Denver has a rich and vibrant history stretching back over 150 years. As a center for the various gold rushes, there is a wealth of cultural and historical places of interest around here.

History isn’t always about museums and galleries. It can be a living, breathing thing. There are a whole range of monuments, old buildings, galleries and living exhibitions where we celebrate our past. Here are just a few.

Denver Union Station

Denver Union Station is probably the most famous landmark in the city. Nicknamed the “Mizpah,” the historical entrance to the station is one of the most recognized pieces of architecture around. Not only can you see it in real life, you will also undoubtedly see it immortalized in photographs around the city.

Denver Union Station is the city’s transport hub, serving railway lines throughout Colorado and the US. Built in the late 1800s, the building is a reminder of a grander, more aesthetically pleasing age.

Dinosaur Ridge

Dinosaur Ridge is where you can experience history close up. The area is rich with dinosaur bones, fossils and tracks and you can explore them all at will. It’s a great place to spend an hour or three in the Jurassic period.

The Black American West Museum

The Black American West Museum is dedicated to celebrating the contribution African-Americans played in our country’s history. Many of the early settlers were European, but the city wouldn’t be anything like it is without the input of the many thousands of African-Americans who played their part. This museum pays homage to that.

Bent’s Old Fort

Bent’s Old Fort is the embodiment of living history. It is a working reconstruction of an original fort and trading post as seen in the 1850s. Costumed actors help complete the experience and help take you back to Denver’s earliest days. It’s well worth a visit, even if history isn’t your thing.

Auraria Campus

Auraria Campus is more than just a college. It is the place where Denver began, and where the gold rush in the area really took hold. What is now the college campus also includes many of Denver’s historic monuments. Monuments such as; Ninth Street Historic Park, St. Francis Conference Center, St. Elizabeth’s Church, The Golda Meir House, St. Cajetan’s Center and The Tivoli Tower.

Denver has many more sites of historical significance, too many to mention here. Why not visit and explore them for yourself?