Denver Aquarium, Colorado

Denver aquarium visits are a great highlight to any Denver vacation, especially if you have kids in tow. One of the largest aquariums in the country, the Downtown Aquarium in Denver, formerly known as Ocean Journey, boasts a main building that is over 100,000 square feet in size. This building sits right on the Platte River near a handful of other fantastic attractions. Interstate 25 makes access easy, and Denver aquarium discounts are relatively easy to find.

Families with kids and people who simply love animals are likely to enjoy a trip to the Downtown Aquarium in Denver Colorado. The aquarium offers both freshwater and marine exhibits, not to mention land-based exhibits. One of the highlights on the marine side of things is the stingray tank, where visitors can feed and pet the stingrays. It is also possible to touch some of the other interesting animals at the Denver aquarium, such as the horseshoe crabs. Other water-loving animals that are on display at the Downtown Aquarium in Denver include otters, turtles, sharks, and a variety of fish. The fish include bass, desert pupfish, and greenback cutthroat trout. The latter is the state fish of Colorado and is often the catch of choice on any number of statewide fishing excursions.

The Downtown Aquarium in Denver offers interesting land exhibits to go with its marine exhibits. These land exhibits are home to birds, reptiles, amphibians, and even a small collection of endangered Sumatran Tigers. Visitors who book the "Zoologist For A Day" package will get an up close and personal look at all of the land animals. There is also a marine biologist package that focuses on the marine animals, as well as some other package options.

In addition to some great animal exhibits, the Downtown Aquarium in Denver has a great restaurant. The menu features seafood specialties, and a variety of meat and pasta dishes, which means that the restaurant can cater to a variety of tastes and preferences. While dining at the restaurant, visitors can enjoy excellent aquarium views, adding to the dining experience.

For those who secure Denver aquarium discounts, there will likely be money left over for an onsite dining experience. The aquarium also has a gift shop. As for securing Denver aquarium discounts, special coupons are available to travelers via any number of outlets. Sometimes, it is also possible to get discounted rates when booking a money-saving vacation package.

The Downtown Aquarium in Denver opens daily at 10 a.m., and depending on the day, it closes at 9 p.m. or 9:30 p.m. The onsite restaurant opens an hour later and closes around the same time as the exhibits. It is worth noting that the Downtown Aquarium can be an excellent place to celebrate kids' birthdays, while adult fun can be had at the complex's upscale, first-floor bar and lounge.

When planning a visit to the Downtown Aquarium in Denver, there will be a bunch of other nearby attractions that can be included on the itinerary. These attractions include the Children's Museum, Elitch Gardens, and everything else that the Downtown area has to offer.

read more...

Coors Field inDenver, Colorado

Coors Field is the home of the Colorado Rockies baseball team, and for the past fifteen years, it has been among the most popular attractions in Denver among visitors and locals alike. The stadium hosted its first official game on April 26, 1995, with the Rockies defeating the New York Mets. Since that time, the 76-acre Colorado Rockies baseball field has maintained a thriving attendance of dedicated fans.
Coors Field Tickets
Buy Tickets

Along with attending the baseball games, local fans and out-of-town visitors to Coors Field can schedule a tour on specific days during the regular season or off-season for an up-close and behind-the-scenes look at the stadium. Tours of the Colorado Rockies baseball facility take over an hour and include a visit to the clubhouse, concourse, press area, and club and suite levels.

Fans who want to take in a game at Coors Field in the lap of luxury can head for the Mountain Ranch Club, which offers the best dining in the par as well as a personal TV for watching the game. Reserved seating both inside with views through an expansive glass window and on the outside patio provide excellent views of the field.

Coors field tickets are available for individual games or in season ticket packages. As a season ticket holder, you receive a discount off the ticket price, parking, and corporate suites, identification card for more discounts, and subscription to Rockies Magazine. Fans can purchase Coors Field tickets for a single game through the link on this page; this option allows you to book ahead of time and make sure you get the seat you want for the game.

A third option for Coors field tickets is the mini-plan providing fans with a significant discount off regular ticket prices, option to purchase additional tickets at a discount, guaranteed ticket for postseason games, and one free ticket voucher for each mini-plan purchased. These plans are best if you live in the area and don’t want to purchase season tickets, or if you plan to visit the Denver area frequently and want to make repeat visits to Coors Field.

