Denver, Colorado might not be the first place in mind when considering places with fascinating history, but the snowy city has a lot to offer for history lovers. Featuring museums like the Molly Brown House and the History Colorado Center, as well as landmarks like Union Station, Denver is a terrific choice for vacationers looking for a historical town with additional attractions like skiing.
A Brief History Of Denver, Colorado
Denver’s recent cultural history begins with the Arapaho Indians, who were known as skilled equestrians and excellent hunters. Once gold was found in Denver in 1858, a huge influx of people participating in a gold rush increased the population of Denver exponentially.
In 1867, after conflicts from displaced Indians in an effort to take back their land, the city decided to remove the Arapaho and Cheyenne Indians for good, establishing Denver as Colorado’s capital. After railroads were built, Denver’s population in 1890 grew from just under five thousand people to over one hundred and five thousand people!
Today, Denver stands as a populous city with plenty of amenities for a modern American to enjoy- professional sports teams, performing arts complexes, museums, botanic gardens, and more!
Molly Brown House
One of the most famous people to live in Denver, Molly Brown came to be known as “Unsinkable” after she survived the Titanic disaster in 1912. A resident of Denver and with a humble upbringing, Molly gained wealth through luck in mining ore, but she did not sacrifice her kindness and compassion for those less fortunate.
Her Denver home, a gorgeous Victorian-era mansion, now serves as a museum. Featuring most of her original furniture and items like silver, art, china, and photographs, the museum also grants visitors the chance to learn about Molly Brown’s kindness, philanthropy, and political activism.
- Address: 1340 Pennsylvania St, Denver, CO 80203, United States
- Hours: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, closed on Monday
Tours of the Molly Brown House are also available, complete with extensive audio, so be sure to bring some headphones.
Ticket prices
- Adults (ages 19 -64): $16.00
- Juniors (ages 6 - 18): $12.00
- Seniors (ages 65+): $14.00
- Military/Teachers/College Students (With Valid ID): $14.00
- Children (0-5): free!
- Note: Colorado residents can receive $2.00 off each ticket!
- Duration: Roughly 45 minutes to one hour
History Colorado Center
Since its opening in 2012, the History Colorado Center has established itself as the premier museum in Denver. With exhibits detailing Colorado’s cultural, scientific, and geological history as it progressed over the past several thousand years, this museum helps encourage interest in the history of Colorado by including state-of-the-art programs, special events, and innovative interactive exhibits for both kids and adults.
- Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, every day
- Address: 1200 N Broadway, Denver, CO 80203, United States
Ticket pricing
- Adults: $13.00
- Seniors (age 65+): $11.00
- Students (ages 16-22): $10.00
- Children (ages 5-15): $7.00
- Children (0-4): free!
- Members and Active Military: free!
Union Staton - Denver’s Historic Train Station
Part of what made Denver so successful throughout its modern history was its railroad system. In the golden era of rail transport, Denver rapidly became one of the biggest and wealthiest cities in the western United States. Completed in 1914, Union Station’s luxurious architecture demonstrated the height of early 1900s fashion. Even back then, the station was bustling with activity, transporting over two hundred trains per day and thousands of people.
Today, Denver’s Union Station continues to operate, transporting people all over Denver and Colorado, including to the Denver International Airport and back.
In Denver, visitors can find functioning steam trains, old locomotives, and one of the largest collections of model railroads in the country.
Note: while Union Station does offer tours, they are not available at this time. The station itself is still open, so feel free to stroll around.
- Address: 1701 Wynkoop Street Denver, CO 80202
The Historic 16th Street Tour
Denver’s most recent addition to the many walking tours available throughout the city, the Historic 16th Street Tour guides visitors down Denver’s “Main Street”. Guests will be able to learn about Denver’s evolving architecture, the various neighborhood changes, and dive deep into the events and people that made Denver the busy city it is today!
- Pricing: $15.00 flat fee
- Duration: one hour and thirty Minutes
“The Denver We Saved: A Virtual Walking Tour of Historic Denver's 1st 50 Years.”
Can’t make it to Denver but still want to learn about its history? On this innovative virtual walking tour, visitors can explore the city of Denver without leaving the comfort of their couch. It could also be a good option for visitors who just want to familiarize themselves with Denver’s history before going.
Traveling around the city, viewers can get a comprehensive education on the diverse history of Denver.
- Ticket prices: $9.00 flat fee
- Duration: One hour and fifteen minutes
In conclusion, while Colorado is perhaps most known for its ski slopes and snow-capped mountains, the city of Denver has a lot to offer for lovers of history and culture. With museums, walking tours, and historical landmarks, “The Mile High City” would make an excellent destination for any history buff!