Things to do in Central Colorado

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Grand Lake
Grand Lake showing mountains and a lake or waterhole
Alpine Visitor Center which includes interior views as well as a small group of people
Grand Lake
Estes Park which includes a waterfall

Central Colorado Attractions

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Central Colorado must see attractions

1. Union Station

Denver Union Station opened in 1914 to serve train passengers traveling across the country. Today, it continues that role, with significant additions of restaurants, shopping and special events geared toward Denver visitors and residents. Admire the building’s glorious Beaux Arts details and enjoy a meal with friends.
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Union Station showing heritage architecture, signage and a city

2. Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is beautiful in the spring with slopes of wildflowers and in the winter with a blanket of pure, white snow. Come here to hike, look for wildlife, see the Continental Divide and appreciate nature.
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Estes Park featuring a river or creek, hiking or walking and tranquil scenes

3. Red Rocks Amphitheater

Everyone who’s anyone has played here, from opera singers and orchestras to The Beatles, U2, Neil Young, Coldplay and Jimi Hendrix. Musicians consider the Red Rocks Amphitheatre, 15 miles (24 kilometers) west of Denver, to be one of the best venues in the world to play at, with its magical, almost spiritual, atmosphere.
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Red Rocks Amphitheater featuring theater scenes and snow

4. Garden of the Gods

The rugged landscape of the western states of America has long been central to the region’s reputation as the Wild West and the Garden of the Gods is a stunning example of this terrain. As the low, grassy plains around Denver give way to dense woodlands, a series of rock formations rise dramatically upwards. These phenomenal red rocks are the centerpieces of the 1,367-acre (553-hectare) Garden of the Gods park, a favorite destination for hikers, mountain bikers and other lovers of the great outdoors.
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Garden of the Gods showing mountains and tranquil scenes

5. Pikes Peak

Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain is a 14,000-foot (4,300-meter) high mountain famed for its incredible vistas, high-altitude railroad and opportunities for adventure. It was named after explorer Zebulon Pike, who led an expedition to the area in 1806. Visit the summit of Pikes Peak at any time of the year to gaze across the spectacular Rocky Mountains. The view from here was the inspiration for Katherine Lee Bates' famed poem, America the Beautiful.
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Pikes Peak which includes mountains

6. Winter Park Ski Resort

Visit Winter Park Ski Resort for year-round adventures amid Fraser Valley’s stunning natural beauty. Enjoy activities from skiing, snowboarding, sledding and tubing to mountain biking and mineral panning. Winter Park Ski Resort opened in 1940 as a facility for residents of Denver. Today, it’s one of Colorado’s most popular mountain resorts.
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Winter Park Ski Resort featuring snow skiing, forests and snow

7. US Air Force Academy

Step onto the campus of the US Air Force Academy to discover what goes into the training of the country's elite air force personnel. Every year, the military institution puts hundreds of cadets through a rigorous 4-year academic program.
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US Air Force Academy featuring modern architecture

What to do in Central Colorado

Free Things to Do in Central Colorado

They say the best things in life are free. Be sure to explore the following around Central Colorado:

Colorado Sports Hall of Fame - Approach the friendly staff and learn about the fascinating collections on display here.

Yearling - Feed your passion for arts and culture here and see creativity at work.

Denver Mountain Parks - Loads of fun and action is in store for you at this unmissable place.

Sakura Square - This popular local landmark is a great backdrop for that vacation profile pic.

Denver City and County Building - Drop by this historic site and learn a bit about the region's cultural heritage.

Wells Fargo Center - Strike up a conversation with a few locals and learn why many sightseers drop by this place.

Shorter African Methodist Episcopal Church - Connect with your spiritual side or simply get lost in the tranquil ambiance at this site of worship.

Civic Center Park - If you take pleasure in nurturing your garden, this place will appeal to your green thumb.

Things to Do in Central Colorado with Kids

There's fun for the whole family no matter where you go in Central Colorado. Here are some family friendly experiences you can try together that are bound to make your trip unforgettable:


 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Central Colorado? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 


 


Discover the most popular places to visit in Central Colorado

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Central Colorado

Downtown Denver featuring modern architecture

Downtown Denver

4.5/5(3,700 area reviews)

Dive into this bustling financial and entertainment hub, featuring the 16th Street pedestrian mall, Larimer Square, and the Theatre District. Catch a game at Coors Field or Ball Arena, and explore the neighborhood's vibrant dining scene.

Downtown Denver
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Cherry Creek

4.5/5(238 area reviews)

Experience a blend of urban and residential vibes in Denver's Cherry Creek, where tree-lined streets meet shopping and dining at Cherry Creek North. Explore Fillmore Plaza, Manley and Pulaski Parks, or hop on the easily accessible public bus system.

Cherry Creek
LoDo showing a city

LoDo

4.5/5(864 area reviews)

Historic district with vibrant nightlife, LoDo offers a mix of clubs, art galleries, boutiques, and over 70 bars and restaurants. Must-visit spots include Coors Field, Ball Arena, and Denver Union Station. Enjoy its walkable, pedestrian-friendly streets.

LoDo
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Denver Tech Center

Known for its ample dining options and great live music, there's plenty to explore in Denver Tech Center. You can visit top attractions like Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre and The Landmark Theatre Greenwood Village, and jump on the metro at Orchard Station or Arapahoe at Village Center Station to see more of the city.

Denver Tech Center
Around 200 high school students learning that with every sunrise there is a fresh start at Rocky Mountain Rotary Youth Leadership Awards. 

If you are looking for a great sunrise hike at the YMCA of the Rockies Bible's Point is the way to go! #Adventure #Hiking #Sunrise #Rotary

YMCA of the Rockies

While there might not be top attractions in YMCA of the Rockies, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Beaver Meadows Entrance Station and Sprague Lake.

YMCA of the Rockies
Colorado Springs which includes a park, outdoor art and a fountain

Central Colorado Springs

3.5/5(308 area reviews)

While visiting Central Colorado Springs, you might make a stop by sights like U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center and Pikes Peak Center.

Central Colorado Springs

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Popular day trips from Central Colorado

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Central Colorado on a sunny day?
What to do in Central Colorado on a rainy day?
What should I not miss in Central Colorado?
Put these attractions high on your must-see list to get the most out of your visit:

  • Ball Arena
  • Red Rocks Amphitheater
  • Garden of the Gods
  • Coors Field

Are there cheap things to do in Central Colorado?
What can you do in Central Colorado for free?
You could even leave your credit card in the hotel safe for the day, because these great attractions won't cost you a penny:

  • Garden of the Gods
  • US Air Force Academy
  • University of Colorado-Boulder
  • Colorado State University

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