Denver Airport Layover: Nearby Attractions

what places can we see in denver near the airport

Denver International Airport is a gateway to the majestic Rocky Mountains and a plethora of attractions. The airport itself is an art lover's paradise, boasting one of the largest airport public art collections in the world. Beyond the airport, Denver offers a rich historical tapestry, stunning landscapes, and a vibrant culture. The city centre may be 23 miles away, but it's easily accessible via train, bus, car, or taxi. For those seeking adventure, the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge offers 15,000 acres of nature and wildlife to explore. For those interested in history and science, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science provides a captivating experience. Beer enthusiasts can savour local brews at the Great Divide Brewing Company, while adrenaline seekers can race at Podium Karting & Events. With its proximity to the Rocky Mountains and abundance of experiences, Denver International Airport is more than just a transit hub.

Characteristics Values
Restaurants Redeemer Pizza, La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal, Tavernetta, Sunday Vinyl, Corazon, Rioja, Onefold, Bruto, Sakura House, Pony Up, The Milk Market, Wynkoop Brewery, 1up Arcade Bar, Ultreia, Avanti F&B, Hyatt Regency Bar, Red Barber, Sushi-Rama, Safta Restaurant
Bars The Cruise Room, Happy Hour at A5, Peaks Lounge
Attractions Museum of Contemporary Art, Denver Botanic Gardens, Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Barr Lake State Park, RiNo (River North) Art District, Denver Museum Nature & Science, Green Valley Ranch Golf Club, Buffalo Bill Museum & Grave, Lookout Mountain, Confluence Park, Platte River Trolley, Downtown Aquarium, The Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus, Pearl Street Mall, National Center for Atmospheric Research, Eldorado Canyon State Park, Rocky Mountain National Park

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Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum

If you're looking for places to visit near Denver Airport, Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum is a great option. The museum is located on the former Lowry Air Force Base, which was in operation from 1938 to 1994 and played a significant role in the country's war efforts during World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Cold War. With over 182,000 square feet of hangar space, the museum houses an impressive collection of aircraft and aviation history.

Wings Over the Rockies features more than 50 aircraft dating from 1939 to 1990, including a former United Airlines DC-10 and Boeing 727-200, a Christen Eagle II, and a Learjet 24. The museum also offers thrilling flight simulator experiences, such as the MaxFlight 360° full-motion flight simulator and the Drone Pilot Pathway, which provides introductory drone flight training.

The museum is dedicated to inspiring, educating, and entertaining visitors about aviation and space endeavours, both past and present. It offers an enrichment program that focuses on expanding aerospace education in Colorado. The museum also has a robust Technical Research Library, boasting over 15,000 book titles on aviation and aerospace, as well as rare NASA documents and vintage airline memorabilia.

In addition to its main campus, Wings Over the Rockies has a second location called "Exploration of Flight." This 15-acre campus at Centennial Airport showcases future-focused aviation and space galleries and exhibits. Here, visitors can explore the Science in Space Exhibit of the ISS, featuring a U.S. NASA Astronauts exhibit with Colorado connections, and an aircraft engine collection with both propeller and jet engines.

If you're looking for a bite to eat after exploring the museum, nearby options include Union Station, which offers Spanish food, burgers, and ramen, as well as rooftop bars with city and mountain views. For a quick coffee before heading back to the airport, try Pig Train, also located in Union Station.

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Denver Museum Nature & Science

The Denver Museum of Nature and Science is a municipal natural history and science museum in Denver, Colorado. It is a resource for informal science education in the Rocky Mountain region. The 716,000-square-foot building houses more than one million objects in its collections, including natural history and anthropological materials, as well as archival and library resources. The museum is an independent, nonprofit institution with approximately 450 full-time and part-time staff, more than 1,000 volunteers, and a 29-member board of trustees. It is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and is a Smithsonian Institution affiliate.

The museum offers a variety of exhibitions, programs, and activities that help visitors learn about the natural history of Colorado, Earth, and the universe. The museum is currently embarking on an ambitious renovation of its permanent exhibition, including an expansion and reimagining of its classic Gems and Minerals Hall. The Morgridge Family Exploration Center, part of a $70 million expansion in 2007, includes three above-ground levels with features such as Exploration Studios, a temporary exhibition gallery, an atrium, a redeveloped Discovery Zone for early learners, and the outdoor Boettcher Plaza with unique public art. The Avenir Collections Centre, also part of the 2007 expansion, is a climate-controlled facility that houses nearly 1.5 million artefacts and specimens, including bison from the 1870s, passenger pigeons, and the last grizzly bear killed in Colorado in 1979.

The museum is open seven days a week, 363 days a year (closed on December 25). Members receive free admission and can plan their visits flexibly, enjoying benefits and discounts. Visitors can enjoy current and upcoming exhibitions, as well as shows at the Infinity Theatre and the Planetarium, including an unforgettable giant-screen theatre experience. The museum's website provides information on current shows and exhibitions, as well as planning for visits.

