Denver's Western Attractions
Despite its metropolitan, 21st-Century leanings, Denver still retains a good deal of its Old West legacy. Around every corner, you’ll find some remnant of the pioneer era, as the past blends seamlessly into the present. Take some time to explore the city's bygone days by visiting a few of the attractions below.
Now Showing: Allen True’s West
When: Through March 28, 2010
Where: Denver Art Museum, Denver Public Library (Central Branch), Colorado History Museum
Allen True’s West – an exhibit too big for just one venue! The Denver Art Museum, the Denver Public Library and the Colorado History Museum have joined forces for the definitive presentation of Colorado’s premiere native-born artist of the 20th century. The exhibit highlights all aspects of the Denver-raised True’s work, including phenomenal illustrations, paintings and murals that vividly depict frontier life in the American West. Don’t miss this incredible glimpse into Colorado’s history.
More Info: http://history.denverlibrary.org/AllenTruesWest
Colorado History Museum
1300 Broadway St., Denver
www.coloradohistory.org
Here you can imagine traveling across the plains in covered wagons, experience what it was like mining in the Rocky Mountains, and see what life was like in Denver’s earliest days. Galleries inside the Colorado History Museum feature exhibitions on life and culture in the American West with a fascinating and unparalleled collection of historic photographs and artifacts. Don’t miss the incredibly detailed diorama of Denver’s early days, located in the museum’s basement. “Based on photographs of the time and historical research, this diorama is extremely accurate,” says Denver historian Tom Noel. “It includes lots of fabulous details, including our town’s first dogs and cats. It gives a really fascinating visual overview of what Denver was like then.”
Buffalo Bill's Grave and Museum
987 1/2 Lookout Mountain Rd., Morrison, CO
www.buffalobill.org
One of the most famous cowboys ever to put on a pair of spurs, William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody epitomized the Old West. After leaving his boyhood home in Leavenworth, Kansas at age 11, Cody went on to become a cattle herder, worked on a wagon train, mined for gold, rode in the Pony Express, scouted for the Army, and traveled the world with his namesake Buffalo Bill’s Wild West shows. Upon his request he was buried atop Lookout Mountain, just a short drive from Denver, in 1917. Lookout Mountain’s name is well earned: it boasts one of the best views in all of Colorado – and that’s saying something! The museum opened in 1921 and offers a look into life in the Old West, with exhibits on Buffalo Bill’s life, the Wild West shows, Indian artifacts including Sitting Bull’s bows and arrows, Western art, and firearms. On February 21, the museum hosts a Buffalo Bill Birthday Celebration, featuring costumed volunteers discussing the Native Americans, buffalo and cowboys that were such a vital part of Buffalo Bill’s life. While you're in the area, check out the City of Denver's Buffalo Herd Nature Preserve (20 miles west of Denver at I-70, Exit 250), with 40 buffalo in a natural setting -- the only city-maintained herd in the country. Afterwards, enjoy downtown Golden, with shops, restaurants and plenty of Old West ambiance.
Black American West Museum
3055 California St.
www.blackamericanwestmuseum.com
For decades Hollywood westerns depicted a Wild West that was populated almost entirely by white people. The Black American West Museum puts this myth to rest permanently by highlighting the prominent role Blacks played in the settlement of Colorado as miners, soldiers, homesteaders, schoolteachers, ranchers, blacksmiths, cowboys and lawmen. This fascinating museum, located in the former home of Colorado’s first Black woman doctor, hosts countless photographs, artifacts and interactive exhibits that tell the story of the Wild West through a different lens.
Four Mile Historic Park
715 S. Forest St.
www.fourmilehistoricpark.org
On the banks of Cherry Creek, just four miles from Downtown Denver, the true-to-its-name Four Mile Historic Park’s pastoral 12 acres feature Denver’s oldest standing structure, pioneer exhibits, special events for all ages, and guided tours that transport visitors to Colorado’s frontier past. Once a wayside inn and stage stop, the Four Mile House and grounds offer a unique Old West experience. In addition to museum and grounds tours, family activities include annual special events, such as an Old-Fashioned July 4th Celebration; the Great Pumpkin Harvest Festival in October, and traditional holiday festivities at A Colorado Christmas.
Rockmount Ranch Wear
& Crybaby Ranch
1626 Wazee St.
www.rockmount.com
1421 Larimer St.
www.crybabyranch.com
No cowboy tour of Denver would be complete without buying, or at least considering, some of the clothing popularized by these hardy souls. A Denver original, fashion pioneer and CEO of Rockmount Ranch Wear, Papa Jack Weil – who passed away in 2008 at the grand old age of 107 – invented the western snap-button shirt and opened shop back in 1946. He sold his shirts to presidents and rock stars alike including Eric Clapton and Bruce Springsteen. Stop by the flagship store and museum to browse the incredible selection of Western-style shirts, hats and accessories. Over in nearby Larimer Square, you’ll find Crybaby Ranch, a one-of-a-kind shop offering a variety of boots, clothing, collectibles and home accessories. Specializing in 1940s and 1950s nostalgic cowboy fare, the store has attracted a host of celebrity clients, including Sheryl Crow and Bruce Springsteen, who both purchased their custom-designed Liberty boots here.
Civic Center Park
100 W. 14th Pkwy.
www.denvergov.org
Civic Center Park is a two-block oasis filled with flower gardens and Old West art, located a stone’s throw from Colorado’s magnificent Capitol Building. Check out Allen True’s murals, located in the park's Greek Theatre, depicting pioneers in the wilderness, and the two Western-themed bronze statues, Bronco Buster and On the War Trail, by Denverite Alexander Phimister Proctor.
Western American Art Collection at the Denver Art Museum
100 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy.
www.denverartmuseum.org
The Denver Art Museum’s extensive collection includes work by Western masters such as George Catlin, Frederic Remington, Charles M. Russell, John Mix Stanley, Alfred Jacob Miller, and others. The crown jewel in the institute's collection is Charles Deas’s Long Jakes, The Rocky Mountain Man, the single most influential image in Rocky Mountain iconography.
Leanin' Tree Museum
6055 Longbow Dr., Boulder
www.leanintreemuseum.com
There's always free admission at the Leanin' Tree Museum and Sculpture Garden of Western Art. This small gem of a museum houses the nation's largest private collection of contemporary western art, with 300 paintings and bronzes showing the Old West – both real and imagined – in all its splendor. The museum also has a gift shop whereyou can choose from more than 2,000 different greeting cards and a variety of prints, mugs and other gifts. Don't miss the new sculpture garden, home to some true heavyweight pieces of art, including a 1,300 pound cougar!