Denver: After Dark Ghosts of the City Walking Tour

Denver’s haunting past comes alive on the ‘After Dark Ghosts of the City Walking Tour.’ This captivating excursion takes visitors through the city’s iconic landmarks, uncovering the eerie legends and tragic tales that have shaped its development. From ghostly apparitions at Union Station to the unsavory histories of Market Street, the guide’s narrative brings Denver’s complex and sometimes unsettling heritage to life. As the tour winds through the darkened streets, participants can’t help but wonder what other mysteries lie hidden within the city’s shadows.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Walking Tours In Denver.

Key Points

• The Denver: After Dark Ghosts of the City Walking Tour explores the haunting history of Denver’s iconic landmarks, including Union Station, The Crawford Hotel, and the Ice House.

• Participants learn about the paranormal activity, tragic events, and unsavory past associated with these historic sites, immersing them in Denver’s eerie history.

• The tour delves into the city’s Gold Rush era, when Union Station played a pivotal role in Denver’s transformation from a frontier town to a thriving metropolis.

• Guests are captivated by tales of ghostly apparitions, the ‘Crawford Curse,’ and the harsh realities faced by Ice House workers, creating an immersive and spooky experience.

• The tour also highlights other iconic Denver landmarks, such as the Equitable Building, Daniels and Fischer Tower, and the Mattie Silks House of Mirrors, showcasing the city’s diverse architectural and historical heritage.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Union Station and the Gold Rush

Denver’s Union Station stands as a testament to the city’s rich history, serving as a focal point during the tumultuous Gold Rush era. As the tour group gathers in front of the iconic building, the guide begins to recount the station’s pivotal role in the city’s development.

During the late 19th century, Denver experienced a surge in population and economic growth fueled by the influx of prospectors seeking their fortunes. The station became a hub for the transportation of goods and people, playing a critical part in Denver’s transformation from a small frontier town to a thriving metropolis.

The guide’s narrative paints a vivid picture of the station’s bustling past, setting the stage for the haunting tales that lie ahead.

Haunted History of The Crawford Hotel

As the tour group heads from Union Station, the guide draws their attention to The Crawford Hotel, one of Denver’s most iconic and purportedly haunted landmarks.

Originally constructed in 1892, the hotel has a long history of unexplained occurrences, from ghostly apparitions to eerie sounds. The guide recounts tales of guests who’ve reported encountering a spectral woman in a white dress, believed to be the spirit of a former employee who died tragically.

Plus, the group learns about the mysterious ‘Crawford Curse,’ a legend surrounding the hotel’s original owners and their untimely demises.

The tour participants listen intently, captivated by the hotel’s haunting history and the possibility of encountering supernatural forces during their visit.

Exploring the Icy Past of Ice House

The Ice House, once the largest cold storage facility in the Rocky Mountain region, holds a chilling history that the tour guide delves into next. Opened in 1889, the Ice House played a crucial role in Denver’s burgeoning economy, storing perishable goods and allowing the city to thrive.

However, the facility’s frigid temperatures also claimed lives, with workers succumbing to frostbite and hypothermia. The tour guide recounts grim tales of these tragedies, painting a vivid picture of the harsh realities faced by those who labored in the Ice House’s icy corridors.

Participants listen intently, their breath visible in the chill air, as they imagine the echoes of the past reverberating through the now-silent structure.

Unsavory Tales of Market Street

Delving into the unsavory past of Market Street, the tour guide recounts the area’s dark history, including its association with the notorious ‘Jack the Strangler’ and the seedy underbelly that once thrived there. The tour explores the sordid tales of this once-infamous thoroughfare, where prostitution, gambling, and other vices flourished in the shadows.

Infamous Landmarks	Description
The Row	A hub for vice and crime
Jack the Strangler	A serial killer who preyed on sex workers
Brothels	Numerous brothels operated on Market Street
Gambling Dens	Illegal gambling operations thrived in the area
Prohibition Era	Speakeasies and bootlegging were common

As the group traverses Market Street, the guide paints a vivid picture of Denver’s gritty past, leaving participants with a deeper understanding of the city’s complex and sometimes unsavory history.

