Denver’s historic tours cut straight to the heart of Colorado’s Old West heritage. The LoDo (Lower Downtown) district walking tours stand out for their authentic storytelling and well-preserved 19th-century architecture. For those fascinated by the city’s darker side, the Twisted History Tour reveals true crime stories and unsavory characters from Denver’s past – it’s informative without being sensational.
The downtown walking circuit earns high marks for its comprehensive coverage, including the impressive State Capitol and surrounding landmarks. Ghost hunters will appreciate the haunted neighborhood tours, complete with real EMF equipment. The cocktail history tour combines local spirits with engaging stories about Denver’s drinking culture.
These tried-and-tested tours showcase the best of Denver’s heritage – check our top picks below.
Key Points
- The LoDo Historic Walking Tours offer a 2-hour exploration of Denver’s oldest neighborhood, featuring engaging storytelling and highlights of landmark buildings and Wild West tales.
- The Denver History and Highlights Tours cover downtown and lesser-known areas, providing a rundown of the city’s key landmarks and personalized recommendations.
- The Twisted and Dark History Tours explore Denver’s unsavory past, blending humor and chilling narratives to uncover the city’s gangs, murders, and hidden secrets.
- The Holiday Lights & History Walking Tour combines sightseeing of Denver’s festive landmarks with a 15-minute break to experience the German Christkindl Market.
- The Discover Cocktail Culture and History tour offers a 2-2.5 hour immersive experience, sampling handcrafted cocktails while exploring the historic LoDo and Larimer Square neighborhoods.
2 Hour LoDo Historic Walking Tour in Denver
The 2 Hour LoDo Historic Walking Tour in Denver takes participants on a captivating exploration of the city’s oldest neighborhood. Rated 4.9 out of 983 reviews, this popular tour showcases Denver’s vibrant past through engaging storytelling and insider tips.
Travelers will discover landmark buildings, hear tales from the Wild West, and learn about the area’s dining and nightlife from knowledgeable guides. Accessible and family-friendly, the tour covers 1.5 miles in 2 hours, using assisted listening devices to ensure clear communication.
With a maximum group size of 27, the experience offers a personal touch, allowing participants to enjoy Denver’s rich history. The tour is an excellent choice for those seeking an informative and enjoyable glimpse into the city’s past.
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Denvers Twisted History Tour
Dive into Denver’s darker past with the captivating “Denver’s Twisted History Tour.”
This 2-hour excursion uncovers the city’s unsavory tales, guiding participants through iconic landmarks steeped in notorious history.
Beginning at Union Station, the tour winds through Larimer Square, the Daniels & Fisher Clocktower, and the historic LoDo area, weaving engaging narratives about gangs, murders, and Denver’s hidden secrets.
Blending humor with chilling revelations, the knowledgeable local guides offer a unique perspective on the Mile High City’s past.
With wheelchair accessibility and a 5-star rating, this tour is a must for locals and visitors alike, promising an unforgettable exploration of Denver’s twisted history.
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Denver History and Highlights Walking Tour
Set out on a captivating 3-hour Denver History and Highlights Walking Tour that uncovers the city’s rich past and vibrant present.
With 363 reviews and a 99% traveler recommendation, this tour explores downtown Denver and lesser-known neighborhoods, showcasing key landmarks like the State Capitol, Brown Palace Hotel, and the LoDo district.
Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, the tour covers 2 to 3 miles of walking and includes insights into historic buildings, speakeasies, and local favorites.
Operated by a B Corp certified company, the carbon-neutral tour provides personalized attention from knowledgeable local guides and tips for additional activities and dining options during your stay in Denver.
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Shady Side of Denver – Rinos Dark History & Murals Tour
This captivating 1.5-hour Shady Side of Denver – RiNo’s Dark History & Murals Tour invites guests to explore the vibrant and gritty past of the RiNo neighborhood.
Priced at $25 per person, the small-group tour (limited to 10 participants) explores the neighborhood’s thriving art scene, featuring dozens of murals by local and international artists.
Along the 2-mile route, attendees can opt to try craft beer and local cuisine.
The tour also dives into Denver and Colorado’s true crime stories, including the Sand Creek Massacre, a 2022 shooting rampage, and the kidnapping attempt on Adolph Coors III.
Flexible, the tour can be adjusted based on group interests, focusing on true crime or general history and murals.
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Downtown Denver History & Highlights – Small Group Walking Tour
Visitors to Denver can explore the city’s rich history and iconic landmarks on the Downtown Denver History & Highlights – Small Group Walking Tour.
With over 282 reviews and a 98% traveler recommendation, this walking tour is a great way for new visitors to learn about the city’s transformation from a small town to the capital of Colorado.
Led by knowledgeable and enthusiastic local guides, the tour visits landmarks like Larimer Square, Union Station, and the State Capitol, while also providing insights on architecture, history, and local tips.
Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, the tour offers free cancellation and a maximum group size of 12, ensuring a personalized and enjoyable experience.
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Denver: History and Architecture Walking Tours
Denver offers several expert-led walking tours that immerse visitors in the city’s rich history and remarkable architecture.
These 1.5-hour tours, priced from Kč 478 per person, cover five unique areas of the city, including the historic LoDo neighborhood, the mansions of Quality Hill, and the preserved Larimer Square.
Knowledgeable guides share captivating stories about the people and events that shaped Denver, while highlighting the city’s oldest buildings.