One of the best features of this ballpark is its central location—the stadium is quite near downtown Denver, which means it’s easy to get to the games via car, train, bike, or by walking from hotels near Coors Field. With the park’s convenient location, Colorado Rockies baseball fans also have easy access to area attractions.

For instance, the Downtown Aquarium is home to 500 species and an amazing array of ecosystems, while the Elitch Gardens water park has a 75-foot waterslide, Castaway Creek River, and Cannonball Falls. Other points of interest near Coors Field include the Denver Zoo, Pepsi Center, Bear Mountain, and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. The proximity to some of the city’s best things to do with kids makes a Colorado Rockies baseball game the perfect addition to a day out with the family, as you can combine the game itself with other kid-friendly attractions and a meal at one of the dozens of downtown restaurants.

Lodging is also quite easy to find close to the ballpark. Coors Field hotels located less than one mile from the ballpark include the Marriott ExecuStay, The Metro, Oxford Hotel, Residence Inn Denver City Center, Hotel Monaco, The Westin Tabor Center, Jet Hotel and Lounge, and the Magnolia Hotel. If you’re looking for higher-end hotels, the Ritz-Carlton and its spa are less than half a mile from the ballpark. Within two miles, you’ll find more budget-friendly hotels, such as the Hampton Inn & Suites Denver, Residence Inn, Budget Host Travel Inn, Denver Central Travelodge, and the Ramada, accessible via North Speer Boulevard.

read more...

Coors Brewery in Denver, Colorado

Coors Brewery is one of the largest breweries in the world, and has an interesting history. Visitors can learn all about the history of the Coors Brewery on a tour, and this includes the interesting ventures that the brewery took up to stay afloat during Prohibition. For those who want to skip the history lesson, it's possible to head straight for the hospitality lounge to sample some of the products. The Coors Brewery in Golden Colorado started making beer way back in 1873, so it's safe to say that it knows what it's doing when it comes to turning out quality goods.

The Coors Brewery was founded in 1873 by two immigrants from Germany. Adolph Coors was one of the founders, and his namesake stuck. This has a lot to do with the fact that he bought out partner Jacob Schueler in 1880. After establishing itself over the course of a few decades, the Coors Brewery in Golden Colorado successfully weathered the days of Prohibition. Steady growth followed, and over time, the Coors product started to gain popularity outside of the West. The two main products that the brewery produced in the earlier days were the Coors Banquet and Coors Light beers. These beers are still made at the Golden facility, and they figure among the brews that can be sampled on Coors Brewery tours.

After merging with Canada's Molson Brewery in 2005, the Coors Company became responsible for more than twenty different beer brands. Growth didn't stop there. In 2008, the company merged with SABMiller, bringing two of America's most recognizable beer brands together.

The tours are free at the Coors Brewery in Golden Colorado, and include a 30-minute, self-guided segment that highlights the brewing and packaging processes. The self-guided tour segment can be followed with a sampling session in a cold room that features ice benches. Visitors who are less than eighteen years old will have to be accompanied by an adult if they want to enjoy Coors Brewery tours, and anyone who wishes to try any samples must be at least 21. It is worth noting that in addition to enjoying Coors Brewery tours in Colorado, those who are interested in the MillerCoors story can also enjoy tours of the company's Wisconsin breweries.

Since the tours at the Coors Brewery are free, visitors often find themselves with some extra money to spare at the excellent onsite gift shop. In addition to picking up some fresh beer that is brewed with Rocky Mountain water and High Country barley, those who are looking to do some shopping at the Coors Brewery can also buy a T-shirt, a pint glass, a sleeve of golf balls, or a neon sign.

The small city of Golden was once the territorial capital of Colorado, and it can be found just fifteen miles west of Downtown Denver. The Coors Brewery is Golden's greatest attraction, and it's proximity to Denver also makes it a popular Denver attraction. Back in the more immediate Denver area, other interesting breweries can be found. These smaller breweries can also be interesting places to spend some time when you're not out skiing, hiking, or enjoying all of the other great outdoor activities that help to make Denver such a fine vacation destination.

read more...

