Playing Tourist in Denver

Back in April, Tim and I made a reservation on Amtrak’s California Zephyr for travel in late September from Denver to Glenwood Springs and back to see the fall colors. We had missed fall in Colorado in 2020 while we were working at New River Gorge National River, and I wanted to make sure to see the colors this year. Based on our day trip to the mountains last week, we were hopeful that the dates we had selected so long ago would fall within the peak season.

On September 27, it was time to drive to Denver. We had decided to spend the night there since the train left so early the next morning. Here, we played tourist for the day.

Our first stop was the state capitol, which I had never visited. The capitol is located exactly one mile above sea level, and there is a marker on one of the steps attesting to that distinction.

Colorado State Capitol

One Mile Above Sea Level

Designed by Elijah E. Meyers, the capitol was intended to emulate the United States Capitol, and its distinctive gold dome commemorates the Colorado Gold Rush. Although construction began in 1888, the building was not fully completed until 20 years later.

I love visiting state capitol buildings and always look forward to gazing upwards into the domes. My favorite features in Colorado’s capitol were the grand staircase and the wonderful murals by Allen True.

Inside the Dome

The Atrium

The Grand Staircase

Murals by Allen True

After a few enjoyable hours in the History Colorado museum, we checked into the Hotel Indigo, just a few blocks from Union Station, and walked around LODO, enjoying a rare dinner at a nice restaurant. 

It had been quite some time since we had been in Denver, or any other large city for that matter, and the hustle and bustle was a bit disconcerting.

The redevelopment of Union Station and its surrounding area was quite impressive. I had never visited the station before and loved exploring its offerings. Today there are bars, cafes, a bookstore, and small shops inside, with a luxury hotel on the upper levels. It was also fun to see the station lit up at night.

Union Station

I Love the Nighttime Lighting