# In Denver, CO for 3 days - What to do? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [March 27, 2006, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-denver-co-for-3-days-what-to-do/350100 "2006-03-27T16:01:29Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 15\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![wevets](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e9a140/32.png) [@wevets](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wevets)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2006, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-denver-co-for-3-days-what-to-do/350100/1 "2006-03-27T16:01:29Z")
I’m going to Denver for the first time in April, and I have a few days to explore. Any suggestions? I’m very into aquaria, so I’ll probably take that in. Any outdoor stuff would also be great. ---
**Author:** ![Belrix](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ed655f/32.png) [@Belrix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Belrix)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2006, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-denver-co-for-3-days-what-to-do/350100/2 "2006-03-27T18:16:56Z")
You mentioned the [Aquarium](http://www.aquariumrestaurants.com/downtownaquariumdenver/flash_content/index.html). Formerly “Ocean Journey”, it’s been revamped recently and is reportedly niftier. The Zoo is a favorite of my kids. I enjoy it too. Make sure you see the seals - they’re fun. The city maintains a [tourism site](http://www.denver.org/) that may have some ideas for you. If you’re into nightlife, you should probably hit up “[Lodo](http://www.denver.org/StaticPressRelease.aspx?id=27&type=1)”, the former warehouse district on the west side of the downtown area. It’s been converted into dozens of clubs & resturants. Expensive but very good food can be had at the “Chop House” or “Jax’s” (seafood). Tasty & casual & less expensive, I like the Wynkoop brewery. [Another link](http://www.lodo.org) The US Mint is here - according to the website they still offer tours: > [@www.usmint.gov](#): > > 1. Can I take a tour of the United States Mint? > The Mint offers free tours in its Philadelphia and Denver production facilities. Tours cover the present state of coin manufacturing as well as the history of the Mint. Learn about the craftsmanship involved at all stages of the minting process, from the creation of original designs and sculptures to the actual striking of the coins. Both Mint locations welcome school groups and are wheelchair accessible. > > Detailed tour information: > > Denver Mint > 320 W. Colfax Avenue > Denver, CO 80204-2693 > (303) 405-4757 > Directions and other information My family also likes walking the Pearl Street Mall area in Boulder. Lots of little art places to explore and easily reached by [RTD](http://www.rtd-denver.com) from nearly any major place in Denver. HTH - B ---
**Author:** ![dmatsch](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/3be4f8/32.png) [@dmatsch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dmatsch)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2006, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-denver-co-for-3-days-what-to-do/350100/3 "2006-03-27T20:00:51Z")
> [@wevets](#): > > I’m going to Denver for the first time in April, and I have a few days to explore. > > Any suggestions? > > I’m very into aquaria, so I’ll probably take that in. Any outdoor stuff would also be great. Rent [this](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114660/) movie. I’tll tell you anything you need to know. ---
**Author:** ![mack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b19c9b/32.png) [@mack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mack)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2006, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-denver-co-for-3-days-what-to-do/350100/4 "2006-03-27T22:28:20Z")
I always like to go on a nice long drive when I’m out there. If it’s just for a day I’ll do something like go out 285 through South Park (windy grassy upland) down to Buena Vista (huge mountains) then up to Leadville and I-70. Or you can go north up to Ft. Collins, take Rte14 over the mountains to Walden, then go south over Berthoud Pass to I-70. You can go up to Rocky Mtn NP but there will still be too much snow to do much of anything, I imagine. Spectacular scenery, though, of course. You can go along the peak-to-peak highway to Nederland, then go back down through Boulder. Speaking of snow, I imagine there might still be some sloppy spring skiing to be had somewhere. ---
**Author:** ![Kilvert\_s\_Pagan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/c37758/32.png) [@Kilvert\_s\_Pagan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kilvert_s_Pagan)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2006, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-denver-co-for-3-days-what-to-do/350100/5 "2006-03-28T01:02:39Z")
> [@mack](#): > > You can go up to Rocky Mtn NP but there will still be too much snow to do much of anything, I imagine. Spectacular scenery, though, of course. You can go along the peak-to-peak highway to Nederland, then go back down through Boulder. Yeah… Trail Ridge Road typically doesn’t open until late May, so you couldn’t drive all the way across the National Park if you tried. An alternative on the peak-to-peak highway is to NOT turn left in Nederland, but stay on it to/through the Blackhawk / Central City area. This used to be much a more appealing drive… now Blackhawk and Central City are gambling towns, so the traffic will likely be ugly. ---
**Author:** ![wolfman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/a8b319/32.png) [@wolfman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfman)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2006, 2:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-denver-co-for-3-days-what-to-do/350100/6 "2006-03-28T02:15:54Z")
Outdoors depends a lot on when in April. Early is still Winter, late is getting towards spring,but much is still inaccessible. The Cog train up Pikes Peak is open in April though I think, it’s kinda cool for views and stuff (and releaxing, so the altitude hits you less) if you don’t mind driving to Colorado Springs. ---
