List of Denver landmarks facts for kids
Denver has a special program to protect its important historical places, called Denver landmarks. These places are chosen by the city council because they are very special to Denver's history. The first three places chosen on January 10, 1968, were the Emmanuel/Sherith Chapel, Constitution Hall (which was later destroyed by fire), and the Governor's Mansion. Denver also has historic districts, which are areas with many old and important buildings. You can find maps of these districts on the city's website.
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Cool Places to See in Denver
Denver is full of amazing places to visit and learn about! Here are some of the most famous and interesting landmarks:
Official Landmarks
These are places officially recognized by the city for their historical importance:
- Brown Palace Hotel: This is a very old and fancy hotel that has welcomed many famous people. It's known for its beautiful design.
- Denver Mint: This is where many of the coins used in the United States are made. It's one of the biggest coin producers in the world!
- Denver Firefighters Museum: Learn about the brave firefighters of Denver and see old fire trucks and equipment.
- Four Mile House: This is the oldest house still standing in the Denver area. It was an important stop for travelers on the Cherokee Trail long ago.
- Molly Brown House: This was the home of "The unsinkable Molly Brown", a famous woman who survived the sinking of the Titanic.
- Samsonite house: This historic home belonged to the Shwayder family, who started the Samsonite Luggage company.
- Union Station: This is a grand train station that has been beautifully restored. It's a major transportation hub for the city.
Other Famous Spots
Denver has many other cool places that are popular with visitors and locals alike:
- 16th Street Mall: This is a long street in downtown Denver where only pedestrians and special buses are allowed. It's a great place to walk, shop, and eat.
- Avenue Theater: A professional theater in downtown Denver where you can watch live shows.
- Black American West Museum: This museum shares the stories of African Americans who helped shape the history of the American West and Denver.
- Buckhorn Exchange: Denver's oldest restaurant, a historic place that feels like the old Wild West.
- Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Denver: A beautiful church where Pope John Paul II once held services.
- Civic Center: A large park surrounded by important government and cultural buildings. It's a central spot for events in Denver.
- Colorado Convention Center: A huge building that hosts many big events and conferences in Denver.
- Colorado State Capitol: This is where the government of Colorado makes its laws. You can often see its golden dome shining in the sun.
- Confluence Park: This is the exact spot where the city of Denver first began, at the meeting point of the South Platte River and Cherry Creek.
- D&F Tower: When it was built in 1910, this tower was the tallest building west of the Mississippi River!
- Denver's Downtown Aquarium: A large public aquarium where you can see all sorts of amazing sea creatures.
- Denver Art Museum: One of the biggest art museums between Kansas City and San Francisco, filled with incredible art.
- Denver Botanic Gardens: A beautiful place with many different kinds of plants and gardens to explore.
- Denver Museum of Nature and Science: A top museum in America that shows off world cultures, dinosaurs, and space.
- Denver Performing Arts Complex: This is the second-largest performing arts center in the U.S., after New York City's Lincoln Center.
- Denver Public Library: This library system has many locations across Denver, offering books, movies, and educational programs.
- Denver Zoo: One of the largest zoos around, home to many exotic animals and a fun gift shop.
- Elitch Gardens Theme Park: A popular amusement park with thrilling rides and attractions.
- History Colorado Center: A modern museum where you can learn all about Colorado's history through interactive exhibits.
- Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art: A museum that shows off the works of artist Vance Kirkland and other artists.
- Red Rocks: A unique park and outdoor concert venue located just outside Denver. It's famous for its natural red rock formations and amazing sound.
- Richthofen Castle: A real castle built by the uncle of the famous World War I pilot, the Red Baron.
- Sakura Square: Also known as "Tiny Tokyo," this area is the heart of Denver's historic Japanese community.
- Tattered Cover: A very popular independent bookstore with several locations in Denver. It's a great place to find new books.
- Wells Fargo Center: This building is sometimes called the "cash register" building because of its unique shape.
Historic Neighborhoods
Denver has many historic neighborhoods, which are areas where many old and important buildings are protected together. These districts help preserve the city's past and show how Denver has grown over time. Some of these areas include:
- Alamo Placita Historic District
- Baker Neighborhood Historic District
- Ballpark Neighborhood Historic District
- Civic Center Historic District
- Country Club Historic District
- Curtis Park 'A' Historic District (and other Curtis Park districts)
- Downtown Denver Historic District
- Five Points Historic Cultural District Historic District
- Larimer Square Historic District
- Lower Downtown Historic District (LoDo)
- Montclair Historic District
- Potter Highlands Historic District
- Quality Hill Historic District
- Wyman Historic District
These are just a few examples of the many areas in Denver that have been recognized for their historical importance.
Images for kids
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View from the Daniels & Fisher Tower
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The Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception
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The Denver Botanic Gardens
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The Union Station of Denver, both a significant historical building and future hub of RTD's rail network
See also
- Bibliography of Colorado
- Geography of Colorado
- History of Colorado
- Index of Colorado-related articles
- List of Colorado-related lists
- Outline of Colorado
