Denver is often defined by its proximity to the Rocky Mountains, but locals know the Mile High City possesses a quirky, creative soul that goes far beyond hiking boots and ski slopes. As of late 2025, Denver has solidified its reputation as a hub for immersive art, historic oddities, and culinary adventures that you simply cannot find anywhere else in the United States. From dining in converted mortuaries to exploring psychedelic cathedrals, the city invites visitors to step off the beaten path.
At Top 10 America, we look for experiences that define the character of a place. In Denver, this means embracing the “weird” and the historical side-by-side. The city’s gold rush roots have blended seamlessly with a modern, artistic renaissance, creating a landscape where Victorian architecture houses speakeasies and industrial warehouses transform into multi-dimensional art exhibits. This isn’t just a stopover city; it is a destination of distinct flavor.
Whether you are a first-time visitor or a long-time resident looking to rediscover your backyard, our selection criteria focus on uniqueness, atmosphere, and “only-in-Denver” status. We have curated this list to ensure you experience the genuine pulse of the city, moving beyond the standard tourist traps to find the hidden gems that make Colorado truly special.
Overview: Top 10 Unique Things to Do in Denver, USA
| Rank | Activity/Location | Category | Location/Neighborhood |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | Little Man Ice Cream | Culinary Landmark | LoHi (Lower Highlands) |
| 9 | Hunt for Hidden Elves (DMNS) | Quirky Scavenger Hunt | City Park |
| 8 | The Buckhorn Exchange | Historic Dining | Lincoln Park |
| 7 | Williams & Graham | Speakeasy Bar | LoHi (Lower Highlands) |
| 6 | RiNo Art District Murals | Street Art/Culture | River North (RiNo) |
| 5 | Linger | Macabre Dining | LoHi (Lower Highlands) |
| 4 | Casa Bonita | Immersive Entertainment | Lakewood (West Colfax) |
| 3 | International Church of Cannabis | Light Show/Meditation | Washington Park |
| 2 | Yoga on the Rocks | Fitness/Outdoors | Red Rocks Amphitheatre |
| 1 | Meow Wolf: Convergence Station | Immersive Art | Sun Valley |
Top 10. Little Man Ice Cream
Located in the trendy LoHi neighborhood of Denver, Little Man Ice Cream is impossible to miss—mostly because the shop is housed inside a massive, 28-foot-tall milk can. Inspired by vintage Coney Island hot dog stands, this architectural marvel has become a community gathering spot that honors the American nostalgia of the mid-20th century. It serves as a visual anchor for the neighborhood and a must-visit photo opportunity.
In Top 10 America’s view, the long lines here are part of the charm and well worth the wait. We suggest visiting in the evening when the string lights are glowing and the local crowd is buzzing. The ice cream itself is handcrafted with locally sourced ingredients, offering intense flavors that rotate seasonally. It is a simple pleasure, but the execution and the setting elevate it to a quintessential Denver experience.
A lovely insider detail is the “Exchange” program; for every scoop purchased, Little Man matches it with a scoop of rice or beans donated to communities in need globally. When you grab a cone of their famous Salted Oreo, you aren’t just treating yourself; you are participating in a philanthropic effort that has defined the business since its inception.
Key Highlights
- Structure: A 14,000-pound, 28-foot-tall steel milk can.
- Signature Flavor: Salted Oreo is the local favorite.
- Philanthropy: “Scoop for Scoop” program fights hunger globally.
Top 9. Hunt for Hidden Elves at DMNS
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science (DMNS), located in City Park, is a world-class institution, but it hides a whimsical secret known mostly to locals. Hidden throughout the intricate, realistic dioramas of wildlife and nature scenes are painted elves (or gnomes). These tiny figures were cheekily added by the background artist Kent Pendleton in the 1970s and 80s, creating an unofficial scavenger hunt that spans the entire museum.
We believe this adds a delightful layer of engagement to a standard museum visit. While the dinosaur bones and space exhibits are scientifically impressive, searching for these elusive elves forces you to look closer at the art itself. It transforms a passive viewing experience into an active game of “I Spy” that appeals to adults just as much as children. It represents the playful spirit of Denver creators.
If you ask the information desk politely, they might provide a printed checklist of where to look, though they won’t tell you exactly where the elves are hiding. Keep your eyes peeled in the wildlife halls—sometimes an elf is peeking out from behind a rock or hiding in the painted foliage of a background mural.
Key Highlights
- Artist: Painted by Kent Pendleton.
- Location: Hidden within the background murals of wildlife dioramas.
- Quantity: There are reportedly nearly a dozen hidden figures.
