One Day in Denver: A Guide to Exploring the Mile High City

One day in Denver? That’s what we turned flight credits into when faced with the need to use them or loose them. I’m really not sure how, but we still had airline credit from a canceled flight way back from 2020. Somehow, a $200 credit kept getting overlooked even though we had taken several flights between then and now. Oh, well. It became an excellent excuse for a last minute adventure.

Why Denver?

This is my 3rd time visiting the Lower Downtown (LoDo) district of Denver. That’s because I find it has a lot to offer within a 30-minute train ride from the airport. Plus flights from Detroit to Denver are usually pretty reasonable, in fact often one of the most inexpensive destinations. So Denver it was. I used points for the hotel, so the only out of pocket costs were for our train ride and food/drink.

Side note: Denver was also my destination of choice last year to utilize a companion certificate before it expired. I turned that into a day trip with a friend. Seems to be plenty of flight deals Detroit to Denver!

Morning Adventures: Exploring Denver’s Highlights

After landing around 9 am, we took the commuter train from the airport to Denver Union Station. This historic train station serves as the transportation hub for the city and is a bustling center of activity. This train ride is only $10 and 30 minutes! No need to prebook, just follow the signs within the airport to the train. Once at the station, you simply buy tickets at the kiosk.

Ballpark Museum at Coors Field

Our first stop was the Ballpark Museum, located kitty corner to Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies. Recognized by Smithsonian Books as one of the top 20 finest private baseball collections in the world, this museum boasts an impressive collection of one-of-a-kind treasures. It’s the only museum dedicated to ballparks and includes artifacts from the original 14 classic ballparks. A fun fact is that the collection includes seats from each of those ballparks.

The Ballpark Museum is a true gem in the heart of Denver. Perfect for baseball fans of all ages. It’s fascinating to learn how Curator, Founder, and President Bruce “B” Hellerstein went from collecting baseball cards and displaying his a personal collection of memorabilia in his basement to creating his own full fledged museum showcasing his now expansive personal collection.

Lunch at Denver ChopHouse

After working up an appetite at the museum, it was time for lunch at Denver ChopHouse. This is a classic steakhouse and brewery located within walking distance of Union Station and the ballpark. Known for its delicious cuts of meat and cozy atmosphere, this restaurant is the perfect spot to refuel before continuing your Denver adventures. The building that houses Denver ChopHouse dates back to the late 19th century. It was once home to the Rocky Mountain Fuel Company, a prominent coal supplier during Denver’s early days.

Afternoon Delights: Craft Brews and Sweet Treats

With our hunger satisfied, we set out to explore more of the vibrant LoDo district. Our next stop was Wynkoop Brewing Company, one of Denver’s oldest and most beloved craft breweries. It was founded in 1988 by former Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper, who went on to become the Governor of Colorado. Wynkoop Brewing Company is housed in a historic warehouse building and offers a wide selection of handcrafted beers. The brewery played a pivotal role in revitalizing the LoDo neighborhood and is credited with sparking the city’s craft beer renaissance.

Sweet Treats at Dairy Block

After enjoying some hoppy delights, we found ourselves craving something sweet. We made our way to Dairy Block, a charming micro-district in LoDo known for its unique shops, restaurants, and art installations. Here, we indulged in some delicious ice cream from Milk Market, a food hall featuring a variety of culinary delights. The history of Dairy Block dates back to the late 19th century when it was home to Windsor Dairy, one of Denver’s largest dairy operations. Today, the block is a vibrant destination for food, shopping, and entertainment.

Afternoon Explorations: RiNo Art District

After taking a quick intermission to check into our hotel, we decided to venture beyond LoDo to explore the RiNo Art District, a thriving hub of creativity and culture. We visited a couple of the district’s renowned breweries, including Odell Brewing Company, where we sampled some of their award-winning craft beers. Founded in 1989 in Fort Collins, Odell Brewing Company is known for its innovative brewing techniques and commitment to sustainability. The RiNo Art District is known for its vibrant street art scene and eclectic mix of galleries, studios, and creative spaces. The district’s name, RiNo, stands for River North and pays homage to its location north of the South Platte River.

Dinner at Blue Agave Grill

After working up an appetite with our brewery hop, we headed back downtown for dinner at Blue Agave Grill. This lively restaurant specializes in contemporary Southwestern cuisine and offers a mouthwatering selection of tacos, enchiladas, and margaritas. We opted for burritos and they were so delicious and filling. Located in the historic Granite Building, Blue Agave Grill is known for its vibrant atmosphere and flavorful dishes. The Granite Building, constructed in 1890, is one of Denver’s oldest commercial buildings and has been lovingly restored to its former glory.

A Memorable Day in the Mile High City

As the night wore on and our bellies were full, we made our way back to our hotel to get cozy and watch some play off football. We stayed at the Hotel Indigo Denver Downtown – Union Station. It is a stylish boutique hotel. I selected it for its super convenient location next to Union Station. Since we needed to catch the first train out for Union Station in the morning (3am), location was key to make that as easy as possible.

Yes, waking up early to catch the 3 am train back to the airport was a bit of a struggle, but we managed to fuel up with breakfast at the Skyclub before boarding our 6 am flight home.

In just one day, we experienced quite a good mix of what Denver has to offer – from historic buildings and craft breweries to delicious dining and vibrant neighborhoods. Let me suggest that whether you’re planning a quick getaway or a longer stay, the Mile High City has something for everyone to enjoy.