Denver's Cowboy Culture. Denver may no longer be a cow town, but there are still plenty of cowboy related activities to fill your days and nights. Whether you’re simply looking for a flavor of the Old West or want to immerse yourself fully into the cowboy culture, Denver has what you’re looking for.

Some highlights include:

• The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge located east of downtown at 7200 Quebec St.

  (303)289-0930
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  The refuge supports more than 330 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish offering a peek into life on the plains. American bison were reintroduced to the Refuge, marking the return of an animal that was once a key component of prairie ecosystems and a staple of cowboy and Native American folklore. Visitors will also see mule deer, white-tailed deer, coyotes, red-tailed hawks, northern harriers, great horned owls and a nesting pair of bald eagles.

• The Colorado History Museum located downtown at 1300 Broadway.

  (303)866-3682
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  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 fascinating collections, detailed dioramas, historic photographs, artifacts and more.

• Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave at 987½ Lookout Mountain Rd.

  (303)526-0744
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  One of the most famous cowboys ever to put on a pair of stirrups, William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody epitomized the Old West. After leaving his boyhood home in Leavenworth, Kansas at age 11, he 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 the Buffalo Bill’s Wild West shows. Upon his request he was buried atop Lookout Mountain in 1917. 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.
  
  No cowboy tour of Denver would be complete without buying, or at least looking at, some of the clothing popularized by these hardy souls.

• Rockmount Ranchwear located at 1626 Wazee St.

  (303)629-7777
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  A Denver original, fashion pioneer and CEO of Rockmount Ranchwear, 106-year-old Papa Jack Weil invented the western snap-button shirt and opened shop back in 1946. He has 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. Arrive early and you may even get to chat with the oldest working CEO in America himself.

• Crybaby Ranch located at 1421 Larimer Square.

  (303) 623 - 3979
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  Fun and funky, this charming, one-of-a-kind shop offers a variety of boots, clothing, collectibles, and home accessories specializing in 1940s and 1950s nostalgic cowboy fare. Celebrity clients include Sheryl Crow and Bruce Springsteen who both purchased their custom-designed Liberty boots from Crybaby Ranch.
  
  Now that you look the part, it’s time to hit the town for some dining and dancing cowboy style.

• The Buckhorn Exchange at 1000 Osage St.

  (303)534-9505
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  Denver’s oldest restaurant is rich in Colorado history and serves up a unique menu of wild game and steak in a rustic, elegant atmosphere. The menu features steak, buffalo and elk. This historic steakhouse is a must see for everyone.

• The Fort in Morrison, CO at 19192 Hwy. 8.

  (303)697-4771
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  The Fort is an award-winning restaurant and has been featured in the New York Times, Sunset, and Bon Appetit as one of the nation’s most recognized establishments. Fare features fine beef, buffalo, game and seafood.

• The Grizzly Rose at 5450 N. Valley Hwy.

  This saloon and dance emporium has seen old favorites like of Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Merle Haggard as well as more contemporary country artists like Faith Hill, Brooks and Dunn and Garth Brooks perform here. In addition to concerts and performances, there are line-dancing lessons and Sunday is family night when all ages are welcome to join the fun.