots, where to eat and drink. We walk about 1.5 miles where we bring to life the past, present, and future of our beloved city. This tour is perfect for those who have limited time and a busy schedule. At the end of the tour you will feel more like a local and less like a tourist! We begin the tour at iconic Union Station and its significance to the survival of Denver as a city. Over the next 2 hours we walk a loop around LoDo where we share stories of Denver’s first Chinatown, visit the most famous bordello of its time, visit the oldest operating hotel in Denver, and learn about the underground tunnel system that runs beneath the city. TOUR LEAVES AT 11 A.M. PLEASE ARRIVE AT 10:45 A.M.

Taste the bold flavors of the Mile High City on our Denver food tour through the vibrant streets of Historic Downtown. Led by passionate local guides, this experience combines food, culture, and stories that showcase the city’s creative culinary spirit. Along the way, you’ll enjoy 6+ tastings that highlight Denver’s unique blend of Western tradition and global influence. Bite into smoky Colorado elk sausage, a golden fried chile relleno, and comforting pork green chili. Try a playful twist on a classic with Big Mac pizza, savor a Chinese five-spice donut, and cool off with creamy Vietnamese iced coffee ice cream. As always, the journey ends with our exclusive Secret Dish, a surprise that makes the experience even more memorable. This isn’t just a tasting—it’s your insider pass to the flavors and character of downtown Denver.

Uncover the rich history of Denver on this self-guided walking tour through Lower Downtown (LoDo), where the city's origins took shape. Walk along the banks of Cherry Creek and the South Platte River, exploring preserved warehouses, jazz clubs, and modern art spaces that reflect both the historic heart and the evolving spirit of Denver. This tour reveals the fascinating narrative of gold seekers, the rise of railroads, and the district's transformation from a bustling commercial center to a vibrant cultural hub. — Discover the birthplace of Denver at the confluence of two rivers — Explore historic architecture, including Italianate and Romanesque buildings — Learn about the impact of the gold rush and the transcontinental railroad — Enjoy a flexible pace, perfect for history enthusiasts and casual strollers alike

Explore the captivating history of LoDo on this engaging 2.5-hour walking tour. Starting at the iconic House of Mirrors, uncover the intriguing characters and events that have shaped this vibrant area. As you stroll through the streets, enjoy scenic views of downtown Denver while immersing yourself in its colorful past. The tour concludes in the beautiful and historic Larimer Square, offering a perfect backdrop to reflect on the stories shared along the way. - 2.5-hour guided walking tour through LoDo's history - Begins at 20th and Market Street, outside the House of Mirrors - Concludes in the picturesque Larimer Square - Discover the fascinating tales of Denver's past

This tour takes us through the streets surrounding the State Capitol, where the Who's Who of Denver's society built their mansions and their stories were made. We shall walk Millionaire's Row, visit Molly Brown, and even the two "most haunted" homes in Denver and you shall hear all of the dark, delicious tales of those that lived here and those that still remain... For years I worked at Fairmount Cemetery. I managed the flower shop which was then located in the building that used to be the old train station which brought the mourners there. These affluent Denverites left large amounts of money in endowments for perpetual care of their graves. I heard the stories and the history of all these people. I feel like I know them. Please join me as I walk the streets where they lived. Let me tell you all the history I have learned and all the juicy stories I have heard… And in the "spirit" of the tour, we are always costumed!

