114 METRO DENVER RELOCATION GUIDE – WINTER | SPRING 2014
exhibits that feature ecosystems from
around the world. The aquarium houses
more than 500 species of animals and
an interactive Sting Ray Reef touch tank.
The complex includes the Aquarium
Restaurant, the Dive Lounge, the Nautilus
Ballroom and amusements for the entire
family.
Governor’s Residence at the
Boettcher Mansion
400 E. 8th Ave.
Denver, 80204
303-866-3682
www.colorado.gov/dpa/doit/
archives/ residenc.html
The Colorado Governor’s Residence
includes museum-quality artwork and
furnishings, including the President Grant
chandelier, which previously hung in the
White House. The Colorado Historical
Society offers tours of the mansion.
Elitch Gardens
2000 Elitch Circle
Denver, 80204
303-595-4386
www.elitchgardens.com
For more than 120 years, Elitch Gardens
Theme & Water Park has been a family
destination, creating memories worth
repeating. Operating on 63 acres, it is
America’s only downtown area theme and
water park. Elitch Gardens is open May
through October and offers 47 rides, live
entertainment, shopping, dining and
breathtaking views of Denver from every
angle. Visit www.elitchgardens.com for
additional information and to purchase
your tickets online today.
United States Mint
320 W. Colfax Ave.
Denver, 80204
303-405-4757
www.usmint.gov
The United States Mint at Denver produces
more than 50 million coins daily. Group
tours are conducted on weekdays.
Individuals, families and groups with 15
or fewer people should contact a member
of Congress for sponsorship before a tour
can be conducted. Contact the Mint for
more information.
Venice on the Creek
Speer Boulevard and 14th Street
Denver, 80204
303-893-0750
www.veniceonthecreek.com
Venice on the Creek boasts the only
punts – similar to Italian gondolas – in
the country and offers you the
opportunity to glide down Cherry
Creek. Learn about Denver’s history on
your ride or enjoy the scenery along
Cherry Creek and lower downtown
Denver. It also features landscaped
pedestrian trails as well as ramps that
lead to the bank of Cherry Creek.
METRO AREA
Bison and Elk Herds
Genesee Park and Daniels Park
Denver
303-697-4545
www.denvergov.org/Mountain_Parks
Visitors can view two herds of bison and
elk in their natural habitat at two area
parks. Genesee Park, Denver’s first and
largest mountain park, spans 2,300
acres and includes a 160-acre wild elk
and bison enclosure. Daniels Park covers
more than 1,000 acres, of which 900
acres are a preserve and natural area for
Denver’s second herd. The parks offer
picnic areas and scenic mountain views.
Butterfly Pavilion and Insect Center
6252 W. 104th Ave.
Westminster, 80020
303-469-5441
www.butterflies.org
Spanning five acres, the Butterfly
Pavilion is the first nonprofit, stand-alone
insect zoo in the country. It features
more than 1,200 free-flying butterflies,
outdoor butterfly gardens, a nature trail,
museum shop and deli. Visitors can
watch adult butterflies emerge in a
chrysalis viewing area or touch insects
from around the world, including Chile’s
rose-haired tarantula and Madagascar’s
Hissing Cockroach. View peppermint
shrimp, hermit crabs and other marine
invertebrates in their natural habitat, or
feel inches tall in a backyard with giant
animatronic insects and interactive
exhibits.
Celestial Seasonings
4600 Sleepytime Drive
Boulder, 80301
303-581-1202
www.celestialseasonings.com
Celestial Seasonings, the largest
manufacturer and marketer of specialty
hot teas in the country, offers tours through
its art gallery, herb garden and factory.
Enjoy samplings of more than 50 varieties
of teas and experience The Mint Room
where crates of peppermint and
spearmint are stored. A café and gift
shop are on site.
Colorado State Parks
Colorado
303-470-1144
www.parks.state.co.us
In addition to offering magnificent scenic
Elitch Gardens. Photo courtesy of VISIT DENVER