The Ultimate And Definitive Bucket List For Everyone In Denver

Founded in 1893 as the Denver Artist's Club, DAM had many temporary homes before opening its own gallery in 1949 and has continued to expand to include three architecturally stunning buildings totaling over 350,000 square-feet. There are 10 permanent collections on display with over 70,000 works of art.

This picturesque urban park opened in 1919 and continues to serve as the nucleus for Denver's government, arts, and culture. Civic Center Park is surrounded by many of the city's most prominent institutions.

Climb the 99-step spiral staircase of the famed gold-plated dome for breathtaking views of the Denver skyline and mountains beyond from their open air deck. You can also reserve a spot on one of their free tours and marvel at the intricate beauty of the historical stained glass windows, Colorado white granite, rose onyx, and yule marble used to construct the building, which is modeled after the Capitol in Washington D.C. (And, don't forget the Mile High photo op on the 13th step!)

DPAC sits on 12 acres, contains 10 performance spaces, and is the second largest performing arts center in the United States. Its sculpture park is home to Jonathan Borofsky's The Dancers, a head-turning piece of art that stands proud at 60 feet tall.

Confluence Park is a popular spot for picnickers, kayakers, loungers, and pretty much anyone looking for a bit of adventure or relaxation in Downtown Denver. It's also the spot where our fabulous city originated back in 1858, when William Greeneberry Russell and his party began their search for gold at the confluence of Cherry Creek and the South Platte River.

The first official game at Coors Field was April 26, 1995, when the Rockies defeated the Mets 11-9. (Fun fact: According to the official site, "In 1999, Coors Field firmly founded itself as the most prolific offensive ballpark ever created. The Rockies and their opponents combined for 303 home runs, the most ever in a season at one venue, with one or more tenants.")

Sports Authority Field at Mile High stands at an elevation of 5,280 feet and is located less than 50 feet from the site of the original Mile High Stadium. The current digs encompass a total of 1.8 million square feet and seats 76, 125 fans. Wowzers!

Larimer Square is Denver's oldest and most historic block. Its namesake, General Larimer, founded Denver City on November 22, 1858, and Larimer Street became the city's main street in 1861.

Since its establishment in 1881, Union Station has been the central transportation hub and railway station for the Mile High City. It underwent a major renovation that was completed in 2014 and now houses fabulous shops, restaurants, and a luxury hotel.

Established in 1908, Lakeside Amusement Park is another family-friendly Mile High landmark that every Denverite should visit at least once - but preferably repeatedly.

The sprawling 330 acres of City Park offers magnificent views of the Denver skyline and the Rocky Mountains beyond. City Park was designed in 1882 and is one of the oldest public spaces in the city. There are some magnificent hiking trails throughout the Park to explore as well.

The Denver Museum of Nature and Science was essentially conceived in 1868 when naturalist Edwin Carter began accumulating specimens of Colorado fauna and putting them on display in his log cabin. Word of Carter's collection got out and in 1900 The Colorado Museum of Natural History (now Denver Museum of Nature & Science) was founded. It gained a permanent home in City Park in 1908 and has continued to expand over the years to what is now a 716,000-square-foot complex with over 1,000,000 objects and artifacts.

Don't miss out on the magic of the 12,850-square-foot Leprino Family Atrium and open air terrace that affords breathtaking views of City Park, Denver, and the distant Rockies.

Wash Park has a little something for everyone - serene lakes, tended gardens, interesting playgrounds, and lush lawns with horseshoes, bowling, and croquet. Play a pick-up game of tennis or soccer, take a cruise on the bike path, or meander through the Mount Vernon Garden near Grasmere Lake. The perfect combination of activity and leisure!

The Buckhorn Exchange is Denver's original steakhouse and oldest restaurant and has been serving Old West fare since 1893. The building is overflowing with historical artifacts, including a 125-piece gun collection and a 575-piece collection of taxidermy. You've got to see it to believe it!

One of the most infamously iconic dishes in the Mile High is undoubtedly Rocky Mountain "oysters." This Colorado delicacy (aka deep-fried bull testicles) are a right of passage for Denverites and tourists alike. Buffalo Exchange and the Fort are serving up some of the ballsiest versions of this Western treat, so go get 'em!

My Brother's Bar is the oldest watering hole in Denver that's still in operation and was once the preferred hangout of Neal Cassady, the Beat crew, and other notoriously nefarious lushes. This laid-back neighborhood haunt is still a popular spot for burgers and beers and barflies, so get on down there and make yourself a regular. (There's no website or sign out front, but you can find them in LoDo at 2376 15th Street.)

Denver's self-proclaimed sausage czar has been handing out gourmet dogs at his cart at the 16th Street mall for more than a decade and now has three carts and two brick-and-mortar locations in Ballpark and Highlands Ranch. His wildly unique gourmet dogs have received many accolades, especially his elk jalapeño cheddar dog, which was featured on Food Network's "The Best Thing I Ever Ate." Every Denverite needs an elk dog smothered in cola-soaked caramelized onions (or any of his other funky toppings like Harissa roasted cactus or bacon red onion marmalade). Whew dog!

Probably one of the most wonderful and well-known free events in Denver is the First Friday Art Walk held every month. Works by regionally and nationally acclaimed artists are on display in studios and galleries in the Art District on Sante Fe, as well as Tennyson, RiNo, Belmar, and the Navajo Art District in Littleton. A free feast for the eyes!

You don't have to break the bank to get good eats, and this no-frills, family-owned, female-run operation on Sante Fe is a testament to that truth. Many Denverites will tell you this joint serves the best chile relleno, smothered burrito, and green chile in town, and I suggest you see for yourself!

This little slice of paradise in Cheesman Park promises that no two visits will ever be the same. There are thousands of plants, both from Colorado and around the globe, lovingly placed in about 50 meticulously designed gardens over 24 acres, and their upcoming holiday Blossoms of Light is not to be missed.

Red Rocks Amphitheatre is "the only naturally-occurring, acoustically perfect amphitheatre in the world." The first documented performance took place in 1906, and it's been rocking every since.

"I See What You Mean" by artist Lawrence Argent is a true jewel of Downtown Denver that induces a sense of wonder and delight in all who encounter it. You can find this fantastically whimsical 40-foot-tall bright blue bear peering into the Colorado Convention Center on 14th Street.