Taste the bold flavors of the Mile High City on our Denver food tour through the vibrant streets of Historic Downtown. Led by passionate local guides, this experience combines food, culture, and stories that showcase the city’s creative culinary spirit. Along the way, you’ll enjoy 6+ tastings that highlight Denver’s unique blend of Western tradition and global influence. Bite into smoky Colorado elk sausage, a golden fried chile relleno, and comforting pork green chili. Try a playful twist on a classic with Big Mac pizza, savor a Chinese five-spice donut, and cool off with creamy Vietnamese iced coffee ice cream. As always, the journey ends with our exclusive Secret Dish, a surprise that makes the experience even more memorable. This isn’t just a tasting—it’s your insider pass to the flavors and character of downtown Denver. As a private tour, everything works around you! Our start times are much more easy going, dates can open up. It's a much more intimate and cozy experience.
Founded by 1859 gold rush - frontier history everywhere!
Cowboys, outlaws, Buffalo Bill, and frontier legends!
LoDo and Larimer Square preserve 19th-century architecture.
Tour historic capitol building with mile-high marker and dome views!
Visit State Capitol with dome views and downtown historic sites.
Explore LoDo hearing gold rush and frontier stories.
Visit Buffalo Bill's grave on Lookout Mountain with Denver views.
Visit historic bars and hotels hearing prohibition-era stories.
Walking tours: 2-3 hours. Capitol tours: 1 hour. Combined: 3-4 hours.
See gold dome, mile-high marker, and climb to views (free tours!).
Walk Denver's oldest block with Victorian buildings and gas lamps.
Explore Lower Downtown with 19th-century warehouses now lofts/restaurants.
Learn about miners, frontier life, and rapid city growth.
Visit showman's grave with museum and mountain views.
State Capitol tours FREE but require advance booking - reserve weeks ahead!
Mile-high marker is on 13th step - tourists photograph it constantly.
Capitol dome climb offers 360° Denver views - worth the stairs!
Larimer Square prettiest at night with string lights - evening walk recommended.
Brown Palace Hotel offers tours ($15) - historic luxury since 1892.
LoDo best explored afternoon/evening when bars and restaurants open.
Buffalo Bill grave/museum $5 - stunning views of Denver and mountains!
Downtown walking tours best spring/fall - summer hot, winter cold.
A: Yes! FREE tours Monday-Friday (advance reservation). See chambers, rotunda, gold dome, and climb to views. The 13th step is exactly one mile above sea level - photo op! Tours 45 minutes. Reserve at colorado.gov weeks ahead.
A: LoDo (Lower Downtown) is historic district with 19th-century warehouses converted to lofts, restaurants, and bars. Coors Field (baseball) is here. It preserves Denver's frontier-era architecture. Great for nightlife, dining, and history. Walking distance from Union Station.
A: Buffalo Bill Cody was Wild West showman, scout, and legend. His traveling "Wild West Show" toured worldwide. He's buried on Lookout Mountain near Denver with museum ($5). Views are spectacular! 30-minute drive from downtown.
A: Brown Palace is Denver's most historic luxury hotel (opened 1892). Eight-story atrium, hosted presidents and celebrities, afternoon tea tradition. You can tour ($15), dine, or stay. Architecture is stunning! It's Denver landmark.
A: Very! Founded 1858 during gold rush. Wild West heritage, frontier history, mining boom, and rapid growth to modern city. LoDo, Larimer Square, Capitol area preserve this history. Tours bring frontier era alive!
A: Yes! Denver has haunted history. Ghost tours visit Brown Palace, Oxford Hotel, Capitol Hill mansions, and LoDo buildings. Evening tours share spooky stories. $25-40 per person. Fun mix of history and paranormal! Not scary, just entertaining.
A: Capitol tours: FREE! Walking tours: $35-60 (2-3 hours). Ghost tours: $25-40. Buffalo Bill site: $5. Brown Palace tour: $15. Private tours: $150-300 for group. Many free/cheap options make Denver history accessible!
A: Spring (April-May) and fall (Sept-Oct) perfect for walking. Summer can be hot. Winter cold but manageable (Denver gets 300 days of sunshine!). Capitol tours year-round. Evening ghost tours fun anytime. History never closes!
Proximity to Rocky Mountains and outdoor adventures
World-class craft breweries and beer culture
Excellent museums and cultural institutions
Beautiful mountain scenery and hiking
Vibrant downtown and friendly culture
Perfect blend of urban and outdoor life
Denver enjoys a semi-arid climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm (70-85°F/21-29°C), winters are cold (20-40°F/-6-4°C), and spring/fall offer pleasant temperatures.
May to June and September to October offer the best weather with mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and perfect conditions for outdoor activities.
June to August brings peak tourist season with warm weather, larger crowds, and higher prices.
November to April offers lower prices and fewer crowds, though with cold weather and occasional snow.
Explore comprehensive guides to plan your perfect trip, including food tours, cultural experiences, and more.
Experience Napa Valley of craft beer with tours, tastings, and Colorado brewing culture!
Taste green chile, bison, and diverse cuisine while exploring vibrant Denver neighborhoods!
Discover art, natural history, and Western heritage at world-class Denver museums!
Experience whitewater rafting, mountain biking, and Colorado outdoor thrills!
Explore majestic Rockies peaks, alpine lakes, and mountain towns from the Mile High City!
Public transportation includes light rail and buses. Renting a car provides flexibility for mountain excursions, and ride-sharing services are widely available.
Rent a car for maximum flexibility and explore at your own pace on Expedia USA.
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