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10 Overlooked Places in Denver Even Natives Don’t Visit: Discover Denver’s Hidden Treasures

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1. Ruby Hill Rail Yard

The Hidden Gem for Snow Enthusiasts

When snowboarding and Denver come to mind, most think of the far-off mountain resorts like Vail and Breckenridge. Little do they realize, Denver hides a unique treasure within city limits: the Ruby Hill Rail Yard. Touted as the country’s first free urban terrain park, Ruby Hill Rail Yard transforms each winter into a snowy playground for skiers and snowboarders alike. Originally a sledding hill, this site was redeveloped for snowboarders who honed their skills on specially-installed rails, boxes, and jumps.

Ruby Hill Rail Yard caters to all experience levels. Whether you’re just starting or looking to practice new tricks before hitting the larger resorts, this rail yard provides the perfect, cost-free environment to do so. Originally a concept born from a cooperative effort between Denver Parks and Recreation and Winter Park Resort, they focused on fostering community engagement and encouraging active winter lifestyle choices among city dwellers.

Adding to its charm, Ruby Hill Park also boasts breathtaking views of the Denver skyline. The juxtaposition of Denver’s bustling cityscape against the glistening white snow creates a serene, surreal end-of-day rest stop after an active session on the slopes. Despite its convenient location and unique offering, many Denver natives seem to overlook this local gem, focusing instead on the more popular snowboarding resorts farther afield.

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2. The Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus

An Oasis of Learning and Fun

The Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus is an institution dedicated to experiential learning. While most assume that its primary audience is children, the reality is that this dynamic space offers engaging activities for visitors of all ages. It perfectly merges educational content with interactive play, ensuring that learning becomes an adventure rather than a chore.

One of the museum’s standout features is Joy Park, an expansive outdoor area complete with splash zones, sand dunes, and climbing structures. This section alone can keep a family entertained for hours on end. Beyond Joy Park, the museum houses themed exhibits such as the Fire Station, where kids can simulate the life of a firefighter, and the Assembly Plant, which allows children to understand basic engineering concepts through hands-on experimentation.

The museum’s innovative approach extends to its state-of-the-art teaching kitchen, where visitors can participate in cooking classes designed to instill healthy eating habits and nutritional knowledge. Moreover, C.A.M.P (Create, Assemble, Move, Play), another interactive section, encourages both children and adults to explore the arts and sciences using everyday materials.

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3. Confluence Park

A Riverside Sanctuary in the Heart of the City

Nestled where Cherry Creek and the South Platte River converge, Confluence Park is a tranquil urban oasis often overshadowed by more prominent Denver attractions. The park offers a peaceful retreat for anyone looking to escape the hustle of daily life without leaving the city. Activities abound in and around the park – from paddleboarding on the river to biking along picturesque trails – making it a versatile destination for both outdoor enthusiasts and tranquility seekers.

Confluence Park is an ideal starting point for a scenic walk or bike ride along the Cherry Creek Trail, a path lined with greenery, public art installations, and inviting rest spots. Water sports enthusiasts will find the park’s kayak chutes particularly exciting, providing both beginners and experts with a friendly challenge.

Beyond the outdoor activities, Confluence Park also serves as a great spot for picnicking and people-watching. During summertime, you might catch local artists setting up impromptu performances, adding an eclectic vibe to the park’s relaxed atmosphere. Despite its myriad offerings, many Denver residents overlook this beautiful park in favor of more commercial attractions, missing out on one of the city’s most versatile and accessible recreational spots.

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4. Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Farms

Nature’s Tranquil Haven

Located outside the city center in Littleton, the Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Farms presents a rural escape that often remains under the radar, even for Denver natives. This 700-acre nature preserve features a stunning array of gardens, including a native plant garden, a prairie garden, and a wetland demonstration site, underscoring Denver’s rich, yet often overlooked, ecological diversity.

The gardens aren’t solely for plant lovers; they offer activities for a wide range of interests year-round. Wander through the historical Hildebrand Ranch, complete with a 19th-century homestead, or explore the Deer Creek Discovery Play Area, designed to engage younger visitors with interactive educational experiences. The site also hosts seasonal events, such as the Corn Maze and Pumpkin Festival in the fall, drawing families eager to partake in quintessential autumn activities.

Another unique facet of Chatfield Farms is its role as an active farm. The Community Supporting Agriculture (CSA) program allows members to receive fresh, local produce throughout the growing season. Combined with their farmer’s market events, this initiative encourages sustainable living and supports local agriculture. Despite its extraordinary variety of attractions and serene settings, many Denverites bypass this hidden treasure in favor of the more central Botanic Gardens in the heart of the city.

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5. Forney Museum of Transportation

A Journey Through Time

Tucked away in Denver’s River North Art District (RiNo), the Forney Museum of Transportation is a hidden gem that offers a fascinating voyage through the evolution of transportation. From rare antique vehicles to classic trains and bicycles, this museum houses an extraordinary collection of over 600 artifacts that rarely see the spotlight.

Among the museum’s most notable exhibits is the Union Pacific Big Boy, one of the largest steam locomotives ever built. Rail enthusiasts and curious visitors alike can marvel at its imposing size and intricate engineering. Another highlight is the collection of vintage cars, including a rare 1916 Hispano-Suiza and a beautifully preserved 1932 Studebaker President.

Beyond its impressive vehicle collection, the Forney Museum offers educational programs and rotating exhibits that delve into different aspects of transportation history. Guided tours provide deeper insights, making each visit an educational journey for both adults and children. Despite its wealth of intriguing exhibits, the museum often remains off the beaten path for many Denver residents, who might be unaware of this treasure trove waiting to be explored.