The Denver Museum of Nature and Science has a rich history. Initially known as the Colorado Museum of Natural History, it was officially incorporated in 1900 and opened to the public in 1908. In 1948, increased funding from the city of Denver led to a name change to the Denver Museum of Natural History. In 2000, the name was changed again to the present Denver Museum of Nature and Science, reflecting the institution's broader focus. The museum has also received significant donations from benefactors, such as the Morgridge Family Foundation, which contributed $8 million in 2010.

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The Great Divide Brewing Company

If you're looking for places to visit near Denver International Airport, there are several options to consider. One popular suggestion is to take the A Line train to Union Station, which is located in the heart of Lower Downtown. At Union Station, you can enjoy a variety of dining options, including Spanish cuisine at Ultreia, burgers, and ramen. From there, you can walk to the Museum of Contemporary Art to explore art and enjoy a cocktail on their roof deck. For beer enthusiasts, the RiNo neighbourhood offers a mini brewery crawl, including notable spots such as Wynkoop Brewery and The Great Divide Brewing Company.

The Great Divide Brewing Co. takes pride in its dedication to the art of craft brewing, and this is reflected in the diverse and exceptional ales they produce. From their signature bold and robust beers to more experimental offerings, they strive to captivate their customers with each new release. The brewery's commitment to their craft has earned them a reputation as one of America's most decorated breweries, with their beers consistently earning recognition and accolades within the industry. Their dedication to fostering a deeper appreciation for craft brewing extends beyond their customers, as they actively engage with the community, sharing their knowledge and passion for beer.

The taprooms of the Great Divide Brewing Co. embody the brewery's spirit and provide a unique setting to sample their diverse beer offerings. The airport taproom, in particular, offers a convenient taste of Denver's renowned brewing culture for travellers passing through. With a focus on community and a commitment to exceptional beer, the Great Divide Brewing Co. has established itself as a beloved fixture in the craft brewing landscape, not just in Denver but across the nation. Their taprooms serve as a testament to their dedication to creating spaces where customers can connect, enjoy exceptional beers, and be a part of the brewery's vibrant community.

So, if you're looking for a taste of Denver's brewing heritage and a chance to immerse yourself in the world of craft beer, a visit to The Great Divide Brewing Company is a must. With their award-winning beers and community-centric approach, they offer a unique and memorable experience that showcases the very best of American craft brewing.

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Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge

The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is a sanctuary located just 10 miles northeast of downtown Denver. It is one of the largest urban refuges in the United States, covering an area of 15,988 acres. The refuge is a haven for native wildlife, offering expansive views and recreational activities for visitors seeking a nature escape.

The refuge is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including bison, deer, raptors, songbirds, waterfowl, prairie dogs, and coyotes. Visitors can explore the 11-mile Wildlife Drive, offering opportunities to view herds of bison, deer crossing the road, curious prairie dogs, and birds soaring overhead. There are also hiking trails within the refuge, providing different points of view and a more immersive nature experience.

The Rocky Mountain Arsenal has a unique history, transitioning from farmland to a war-time manufacturing site, and eventually to a wildlife sanctuary. After the Vietnam War, the site served as a disposal location for chemical weapons. In 1987, it was discovered that the area was highly polluted, leading to its inclusion on the National Priorities List for hazardous waste sites. Despite this, a winter communal roost of bald eagles, an endangered species at the time, was found at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal in 1986. This discovery, along with the presence of over 330 species of wildlife, emphasised the need for conservation.

The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge Act was enacted by Congress in 1992 and signed into law by President George H. W. Bush. The legislation ensured that the majority of the site would become a national wildlife refuge under the care of the Fish and Wildlife Service. The refuge formally opened in 2004, with the primary goal of protecting the bald eagle, the national symbol of the United States.

Today, the refuge is a testament to successful conservation efforts, where wildlife thrives and visitors can connect with nature. The refuge offers free entry, with visitor centre hours from Wednesday to Sunday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. It is important for visitors to adhere to the refuge rules, such as staying on designated trails, refraining from swimming or wading in refuge lakes, and remaining in their vehicles when viewing bison.

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The 16th Street Mall

The mall offers a unique shopping and dining experience with its mix of contemporary charm and historic elegance. One notable feature is the Daniels & Fisher Tower, a two-thirds replica of the Campanile of St. Mark's in Venice. This beautiful building was the highest structure west of the Mississippi when it was constructed in 1909. Today, it houses the Clocktower Cabaret, a nightclub offering comedy, musical acts, and more.

In addition to shopping and dining, the mall provides easy access to nearby attractions. At the north end of the street, a pedestrian path leads to Commons Park and LoHi, a hip neighbourhood known for its restaurants and brewpubs. The Denver Performing Arts Complex and the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver (MCA Denver) are also just a short distance from the mall. With free shuttle buses running up and down the street, getting around is convenient and efficient.

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