Colorado Trail

Colorado Trail trekking is some of the best you will find anywhere. Starting in the center of the state near Denver and ending a few miles north of the lovely southwestern town of Durango, this volunteer-built trail extends for almost 500 miles. Of all the Colorado hiking trails, none is more renowned, at least on the long distance front, and when it comes to nationwide hiking trails, it is very hard to beat. Whether you are hopping onto this trail for a short hike as one of the great Denver attractions or in it for the long haul, hiking anywhere along this route is a great thing to do and sure to please any and all hikers.

The Colorado Trail passes through eight mountain ranges and has a peak elevation of 13,334 feet above sea level. Found along the route are six wilderness areas, seven national forests, and a healthy array of picturesque lakes and creeks to admire. Most of the Colorado Trail is above 10,000 feet, and in some spots it dips below the timberline, providing hikers with spots to seek shelter from inclement weather.

The exact starting point of this awe-inspiring hiking trail is at the mouth of Waterton Canyon. This canyon can be found on the border of Jefferson and Douglas counties and is a short drive from Denver proper. The Colorado Trail from Denver to the point known as Monarch Pass is often more crowded than the stretch of trail that extends from Monarch Pass to Durango, so hikers who want to get away from other hikers might prefer the western portion. The western portion is also considered to be more beautiful on the whole, thanks in part to the more abundant wildflowers and the relative lack of human intervention on the whole. That being said, the Colorado Trail from Denver to Monarch Pass has little trouble impressing hikers with its spectacular panoramas.

The Colorado Trail is divided into 28 different segments, and there are many access points where hikers can hop on and start trekking. The trail is well established and marked in most spots, so getting lost is difficult, and in most parts, motorized vehicles are prohibited. In addition to doing some Colorado Trail hiking, those who want to spend some time on this immaculate pathway can also go horseback riding or mountain biking. Mountain bikers should take note, however, that biking through the wilderness areas is generally prohibited.

There are many fantastic Colorado hiking trails to choose from, and since most are at a high altitude, it's a good idea to get acclimated before heading out for a hike. As for the Colorado Trail, it is at its lowest near Denver, with the highest point being found in the spectacular San Juan Mountains. The lowest point is around 5,500 feet, and it's a good place to start for those who aren't yet acclimated to the altitude. Some die-hard hikers choose to take the entire trail on, and most start on the lower eastern end to allow for altitude adjustment. As for the peak season to take the Colorado Trail on, it roughly runs from June to early October.

For those who are planning on doing some Colorado Trail hiking, there are a bunch of things to consider. Deciding on an itinerary is the first task. For some, hiking the portion in and around the historic mining town of Leadville will be most attractive, while others might stick to the portion that passes through the ski resort of Copper Mountain. There are plenty of options, and hiking the entire trail is also possible for those who want to enjoy everything that it has to offer. Most hikers who trek the Colorado Trail from Denver to Durango take about 40 days to complete the task.

There are no resorts, hotels, or motels along the Colorado Trail itself, though lodging establishments are close by in various spots, such as Copper Mountain. In addition to staying at a hotel found near the trail, hikers who are in it for the long haul can also get some rest at National Forest campgrounds. Some of these campgrounds boast cabins in addition to tent sites.

As for some of the other things that are worth considering when it comes to taking on any and all of the Colorado hiking trails, they include the weather and wildlife. Weather can be very unpredictable in the Colorado highlands regardless of the month. Snow can fall in the summer, though afternoon thunderstorms are much more common during the warmer months. Whereas the summer days are usually warm in Colorado, the summer nights can get cool, and due to the year threat of snow in the loftier elevations, warm clothing of some kind is recommended.

When it comes to the wildlife, the backcountry stretches of the Colorado Trail can be home to mountain lions, bears, and a variety of other animals. Avoidance of the larger creatures is encouraged should you happen upon one, and those who are nervous about animal encounters can arm themselves with bear mace and perhaps a brave dog. Thankfully, animal encounters on the trail are relatively rare, though it's always a good idea to be aware of the possibilities.

read more...