Top 8. The Buckhorn Exchange
Standing as Denver’s oldest restaurant, The Buckhorn Exchange in the Lincoln Park neighborhood is a living time capsule of the Old West. Established in 1893 by a scout for Buffalo Bill Cody, this steakhouse holds Colorado Liquor License Number One. The walls are adorned with over 500 taxidermy animals and a massive gun collection, immersing diners in the rugged history of the frontier era.
Historically, this is where cattlemen, miners, and presidents dined, and the menu reflects that heritage. We suggest this spot for adventurous eaters who want to taste the history of the West. The menu features game meats you rarely find elsewhere, including yak, elk, buffalo, and the infamous “Rocky Mountain Oysters” (fried bull testicles). It isn’t just a meal; it’s a rite of passage for visitors to the region.
A fascinating detail is the upstairs bar, which features a white oak bar back made in Germany in 1857. Historical records show that five distinct US Presidents have dined here, and the restaurant has served the community continuously, even surviving Prohibition by converting into a grocery store.
Key Highlights
- Established: 1893 (Denver’s oldest restaurant).
- Distinction: Holds Colorado Liquor License #1.
- Decor: Features over 575 pieces of taxidermy and curios.
Top 7. Williams & Graham
In the bustling LoHi district, Williams & Graham offers a masterclass in the art of the speakeasy. From the street, it appears to be a small, unassuming corner bookstore selling books on spirits and cocktails. However, after a brief interaction with the “clerk,” a bookshelf swings open to reveal a dimly lit, elegant bar hidden behind the facade, transporting you back to the Prohibition era.
In Top 10 America’s view, the theatrical entry is fantastic, but the cocktails are the real star. This isn’t a gimmick; it is a world-renowned cocktail bar that has earned international accolades. We suggest trusting the bartenders—tell them your preferred flavor profile (smoky, sweet, herbal), and allow them to craft something bespoke. The atmosphere is intimate and sophisticated, a sharp contrast to the casual breweries Denver is known for.
Be aware that this venue is small and highly popular. Reservations are essential if you want to guarantee a seat. Once inside, take note of the handcrafted ice and the extensive list of rare spirits. The environment is designed to encourage conversation, making it a perfect spot for a memorable date or a quiet nightcap.
Key Highlights
- Entrance: Hidden behind a swinging bookcase in a bookstore.
- Accolades: Named one of the “World’s 50 Best Bars.”
- Vibe: Intimate, Prohibition-style elegance.
Top 6. RiNo Art District Murals
The River North Art District, affectionately known as RiNo, was once an industrial hub of warehouses and factories. Today, it stands as the canvas for some of the most vibrant street art in the United States. Almost every alley, dumpster, and brick wall in this neighborhood is covered in colorful murals painted by local and international artists, turning a simple walk into an open-air gallery tour.
We suggest exploring the alleys between roughly 25th and 32nd streets, particularly along Larimer and Blake streets. Unlike a static museum, this art is ephemeral and constantly changing. Top 10 America loves the raw, unpolished energy here—it feels authentic and gritty. It is the perfect place to grab a coffee and wander without a map, discovering massive portraits, abstract geometrics, and political statements.
For a deeper dive, visit during the “CRUSH WALLS” festival (often rebranded or evolved by local collectives), where new murals are painted live. Insider tip: Look for the “Larimer Boy/Girl” murals by Jeremy Burns, which use the angular architecture of the buildings to create faces that seem to shift as you walk past them.
Key Highlights
- Location: River North Art District (RiNo).
- Scale: Hundreds of murals within a walkable radius.
- Best Viewing: The alleyways off Larimer Street.
Top 5. Linger
Perched on a hill in LoHi, Linger offers one of the best rooftop views of downtown Denver, but its backstory is what lands it on our unique list. The building was formerly the Olinger Mortuary, a fact the restaurant embraces with dark humor. The large neon sign on the roof, which once read “Olinger Mortuaries,” now simply reads “Linger,” with the word “Eatuaries” added in script.
We suggest Linger not just for the macabre history, but for its incredible global street food menu. The concept is “death to the diet,” featuring small plates inspired by food stalls from Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Sitting on the rooftop patio at sunset, sipping a cocktail while looking out over the city skyline, creates a vibe that is undeniably cool and uniquely Denver.
A historical fact that locals whisper about is that this mortuary famously held the remains of Buffalo Bill Cody for six months in 1917 while the state of Wyoming and the city of Denver argued over where he should be buried. Today, the interior retains some industrial touches, such as conveyor belts used as tables, nodding to its past life.
Key Highlights
- History: Formerly the Olinger Mortuary.
- Famous Resident: Once housed Buffalo Bill’s remains.
- Cuisine: Global street food small plates.
Top 4. Casa Bonita
Located just west of Denver on Colfax Avenue in Lakewood, Casa Bonita is more than a restaurant; it is a cultural phenomenon. Immortalized by the TV show South Park, this massive pink palace features a 30-foot indoor waterfall, cliff divers, caverns, and puppet shows. After a massive renovation by South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, it reopened to immense fanfare, restoring its glory while significantly upgrading the food.
