In case you missed it, Denver is chock-full of surprising attractions that range from low-key (yet super delicious) diners to quirky shops all the way up to hidden and historic gems. What you may not realize, however, is that Denver is also home to a few LITERAL hidden gems, in the form of underground tunnels. Let’s take a look at a few of these secret structures and uncover the stories behind Denver’s underground tunnels:
1.) Denver International Airport
Since opening its doors in the mid-1990s, theories regarding Denver International Airport have been making the rounds, including the possibility of runways being laid out like swastikas, hidden Templar markings in the terminals, and other seemingly "far-fetched" proposals. One of the most popular conspiracy theories of all, however, may be the alleged underground tunnels for the protection of the "New World Order." While all of this seems pretty shocking, the truth (or so they tell us) is a lot less epic, as the 1-million-square-foot underground tunnels are in fact the area where traveler's luggage is moved to and fro.
2.) Colorado State Capitol
Another set of underground Denver tunnels can be found at the beautiful Colorado State Capitol; a stunning and historic building topped with an easy-to-recognize golden dome. Built in 1894, the capitol building has seen its fair share of politicians, tourists, and special guests over the years, as well as prostitutes and dignified (gunslinger-fleeing) lawmakers who visited via a series of secret underground tunnels. Okay, so maybe that isn't the exact truth... you see, once upon a time, the Capitol was warmed by coal and wagons needed a way to transport the rock to the building, which is where the tunnels came into play. Today, these channels still exist and serve as the utility room for this state landmark.
3.) Brown Palace
Unfortunately, we were unable to track down pictures of the Brown Palace's underground tunnels (which makes sense, since they are alleged by conspiracy theorists as being top secret), but after doing some digging, we were able to find that the tunnels were built in the mid-20th Century as a way to move workers from the Brown Palace to its former annex across the street (which is no longer owned by the hotel).
4.) The Navarre Building
Last but certainly not least on our tour of underground Denver tunnels are the mines found beneath the beautiful American Museum of Western Art. Formerly The Navarre, the once-private-girls-school-turned-brothel was built with a number of tunnels that spread throughout the city, which are thought to have been constructed in order for male visitors to secretly travel to the brothel/bar/gambling hall from other locations in the city. (Pictured is the now-sealed entryway beneath the Blake Street Vault.)
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