Denver: getting around the Mile High City

Once seen as the domain of cowboys and oilmen, today the mile high metropolis is a cosmopolitan mix of natural beauty and world class hotels, entertainment and attractions. The Denver Art Museum houses one of the finest collections of American Indian art in the world. The city is also the official home of four national teams: the Broncos, Nuggets, Rockies and Avalanche, meaning every season is sports season. Even with all the big town glitz, Denver has managed to maintain its earthiness.

Outdoor recreation is still a major draw. With 205 parks in city limits and 20,000 acres of parks in the nearby mountains, there is ample opportunity for hiking, biking, mountain climbing and more. Families visiting Denver won’t know where to begin. The Zoo, the Children’s Museum and the Botanic Gardens offer hours of entertainment. Or pop by the United States Mint for a free tour. To prove that Denver really is The Mile High City, head to the State Capitol. There is a spot on the west steps of the building that is exactly 5,280 feet above sea level.

Do not Miss Attractions
Museums
Denver Art Museum: Known for its wide range of Native American art, this museum also contains the only major Asian art collection in the Rocky Mountains.

Denver Museum of Nature & Science: Visit Egyptian mummies and then pop over to the amazing chimpanzee exhibit or learn about gems and rocks at this museum dedicated to helping people better understand the universe, nature, science and human cultures.

Government buildings
Colorado State Capitol: A familiar sight in the Denver skyline because of its gold bell shaped dome, the Mile High Citys Capitol has a point located at exactly 5,280 feet above sea level.

United States Mint: One of six branches of the U.S. Mint, the Denver location is responsible for producing all coins for public circulation. Tours are possible but must be arranged, at least two weeks in advance, through a Congressional representative or senator.

Urban oasis
City Park Denver: The most popular park in the city, this 320 acre sanctuary offers recreation opportunities galore and houses the Denver Zoo, the Colorado Museum of Natural History and an IMAX Theatre.

Family fun
Ocean Journey: This new innovative aquarium offers self guided tours through two separate ecosystems, the Colorado River and the Indonesian River.

Denver Zo Ginseng, an Asian black bear cub, is one of the main attractions at this more than 100 year old zoo, which is home to more than 4,000 animals and a conservation center.

Childrens Museum of Denver: Kids build cars on an assembly line, use real tools in a wood shop, shop in a supermarket, dance and act in this hands on museum that immerses them in creative and practical activities where they learn and have fun. The very young set (newborns to 8 year olds) have their own special playscape areas.

Restaurants
Sushi Den: Fresh, sushi-grade seafood is shipped in from Japan and served to a hip crowd at this trendy restaurant. If raw seafood isn’t for you, there are plenty of cooked dishes available as well.

Denver Art Museum, Denver
Known for its wide range of Native American art, this museum also contains the only major Asian art collection in the Rocky Mountains.
Attraction type: Art museum

Colorado State Capitol, Denver
A key feature in the Denver skyline because of its gold bell shaped dome, the Capitol Building, fittingly in the Mile High City, has a point located at exactly 5,280 feet above sea level. Free tours are available for visitors.
Attraction type: Government building

Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver
Spanning more than 23 acres, this urban garden features more than 15,000 species from around the world.
Attraction type: Garden

Colorado History Museum, Denver
Visit this museum to explore Colorado’s pioneer history through artifacts, dioramas and photographs.
Attraction type: History museum

Ocean Journey, Denver
No longer Ocean Journey The new name is Downtown Aquarium, and it is primarily a restaurant. Not a very good one, according to local reviewers. See this review from the Rocky Mountain News. The…
Attraction type: Aquarium

Courtesy of grouptravelblog