Colorado State Capitol

Colorado State Capitol visits figure on many Denver vacation itineraries, and this has a lot to do with the attraction of the structure's impressive design. Built out of Colorado granite, this mostly gray-colored, neoclassical structure on Colfax Avenue is crowned with a golden dome that helps to make it stand out on the Denver skyline. Actual 24-karat gold leaf was used to cover the dome, and this encapsulates a piece of history from the Colorado Gold Rush days. The gold plating was added in 1908, while the building itself dates back to 1886. Colorado Capitol tours give wonderful insight into the design and history of the Mile High City's most beautiful building, and they are offered throughout the year.

Comparisons between the Colorado Capitol Building and the U.S. Capitol Building are often drawn, and there are various reasons for this. For starters, the buildings boast a similar, neoclassical design. They are also surrounded by similarly named streets, including a Pennsylvania Avenue and a Lincoln Avenue for each. One of the more interesting things about the Colorado Capitol Building is the inscription that can be found on the fifteenth step of the structure's western entrance. This inscription reads "One Mile Above Sea Level," referencing at Denver's Mile High status. Interestingly enough, this inscription was based on an erroneous 1909 measurement. A subsequent measurement led to the placing of a brass cap two steps higher, though that measurement was also off. Finally, the correct measurement was exacted in 2003, and today, the thirteenth step boasts the official one mile above sea level marker.

One of the best things about the Colorado Capitol tours is the fact that they are free. The tours are offered every 45 minutes between the hours of 9:15 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. from September through May, and between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. during the summer months. Groups of ten or more are required to make Colorado State Capitol tour reservations in advance so that the tour staff can accommodate them. Things that visitors can see on Colorado Capitol tours include the beautiful rotunda and the building's numerous stained-glass windows. The windows depict people and events that have helped to shape Colorado history, including the famous educator, Emily Griffith. Back in 1916, Griffith established a special alternative school in Downtown Denver that has managed to survive to this day.

There are many interesting things to observe at the Colorado Capitol Building, and it's worth noting that excellent views of the Rocky Mountains can be enjoyed from the west entrance steps. The mountain views are particularly splendid at sunset. Before sunset, some of the other things that visitors might check out include the bronze statue of a Civil War soldier that can be found out front and the palace-like interior of the building, which is adorned with native Colorado marble. This marble, known as Colorado Rose Onyx, is extremely rare. In fact, the entire known supply was depleted during the building of the Colorado State Capitol.

For anyone interested in the governmental process, it is worth noting that House and Senate sessions are open to the public at the Colorado Capitol Building. Visitor galleries are in place for the sessions, and these galleries are open between January and early May.

read more...

Children’s Museum of Denver

Children's Museum of Denver is full of interactive exhibits that cater to kids and adults who are kids at heart. Separated from Elitch Gardens and Downtown Denver by the Platte River, this colorful complex is easy to find, especially since it is right off of Interstate 25. Once visitors arrive at the Children's Museum of Denver, they should plan on sticking around for at least a couple of hours, as there is plenty to see and do. There is an onsite café to grab a quit bite or take a break from walking around.

The list of things to do for kids in Denver is relatively long, and many families make it a point to head over to the Children's Museum when looking to stay busy. The bulk of the exhibits at this fun-filled attraction are mostly designed for kids that are eight years old or younger, and they are intended to excite the imagination. Ready Vet Go! is just one of the exhibits that the museum features, and it allows youngsters the chance to play veterinarian for a while. Budding firefighters are sure to have a blast at the CMD Fire Station No. 1 exhibit, and it's always fun to enjoy a faux shopping spree at My Market. Other exhibits that visitors can enjoy include ARTS a la Carte and The Assembly Plant. The former is a playscape area where painting and putting on puppet shows figure among the things to do, while the latter is a center that is geared towards young engineers and wannabe builders.

When it comes to Denver kids activities that are worth keeping in mind, the museum also offers a comprehensive list of classes, programs, and other special events that families can also enjoy. These classes and special programs that the Children's Museum of Denver offers have various themes, with art and science being two of the most popular. Most of these daily classes and programs can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages, while some are better suited for younger children.

Other events that the museum offers include special annual parties and fundraising events. This is a great place for birthday parties, and it's also worth noting that it can be rented out for weddings, galas, and family reunions. Whether you're interested in things to do for kids in Denver or you want to find a unique venue for an all ages event, the Children's Museum should not to be overlooked.