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6. Indian Hot Springs

An Underground Oasis

Just a short drive from Denver in Idaho Springs, Indian Hot Springs offers a unique geothermal experience often overlooked by locals in favor of more prominent hot spring destinations further afield. The highlight is undoubtedly the underground mineral water caves, where visitors can soak in naturally heated waters rich in therapeutic minerals.

The hot springs also feature outdoor Jacuzzis, a large indoor swimming pool, and a mud grotto, each offering distinct experiences aimed at relaxation and rejuvenation. Complementing these are spa services including massages, facials, and body wraps, making Indian Hot Springs an all-encompassing retreat for wellness.

Despite its convenience and range of amenities, Indian Hot Springs often flies under the radar for many Denverites, who tend to overlook this nearby escape in their quest for relaxation. Whether you are seeking a quick day trip or a full weekend retreat, Indian Hot Springs promises a refreshing break from the urban sprawl.

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7. Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art

A Fusion of Art and Design

Denver is well-known for its vibrant arts scene, yet the Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art remains an underappreciated gem in the mix. Located in Denver’s Golden Triangle Creative District, the museum offers a unique juxtaposition of art and design, showcasing works by Colorado painter Vance Kirkland alongside a vast collection of decorative art.

The museum’s eclectic mix includes everything from Arts & Crafts and Art Nouveau pieces to Bauhaus and Postmodern designs. It spans three major collections: International Decorative Art (from 1870 to the present), Colorado & Regional Art (from 1845 to the present), and Vance Kirkland’s works. This diverse amalgamation offers an enriching experience, offering insights into both the evolution of fine art and the progression of decorative arts through various movements and periods.

Visiting the Kirkland Museum feels almost like walking through a time capsule. The exhibits are arranged in a way that allows visitors to experience historical significant works in their intended contexts, providing a more intimate and resonate understanding of each piece. Despite its rich collections and thoughtful curation, it remains an under-visited attraction by Denver locals who frequently opt for the more prominently advertised art museums within the city.

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8. Green Valley Ranch Beer Garden

A Family-Friendly Destination

Tucked away in the Green Valley Ranch neighborhood, the Green Valley Ranch Beer Garden is a local favorite that often flies under the radar of even the most seasoned Denver residents. Unlike many of Denver’s more celebrated craft beer spots, this beer garden offers a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere where adults can unwind while kids have their own space to play.

With over 4,500 square feet of outdoor space, the beer garden features long communal tables, a fire pit, and various lawn games such as bocce ball and cornhole. It creates a laid-back environment perfect for socializing. The beer selection is impressively diverse, featuring a rotating list of local craft beers and international brews, ensuring there’s something for every beer aficionado.

What sets Green Valley Ranch Beer Garden apart is its emphasis on community. They regularly host events such as movie nights, live music, and seasonal festivals, fostering a sense of local camaraderie. The adjoining Canteen kitchen serves up a menu of delicious comfort foods, making it an ideal spot for a casual lunch or dinner. Despite its array of offerings, it remains a relatively hidden gem among Denver’s extensive list of eateries and drink destinations.

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9. Denver Trolley

A Historical Ride Along the Platte River

For a scenic and historical perspective of Denver, few experiences can rival a ride on the Denver Trolley. Situated along the South Platte River, this vintage streetcar offers a unique journey through the city’s past, often overlooked by locals who take modern transport routes for granted.

Operating seasonally, the Denver Trolley runs routes along a scenic stretch from Confluence Park to the Children’s Museum, giving riders an old-fashioned perspective of contemporary Denver. The trolley itself is a meticulously restored representation of Denver’s early streetcar system, offering a quaintly anachronistic contrast to the city’s modern skyline.

The trolley ride presents an educational narrative as well, as guides provide historical context to the sights along the route, including Denver’s origins in the Gold Rush era and its evolution into the bustling urban hub it is today. It’s a splendid introduction to Denver, particularly for those interested in the city’s history and evolution. Despite its fascinating journey, the Denver Trolley remains an underutilized gem among locals, many of whom rarely think to take advantage of this charming ride through the heart of Denver.

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10. The International Church of Cannabis

A Psychedelic Sanctuary

Denver’s eclectic cultural landscape includes a variety of unique attractions, but few are as unconventional and visually stunning as the International Church of Cannabis. Located in a transformed, historic church building, this site serves as a haven for those who regard cannabis as a sacrament and a tool for spiritual discovery.

The interiors of the church are nothing short of mesmerizing, featuring vibrant, multi-colored murals designed by world-renowned artist Okuda San Miguel. These psychedelic artworks blanket the walls and ceiling, creating an immersive sensory experience that visitors find both uplifting and thought-provoking.

The Elevationists, as members of this congregation call themselves, use cannabis as a means of self-discovery and personal growth. The church offers 420-friendly environments during specific events and gatherings, although it’s open to anyone interested in its visual and cultural allure. Despite its unique offerings and visually captivating interiors, the International Church of Cannabis remains relatively unknown among Denverites, many of whom overlook this colorful gem nestled in their city.

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My Thoughts

Exploring Denver’s hidden treasures reveals a side of the city that both newcomers and long-time residents often overlook. From tranquil parks and interactive museums to unique cultural attractions and historical destinations, Denver offers a wealth of experiences waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re seeking a serene retreat or a family-friendly outing, these overlooked gems invite you to delve deeper into the city’s rich tapestry and uncover adventures beyond the usual tourist hotspots.

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