Colorado Travel Guide
Denver
The Mile High City is a place that boomed with the discovery of gold in 1858 and has continued to flourish ever since. The railroad came in 1870, further gold and silver deposits were uncovered in the 1880's both of which aided development. The city became a centre for transcontinental traffic, a stopping off point between the coasts and a major industrial centre in its own right. It is an ideal base for further exploration of the Front Range.
The city has, over the years sought to improve itself. This has been achieved initially on the back of cash from the mineral wealth of the area then from oil and gas. However the rise of the 'hi-tech' industries that the city really took off. This growth and development is epitomised by the new Denver International Airport, very much a place of the 21st century.
Things to Do, Places to See
Cowboys and Native Americans
High in the Rockies, on the edge of the Great Plains, former home to Buffalo Bill, close to all those old mining ghost towns, Denver is one of the great towns of the Wild West.
This heritage is remembered in two huge gatherings. In mid January is the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo; this huge event attracts somewhere in the region of 600,000 visitors every year. The rodeo is one of the big prize money happenings on the cowboy circuit.
Later in the year - early March- sees the Indians come to town in the Denver March Pow-Wow. This is one of the biggest yearly gatherings of Native Americans and is centred around their culture, arts and crafts. The main event is the Grand Entry, a swirling whirling mass of up to a 1000 dancers. The Pow-Wow attracts 100,000 visitors over its three-day duration.
In the Park
Smack in the centre of the city just in front of the State Capitol building is the Civic Center Park, a pleasing green space. The park is laid out on classical lines with numerous shady trees and monuments.
For a tranquil escape, visit the Denver Botanic Gardens.
The City Park (City Park? Civic Center Park? Must have taken them ages to dream those names up) is Denver's largest open space with trees and even a golf course. All areas are accessible via the paths that criss-cross the park. One big attraction is the Zoo. This is thoughtfully laid out with enclosures tailored to the animal contained within. The Polar Bears and Gorillas are big crowd pleasers.
History Type Museums
Found in the City Park is the Museum of Nature and Science. Check out the dinosaur skeletons, the mineral collections and the Prehistoric Journey exhibit.
The Colorado History Museum traces the States past, from pre-historic Indians to pioneer mining times.
Also worth a look is the Black American West Museum and the Children's Museum of Denver.
Art Type Museums
The Denver Art Museum has a wide range of exhibits including work from Europe and Asia. It is the Indian art that really catches the eye.
The Museum of Western art is a must for aficionados of the Old West, with works from Remmington and O'Keefe amongst others.
Eating, Drinking and Sleeping
Restaurants of all kinds abound. Steak is high on the menu in many places but local food of the non-cow variety is also readily available.
There are many bars and clubs and live music is easy to find.
There is a wide range of choice with regard to accommodation from hostels and B&B through to the large chains.
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