METRO AREA
Bison and Elk Herds
Genesee Park and Daniels Park, Denver
303-697-4545; www.mountainparkshistory.org
View two herds of bison and elk in their
natural habitat at two parks in the metro
Denver area. Denver’s first and largest mountain park, Genesee Park, spans 2,300 acres
and includes a 160-acre wild elk and bison
enclosure. Daniels Park is more than 1,000
acres, of which 900 acres are a preserve and
natural area for Denver’s second herd. Enjoy
a picnic and the scenic views.
Butterfly Pavilion and Insect Center
6252 W. 104th Ave., Westminster, 80020
303-469-5441; www.butterflies.org
Founded in July 1995, as the first standalone non-profit invertebrate zoo in the
nation, Butterfly Pavilion is a 30,000 square
foot facility situated on an 11-acre campus
provided by the City of Westminster, Colorado. It houses more than 5,000 animals,
including a famous tarantula named Rosie
and 1,600 butterflies in a tropical rainforest.
The pavilion teaches the young and old alike
about the need for conservation.
Celestial Seasonings
4600 Sleepytime Drive, Boulder, 80301
303-581-1202; www.celestialseasonings.com
The largest manufacturer and marketer
of specialty hot teas in the country, Celestial Seasonings offers tours through its art
gallery, herb garden and factory. Sample
more than 50 varieties of teas and experience The Mint Room, where crates of
peppermint and spearmint are stored. End
the visit with a stop by the café and gift shop,
where you can stock up on tea for the year!
Colorado State Parks
303-470-1144; www.parks.state.co.us
State parks around the state offer magnif-
icent scenic views and a great outdoor
experience. Activities for all ages, include
camping, biking, bird watching, boating,
cross-country skiing, fishing, horseback
riding, hunting, ice skating, jet-skiing, sailing
boating, sledding, snowmobiling, swimming
and many other activities and attractions.
Coors Brewing Company
13th and Ford Streets, Golden, 80401
303-277-2337; www.coors.com
Take a tour of one of the best-known breweries in the country at the Coors Brewing
Company in Golden. The 45-minute tour
includes insight into the beer-making
process from malting and brewing to packaging. Don’t miss the samples at the end!
Beer samples are served to visitors over 21
years of age with a valid I.D.
Denver Botanic Gardens
1007 York St., Denver, 80206
720-865-3500; www.botanicgardens.org
Love plants? Visit one of the top five botanical gardens in the nation. Denver Botanic
Gardens spans 24 acres and has more than
32,000 plants from around the world. The
Botanic Gardens also offer regular educational
programs, concerts, and other special events.
Denver Zoo
2300 Steele St., Denver, 80205
303-376-4800; www.denverzoo.org
The most popular cultural attraction in
Denver for both young and old is the Denver
Zoo. The zoo is open every day of the year,
including Christmas. Founded in 1896, The
Denver Zoo is committed to animals across
the globe and seeks to secure a better world
for animals through human understanding.
It is one of the most visited zoos in the
country. Located conveniently just minutes
from downtown Denver in City Park on 80
acres, the zoo is recognized internationally as
a leader in exhibitry and continues to grow
as a leader in conservation and education
programs. Nearly 4,000 animals representing
over 750 species, live here.
Dinosaur Ridge
16831 W. Alameda Pkwy., Morrison, 80465
303-697-3466; www.dinoridge.org
This outdoor museum features Jurassic dino-
saur bones and more than 300 Cretaceous
dinosaur footprints. It is conveniently located
just 15 miles west of downtown Denver in
the Morrison Fossil Beds National Natural
Landmark. Stop by the visitor’s center and
gift shop on your way out.
Four Mile Historic Park
715 S. Forest St., Denver, 80246
303-399-1859; www.fourmilepark.org
Four Mile Historic Park preserves Colorado’s western rural heritage. The Four Mile
House, Denver’s oldest house, once served
as a stagecoach stop, wayside inn and tavern
for travelers on the Cherokee Trail. The
facility provides school/youth programs,
senior field trips, special events, guided
museum and grounds tours, a summer day
camp and site rental opportunities.
Heritage Square
18301 W. Colfax Ave., Building H
Golden, 80401; 303-727-8437;
www.heritageamusementpark.com
This “Western Victorian” shopping and
entertainment complex provides a variety of
shops, restaurants, and entertainment opportunities. It is open year-round and has special
seasonal and weekend events.
The Hudson Gardens and Event Center
6115 S. Santa Fe Drive, Littleton, 80120
303-797-8565; www.hudsongardens.org
Visitors to the Hudson Gardens and Event
Center will enjoy the facility’s 21 gardens,
which vary from flower, herb and water
gardens to wetlands and the cascades. A
multitude of concerts, educational programs
and holiday events throughout the year
entertain visitors of all ages. The 30 acres
of gardens include a garden railroad, ponds,
wildlife, sculptures and other natural displays
and hideaways.
Lakeside Amusement Park
I- 70 and Sheridan,
Denver, 80212; 303-477-1621
www.lakesideamusementpark.com
This historic amusement park located in
Northwest Denver provides countless rides,