Denver: Walking Tour with Scandals, Art & 16th Street Mall

Summary

Denver’s stories, scandals, and local flavors on foot

You’ll walk Denver’s streets with a small group and a local host who tells stories you won’t find in guidebooks—from scandals at Alma Temple to quirky art outside the museum. There’s time for snacks (not included), laughs over mispronounced names, and real glimpses into city life along 16th Street Mall. It’s not polished—but it sticks with you.

What’s the experience like?

I almost missed the group at Alma Temple because I was busy squinting up at those “KPOF” letters, trying to guess what they meant (spoiler: our guide explained it, but I still can’t remember). The place felt kind of haunted in the morning chill—someone in the group joked about ghosts. Our guide, Jamie, just grinned and promised we’d hear weirder stories before lunch. I liked that she didn’t rush us; we lingered outside while she told us about old scandals and why this building gets people talking.

We walked toward the Colorado State Capitol—honestly, I didn’t expect to care much about a government building, but standing on the “mile high” marker made me feel like a proper tourist. You can see the Rockies from there if you look past the traffic and squint through the sunlight. Civic Center Park had this faint smell of grass and food carts warming up for lunch. Jamie pointed out statues I’d never have noticed on my own. At one point she asked if anyone wanted to try saying “Chucovich”—I botched it so badly she laughed out loud.

The Denver Art Museum stop was quick but memorable; I still think about that giant broom sculpture (Big Sweep) and how weirdly cheerful it looked against all that concrete. We didn’t go inside most places, but somehow it didn’t matter—I got more out of Jamie’s stories than staring at exhibits alone. The snack break at a local deli was perfect timing; their cookies are as good as promised (not included in the tour price—worth it anyway). Someone spilled coffee and nobody cared—it just felt easygoing.

By the time we hit 16th Street Mall, my feet were tired but I didn’t want to peel off yet. The mall is noisy—buses humming by, buskers playing off-key guitar—and full of people who actually live here, not just tourists like me. We finished near an old hotel where presidents used to stay; Jamie said Teddy Roosevelt probably ate better than any of us did today. Maybe next time I’ll come back for that part alone.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Denver's landmarks and culture

• Start at Alma Temple
• Visit Colorado State Capitol
• Walk through Civic Center Park
• See World Trade Center piece
• View Denver Art Museum
• Snack at local deli
• View Vance Kirkland art museum
• See curved civic building
• View Denver Mint exterior
• See historic home exterior
• Visit Fire Station No. 1 inside
• Photo at Curry-Chucovich house
• Walk 16th Street Mall
• Tour historic hotel interior

Top questions

How long is the Denver walking tour?

The tour covers about 1.7 miles on foot.

Is food included on this Denver walking tour?

No, food and beverages are not included in the price.

Are there any indoor visits during the tour?

You’ll go inside Fire Station No. 1 briefly; most other stops are viewed from outside.

Is this Denver walking tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

What landmarks will I see on this walking tour?

You’ll see Alma Temple, Colorado State Capitol, Civic Center Park, Denver Art Museum (outside), Denver Mint (outside), Firefighters Museum (brief visit), 16th Street Mall, and more.

Does this tour operate in bad weather?

Yes, tours run in all weather conditions—dress appropriately.

Can children join this Denver walking tour?

Yes; children must be accompanied by an adult.

What’s included

Your day includes all taxes and fees plus a friendly escort or host guiding your small group through Denver’s landmarks and stories—just bring comfortable shoes for the walk and some cash if you want to try local snacks along the way.