**Author:** ![Frank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2006, 3:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-denver-co-for-3-days-what-to-do/350100/7 "2006-03-28T03:23:38Z")
> [@mack](#): > > If it’s just for a day I’ll do something like go out 285 through South Park (windy grassy upland) down to Buena Vista (huge mountains) then up to Leadville and I-70. > > Or you can go north up to Ft. Collins, take Rte14 over the mountains to Walden, then go south over Berthoud Pass to I-70. Both of these are _very_ good day trips if weather allows. I’ll also second the zoo. (If you’re into fish, you’ll probably like the Tropical Discovery. Don’t forget to scope out the huge snapping turtle!) The [natural history](http://www.dmns.org/main/en/) museum has some nice bits if you’re into that. For ghastly architecture, you can’t beat the main library and art museum - right next to each other on Broadway just south of the 16th Street mall, which is worth a stroll. ---
**Author:** ![St.Urho](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8e7dd6/32.png) [@St.Urho](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/St.Urho)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2006, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-denver-co-for-3-days-what-to-do/350100/8 "2006-03-28T14:52:04Z")
If you go to the natural history museum you can see [Body Worlds](http://www.bodyworlds.com/en/pages/home.asp) which is insanely cool. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Duality](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mr.duality/32/4098_2.png) [@Mr.Duality](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Duality)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2006, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-denver-co-for-3-days-what-to-do/350100/9 "2006-03-28T15:26:08Z")
The Butterfly Pavilion in the northern suburb of Westminster is a must-see place. ---
**Author:** ![yanceylebeef](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yanceylebeef/32/12290_2.png) [@yanceylebeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yanceylebeef)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2006, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-denver-co-for-3-days-what-to-do/350100/10 "2006-03-28T15:27:35Z")
> [@St. Urho](#): > > If you go to the natural history museum you can see [Body Worlds](http://www.bodyworlds.com/en/pages/home.asp) which is insanely cool. I was just coming in here to post about this. I can’t wait to see it myself, and my friends have all raved about it. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Duality](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mr.duality/32/4098_2.png) [@Mr.Duality](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Duality)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2006, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-denver-co-for-3-days-what-to-do/350100/11 "2006-03-28T15:28:11Z")
> **[Butterfly Pavilion An Invertebrate Zoo Where Butterflies are Just the Beginning](https://butterflies.org/)** > > World's leading AZA accredited invertebrate zoo featuring over 5,000 invertebrate residents from all around the globe ---
**Author:** ![wevets](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e9a140/32.png) [@wevets](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wevets)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2006, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-denver-co-for-3-days-what-to-do/350100/12 "2006-03-28T16:27:22Z")
> [@wolfman](#): > > Outdoors depends a lot on when in April. Early is still Winter, late is getting towards spring,but much is still inaccessible. April 7-11, so I imagine it will still be quite wintery. Lots of good suggestions, thank you! ---
**Author:** ![Gordon\_Urquhart](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/db5fbb/32.png) [@Gordon\_Urquhart](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gordon_Urquhart)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2006, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-denver-co-for-3-days-what-to-do/350100/13 "2006-03-28T17:13:27Z")
While the potential for wintry weather exists, that part of April could very well be quite pleasant here in Denver. Today, for instance, will be in the low 60s here. I’ve also been at early-season (mid-April) Coors Field games that got snowed out. Be prepared: bring a heavy coat \*\*and \*\* shorts! ---
**Author:** ![St.Urho](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8e7dd6/32.png) [@St.Urho](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/St.Urho)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2006, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-denver-co-for-3-days-what-to-do/350100/14 "2006-03-28T22:04:26Z")
> [@yanceylebeef](#): > > I was just coming in here to post about this. > > I can’t wait to see it myself, and my friends have all raved about it. Get your tickets online. If you don’t you’ll be waiting at least a couple hours at the museum before you get in. ---
**Author:** ![Cherry2000](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/59ef9b/32.png) [@Cherry2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cherry2000)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2006, 3:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-denver-co-for-3-days-what-to-do/350100/15 "2006-03-29T03:19:30Z")
> [@Gordon Urquhart](#): > > While the potential for wintry weather exists, that part of April could very well be quite pleasant here in Denver. Today, for instance, will be in the low 60s here. I’ve also been at early-season (mid-April) Coors Field games that got snowed out. > > Be prepared: bring a heavy coat \*\*and \*\* shorts! Better advice was never given. It’s CO…if you don’t like the weather, wait ten minutes 😉 Some good suggestions so far. If you like shopping, we’ve got the 16th street pedestrian mall, Cherry Creek Mall, Park Meadows Mall, and Flatirons all within a reasonable distance. As for the Zoo, I third that idea. We have a great zoo, and there’s lots of new baby animals to see right now. If you want to go for a little drive and see some scrnery, take I-70 west to Evergreen. Pretty drive, and the Little Bear in Evergreen is kind of a local legend as far as bars go. I’m in Ft Collins, and I was out Rt. 14 this weekend. A _little_ bit of snow in the lower areas of the canyon, and a bit more the higher you went up. There’s about 3-4 feet at the top of the pass right now, but the road is well plowed and dry.