Colorado Attractions-What to See and do in Colorado

Beautiful mountains, sunny and dry with awesome Ski resorts is usualy what most people envision in Colorado. Below you'll find a collection of photographs taken in the Denver Colorado Area. Click here: To see Photos from Colorado Springs or Photos from Southern Colorado.

"Colorado" in Spanish means"reddish colored" which refers to the sandstone formations in the area and the color of the Colorado River. Most of Colorado is really flat, which is really not the impression that most people have when they think of Colorado. The mountains all located on the West side of the state. While in Denver most of the views are of the foothills, you can get a little better view of the Rockies when you go to the suburbs. It isn't very green here, much like the southwest in that regard.

Lots of yellow prairie grass, scrub bushes, and more reservoirs than real lakes, but beautiful Aspen trees and tons of Pines. Fall color does generally consist of yellows, but every once in awhile I'll notice some various shades of red. Beautiful mountains, Sunny, Dry- and some crazy weather. The Rockies, I think, are the prettiest when the air is crisp and cool, the grass is still green and the mountains are snow capped. There is much more contrast this way.

Pack accordingly and Be prepared for crazy weather here! Oct 15th-70 degress compared to the following day Oct 16th-been snowing steadily all day. Very pretty on the pine trees. You're not safe from cold temps even in Summer May 29th-Thunderstorm and Hail

If arriving by plane, you will find that the airport could very well be located in Kansas. It is "out there" I am not sure why this is even considered to be located in Denver. But nonetheless you can see Denver and the front range from a distance.

Colorado has many places to explore. Denver, of course, is the hub of activity since it is the biggest city in the state. Denver is the largest city in the state, so the hub of most of the activity. Has some great views of the Rockies and there are several very nice parks near the lakes around the city.

While some people consider just the city proper-Denver, in my opinion, is made of all the surrounding suburbs: Westminster, Thornton to the north, Aurora to the East, Cherry Creek to the South, and Golden, Morrison,Lakewood to the West. And of course further West you'll find many ski resorts.

Boulder is really not a suburb it is good distance NW of the city. Fort Collins further north yet. Castle Rock is south of Denver on the way to Colorado Springs

If you want to see all the state has to offer, plan on either driving a lot or stay in one area for awhile and then stay in another. It is not possible to see everything here in a one week vacation, so pick the spots you really want to see and come again another time!

Attractions in Denver Area

The Unsinkable Molly Brown Museum

The Unsinkable Molly Brown Museum
Well I had to go to this, since I have always been fascinated by the sinking of the Titanic in 1912. Another great exhibit to learn about the Titanic is the traveling exhibit brought to major cities and museums. We saw this at the Arizona Science Center and it was really interesting.

She was of course dubbed "the Unsinkable Molly Brown" after she survived the Titanic. Most intersting,to me, is that her name was not Molly, never was Molly. This was Hollywood. Her name was Margaret Brown, or "Maggie"
If you've seen the movie "the Unsinkable Molly Brown" or "Titanic" after visitng the museum you will find that how Maggie was portrayed in Hollywood was not very accurate.

There is no parking lot for this museum, you have to find a spot on the street. Also no photos allowed inside-it is pretty dark inside so I would suggest purchasing postcards from the gift shop for interior photo shots and tough to get a photo of the house from the sidewalk.

Dinosaur Ridge-See the Dinosaur Tracks

Dinosaur Ridge-See the Dinosaur Tracks

While I wouldn't call this a must see, if you are visiting Red Rock park (which you should while here) stop by and see Dinosaur Ridge. The best spot is on the east side of the ridge where you can see fossilized dinosaur tracks. They are located at the spot with the blue pavillion. Dinosaur Ridge is located in Morrison along Alameda be careful when viewing as you are just parking on the side of the road and walking alongside traffic.
This is a FREE acitivity, Other than the the fossilized dinosaur track spot, not that great.

Red Rocks State Park

Red Rocks Park

This is a beautiful park. If you visit Colorado take the drive out here to see the cool rock formations or see a concert!
The park was originally designed to drive through and take in the views, so you can do just that or park and hike down the many paths. If you go to the park-go see the open-air Amphitheatre it is impressive and if I had to walk all those stairs you can too! Very nice view of Denver from up here!

Denver City Public Zoo

Mama Bear and her cubs

Wildlife show features birds and small wild cats-very interactive

Buffalo Bill Museum

If you enjoy the history of the Old West, this is an interesting little museum about the life of the famous Buffalo Bill. Some of the exhibits are interactive, so kids will enjoy this as well. The grounds are
The final resting place of the famous Buffalo Bill. There is a small museum here and the grave. This spot also offers some nice views of the city.

Denver's Waterpark

Denver has one of the top waterparks in the country. A great way to spend a summer day with plenty of rides for every age group.

Denver Botanic Garden-Paradise in the City

A little piece of heaven in the city. If you love flowers, and find peace in walking amongst them, then you should defenitely visit here. 23 acres of foliage. It is nicely broken up into over 30 different defined spaces,so something for everyone. There are many beautiful sculptures throughout the gardens, water features and places to sit and relax. The Botanic Garden is considered to be one of the top ten gardens in the West. There are a quite a few spaces that are dedicated to "regional gardening" including the Plains Garden, Ornamental grasses,dryland mesa,water-smart garden area. While these are pretty in there own way- I personally still prefer lilacs,roses,japanese gardens and the spaces that are "tucked away" within the gardens with lush foliage. There is something for everyone here, and I will be visiting in the spring specifically for the Lilac garden space. Update!: We visited again in the spring-with the lilacs in full bloom-what a heavenly scent! The state flower is the Rocky Mountain Columbine. A very pretty fragile looking flower that is white and lavender or blue (depends on who you ask). Columbines can be found here in other colors as well, but personally I think this color combo is the prettiest.

