How long does it take to walk through Denver's historic district?

The typical walking route through LoDo takes between 60 and 90 minutes. This includes time to stop and admire the architecture at Union Station and browse the shops at the Dairy Block or Rockmount Ranch Wear.

Is Denver Union Station worth visiting?

Yes, Union Station is a must-visit landmark in Denver. It is a beautifully restored 1914 Beaux-Arts building that serves as both a functional transit hub and a social center with shops, bars, and the Crawford Hotel.

Can I do a self-guided walking tour of Denver for free?

Absolutely. Walking through the historic streets of LoDo is free of charge. While some stops like museums or shops might have their own hours, the architectural highlights and historic plaques are accessible to everyone.

Where is the best place to start a walk in downtown Denver?

Union Station is the ideal starting point. It is the city's primary transit hub and sits at the edge of the historic LoDo district, making it easy to access and a logical beginning for a historical journey.

Is the LoDo neighborhood in Denver walkable?

Yes, LoDo is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Denver. The terrain is flat, the streets are laid out in an easy-to-navigate grid, and many areas, like the Dairy Block alley, are designed specifically for pedestrians.

What are the must-see historic buildings in Denver?

Key historic buildings include Union Station, the Oxford Hotel (1891), and the various mercantile warehouses along Wynkoop and Wazee Streets. Larimer Square, just a few blocks away, also contains some of the city's oldest structures.

Best time of day for a walking route in Denver?

The best time is mid-morning, around 10:00 AM. This ensures that historic shops like Rockmount Ranch Wear and Tattered Cover are open, and the light is excellent for photographing the red-brick architecture.

The Birth of the Mile High City | Self-Guided Walking Tour

About This Guided Walking Tour

Step back in time to where the story of the Mile High City truly began. This self-guided walk through Denver’s Lower Downtown, affectionately known as LoDo, reveals the transformation of a rugged frontier outpost into a sophisticated urban center. Long before the glass skyscrapers of the modern business district dominated the horizon, this neighborhood was a bustling hub of commerce, rail travel, and wild west legends. This walking route invites you to explore the architectural gems that have survived since the late 19th century, each telling a story of resilience and reinvention. Your journey begins at the majestic Denver Union Station, a Beaux-Arts masterpiece that serves as the city’s 'living room.' From here, you will wander through streets lined with red-brick warehouses that once stored dry goods and mining equipment, now housing world-class restaurants and independent boutiques. This is not a typical walking tour Denver experience where you follow a group; instead, you have the freedom to linger in the historic lobby of the Oxford Hotel or browse the stacks of a legendary independent bookstore at your own pace. Highlights of this neighborhood stroll include a visit to the birthplace of Colorado’s craft beer revolution and a look at the storefront where the iconic Western snap-button shirt was invented. You’ll also discover the Dairy Block, a modern 'micro-district' that showcases how Denver’s industrial past seamlessly integrates with contemporary art and design. Whether you are a history buff or an architecture enthusiast, this travel experience offers a deep dive into the soul of the city. For those looking for a comprehensive self-guided adventure, this route captures the essence of Denver’s pioneer spirit and its modern-day vibrancy without the constraints of a traditional guided tour Denver schedule.

Tour Highlights & Things to See

Marvel at the Beaux-Arts splendor of Denver Union Station
Visit the Oxford Hotel, Denver's oldest operating hotel
See the birthplace of the Western snap-button shirt at Rockmount Ranch Wear
Explore the historic Morey Mercantile building, home to Tattered Cover
Discover the vibrant alleyways and history of the Dairy Block
Learn about the origins of Colorado's craft beer scene at Wynkoop Brewing

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour.

Tour Stops & Points of Interest (6)

1

Denver Union Station

Welcome to the heart of Denver. Union Station isn't just a transit hub; it's the city's architectural crown jewel. The current Beaux-Arts structure you see was largely completed in 1914, following a fire that destroyed the original 1881 depot. Look up at the soaring 65-foot ceilings in the Great Hall, once filled with the smoke of steam engines and the chatter of thousands of travelers heading west. Today, it serves as a 'living room' for the city, blending historic preservation with modern luxury. Notice the 'Travel by Train' neon sign outside—a classic piece of Denver iconography that has welcomed visitors for generations.

