Top Roadside Attractions Near Denver
(credit: The Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave)Roadside bucket lists of things to do and see are fun during a long car ride with family or friends. It might take you a little longer to get to where you are going, but it will be all worth it at these top attractions near Denver. To arrive at your final destination on time, just be sure to calculate the time it will take you to get on and off the highway, unexpected traffic and the length of your visit. Safe travels!
987 Lookout Mountain Road
Golden, CO 80401
(303) 526-0744
www.buffalobill.org
Only twenty minutes from Denver at exit 256 on I-70 W is Lookout Mountain, home to the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave. Born as William F. Cody, he got his nickname for hunting buffalo. Buffalo Bill delivered mail for the Pony Express, fought in wars and found his way to Colorado during the Gold Rush. He also had a traveling show which told the tale of the Wild, Wild West. So why was he buried in Golden? As the story goes, Buffalo Bill expressed to his family his dying wish was to be buried at Lookout Mountain because he loved the amazing views of the Great Plains on the east and the Rocky Mountain Continental Divide on the west. But that's not where this story ends. Some people believed he should've been buried in Cody, Wyoming and, back in the day, offered $10,000 to anyone who would steal his body and bring it Cody for his final resting place.
Interstate 70 Exit 254
Golden, Colorado 80401
(720) 865-0900
www.denver.org
Warning: Have your camera phone ready while traveling along the highways of the Denver metro area. Some of Denver's roadside attractions you don't even have to stop for if you don't want to. Also in Golden at Exit 254 on I-70, you'll spot the buffalo we were talking about in their natural habitat. They've survived in this area since 1914. The natural preserve is a part of Genesee Park, Denver's largest mountain park with some of the most amazing views.
6715 W Colfax Ave
Lakewood, CO 80214
(303) 232-5115
This is a Mexican restaurant celebrating 40 years of family fun. Quite possibly the top roadside attraction to visit in Colorado, it was featured on Comedy Central's South Park. Fans of the show are sure to have this stop on their roadside bucket list. It's all about the experience here. To get an idea of what to expect, think of Casa Bonita as the Chuckie Cheese's of Mexican restaurants. There's food and games for the kids, plus a live diving show. Don't forget to try the sopapillas.
Related: Must-See Sites Along Route 66
1340 Pennsylvania St
Denver, CO 80203
(303) 832-4092
www.mollybrown.org
The "Unsinkable" Molly Brown of the Titanic lived right here in Denver. Her house is about ten minutes from I-25. Tours of the restored Victorian home start every thirty minutes during the scheduled hours of operation. You will be accompanied by a guide who will walk you through the home and immerse you in the life and time of a woman who was a philanthropist and loved to travel.
18300 W Alameda Parkway
Morrison, CO 80465
(720) 865-2494
www.redrocksonline.com
This is an outdoor amphitheater within a natural rock formation. It has an amazing acoustic sound and stunning 360-degree views. If you are in the Denver area, Red Rocks is an audio and visual experience not to be missed. You can stop and walk around, take a few pics and get back on the road or catch a concert under the stars. Visit the website for concert information, dates and times.
Related: Top Family Friendly Mountain Restaurants Near Denver
