Have friends or family coming to visit the Mile High City and wondering where to take them? There are SO many fantastic attractions in town that it’s often hard to choose, and some really incredible spots often get overlooked for more popular haunts. Hopefully our list of 10 underrated places to go in Denver will get you and your guests going and keep you entertained!
1. Clyfford Still Museum
One of Denver's newest art endeavors is the Clyfford Still Museum, which opened in 2011 in this gorgeous building designed specifically to display Stills' work. The 28,500-share-foot structure contains 3,125 works by Still, one of the most important Abstract Expressionist painters of the 20th century.
2. Anschutz Family Sky Terrace
A trip to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science would not be complete without hanging out on the Anschutz Family Sky Terrace. Located on the 4th level of the West Atrium of the museum, this 5,000-square-foot open-air terrace is the perfect spot for a picnic with views of the Rockies and the Denver skyline in the distance.
3. Museum of Contemporary Art Denver
Founded in 1996, MCA was the first museum in Denver to be solely dedicated to contemporary art. Their environmentally sustainable building in LoDo is 27,000 square feet, with five galleries, a gift shop, a library, and a lovely rooftop cafe.
4. The Source
The Source is a fantastic spot to take visitors for a taste of Denver. This artisan food market in RiNo is in an industrial building constructed in the 1880s, which is now home to restaurants, bars, and unique shops. It's truly a one-stop for all things hip and hot!
5. The 1up
This arcade bar and restaurant is a great little joint for hours of nostalgic fun. They've got over 45 arcade-style games and two locations on Colfax and LoDo.
6. Buffalo Bill Memorial Museum
Open since 1921, the Buffalo Bill Museum celebrates the life of a man who may very well be the epitome of the Old West. He was a cattle herder, miner, Army scout, and more, and he traveled the world with his infamous Wild West shows. The museum houses Indian artifacts, firearms, Western art, and more, as well as Buffalo Bill's grave, where he was buried in 1917 at his request atop Lookout Mountain.
7. Black American West Museum & Heritage Center
This fantastic museum contains artifacts, photographs, and interactive exhibits highlighting the important role that blacks played in the settlement of Colorado. They were homesteaders, school teachers, miners, soldiers, cowboys, ranchers, lawmen, and other prominent professions. The museum is located in the home which was once owned by Colorado's first black woman doctor.
8. WIngs Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum
This 40,000-square-foot museum in a historical hangar built in 1939 on the former Lowry Air Force Base is Colorado’s Official Air and Space Museum. It houses dozens of space vehicles and aircrafts, including the Star Wars X-wing signed by Harrison Ford.
9. Forney Museum of Transportation
What began in 1921 with one item has expanded to a collection of over 600 artifacts related to the history and heritage of transportation. Items include steam locomotives, motorcycles, buggies, carriages, sleighs, and more. Get a move on and get on down to the Forney Museum!
10. Paramount Theatre
This glamorous and dignified theatre was built in 1930 and represents a dazzling example of the Art Deco style of design and architecture. It was declared a historical landmark and remains an important fixture in the Denver entertainment scene. They host everything from live music and dance performances to films and lectures, so check their event calendar and don't miss out!
What do you think are the most underrated places to go in Denver that you just love to take out-of-towners? Let us know in the comments!
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