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Denver City Cable Railway Co. Legacy

Moving away from the sordid tales of Market Street, the group now turns its attention to the legacy of the Denver City Cable Railway Company, a once-vital transportation system that played a crucial role in shaping the city’s development.

This innovative system, which operated from the late 1800s to the early 1900s, provided a reliable and efficient means of transportation for Denver’s growing population. The group learns about the ingenuity and engineering feats behind the cable railway, as well as its impact on the city’s infrastructure and the daily lives of its residents.

The tour guide’s narrative skillfully weaves together the historical significance and lingering influence of this iconic transportation system, leaving the group with a deeper appreciation for Denver’s rich past.

The Floating Head of The Capitol

Amidst the group’s exploration of Denver’s haunted history, the tour guide’s narrative now turns to the perplexing legend surrounding the Bryan White US Courthouse and the floating head of The Capitol. As the tour makes its stop at this location, the guide shares the intriguing tale of a disembodied apparition that has been spotted hovering above the courthouse.

Phenomenon	Eyewitness Accounts	Theories
A floating head	Courthouse staff and passersby have reported seeing a spectral head drifting above the building	The head is speculated to be the ghost of a former politician or judicial figure, though its origins remain a mystery
Unexplained occurrences	Strange sounds, unexplained lights, and a sense of unease have also been documented at the site	Some believe the head is connected to a tragic event or unsolved mystery buried in the courthouse’s past

Optional Stops: Iconic Local Landmarks

For those interested in exploring additional iconic landmarks, the tour also offers optional stops at sites like the Equitable Building, Daniels and Fischer Tower, The Oxford Hotel, and the Mattie Silks House of Mirrors.

The Equitable Building is known for its ornate Beaux-Arts architecture, while the Daniels and Fischer Tower offers stunning views of the city.

The Oxford Hotel is a historic property that oozes old-world charm, and the Mattie Silks House of Mirrors was once a notorious brothel.

These optional stops provide a deeper dive into Denver’s rich history and the eclectic mix of architecture that defines the city’s unique character.

Meeting Point and Arrival Instructions

Situated directly in front of the Union Station building on the Wynkoop St. side, the tour’s meeting point is marked by a flagpole, where participants are advised to arrive 15 minutes early.

This allows everyone to gather and receive any necessary instructions before the 1.5-hour walking tour commences.

The tour is limited to a maximum of 9 adults, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience as you explore Denver’s history of vice and death.

Whether you’re a local curious about the city’s haunted past or a visitor eager to uncover its dark secrets, this tour provides a unique opportunity to explore the eerie side of Denver’s heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Tour’s Age Requirement?

The tour is an adults-only walking tour, so the age requirement is 18 years and older. The tour group size is limited to 9 participants, allowing for an intimate and personalized experience.

Can I Purchase Tickets on the Day of the Tour?

Yes, visitors can purchase tour tickets on the day of the tour, though it’s recommended to reserve in advance as group size is limited. Same-day bookings are subject to availability.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour operator offers discounts for students and seniors. To receive the discount, participants must present valid ID at the meeting point prior to the start of the tour.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is generally allowed during the tour, though participants are advised to be respectful of others and not disrupt the experience. Guests should check with the tour guide for any specific restrictions.

Can I Bring My Own Snacks or Drinks?

Participants are generally allowed to bring their own snacks and drinks on walking tours. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand as some may have policies restricting or prohibiting outside food and beverages.

Recap

Denver’s ‘After Dark Ghosts of the City Walking Tour’ takes visitors on an eerie exploration of the city’s haunting past.

From ghostly sightings at Union Station to the unsavory histories of Market Street, the tour uncovers the complex and sometimes unsettling stories that have shaped Denver’s development.

With stops at iconic landmarks, the guide’s captivating narrative leaves participants with a deeper understanding of the city’s haunting heritage.

You can check availability for your dates here: