Denver Historical Tours
Explore Wild West heritage, gold rush history, and Colorado's frontier past!
Discover Denver's fascinating Wild West history from frontier settlement to modern Mile High City! Historical tours explore the 1859 Pikes Peak Gold Rush that founded Denver, visit historic Larimer Square (oldest block), tour State Capitol building (mile-high marker on 13th step!), explore LoDo (Lower Downtown) with 19th-century warehouses, and learn about Colorado's cowboy culture, mining heritage, and Native American history. Tours include Buffalo Bill's grave on Lookout Mountain, ghost tours in haunted hotels, Brown Palace Hotel (historic luxury), and Capitol Hill Victorian mansions. Learn about Molly Brown (Titanic survivor), silver boom, prohibition gangsters, and Denver's evolution from lawless Wild West town to sophisticated city. It's American West history brought to life!
Why Choose Historical Tours in Denver?
Gold Rush Heritage
Founded by 1859 gold rush - frontier history everywhere!
Wild West Stories
Cowboys, outlaws, Buffalo Bill, and frontier legends!
Historic Districts
LoDo and Larimer Square preserve 19th-century architecture.
Colorado Capitol
Tour historic capitol building with mile-high marker and dome views!
Types of Historical Tours in Denver
Denver Capitol & History Tour
Visit State Capitol with dome views and downtown historic sites.
Wild West Walking Tour
Explore LoDo hearing gold rush and frontier stories.
Buffalo Bill & Mountain Tour
Visit Buffalo Bill's grave on Lookout Mountain with Denver views.
Historic Pub Crawl
Visit historic bars and hotels hearing prohibition-era stories.
What to Expect on Your Denver Historical Tours
Duration
Walking tours: 2-3 hours. Capitol tours: 1 hour. Combined: 3-4 hours.
State Capitol
See gold dome, mile-high marker, and climb to views (free tours!).
Larimer Square
Walk Denver's oldest block with Victorian buildings and gas lamps.
LoDo District
Explore Lower Downtown with 19th-century warehouses now lofts/restaurants.
Gold Rush Tales
Learn about miners, frontier life, and rapid city growth.
Buffalo Bill Museum
Visit showman's grave with museum and mountain views.
Expert Tips for the Best Experience
State Capitol tours FREE but require advance booking - reserve weeks ahead!
Mile-high marker is on 13th step - tourists photograph it constantly.
Capitol dome climb offers 360° Denver views - worth the stairs!
Larimer Square prettiest at night with string lights - evening walk recommended.
Brown Palace Hotel offers tours ($15) - historic luxury since 1892.
LoDo best explored afternoon/evening when bars and restaurants open.
Buffalo Bill grave/museum $5 - stunning views of Denver and mountains!
Downtown walking tours best spring/fall - summer hot, winter cold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Can you tour the Colorado State Capitol?
A: Yes! FREE tours Monday-Friday (advance reservation). See chambers, rotunda, gold dome, and climb to views. The 13th step is exactly one mile above sea level - photo op! Tours 45 minutes. Reserve at colorado.gov weeks ahead.
Q:What is LoDo?
A: LoDo (Lower Downtown) is historic district with 19th-century warehouses converted to lofts, restaurants, and bars. Coors Field (baseball) is here. It preserves Denver's frontier-era architecture. Great for nightlife, dining, and history. Walking distance from Union Station.
Q:Who was Buffalo Bill?
A: Buffalo Bill Cody was Wild West showman, scout, and legend. His traveling "Wild West Show" toured worldwide. He's buried on Lookout Mountain near Denver with museum ($5). Views are spectacular! 30-minute drive from downtown.
Q:What is the Brown Palace Hotel?
A: Brown Palace is Denver's most historic luxury hotel (opened 1892). Eight-story atrium, hosted presidents and celebrities, afternoon tea tradition. You can tour ($15), dine, or stay. Architecture is stunning! It's Denver landmark.
Q:Is Denver historic?
A: Very! Founded 1858 during gold rush. Wild West heritage, frontier history, mining boom, and rapid growth to modern city. LoDo, Larimer Square, Capitol area preserve this history. Tours bring frontier era alive!
Q:Are there ghost tours?
A: Yes! Denver has haunted history. Ghost tours visit Brown Palace, Oxford Hotel, Capitol Hill mansions, and LoDo buildings. Evening tours share spooky stories. $25-40 per person. Fun mix of history and paranormal! Not scary, just entertaining.
Q:How much do historical tours cost?
A: Capitol tours: FREE! Walking tours: $35-60 (2-3 hours). Ghost tours: $25-40. Buffalo Bill site: $5. Brown Palace tour: $15. Private tours: $150-300 for group. Many free/cheap options make Denver history accessible!
Q:When is the best time for history tours?
A: Spring (April-May) and fall (Sept-Oct) perfect for walking. Summer can be hot. Winter cold but manageable (Denver gets 300 days of sunshine!). Capitol tours year-round. Evening ghost tours fun anytime. History never closes!
Why Visit Denver?
Proximity to Rocky Mountains and outdoor adventures
World-class craft breweries and beer culture
Excellent museums and cultural institutions
Beautiful mountain scenery and hiking
Vibrant downtown and friendly culture
Perfect blend of urban and outdoor life
Best Time to Visit
Weather
Denver enjoys a semi-arid climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm (70-85°F/21-29°C), winters are cold (20-40°F/-6-4°C), and spring/fall offer pleasant temperatures.
Best Months
May to June and September to October offer the best weather with mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and perfect conditions for outdoor activities.
Peak Season
June to August brings peak tourist season with warm weather, larger crowds, and higher prices.
Off Season
November to April offers lower prices and fewer crowds, though with cold weather and occasional snow.
Plan Your Denver Trip
Transportation Tips
Public transportation includes light rail and buses. Renting a car provides flexibility for mountain excursions, and ride-sharing services are widely available.
Car Rental Deals in Denver
Rent a car for maximum flexibility and explore at your own pace on Expedia USA.
Where to Stay
Find the perfect accommodation for your Denver adventure. From luxury resorts to cozy hotels, we've got you covered.
Best Hotel Deals in Denver
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