2 Hour LoDo Historic Walking Tour in Denver

The 2-hour LoDo Historic Walking Tour in Denver offers an engaging exploration of the city’s oldest neighborhood. Covering the vibrant bars, restaurants, and rich Wild West history, this small-group tour ensures an intimate experience. Travelers will enjoy captivating storytelling, covering intriguing topics like the Red Light District and infamous Wild West figures, while receiving insightful recommendations for local dining and drinking hotspots along the way. For those interested in discovering Denver’s past and experiencing its lively present, this tour may be a compelling option to consider.

This experience made our article of The Top 9 Historical Tours In Denver.

Key Points

• This 2-hour walking tour explores Denver’s oldest neighborhood, LoDo, known for its vibrant bars, restaurants, and historic landmarks.
• The tour provides an in-depth look at Denver’s Wild West history, including the city’s Red Light District and infamous figures.
• The small-group tour, limited to 27 travelers, offers clear communication through headsets and is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
• The knowledgeable guide offers insights and recommendations for local dining and drinking, including renowned craft breweries and historic saloons.
• The tour operates in all weather conditions, and appropriate dress and comfortable shoes are advised.

Tour Overview and Highlights

The 2-hour LoDo Historic Walking Tour in Denver is a highly rated experience, with 99% of travelers recommending it.

Visitors explore Denver’s oldest neighborhood, LoDo, known for its vibrant bars, restaurants, and hotels. The tour provides an in-depth look at the city’s Wild West history and landmark buildings.

Knowledgeable guides share engaging stories and offer dining and drinking tips. The small-group tour, limited to 27 travelers, uses headsets for clear communication.

The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with moderate walking involved. The tour offers an educational and enjoyable way to discover Denver’s rich history and culture.

Meeting Information and Logistics

The meeting point for the LoDo Historic Walking Tour is Denver Local Tours, located at 1701 Wynkoop St, Denver, CO 80202, right at the flagpole in front of Union Station.

Guests are advised to arrive 5-10 minutes early for check-in and equipment allocation. The tour starts promptly at 11:00 am, so it’s recommended to be there by 10:45 am.

The tour ends back at the same meeting point. For parking, the SpotHero app is recommended for finding convenient options.

The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed.

Accessibility and Participation

Wheelchair and stroller accessibility is provided for the LoDo Historic Walking Tour.

The tour is also service animal friendly. It is conveniently located near public transportation, making it accessible for all travelers.

While moderate walking is involved, covering about 1.5 miles, most travelers can participate without any serious medical conditions.

Young children are welcome, with free admission and equipment allocation.

• Wheelchair and stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Moderate walking involved (1.5 miles)
• No serious medical conditions required for participation

Tour Experience and Content

The LoDo Historic Walking Tour in Denver provides an educational experience covering diverse aspects of the city’s history, from the Native tribes that inhabited the region to the gold miners and immigrant communities that shaped its development.

Engaging storytelling with humor, including dad jokes, brings the past to life. Topics may include the Red Light District; some content may not be suitable for younger children.

The tour operates in all weather conditions, so participants are advised to dress appropriately and wear comfortable shoes.

Throughout the 2-hour tour, the knowledgeable guide offers insights and recommendations for local attractions to enhance the visitors’ understanding of Denver.

Denver’s Wild West History

Denver’s LoDo neighborhood boasts a rich Wild West history, having once served as the hub of the city’s most notorious activities.

The tour explores this storied past, delving into:

• The Red Light District, where saloons, gambling halls, and brothels thrived in the late 19th century

• The influx of gold miners, prospectors, and outlaws seeking their fortunes

• Infamous Wild West figures like Doc Holliday, who frequented the area’s notorious establishments

• The Great Fire of 1863, which devastated much of LoDo but allowed for reconstruction and growth

• The eventual transition of LoDo from a Wild West hotspot to a modern hub of dining, nightlife, and historic preservation.

Landmark Buildings and Architectural Significance

As visitors explore Denver’s LoDo neighborhood on the walking tour, they will encounter a number of landmark buildings that showcase the area’s rich architectural heritage.

One of the most prominent is the Daniels & Fisher Tower, a 20-story clock tower built in 1910 in the Romanesque Revival style. Nearby, the Oxford Hotel, constructed in 1891, exemplifies the late 19th-century Richardsonian Romanesque design.

Plus, the historic Union Station, recently renovated, blends Victorian and contemporary elements, serving as a transportation hub and lively gathering place.

These architectural gems provide insight into Denver’s past and underscore its vibrant urban landscape.

Dining and Drinking Recommendations

While exploring Denver’s historic LoDo neighborhood on the walking tour, visitors can expect to receive insightful dining and drinking recommendations from the knowledgeable guide.

The guide shares tips on the best local establishments, including:

• Renowned craft breweries with award-winning beers
• Vibrant cocktail lounges offering unique, artisanal cocktails
• Historic saloons serving up classic Western-style drinks
• Delectable farm-to-table restaurants featuring locally-sourced ingredients
• Cozy coffee shops perfect for people-watching and soaking in the neighborhood’s lively atmosphere

These recommendations help enhance the tour experience, allowing participants to fully enjoy the dynamic culinary and beverage scene of Denver’s LoDo district.

Reviews and Testimonials

With a near-perfect 4.9-star rating based on 990 reviews, the historic walking tour in Denver’s LoDo neighborhood has consistently received overwhelmingly positive feedback from past participants.

Travelers praise the knowledgeable guides, whose engaging storytelling and humor enhance the overall experience. Many find the tour informative, providing valuable insights into Denver’s diverse history and culture.

Notably, several reviewers highlight the guides’ excellent recommendations for local dining and drinking establishments, further enriching the tour experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour company generally does not allow participants to bring their own food or drinks on the walking tour. Participants are encouraged to purchase refreshments from local establishments along the tour route if desired.

Is Photography Allowed During the Walking Tour?

Photography is generally allowed during the walking tour, but participants are advised to check with the guide beforehand. Some locations or activities may have restrictions, so it’s best to inquire about photography policies at the start of the tour.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?

The cancellation policy allows for full refunds up to 24 hours before the tour start time. Within 24 hours, no refunds are provided but rescheduling may be possible depending on availability. Cancellation terms are clearly stated on the tour booking page.

Do You Offer Discounts for Students or Seniors?

The tour provider offers student and senior discounts. Customers can inquire about these discounts when booking the tour. The specific discounts may vary, so it’s recommended to check the website or contact the company for the most up-to-date information.

Can I Leave the Tour Group at Any Point and Rejoin Later?

Participants are generally expected to remain with the tour group for the full duration. Leaving and rejoining the tour may not be feasible due to logistics and safety considerations. It’s best to discuss any special needs or requests with the tour operator in advance.

The Sum Up

The 2-hour LoDo Historic Walking Tour offers an immersive exploration of Denver’s oldest neighborhood, blending captivating storytelling with insightful recommendations. Travelers can expect an intimate small-group experience, enhanced by audio headsets, as they uncover the city’s vibrant bar and restaurant scene, and dive into its rich Wild West history. With limited group sizes, this tour provides an engaging and personalized way to discover the heart of LoDo.