Denver Guide

Denver Historical Tours

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

48+ tours
From $35
2-4 hours
Denver Historical Tours

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!

Featured Historical Tours Tours

Discover our top picks for historical tours in Denver

2 Hour LoDo Historic Walking Tour in Denver
From $30
Free Cancellation

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.

4.9(1,106)
2h
View Details
Denver Food Tour with 7 Tastings in Historic Lower Downtown
From $98
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

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.

4.9(124)
3h
View Details
Self Guided Audio Tour of Denver's Historic LoDo District
From $9.99
Free Cancellation👤Private TourNew

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

5.0(1)
1h 30m
View Details
Wicked West: Historical Walking Adventure in Downtown Denver
From $38
Free CancellationNew

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

5.0(8)
2h 30m
View Details
Historical Walking Tour Of Denver With A Haunting Twist
From $30
Free Cancellation

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!

4.9(19)
2h
View Details
Denver Private Food Tour with 7 Tastings in Historic Downtown
From $339
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

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.

4.9(17)
3h
View Details

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Why Choose Historical Tours in Denver?

Gold Rush Heritage

Founded by 1859 gold rush - frontier history everywhere!

Wild West Stories

Cowboys, outlaws, Buffalo Bill, and frontier legends!

Historic Districts

LoDo and Larimer Square preserve 19th-century architecture.

Colorado Capitol

Tour historic capitol building with mile-high marker and dome views!

Types of Historical Tours in Denver

Denver Capitol & History Tour

Visit State Capitol with dome views and downtown historic sites.

2-3 hoursCapitol tourDome accessHistoric buildingsFree/cheap

Wild West Walking Tour

Explore LoDo hearing gold rush and frontier stories.

2 hoursHistoric LoDoFrontier talesArchitectureEngaging

Buffalo Bill & Mountain Tour

Visit Buffalo Bill's grave on Lookout Mountain with Denver views.

3 hoursMountain driveMuseum visitPanoramic viewsUnique

Historic Pub Crawl

Visit historic bars and hotels hearing prohibition-era stories.

3 hoursHistoric venuesDrinks includedFun storiesEvening tour

What to Expect on Your Denver Historical Tours

Duration

Walking tours: 2-3 hours. Capitol tours: 1 hour. Combined: 3-4 hours.

State Capitol

See gold dome, mile-high marker, and climb to views (free tours!).

Larimer Square

Walk Denver's oldest block with Victorian buildings and gas lamps.

LoDo District

Explore Lower Downtown with 19th-century warehouses now lofts/restaurants.

Gold Rush Tales

Learn about miners, frontier life, and rapid city growth.

Buffalo Bill Museum

Visit showman's grave with museum and mountain views.

Expert Tips for the Best Experience

1

State Capitol tours FREE but require advance booking - reserve weeks ahead!

2

Mile-high marker is on 13th step - tourists photograph it constantly.

3

Capitol dome climb offers 360° Denver views - worth the stairs!

4

Larimer Square prettiest at night with string lights - evening walk recommended.

5

Brown Palace Hotel offers tours ($15) - historic luxury since 1892.

6

LoDo best explored afternoon/evening when bars and restaurants open.

7

Buffalo Bill grave/museum $5 - stunning views of Denver and mountains!

8

Downtown walking tours best spring/fall - summer hot, winter cold.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:Can you tour the Colorado State Capitol?

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.

Q:What is LoDo?

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.

Q:Who was Buffalo Bill?

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.

Q:What is the Brown Palace Hotel?

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.

Q:Is Denver historic?

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!

Q:Are there ghost tours?

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.

Q:How much do historical tours cost?

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!

Q:When is the best time for history tours?

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!

Don't Miss the Perfect Denver Experience

Book your historical tours today - 48+ tours with instant confirmation & best price guarantee!

Why Visit Denver?

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

Best Time to Visit

Weather

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.

Best Months

May to June and September to October offer the best weather with mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and perfect conditions for outdoor activities.

Peak Season

June to August brings peak tourist season with warm weather, larger crowds, and higher prices.

Off Season

November to April offers lower prices and fewer crowds, though with cold weather and occasional snow.

Plan Your Denver Trip

Transportation Tips

Public transportation includes light rail and buses. Renting a car provides flexibility for mountain excursions, and ride-sharing services are widely available.

Car Rental Deals in Denver

Rent a car for maximum flexibility and explore at your own pace on Expedia USA.

Where to Stay

Find the perfect accommodation for your Denver adventure. From luxury resorts to cozy hotels, we've got you covered.

Best Hotel Deals in Denver

Discover top-rated hotels with exclusive rates and special offers on Trivago USA.

Ready to Explore Denver?

Discover the best tours and activities in Denver with AI-powered recommendations tailored just for you.