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City Cast Denver

Summer’s finally here. Here's how to make the most of it.

Denver is full of tourist traps that can fool even the most experienced local. Last week, the City Cast Denver podcast got together to share 

 — the touristy places around town that, in our opinion, are actually worth it. Here are the highlights.

Peyton resisted the urge to pick her fave city-close getaway, Estes Park, and instead shouts out the Denver Zoo.: “They have everything and they're so focused on conservation and education. It's just a great example of what a zoo should be.”

Our City Cast Denver producer says: “When I was a kid in Kansas City, there was this little park I used to go to that had this miniature town. So when I was reporting in Morrison, this is like what I did as a kid, but way better, because it is a literal model of every building.”

Producer Paul says of the unique park site: “The Buffalo Bill Museum is phenomenal. It's owned by the city of Denver, it's part of our mountain park system. It is chock-full of incredible artifacts.”

Even though she grew up in Colorado, host Bree has thoughts on the mountains: “as a person that doesn't like skiing or snow or being cold, my favorite time to go to the mountains is the summertime. So my pick is Winter Park — they have this 

 and it includes a gondola ride, so you can go 10,000 feet up and see the Continental Divide..

Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge

Just ten miles northeast of Denver, this place has some of the best wildlife you will ever see in one place. It was originally used by the Army to develop chemical weapons during World War II, and now boasts 20 miles of hiking trails, an archery range, and tons of educational opportunities.

What are your favorite tourist traps?

The Best Tourist Treasures Around Denver

Summer Guide

Hey readers! The City Cast Denver team is back with the third and final installment of our CCD Summer Entertainment Guide. Missed the first two? Listen now 👇

The summer events we’re most excited about

For this episode, we rounded up our picks for local tourist traps

What are the Colorado attractions that are absolutely worth the drive / money / wait in line? And which, in our opinions, get a hard pass?

Below is a rundown of our picks. For the full scoop on each one, 

This incredible natural wonder in southern Colorado has become over-commercialized to the point that it overshadows the nature-loving experience you might think is in store. 

The history of this “ancient site” just outside of Colorado Springs isn’t quite what it pretends to be …

This popular Denver water park is great … if you’re OK standing under the baking sun in endless lines for the rides, the food, the bathrooms, and, well, everything else, to be quite honest.

What was once a local institution for aquatic wildlife has become a gimmicky cash-grab with its front-and-center restaurant, overpriced “experiences,” and that poor, lonely tiger on display.

The perfect place for a wholesome, affordable, all-ages afternoon in the mountains!

A quick trip to one of the most iconic settings in the foothills and the chance to learn about one of the quirkiest characters in Colorado history.

An affordable way to get out of town with the whole family and enjoy the summer time offerings of the Rockies.

An underrated Denver gem — the zoo has something for everyone! (Hello, adults-only night!) Plus, it goes largely unrecognized for its acclaimed programs focusing on conservation and education.

📧 What’s Your Favorite ‘Tourist Trap’?

The City Cast Denver team is back with the third and final installment of our CCD Summer Entertainment Guide. We rounded up our picks for local tourist traps and treats! What are the Colorado attractions that are absolutely worth the drive / money / wait in line? And which, in our opinions, get a hard pass? 


Local Tourist Traps and Treats

Hey readers, the City Cast Denver team is back with the second installment of our CCD 

For this episode, I rounded up 12 of the best, off-the-beaten-path, super epic, local summertime events — together with the rest of the City Cast Denver team, we narrowed it down to one 

Below are all the events we talked about on the show. But you’ll have to 

 to find out which one you just might see us at 😉

“Colorado Native”: A Native American Comedy Showcase


Thursday, Aug. 24, 7 p.m. | The Holiday Theater (Highlands) | $20

REVEALED: John Fielder’s Favorite Place


Saturday, July 22 | History Colorado (Cap Hill) | GA $15; Members free 

Grand Opening: “Desert Rider: Dreaming in Motion” 

Sunday, July 9, 11am-4pm | Denver Art Museum (Civic Center) | Free


June 16-18 | Glenwood Springs (3 hours from Denver) | Free


Aug. 4-5 | Olathe, Colorado (5 hours from Denver) | Free; $30 for the concert


Saturday, July 15, 10am-6pm | Edgewater | GA $10; VIP $100


June 15-18 | Salida, Colorado (2.5 hours from Denver) | Free to be a spectator


July 7-16 | Crested Butte (4.5 hours from Denver) | Varies by event ($50-$125)


July 18-30 | Classes at St. Joseph’s Hospital (City Park West); Field trips TBD | $25.87 to become a member; an additional $50 for the course


Sunday, June 25, 10am-3pm | Butterfly Pavilion (Westminster) | Free; admission required for indoor exhibits (adults $15; kids $10)


Aug. 19-20, 26-27 | Georgetown (1 hour from Denver) | Free; Train rides $35 for adults, $29 for kids


June 23-25 | Estes Park (1.5 hours from Denver) | Free

I sifted through nearly 50(!) events to find our top 12 contenders

. Check out the full list of events below, and may your summer be epic.

Ultimate Denver Summer Event Recommendations List

Our Best Event Recommendations for Your Summer

Hoping to make this an especially spectacular summer? We’ve got you covered. We sat down with entertainment expert John Moore, who’s been reporting on the local arts and culture scene for decades, to get his personal recommendations for the shows we should see this summer! 

. Here’s a sneak peek of John’s 2023 Summer of Shows bucket list! 👇

Summer Guide

The Best Tourist Treasures Around Denver

Local Tourist Traps and Treats

Our Best Event Recommendations for Your Summer

Latest articles

Can't-Miss Colorado Shows This Summer