Top 10 Denver, Colorado Attractions for Visitors

Nestled in the Rocky Mountain rage, Denver, Colorado - the "mile high city" - is full of interesting tourist attractions for visitors of all ages. Tourists can spend the morning on the ski slopes of Denver's Love Land Ski Park for some of the best skiing in the world. And after lunch, visitors can make their way to the
Or bring the kids to the Denver Zoo for a wild family adventure among creatures from across the globe.

The Denver Zoo
Visitors of all ages are sure to enjoy a trip to the 80-acre Denver Zoo, where more than 4,000 animals and 700 species are on display in their habitats.
Whether you're interested in animals of the African Savannah, like tigers, zebras and giraffes, or marine life like seas turtles and fish, the Denver Zoo has something that's sure to fascinate and educate every member of the family. Visitors are also encouraged to visit the zoo during the daily feeding time for optimal animal visibility.

From April 1 through October 31, the grounds are open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with admissions ending at 5:00 p.m. From November 1 through March 31, the grounds are open from 10:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m., with admissions ending at 4:00 p.m. The Denver Zoo is open 365 days a year.

Ticket prices to the Denver Zoo vary depending on the season. Children under age 2 years are always admitted free of charge. Admission for children ages 3 to 11 ranges from $5 to $7. Admission for visitors ages 12 and up ranges from $9 to $12. And admission for seniors ages 65+ ranges from $7 to $9.
The Denver Zoo is located at 2300 Steele Street in Denver, Co. Call 1-888-638-5648. Visit the Denver Zoo online at www.denverzoo.org

Loveland Ski Area
If there's one thing Denver is known for, it's the outdoor recreation! Skiers and snowboarders alike will experience some of the best powder in the world at Loveland Ski Area. Experts can hop on the lift and ride to the top of a black diamond trail, while children and novices can learn from some of the top ski instructors in the nation at Loveland's Ski and Ride School.

The ski area is open seasonally, with snowmaking starting in mid-autumn and lasting through spring. The lifts are open weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and on weekends and holidays from 8:30 a.m. through 4:00 p.m.

The Loveland Ski Area is the closest ski area to Denver proper, located at 3877 Highway 6, in Georgetown, Co.

For lift ticket and ski area information, call 888-468-9554. For the latest information on lift ticket and ski pass rates, trail conditions, general information on the Loveland Ski Park, and a countdown clock ticking down the seconds to the start of ski season, visit www.skiloveland.com

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
It doesn't take an avid outdoorsman to appreciate the majesty of Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, where visitors will encounter one of the former Seven Wonders of the World.

Just 15 miles outside of the Denver city limits in the foothills of the Rocky Mountain range is the Red Rocks Park. Visitors can explore sandstone monoliths that shoot more than 300 feet into the sky, reaching heights taller than Niagra Falls!

And check the Red Rocks Park website in advance for performance information for the park's open air amphitheatre, described as one of the premier natural outdoor venues in the world! Music industry greats like John Denver, James Taylor and the Beatles have played the amphitheatre and new acts are scheduling concerts

The park visitor center hours of operation vary depending on the season. From May through September, visit from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and from October through April, visit from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre is located at 8300 West Alameda Parkway in Morrison, Co. Call 1-720-865-2924. For tourist information and a performance schedule, visit www.redrocksonline.com.

The 16th Street Mall
Shopping is a favorite attraction in any city, and Denver has some of the best boutiques, shops and entertainment in the nation at The 16th Street Mall! The picturesque 16-block open-air shopping district is situated in the heart of Denver, and even visitors who are brought to the mile-high city can rest assured that they'll stay in-touch, as the shopping district is equipped with wireless internet service.

The mall is home to dining venues like the Hard Rock Cafe and an array of small outdoor cafes that are open year round. And when you're done dining, visit the Virgin Records Megastore, Niketown and even the Gap!

The 16th Street Mall is open year 'round.

The Denver Botanic Gardens
The Denver Botanic Gardens have been featured in the pages of Country Living Gardener Magazine, among others and there's good reason why; it's one of the nation's premier gardens, located in the heart of Denver. Visitors who are in the Denver area for an extended, long-term visit can even sign up for one of the gardens' many classes and courses.