To see more photos of Colorado Flowers

Lakeside Amusement Park

This is a nice diversion for the kids! It is located right next to the lake. Basically a fair that is opened in the summer months. The kids had fun on the ferris wheel and roller coasters. There are plenty of rides for the younger kids (under 3) as well older kids. Little kid rides are 1 ticket (50 cents) and they go up from there depending on the ride.

Tiny Town-For Little Kids!

Not a must see while visiting Colorado, but young kids like Tiny Town. It is located just West of Denver. It has a short train ride around the town. My daugher loved looking at all the little house throughout the "town" Some of them are furnished and some have openings so kids can go inside of them. If you enjoy miniatures or doll houses, you would find this park interesting. This is a one-sixth-sized town with over 100 colorful buildings. It was originally constructed by a dad to amuse his daughter and then opened up to the public in the early 1900's, now it is a non-profit organization.

Directions: From the intersection of C-470 and Highway 285 (Hampden), head south into the mountains on Hwy 285 for 6 miles. Exit at North Turkey Creek Road.
Website: www.tinytownrailroad.com

Ice Skating at the Promenade

We visited here in January and wanted our kids to experience a "winter activity" we both enjoyed as kids. Ice Skating! This facility is fantastic. I learned how to ice skate on a lake,but other than the lack of natural scenary this is a great place to go ice skating. The kids were actually really scared to do this,keep in mind, they really only had seen snow 3 times in there life before we attempted to teach them to ice skate. But by the end of the public skating time (1.5 hours) they were having a blast. Our youngest at the time was 18 months and yes they even have ice skates that tiny available here.
Cost around $5 a person and extra if you need to rent skates.

Check out there website for public skating times.

Website: http://www.icecentre.com/

Ski, Ski and Ski some more

If you love to ski, your in luck! Colorado has some of the best ski resorts most within a few hours of Denver.
Glenwood Springs is a pretty little city to visit if you are out this way. Vail, in my opinion, doesn't have much to offer unless you are skiing. I was rather disappointed in this town or maybe my expectations were too high to begin with. Colorado is well known for its Ski resorts. There are plenty to choose from. My husband is an avid skiier, so he went to the following this past year:

Winter Park-closest to Denver
Vail-he thought this one was the best for skiing. Something for everyone here. Food is expensive $18 for hamburger.
Breckenridge-long winding slopes- great if you don't like the black diamond slopes.
Keystone-steep slopes, not as good for beginners. Nice town with shops. Fairly close to Denver-had most affordable food.
Arapahoe Basin-Nothing fancy. They have some really steep slopes "double black diamond" and they have long winding slopes as well. It wasn't as crowded as some others.
Loveland-Close to Denver

Save $$ To save money he purchased the "Colorado Pass" for ski season, which can be purchased at most outdoor type stores. This pass starts selling in October and unless you are a resident or will be here for an extended period of time this is probably not something you would be interested in.
If you purchase the Denver Entertainment book it contains tons of coupons for the different ski resorts as well.

See the Elk in Estes Park

Last week in Sept, first weeks in Oct are the best time for Elk watching. As a matter of fact you should see them before you even hit the downtown area. We were lucky enough to see the two males butting heads. Beautiful with the fall leaves and lake in the background. You can easily walk pretty close to them and allows for good photo opportunities if you are able to take one without cars or other people in the background. Estes Park is a great vacation area! Lots of elk in the fall here and you are at the entrance of the Rockies.

Estes Park in the Winter

Fort Collins is really just a small town north of Denver with lots of college kids and downtown that somewhat reminds me of state street in Madison,WI. It does offer lots of outdoor activities as well including the Poudre River, which is beautiful as well as awesome mountain views.

Museum of Science

Fun place for adults and kids- especially enjoyed the Dinosaurs,Egyptian Mummies, and the Gem & Minerals section. There is also an Imax theater here. and it is located next to a nice big park

Denver City Park

Love this park! Right in Denver. Created in the early 1900's there are 314 acres. It houses the Zoo and The Science Museum. Has a fantastic view of downtown Denver-good photo opportunity if you are looking for one of the city and /or of the historic boat house. plenty of grassy area, a playground, a rose garden, geese to feed,a lovely lake and a public golf course if you feel like hitting a few balls.

Great refuge spot in the city Directions: East of Downtown by the museum and zoo

Oh- if you visit the Southern end of Denver, Hickory House in Parker is worth the drive for awesome RIBS!

If you want to see all the state has to offer, plan on either driving a lot or stay in one area for awhile and then stay in another. It is not possible to see everything here in a one week vacation, so pick the spots you really want to see and come again another time!


If at all possible, take a drive to Colorado Springsor "the Springs" as the locals call it. Beautiful natural tourist attractions can be found there. Aprox. 2 hours south of Denver. Colorado Springs is a vacation spot in itself, but if you can only visit the state once try and fit a day spent in "Springs"

To see more photos of Colorado Flowers