In Top 10 America’s view, this is the ultimate nostalgia trip. The sheer scale of the place—seating over 1,000 people—is overwhelming in the best way possible. While the old Casa Bonita was infamous for terrible food, the new iteration features a menu developed by James Beard Award-nominated chefs. We suggest booking months in advance, as getting a table here is currently one of the hardest tickets in town.
Don’t leave without exploring “Black Bart’s Cave,” a spooky, winding tunnel system designed for kids (and brave adults). The magic of Casa Bonita is that it feels like a fever dream of 1970s entertainment, preserved and polished for the modern era. And yes, the sopapillas are still unlimited and served warm with honey.
Key Highlights
- Features: Indoor cliff divers and a 30-foot waterfall.
- Owners: Trey Parker and Matt Stone (South Park creators).
- Status: A designated historic landmark of Lakewood.
Top 3. International Church of Cannabis
Tucked away in the residential Washington Park neighborhood, this 100-year-old Lutheran church has been transformed into a technicolor sanctuary for “Elevationists.” From the outside, it looks like a standard brick church, but the interior is painted with vivid, psychedelic murals by artist Okuda San Miguel, featuring geometric animals and rainbows covering every inch of the ceiling and walls.
We suggest visiting during their “Beyond” experience, a guided meditation and laser light show that is open to the public (no cannabis consumption is allowed during public touring hours). It is a visual spectacle that rivals major art installations. Top 10 America appreciates this venue for its boldness; it captures the spirit of Colorado’s legalization era while providing a genuinely peaceful and artistic space.
The “Elevationism” philosophy practiced here claims no divine law, simply that an individual’s spiritual journey can be accelerated through the use of cannabis. Regardless of your stance on the herb, the art alone makes this one of the most visually stunning interiors in the entire state of Colorado.
Key Highlights
- Artist: Interior murals by Okuda San Miguel.
- Show: “Beyond” light & meditation experience.
- Restriction: No consumption allowed during public tours.
Top 2. Yoga on the Rocks
Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison (just outside Denver) is legendary for its acoustics and concerts, but to truly experience the majesty of this venue, you should visit in the morning. “Yoga on the Rocks” brings thousands of people together to practice yoga on the steep sandstone steps as the sun rises over the plains. It is a surreal combination of fitness, nature, and community.
In Top 10 America’s view, this beats a standard gym session any day. The energy of 2,000 people moving in unison, flanked by 300-foot ancient monoliths, is spiritual. We suggest bringing plenty of water and sunscreen, as the high altitude (6,450 feet) and direct sun make for an intense workout. If yoga isn’t your speed, look for “Film on the Rocks,” where they screen cult classic movies in the amphitheater at night.
Geologically, the rocks you are standing on are part of the Fountain Formation, dating back nearly 300 million years. Practicing yoga here feels like connecting with the ancient bones of the earth. It is a quintessential Colorado experience that blends active living with breathtaking scenery.
Key Highlights
- Capacity: Up to 2,000 participants per session.
- Season: Typically runs June through August.
- Elevation: 6,450 feet above sea level.
Top 1. Meow Wolf: Convergence Station
Taking the top spot is Meow Wolf’s “Convergence Station,” located in the Sun Valley neighborhood. This is not a museum; it is a 90,000-square-foot immersive art installation that simulates a transit station connecting four alien worlds. Visitors explore a narrative-driven multiverse, opening drawers, reading logs, and crawling through tunnels to uncover a cosmic mystery.
Top 10 America ranks this #1 because it completely redefines entertainment. The scale of creativity here is unmatched in the USA. We suggest allocating at least 3-4 hours to fully explore. Don’t just look at the art—interact with it. Buy the “QPASS” card to engage with the storyline, or simply wander through the psychedelic “Eemia” ice world or the gritty “C Street” metropolis. It is a triumph of imagination.
A staggering statistic is that over 300 artists (many of them local to Denver) contributed to the creation of this facility. It stands as a testament to the city’s thriving creative economy. Convergence Station is weird, beautiful, confusing, and utterly magnificent—a perfect reflection of modern Denver’s unique identity.
Key Highlights
- Size: 4-story, 90,000-square-foot exhibit.
- Concept: A quantum transit station for four worlds.
- Contributors: Created by over 300 artists.
Conclusion
Denver has shed its cow-town reputation to become a city of vibrant contrasts and boundless creativity. From the neon glow of a mortuary-turned-restaurant to the alien landscapes of Meow Wolf, the Mile High City offers experiences that linger in your memory long after you’ve descended to sea level. These top 10 selections showcase a city that isn’t afraid to be different, embracing its history while rocketing into a weird, artistic future.