The gardens are sure to appeal to visitors of all ages, young and old alike. The Denver Botanic Gardens also feature wheelchair and handicap accessibility, to ensure that all visitors can enjoy the experience.

The gardens are open year-round. Summer hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. Saturdays through Tuesday, and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. on Wednesday, Thursdays and Fridays. During the fall, winter and early spring months, the gardens are open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.

The Denver Botanic Gardens are located at 1005 York Street in Denver, Co. Call the gardens at 720-865-3500. To learn more and for the most current admission price information, visit www.botanicgardens.org

The Denver Museum of Nature and Science
The Denver Museum of Nature and Science is sure to appeal to visitors of all ages, with its educational displays and exhibits, planetarium programs and IMAX film showings.

The museum is open 364 days a year (closed on December 25), from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Discovery Zone for kids is open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily. And the hours for the Gates Planetarium and Phipps IMAX Theatre hours vary, so check the schedule for information on showings that coincide with your Denver visit.

Museum admission prices range from $6 to $11 per person. IMAX tickets range from $6 to $8 per person. And special packages are available for admission to the museum, planetarium and IMAX theatre, ranging from $10 to $21. Military, group and member discounts are available.

The Denver Museum of Nature and Science is located at 2001 Colorado Boulevard in Denver, CO. For more information, visit www.dmns.org

Elitch Gardens
Elitch Gardens is a theme park that the entire family is sure to enjoy. Elitch Gardens is comprised of a traditional amusement park and a water park.
Ticket prices range from $19.99 for children 48" and under, $34.99 for general admission, and $29.99 for visitors who purchase their tickets online. Children age three and under are admitted free of charge.

Hours of operation vary depending on the time of year. The park is closed from November through mid-April. During the summer, the park is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. In the fall, during September and October, the park is open from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Fridays, 12:00 noon to 10:00 p.m. on Saturdays and 12:00 noon to 9:00 p.m. on Sundays.

Elitch Gardens is located in downtown Denver on Elitch Circle, located just of I-25. Visitors can also make their way to the park via bus and rail. For more information, call 303-595-4386 or visit www.elitchgardens.com.

Denver's Best Mystery Dinner Theatre
Denver natives and visitors are treated to some of the classiest and most unique nighttime attractions in the nation. Make your way to the Adams Mystery Playhouse, dubbed Denver's Original Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre, for an evening of suspense, fun and fine dining.

These interactive dinner mysteries are sure to amuse and entertain children, teens and adults of all ages. The bar opens at 6:00 p.m. and shows take place from 6:30 p.m. through 9:15 p.m. Tickets start at $39 per person.

The Adams Mystery Playhouse is located at 2406 Federal Boulevard in Denver, CO. For more information, call 888-203-1975 or visit www.denver.com/murder-mystery-dinner-theatre/

The Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave
Nothing brings to mind visions of the old west like the legend Buffalo Bill. Visit the Buffalo Museum for a trip back in time, less than 30 minutes from downtown Denver. Visitors will learn more about the legend William F. Cody, a.k.a "Buffalo Bill," the Pony Express and the Old Wild West.

The Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave is located at 987 1/2 Lookout Mountain, Golden, CO. The museum is open May 1 to October 31 daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and from November 1 to April 30 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. From November through April, the museum is closed on Mondays and on December 25.

Admission ranges for $1 for children to $3 for adults. For more information, call 303-526-0744 or visit www.buffalobill.org

Mount Evans
Looking for a scenic view amidst the Rocky Mountains? Visit Mount Evans and the highest paved roadway in North America. The 14-mile road (which is accessible to the public at no charge) extends up to the summit of Mount Evans, located at more than 14,000 feet above sea level.

The road is open from June through Labor Day (weather permitting) and visitors can expect to find snow and ice on the summit, even in the middle of summer!
Located about one-hour from downtown Denver, visitors are invited to visit not only Mount Evans, but also the M. Walter Pesman Trail for a hike along an alpine wildflower trail that's maintained by the Denver Botanic Gardens (see related listing.)

For more information on Mount Evans, call 303-567-3000 or visit www.mountevans.com

Travelers who are soon planning to visit Colorado are invited to visit one of Denver's premier attraction and tourism websites, www.denver.org and www.denver.com