2

Wynkoop Brewing Company

Located in the J.S. Brown Mercantile Building, this stop marks a pivotal moment in Denver's modern history. Founded in 1988 by a group that included future Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper, Wynkoop was the state's first brewpub. At the time, LoDo was a district of abandoned warehouses; this brewery helped spark the neighborhood's massive revitalization. The building itself dates back to 1899 and was originally used to store groceries. As you look at the heavy timber columns and red brick, think of how this single business helped transform a 'skid row' into one of the most expensive zip codes in the city.

3

The Oxford Hotel

Step toward the Oxford Hotel, Denver’s oldest operating hotel, opened in 1891. Designed by Frank Edbrooke—the same architect behind the famous Brown Palace—the Oxford was built to provide luxury lodging for those arriving by train. Inside, the hotel houses the Cruise Room, an Art Deco martini bar that opened the day after Prohibition was repealed in 1933. The hotel has survived the ups and downs of Denver’s economy, maintaining its Victorian elegance through decades of change. It remains a symbol of the high-society aspirations of early Denver pioneers who wanted to prove that the 'Queen City of the Plains' was more than just a dusty cow town.

4

Rockmount Ranch Wear

This is a true pilgrimage site for fans of Western culture. Rockmount Ranch Wear was founded by Jack Weil, who worked here until he passed away at the age of 101. Weil is credited with inventing the snap-button shirt—a practical innovation for cowboys who didn't want their buttons catching on brush or cattle. The building itself is a classic LoDo warehouse, but the real treasure is inside, where the walls are lined with photos of celebrities who have worn Rockmount gear, from Elvis Presley to Robert Redford. It is a living museum of Western fashion history that continues to operate as a family business.

5

Tattered Cover Book Store

The Tattered Cover is one of the most famous independent bookstores in the United States, and this location is housed in the historic Morey Mercantile Building. Built in 1896, the structure originally served as a warehouse for a prominent grocery wholesaler. Notice the massive wooden beams and the industrial feel of the space, which provides a cozy, labyrinthine atmosphere for book lovers. The move of this bookstore to LoDo in the 1990s was a major milestone in making the neighborhood a cultural destination. It’s a perfect example of adaptive reuse, where the city's industrial bones are preserved to serve a new, intellectual purpose.

6

Dairy Block

Your walk concludes at the Dairy Block, a vibrant micro-district that once housed the Windsor Dairy. This block was the center of milk production for the city in the early 20th century. Today, it has been reimagined as a pedestrian-friendly 'activated alley' filled with local makers, art installations, and eateries. As you walk through the alley, look for the 'milk-themed' art and the historic brickwork of the original dairy buildings. It represents the newest chapter in LoDo’s history: a place where the city's working-class heritage meets modern creativity and social life.

Start Free on iPhone

Start your private guided tour now

Explore “The Birth of the Mile High City” with your very own Private Tour Guide with Zigway. Start free on iPhone, skip the large group and the fixed routes, and hear the city come alive as you go.

Start free on iPhone

Your Private Tour Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided walk through Lower Downtown (LoDo) is the best way to see the city's history. This route covers key landmarks like Union Station, the Oxford Hotel, and the historic warehouses of Wazee Street, allowing you to explore Denver's 19th-century roots at your own pace.

Explore More Tours

More tours in Denver

Easy

Denver, United States

Gastronomy on Denver's Oldest Street

Explore the flavors and history of Denver's oldest block on this self-guided walk through the iconic Larimer Square and LoDo's culinary scene.

1 hr 45 min6 stops

foodhistorynightlife

Easy

Denver, United States

The Golden Dome and Civic Center Art

Discover Denver's architectural evolution from neoclassical grandeur to avant-garde design on this self-guided stroll through the Golden Triangle.

1 hr 40 min6 stops

architecturearthistory

Moderate

Denver, United States

Haunts and Heritage of Capitol Hill

Discover Gilded Age mansions, haunted history, and the iconic Gold Dome on this self-guided stroll through Denver’s historic Capitol Hill neighborhood.

2 hr 30 min6 stops

historyhidden gemsarchitecture