Exploring Denver’s Best Free Attractions
Denver is on a rocket rise, and no wonder, with its revitalized downtown, outdoorsy ethos, and alternative vibe attracting new arrivals from across the country. If you’re looking for a laid-back city hub with a great climate and outdoor adventures right on the doorstep, look no further.
Be aware, though, that prices in Denver are climbing as fast as the daredevils propelling themselves up the sheer rock faces of the Front Range. The Colorado capital has evolved from cowtown to hipster hub, and it’s easy to burn through your travel cash on even a fleeting visit, and not just on craft beer and designer puffer jackets.
However, have no fear! Denver still has some real gems that don’t cost a thing – including street art, riverside parks, and the world-famous Red Rocks concert venue, where you can channel your inner Denverite for free. Here’s a guide to the best things to do on a visit to Denver on a budget.
1. Tour the Colorado State Capitol
With a gleaming gold leaf-covered dome that’s impossible to miss, the Colorado State Capitol is a must-see for history and architecture buffs. This handsome structure is home to the Governor’s office as well as the Senate and House of Representatives, and free 45-minute tours lead visitors through its hallowed halls, with guides sharing facts and fun tidbits about the building. The tour includes 15 minutes to wander within the dome – the view is worth joining the tour for all by itself.
Planning tip: If you’re looking for a photo op, try the grand outer staircase, where the 13th step sits exactly one mile above sea level.
2. Get close to a fortune on a US Mint Tour
The US Mint in Denver is the single largest producer of coins in the world – churning out about 7.5 billion coins a year – and free 45-minute guided tours of its facility run from Monday to Thursday. The experience is surprisingly engaging, as guides provide a detailed history of the mint and the manufacturing techniques behind the pennies in your pocket.
Planning tip: Tickets are usually released in the morning on the day of the tour at the premises, but you may be able to secure a ticket in advance by visiting the official site.
3. Take a selfie at Union Station
Perhaps Denver’s most iconic landmark, the historic Union Station serves as the city’s main transportation hub, but there’s more to see than the Amtrak, light rail and bus stops. Drop by for a break from downtown’s hubbub in the sumptuous central lounge, complete with leather couches, deep chairs, free Wi-Fi, and shuffleboard tables. Drinks and eats can be purchased at various swanky eateries, coffee shops and bars.
Planning tip: During the warmer summer months, the outdoor plaza by the station fills with children running through the pop-up fountain. Come on Saturdays for the farmers’ market, showcasing local foods, flowers, and finds.
4. Seek out the street art in RiNo
RiNo (River North) is one of Denver’s hippest neighborhoods, adorned with an array of eye-catching street art. Once an industrial wasteland, RiNo is now the heart of cool Denver, featuring edgy galleries and boutiques, innovative eateries, and plenty of craft breweries. Murals are everywhere – just stroll the streets and explore alleys, doorways, and parking lots to discover hidden gems.
5. Experience cutting-edge art at the Denver Art Museum
The crown jewel of Denver’s art scene, the Denver Art Museum (DAM) houses an eclectic collection from Old Master paintings to contemporary art. The museum also features a stunningly rich collection of Native American art, one of the largest in the world.
Special exhibitions keep the museum buzzing year-round, and interactive art stations will engage visitors of all ages. Entry for children under 18 is always free, while adults can enjoy free admission on selected days almost every month.
Planning tip: With kids in tow, nearby Civic Center Park offers a great spot to relax after your visit.
6. Enjoy free entertainment at City Park Jazz
Who doesn’t love a free concert? Every summer since 1986, City Park Jazz has staged jazz concerts on Lake Ferril in City Park, just east of downtown. Held on Sundays from 6 pm to 8 pm, the concerts feature well-known bands playing traditional jazz, blues, R&B, and salsa, attracting around 10,000 concert-goers each week.
Planning tip: Bring your own food and drinks and arrive early to secure a good spot.
7. Rock out at Red Rocks Amphitheater
One of the most impressive music venues in the world, Red Rocks is a rock-framed outdoor theater nestled between towering red sandstone monoliths. Renowned for its natural acoustics, summer nights bring big-name musicians and shoulder-to-shoulder crowds at ticketed events. However, it’s free to visit during the day. Explore the amphitheater, climb the 250 stairs to the top, enjoy the views, and hit the trails that wind through the red rock formations.
8. Meet a bison at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge
Located on the outskirts of Denver, the 17,000-acre Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge is one of the largest urban refuges in the country. This green space is now home to approximately 330 species of wildlife, including bison and bald eagles, and it’s free to visit.
For walkers, 10 miles of hiking trails cross wetlands, woodlands, and grasslands. Two lakes are popular for weekend fishing spots, or you can take an 11-mile self-guided driving tour. The Visitor Center offers maps and exhibits, and free guided tours of the refuge are available.
Planning tip: While the reserve has walking and cycling trails, the bison area is only open to drivers, so bring wheels to view these magnificent creatures.
9. Catch your breath in Confluence Park
With lush fields, dramatic skyscraper views, and two colliding waterways – Cherry Creek and the South Platte River – Confluence Park is where Denver’s urbanites come to recharge. This is the ideal spot to picnic, jog, or play Frisbee, making you feel part of everyday Denver life. There’s a small, shallow riverside beach where families splash in the South Platte during the summer months.
Planning tip: Confluence Kayak and Ski offers rentals for kayaks, inner tubes, and stand-up paddleboards.
10. Go behind the scenes at the Meier Ski Factory
Head over to Meier Ski Factory during open hours, and you can enjoy a local craft beer while learning about ski production from the bartender overlooking the factory floor. Meier is a local ski manufacturer that creates custom and ready-to-slide wooden skis from locally sourced materials, prioritizing eco-conscious practices.
This article was first published on March 12, 2021, and updated on July 4, 2023.
