City Cast Denver logo

The Best Tourist Treasures Around Denver

Posted on June 26, 2023   |   Updated on September 30, 2025
Adrian González

Adrian González

A kid in a western hat practices their lasso skills on top of a plastic horse.

A kid practices their lasso skills at the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave.  (Helen H. Richardson / The Denver Post via Getty Images)

Denver is full of tourist traps that can fool even the most experienced local. Last week, the City Cast Denver podcast got together to share our favorite tourist treasures — the touristy places around town that, in our opinion, are actually worth it. Here are the highlights.

🦒 Peyton Garcia’s Pick: Denver Zoo

Peyton resisted the urge to pick her fave city-close getaway, Estes Park, and instead shouts out the Denver Zoo.: “They have everything and they're so focused on conservation and education. It's just a great example of what a zoo should be.”

🚂 Olivia Jewell Love’s Pick: Tiny Town

Our City Cast Denver producer says: “When I was a kid in Kansas City, there was this little park I used to go to that had this miniature town. So when I was reporting in Morrison, this is like what I did as a kid, but way better, because it is a literal model of every building.”

🤠 Paul Karolyi’s Pick: Buffalo Bill Museum & Grave

Producer Paul says of the unique park site: “The Buffalo Bill Museum is phenomenal. It's owned by the city of Denver, it's part of our mountain park system. It is chock-full of incredible artifacts.”

⛰️ Bree Davies’ Pick: Winter Park

Even though she grew up in Colorado, host Bree has thoughts on the mountains: “as a person that doesn't like skiing or snow or being cold, my favorite time to go to the mountains is the summertime. So my pick is Winter Park — they have this unlimited activity pass and it includes a gondola ride, so you can go 10,000 feet up and see the Continental Divide..

Just ten miles northeast of Denver, this place has some of the best wildlife you will ever see in one place. It was originally used by the Army to develop chemical weapons during World War II, and now boasts 20 miles of hiking trails, an archery range, and tons of educational opportunities.

What are your favorite tourist traps?
see more:things to do

Share article

Hey Denver

Stay connected to City Cast Denver and get ready to join the local conversation.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

The latest in Denver

SponsoredApril 9

Best Colorado Online Casinos: Legal Sites, Top Picks & Bonuses

Looking for online casinos in Colorado? Here are the top legal options available to CO players in 2025, plus exclusive bonuses.

UpVenture Logo
Keep It LocalApril 9

Why Denverites Love Esters

Esters Pub is one of Denver's best kid-friendly spots.

 Brunch with assorted food and drinks on table.
Keep It LocalApril 9

Kid-Friendly Denver Spots for a Beer and a Bite

It can be hard to find the right social space for people with kids — and their adult friends without kids — to meet up and hang out. But...

Outdoor cidery with playground and green grass
Keep It LocalApril 2

Why Denverites Love Mouthfuls Pet Supply

The mints, called Mouthfuls, were such a hit with local dog owners that Dempsey and Payne soon expanded into a full pet supply shop focus...

Small gray dog licking bone
Keep It LocalApril 2

A Guide to Locally Owned Pet Shops in Denver

Now run by mom Stacey and her husband Eddie Bennett, this store sells safe, nutritious dog food brands made in Colorado, such as Anderson...

Two dogs taking a bath at a pet store
Keep It LocalMarch 26

Why Denverites Love The 99ers Sports Bar

The 99ers became Denver’s first venue dedicated to celebrating women’s athletics. Founders Miranda Spencer and Annie Weaver wanted to cre...

two women smiling outside of their bar
Keep It LocalMarch 26

Our Guide to Celebrating Denver Summit FC's Historic Home Opener

A guide to watching and supporting the professional women's soccer team Denver Summit FC.

inside of a brewery taproom with empty tables
SponsoredMarch 10

Colorado Sports Betting: Best Sites, Apps & Bonuses (2026)

Colorado sports betting is fully legal with 20+ licensed sportsbooks available. We break down the best sites, apps, and bonuses. Check now!

UpVenture Logo