The Children's Museum of Denver is open seven days a week, usually from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. On the weekends, the museum opens an hour later and closes an hour later. Mondays are the quietest days, so if you want to avoid crowds, they are the best time to visit. Admission prices are more than reasonable, especially if you manage to find a coupon or get a discount as part of a travel package.

In addition to visiting the Children's Museum, those who are interested in Denver kids activities will have no trouble finding things to do. Some of the other popular options for things to do for kids in Denver include visiting Water World, hanging out at the Denver Aquarium, and checking out the Denver Zoo. Thanks to the number of area parks and ski resorts, outdoor recreation is also an option when it comes to Denver kids activities. Colorado's largest city offers something for everyone, and thanks to attractions like the Children's Museum, it can be a great place to escape to when family fun is the aim.

read more...

Denver Butterfly Pavilion

Denver Butterfly Pavilion is a dazzling place to spend some time on a Colorado getaway, especially for those who like to admire curious creatures. More than 1,000 butterflies flutter about in this lush conservatory, and together they represent around 150 different species! Visitors can also check out some fascinating moths on a trip to the Denver Butterfly Pavilion, and the insect and arachnid collections are also worthy of a look. Other invertebrates are on display, and it's also possible to admire the conservatory's impressive plant collection. The plants fall into three main categories, giving visitors quite a spectrum of species to observe.

There are lots of fun things to do in Denver, and when a break from shopping, hiking, or golfing is in order, the Denver Butterfly Pavilion can be an excellent excursion for just about anyone. The butterflies are free to roam as they please at the Pavilion's Wings of the Tropics exhibit. These creatures come in a range of shapes, sizes, and colors. Adding even more depth is a smaller number of moths, and Denver Butterfly Pavilion visitors can learn the differences between butterflies and moths.

In addition to the Wings of the Tropics, the exhibits at the Denver Butterfly Pavilion include Crawl-A-See-Em and Water's Edge. The former offers insight into the world of arachnids, and among the creatures that are on display are scorpions, giant millipedes, and tarantulas. At Water's Edge, marine creatures are the focus, and these creatures include crabs, sea stars, shrimp, and squid. If you can't make it over to the Denver Aquarium, the Water's Edge exhibit at the Denver Butterfly Pavilion can be a worthy replacement attraction.

The Butterfly Pavilion in Denver offers more than indoor exhibits, and visitors are encouraged to bring a good pair of shoes for the conservatory's Nature Trail. This half-mile trail offers an excellent look at some of the state's native creatures, including prairie dogs and a variety of insects. After a trek around the Nature Trail, spending a little time in the lovely Outdoor Gardens can be both fun and relaxing. The Butterfly Pavilion tickets include all of the exhibits, both indoor and out, and the prices are more than reasonable. It's worth noting that Denver Butterfly Pavilion discounts are relatively easy to find and can make the entrance fee even more attractive than it already is.

As is true of the Denver Aquarium and the Denver Zoo, the Denver Butterfly Pavilion is an ideal attraction for animal lovers, and families with kids will want to consider adding it to the vacation agenda. It only takes a few hours to get around to all of the wonderful exhibits at the Butterfly Pavilion, and there is a snack bar onsite that can serve the needs of hungry or thirsty patrons who aren't ready to leave. Should you manage to find a coupon for discounted Butterfly Pavilion tickets, the money that you save can be used for food or refreshments at the onsite snack bar. There's also a brewery close by that serves up handcrafted beers and good food.

While the Butterfly Pavilion tickets are already reasonably-priced, money-saving discounts are available. For starters, seniors get discounted rates, as do children who are aged two to twelve. Children under the age of two get in free with a paying adult. Groups of ten or more that aren't affiliated with a school can also expect Denver Butterfly Pavilion discounts, just as long as they reserve their discounted group tickets in advance. Special rates are also in place for school field trips, and these rates include an informative hands-on learning experience and fun, self-guided tour itineraries. Visitors who are interested in Denver Butterfly Pavilion discounts can also keep an eye out for money-saving vacation packages that include a visit.

read more...