Local Attractions
More Dakota Ridge adventures
Sporting events
Catch a game or two while you’re visiting. Football, Baseball, Hockey, Basketball, and far more.
Denver Broncos
Colorado Rockies
Denver Nuggets
Colorado Avalanche
University of Colorado Buffalos
Car and motorcycle races
Gambling
Feeling lucky? Take a day trip to 2 of Colorado’s popular gambling towns – Black Hawk and Central City. You’ll find slot machines, poker, blackjack, bingo, and other classic games.
Performing arts
Theatre, symphony, ballets, operas, concerts – Denver has it all and much more.
Colorado Ballet
Colorado Symphony Orchestra
Denver Center for Performing Arts
Opera Colorado
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
Museums
Reflect on history. Make plans to spend some time in Colorado’s extraordinary museums. From art to nature and science to famous Coloradans, you’re sure to find something that piques your curiosity.
Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave: Discover the life, times, and legend of Buffalo Bill, William F. Cody.
The Children’s Museum: Learn through play with hands-on educational exhibits designed specifically for kids.
Colorado Railroad Museum: Discover the history of railroads in this region.
Denver Art Museum: Experience art from around the world, including depictions of the Western frontier.
Denver Museum of Nature & Science: Explore science and discover the natural wonders of Colorado, the Earth, and the universe.
Golden History Museums: Explore Golden’s unique characters and places through exhibits and programs at the Astor House Museum, Clear Creek History Park, and Golden History Center.
Molly Brown House Museum: Visit the long-time home of Titanic’s most famous survivor – the Unsinkable Molly Brown.
Dinosaur Ridge
One of the world’s most famous dinosaur fossil locations, Dinosaur Ridge provides several options for exploring the tracks, fossils, and geology of the area.
Rafting
Take a scenic, relaxing trip on the Colorado River or ride the whitewater of the Arkansas or Clear Creek Rivers. Contact a local rafting company or guide for details to book your rafting adventure.
Amusement parks
Find adventure and tons of fun at Denver’s amusement and water parks.
Pan for gold
Tour an actual working gold mine and try your hand at discovering gold. You get to keep whatever you find at Phoenix Gold Mine.
Denver Zoo
Visit 3,500 different animals, representing more than 650 species. Some highlights include gorillas, zebras, black rhinos, king cobras, and vampire bats. Don’t forget to visit Bear Mountain – the first naturalistic habitat of its kind in North America – and Predator Ridge – a panoramic view of Africa.
Denver Botanic Gardens
Explore the varied ecosystems of Colorado with a visit to the Denver Botanic Gardens. In addition to its main site, Denver Botanic Gardens offers 2 satellite locations – a picturesque nature preserve along the banks of Deer Creek and the lore of the alpine tundra.
Mother Cabrini Shrine
Located just beyond the foothills of Golden, Mother Cabrini Shrine is a place of prayer and pilgrimage. The shrine is dedicated to the first American saint, St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, who founded the Order of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart. A 22-foot tall statue of Jesus stands atop a 373-step stairway.
Celestial Seasonings
Visit the Celestial Seasonings factory in Boulder. You’ll see the world’s most advanced tea production plant, enjoy an extensive display of original artwork, taste a wide variety of tea flavors, and shop in the Tea Shop.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Experience the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains as you move in elevation from 8,000 to 14,259 feet. You’ll traverse wet, grassy valleys to the weather-ravaged top of mountains. Hike, mountain bike, or watch for wildlife.
Delicious restaurants
Satisfy every craving with the delicious and diverse restaurants located near Dakota Ridge.
Napa Valley of Beer
There are many breweries nearby. Number 1 in beer production per capita, Denver is a beer lover’s perfect destination. Along with brewery tours, the state hosts a number of brew festivals.
Coors Brewery
Holds daily tours.
Denver Mint
USGS Golden, CO.