Small group tours provide a personalized experience.
With free cancellation and the option to reserve now and pay later, these tours offer a convenient and flexible way to explore Denver’s past.
Based on over 30 reviews, the tours receive an impressive 4.7/5 rating.
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3 Hour Whiskey and History Tour
Whiskey enthusiasts and history buffs embark on a captivating 3-hour exploration of Denver’s distilling heritage and trendy neighborhoods.
The highly-rated “3 Hour Whiskey and History Tour” treats participants to a curated experience sampling Colorado-made whiskeys, including an Irish whiskey flight, accompanied by tutored tastings.
The tour visits an Irish pub, a modern saloon, and a local distillery, with stops for an Old Fashioned cocktail and a whiskey flight.
Along the way, the small group is led by a knowledgeable guide, with all tastings, samples, and gratuities included.
Though not recommended for those with mobility issues, this immersive tour offers an unparalleled glimpse into Denver’s whiskey culture and history.
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Half Day Walking Tour: Best of Denver – History & Ghosts
Stepping away from the spirited exploration of Denver’s whiskey history, the “Half Day Walking Tour: Best of Denver – History & Ghosts” offers a captivating dive into the city’s rich past and haunting legends.
Participants will embark on a guided walking journey through downtown, uncovering the stories behind iconic landmarks and delving into the supernatural occurrences that have haunted the Mile High City for centuries.
From the haunted Lumber Baron Inn to the ghostly tales of the Brown Palace Hotel, this tour promises an immersive experience that blends the city’s captivating history with its spooky legends.
Whether you’re a history buff or a thrill-seeker, this half-day tour provides an engaging and enlightening glimpse into Denver’s past and present.
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Capitol Hill History & Ghost Tour
Immersing visitors in the rich history and eerie tales of Denver’s Capitol Hill, the Capitol Hill History & Ghost Tour takes participants on a captivating journey through the city’s most haunted neighborhood.
With a tour guide leading the way, guests can expect a relaxed, 3-hour walking experience filled with spooky stories, fascinating facts, and photo opportunities of famous haunted mansions.
Receiving a stellar 4.9 out of 5 rating from 34 reviews, the tour boasts a 100% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence.
Priced at $24 per person, this small-group experience accommodates up to 17 travelers and is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
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Denver Guided Walking Ghost / History Tour at Capitol Hill
The Denver Guided Walking Ghost / History Tour at Capitol Hill promises an immersive journey through the city’s haunted past.
Priced at $28 per person, this 1.5-hour tour in English takes visitors through the Capitol Hill neighborhood, sharing stories of murder, scandal, and betrayal.
The tour includes the use of EMF detectors, allowing participants to explore Denver’s haunted mansions and discover paranormal activity firsthand.
With an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 based on 5 reviews, the tour has received positive feedback for its entertaining storytelling and enjoyable experiences, despite some issues with occasional cancellations.
The tour is wheelchair accessible, and reservations can be made without upfront payment, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
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Denver: Holiday Lights & History Walking Tour
Across the heart of downtown Denver, the Denver: Holiday Lights & History Walking Tour invites visitors to discover the city’s iconic landmarks bathed in the glow of festive lights.
This 1.5-hour guided tour, priced from $26 per person, takes guests on a journey through Denver’s rich history and holiday traditions. Highlights include the Denver Art Museum, the German Christkindl Market, and the impressive Mile High Holiday Tree.
Along the way, an entertaining and knowledgeable guide shares captivating stories about the city’s past. With a 15-minute break to enjoy the market’s food and drinks, this tour offers a unique blend of sightseeing, history, and holiday cheer.
Accessibility and flexible booking options make this tour a convenient and enjoyable experience for all.
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Denver’s Wild History Tour & Ballpark Museum
Explore Denver’s captivating history on the Denver’s Wild History Tour & Ballpark Museum. This immersive experience takes you on a journey through the city’s Wild West past, uncovering tales of outlaws, saloons, and the infamous Denver Underground.
Explore the Ballpark Museum, which houses one of the world’s largest collections of baseball memorabilia. Marvel at vintage uniforms, autographed balls, and rare artifacts that bring the sport’s rich history to life.
With knowledgeable guides leading the way, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for Denver’s vibrant past and how it shaped the city into the dynamic destination it’s today.
This tour offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and entertainment that’s not to be missed.
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Denver: Discover Cocktail Culture and History
Uncover Denver’s captivating cocktail culture and history on this immersive tour. Priced at Kč 2,842 per person, this 2-2.5 hour experience takes you through the city’s historic LoDo and Larimer Square neighborhoods.
Explore local bars and speakeasies, sampling three handcrafted cocktails while learning about Prohibition-era drinks and Denver’s alcohol legacy.
Led by knowledgeable local guides, the tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels. Enjoy hassle-free cancellation and reserve your spot without upfront payment.
With a maximum group size of 12, you’ll get personalized attention. Rated 5/5 based on 9 reviews, this tour offers an engaging blend of fun, history, and insider tips on the city’s vibrant cocktail scene.
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Sum Up
Denver offers a wide range of historical tours that allow visitors to explore the city’s rich past. From the LoDo Historic Walking Tour to the Denver History and Highlights Walking Tour, there’s something for every interest. These tours provide a unique opportunity to uncover the city’s twisted history, discover its dark secrets, and experience its vibrant culture and heritage.