There’s a long list of reasons to visit Denver, and the is drawing more and more exhibitors and attendees to town each year. The Mile High City offers world-class dining and museums that everyone is encouraged to enjoy—but there are also of plenty free ways to spend time when you have a break from your Denver trade show. Here are a few things to do on a quick lunch break or when you have a little more time to check out the area.
Things to Do in an Hour or Less Near the Colorado Convention Center
The Colorado Convention Center is conveniently set in the heart of downtown Denver. This means that you have easy access to some awesome locations even if you only have an hour or so away from the show floor. Whether you want to enjoy a relaxing stroll through a beautiful park, immerse yourself in the local art scene, or see where some of the coins in your pocket might’ve been made, you can savor the city without spending a dime.
Walk Through Civic Center Park
Less than a mile away from the Colorado Convention Center, take in some history and greenery at Civic Center Park. While you’re there, you can even have a seat near one of the century-old buildings while you munch on your lunch. Or have a walk around and enjoy Denver’s largest public art collection, which includes statues, murals, and fountains on display throughout the park. The 12-acre public space also includes thousands of beautiful flowerbeds and hosts a variety of free events throughout the year.
Check Out the Golden Triangle District
Get a true feel of Denver’s creativity by visiting the Golden Triangle Creative District. About a mile away from the Colorado Convention Center and very close to Civic Center Park, this neighborhood takes up 45 city blocks and is the proud home of over 30 art galleries and studios. Although paid tours are sometimes offered, you can guide yourself through the neighborhood and get right back to the show floor if you’re crunched for time.
Take a Tour of Denver’s U.S. Mint
You might have to rush a bit if you only have about an hour away from the Colorado Convention Center. However, a visit to the U.S. Mint Denver Facility is worth being hasty! It’s a five-minute drive from the convention center, and the free tours last about 45 minutes. You’ll learn about the history of the Denver Mint, including its 1862 founding, its move to the current building in 1904, and its milestone of being added to the National Register of Historic Places.
There are a few dates and holidays each year that the Denver Mint isn’t open, so be sure to check their website to make sure you can take advantage of a free tour while you’re in town.
Free Attractions When You Have a Few Hours to Spend
Some exhibitors are lucky enough to get a few hours—or a full day—to spend away from the Colorado Convention Center. If you fall into this category, get out there and explore! You can learn about local history, enjoy the town’s culture, and take an excursion to a wildlife refuge. As a huge bonus, some of these features are completely free.
Tour the Colorado State Capitol
Question: What’s better than visiting the stunning Colorado State Capitol, gazing at the gorgeous, gilded, 272-foot-tall dome, and learning about the state’s history?
Answer: Getting a free guided tour of the facility!
The building itself celebrates local resources, with the granite and rose onyx you’ll see on the interior and exterior having originated from quarries throughout Colorado. In addition to housing the Colorado Senate and House of Representatives, this capitol building truly celebrates the richness of its state.
Attend an Outdoor Festival
Denverites tend to spend as much time as possible outdoors. Even the winters in the Mile High City are mild compared to surrounding areas, so they’re able to hold outdoor festivals throughout the year. Thanks to the near-perfect weather from June through August, the festival calendar is particularly full in the summer.
Here are a few free events you might want to check out if you have an extended time away from the Colorado Convention Center:
- Cinema in the Sky
- Summer Cookout Series
- Denver PrideFest
- Summer Solstice Street Fairs
- Summer Lawn Concerts
- Denver Festival of Mountain and Plain
Additionally, neighborhoods throughout Denver hold street festivals with food, drinks, local arts and crafts, and live music throughout the spring and summer. So before you board your plane on your way to a Colorado trade show, be sure to check the city’s event calendar!
Have an Adventure at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge
Used as a weapons development area during World War II, the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is now a sanctuary for over 330 species. Learn about the area’s history and residents at the Visitor Center, then take a drive through the park or strap on your hiking boots and enjoy some of the nine miles of trails. You can even drop a fishing line into Lake Mary or Lake Ladora after you’ve snapped a few pictures of the bison, bald eagles, owls, and other wildlife you’ll come across. Just be sure to keep a safe distance from the animals and obey all of the Refuge’s published rules to keep you and the wildlife safe.
Enjoy Denver While We Handle Your Trade Show Exhibit at the Colorado Convention Center
There are too many awesome sites and events in Denver for you to be stuck inside the Colorado Convention Center. So get out there and enjoy the city—and save some money while you do so! We’ll take care of your exhibit and show services so you can explore the area with the confidence that all’s well on the show floor.
Contact us today to find out how we can help make your next trade show at the Colorado Convention Center a success!
