4 Of Denver's Top Hidden Gems
(credit: CBS)From the many incredible museums to the stunning Rocky Mountains and even Red Rocks Amphitheater, there is no shortage of awesome things to see and do in Colorado. However, there are a few locations in and around Denver that you may not be aware of, or just haven't had the chance to truly explore. From historical sites to science fiction futures, there is a little something for everyone. So get out of the usual museum rut and check out these other hidden gems just waiting to be explored in Denver.
1340 Pennsylvania St.
Denver, CO 80203
(303) 832-4092
www.Mollybrown.org
Price: $8 for adults/$7 for seniors, military and students/$5 for children
The "Unsinkable" Molly Brown is a world-famous Titanic survivor and a Denver icon. She was one of the biggest philanthropists in the history of the state of Colorado and worked hard to help form the state as it is today. Her actual home on Pennsylvania Avenue has been open for tours for more than 43 years, having been lovingly restored and decorated with many of her original belongings. You can be one of the 50,000-plus people to tour this cultural landmark, which is open six days a week. There are also other fun events to check out at the house, including other historical tours, teas, brunches and more. The Molly Brown House Museum is one of the most culturally significant homes in Colorado, so it should definitely be on the top of any list of places to see while you're visiting.
1880 Gaylord St.
Denver, CO 80206
(303) 322-1053
www.dmmdt.org
Price: $6 for adults/$5 for seniors/$4 for children
Located in an unassuming Victorian home, the Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls and Toys is the most whimsical and captivating museum in town. It's packed full with a massive collection of antique dolls and toys, including lots of fully furnished miniature houses, trains, planes, cars and even a miniature circus. This is a wonderful place to step back in time to your own childhood, or even further back to the days of your grandparents and great grandparents, as you get a first-hand look at all the toys that entertained each generation. While you're there, you can even stop for traditional English Tea in the Oak and Berries Tea Room, complete with scones, cookies and other pastries. Grab the whole family, dress the kids up in proper white tea gloves and hats and enjoy a day out together exploring this fantastic collection while you teach them a little bit about what a proper tea time truly is.
16381 W. Alameda Parkway
Morrison, CO 80465
(303) 697-3466
www.dinoridge.org
Price: Outdoor exhibits are free/Indoor exhibits are $2 per person
You already know that Colorado is home to a lot of history but do you know just how far back that history goes? Dinosaur Ridge, located in Morrison, is home to some of the most famous dinosaur fossil finds in the world. Back in 1877, Arthur Lakes, a professor at the Colorado School of Mines, discovered the first Stegosaurus, Allosaurus and Apatosaurus fossils on this location. In 1937, more discoveries came pouring in, with the finding of 100-million-year-old dinosaur tracks from the early Cretaceous period. You can walk along the Triceratops Trail, which is about a half-mile long, to see many of these ancient tracks for yourself. Then head over to the Dinosaur Ridge Trail which features more than 15 sites all with fossils, signs, scenic overlooks and other places to learn more about the giant creatures that one roamed this area millions of years ago.
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7711 E. Academy Blvd
Denver, CO 80230
(303) 360-5360
www.wingsmuseum.org
Price:$11 for adults/$9 for seniors and military/$6 for children
Located in the area that used to be the Lowry Air Force Base, the Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum is a mecca for anyone who loves aircraft and aviation history. There are more than three dozen aircraft on display including a 1926 Eaglerock Aircraft Longwing and several planes that were used in many military battles. You can also check out the Space Station Module, which is a fully interactive exhibit dedicated to the history and science of spaceflight, then head over to the southwest corner of the museum's main floor to check out an actual interstage skirt from a Titan IV Rocket, which was built to launch NASAs Cassini probe to Saturn. Then, don't miss one of the museum's most popular exhibits, an actual scale replica of an X-Wing Fighter from the Star Wars films. There is a little bit here for every science, aviation and science fiction fan around, so stop by this Denver museum and plan to spend at least a few hours.
