Denver stands out as a city with layers of stories—some told in historic buildings, others whispered in ghostly legends, and a few carved into the landscape during winter snowshoeing. Unlike many cities that focus mainly on modern sights, Denver offers a surprising variety of history-focused tours that reveal its past from multiple angles. You can stroll through its oldest neighborhoods, uncover its darker secrets, or even learn about its wild west roots from a horse-drawn wagon. With options ranging from lively walking tours to spooky ghost stories, Denver’s past is as lively and intriguing as its current-day vibe.
If you’re curious about Denver’s architectural gems, Denver: City Highlights and History Walking Tour is a great starting point. For those interested in Denver’s haunted side, the Capitol Hill Ghost and History Tour offers an eerie peek into its shadowy past. Want a night out that combines history, cocktails, and local culture? The Private Nightlife Tour in Denver perfectly blends these elements. And for something more active, a Snowshoe Through History Tour will take you into Colorado’s winter wonderland while uncovering stories from its mountain towns.
Quick Overview
Denver’s top historical tours cover a wide range—from walking explorations of downtown landmarks and haunted mansions to wild west wagon rides and snowshoe hikes. Each offers a distinct way to experience the city’s past, whether you’re interested in architecture, ghost stories, or Colorado’s frontier days. The list below includes options for all interests and energy levels, ensuring you’ll find the perfect tour to deepen your understanding of Denver’s history.
1. Denver: City Highlights and History Walking Tour
At number 1, this Denver: City Highlights and History Walking Tour gets top marks with a 4.9-star rating and glowing reviews. It’s a 2-hour small-group stroll that covers Denver’s most iconic sites with a knowledgeable guide—not a dull lecture in sight. The tour combines visits to historic landmarks like the Colorado State Capitol, LoDo, the Brown Palace Hotel, and finishes at Union Station, a hub of both history and lively modern Denver.
What makes this tour stand out is its personable approach—Kristina, one of the guides, gets raves for her friendliness and deep local knowledge. Visitors love the balance of light history, engaging stories, and visits inside some of Denver’s most significant buildings. The small group of no more than 16 makes for a personalized experience, allowing questions and spontaneous side trips. For $39, you get a comprehensive introduction to Denver’s past and present, perfect for first-timers who want a broad overview without feeling overwhelmed.
Bottom line: An excellent introduction for travelers wanting a lively, informative walk with a local touch, especially if you’re short on time but want to see the city’s core.
2. Denver – Capitol Hill Guided Walking Ghost / History Tour
Number 2 on our list is the Denver – Capitol Hill Guided Walking Ghost / History Tour, rated a perfect 5.0 with 66 reviews. This 1.5-hour evening walk explores Denver’s darker corners, revealing spooky stories and ghostly legends tied to the historic Capitol Hill neighborhood. Starting at the Molly Brown House, the tour visits haunted sites like Patterson Inn and Peabody-Whitehead Mansion, sharing tales of apparitions and paranormal activity.
What makes this tour distinctive is its after-hours timing, which adds a spooky atmosphere that amplifies the stories. The guide’s detailed recounting of Denver’s haunted history makes it a hit for those interested in supernatural tales. Many reviewers mention how Sheila and other guides bring the stories alive, leaving visitors with a slight belief in spirits lingering around Denver’s old mansions. It’s an economical option at $28, and its compact size makes it suitable for those craving an intimate, eerie experience.
Bottom line: Perfect for night owls or anyone curious about Denver’s hidden, haunted stories. It’s a balanced mix of history and ghostly tales that are bound to entertain.
3. Private Nightlife Tour in Denver: Culture, History, and Cocktails
Number 3, the Private Nightlife Tour in Denver, is a 2.5-hour journey into Denver’s drinking culture and lively neighborhoods. At $213 per person, this tour combines history, architecture, and cocktails—a trifecta that appeals to those who want to unwind with a drink while learning the stories behind Denver’s famous libations.
Starting at Union Station, the tour visits hotspots like Larimer Square and cozy underground speakeasies, where your guide explains how alcohol has shaped Denver’s social scene, including insights into the Prohibition era. Guests love the blend of tasting local drinks and discovering the stories behind them. Dwayne, the guide, is praised for his friendly demeanor and wealth of knowledge about Denver’s cocktail scene and history.
This tour is ideal if you’re looking for an evening of culture and drinks, especially if you admire historic architecture and want insider tips on the best local bars. Since it’s a private experience, it also offers flexibility to tailor the experience to your interests.
Bottom line: A superb choice for travelers seeking a relaxed, personalized way to explore Denver’s social and architectural history over cocktails.
4. Historical Walking Tour Of Denver With A Haunting Twist
Position 4 goes to the Historical Walking Tour Of Denver With A Haunting Twist, rated 5 stars by 17 reviewers. This 2-hour tour covers Denver’s mansion district and the famous Molly Brown House (without entering), weaving ghost stories into the city’s historic fabric. Visiting Millionaire’s Row, the tour highlights homes with tales of tragic deaths, secret societies, and rumored hauntings.
What makes this tour special is its focus on dark, eerie stories of Denver’s past. The guide’s storytelling brings ghostly legends to life, making it a captivating experience for those interested in the spooky side of history. Reviewers mention how Jules, the guide, is lively and well-informed, making the stories both fun and educational.
It costs $30, making it an affordable way to explore Denver’s historic—and haunted—sights in a relaxed setting. The tour’s mix of architecture, history, and ghost tales appeals especially to those who enjoy a little thrill with their history.
Bottom line: Best suited for curious travelers who enjoy ghost stories and historic mansions, this tour adds a spooky twist to Denver’s historic districts.
5. Private Tour: Denver’s Wild History Tour & Ballpark Museum
Number 5 offers the Denver’s Wild History Tour and Ballpark Museum, a 1.5-hour deep dive into Denver’s more colorful past. Priced at $99 per person, this tour explores over 12 stops from Denver’s earliest days to recent history, including the Dairy Block, 16th Street Mall, and the historic LoDo district.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on scandals, ghosts, and stories behind Denver’s most iconic sites. Your guide, with over 25 years of experience, shares tales of Denver’s frontier days, the influence of the Coors family, and even local secrets about historic buildings. Reviewers find the insights invaluable, with some describing it as a thorough exploration of Denver’s most notorious stories.
Ideal for travelers wanting a comprehensive historical overview with the bonus of insider tips, this tour offers a lot of value given its detailed itinerary. The only consideration is the price point, which is higher than standard walking tours, but the depth of stories compensates.
Bottom line: Perfect if you want an entertaining, story-filled exploration of Denver’s wilder side, with a knowledgeable guide leading the way.
6. Snowshoe Through History Tour from Denver
Number 6 takes you outdoors with the Snowshoe Through History Tour, rated 5 stars. This 6-hour adventure combines winter landscapes with Colorado history, making it ideal for active travelers who want to combine exercise with education. It’s suitable for beginners, as full instruction is provided, and gear is included.
Following a 4.7-mile route, you’ll explore mountain scenery while learning about Colorado’s early towns, local folklore, and historic landmarks. The guide shares stories of how the area developed and the influence of the local economy. Reviewers like Wendy praise the scenic views and light physical challenge, making this a memorable experience for those who crave outdoor activity intertwined with history.
Because it’s a longer tour, it’s best suited for those comfortable with light physical activity and winter conditions. The included snacks and equipment make it a convenient choice, but be prepared for potentially cold weather.
Bottom line: A fantastic option for active travelers wanting a scenic winter experience combined with Colorado’s history, especially if you enjoy snowshoeing.
7. Denver’s Twisted History Tour
Number 7, Denver’s Twisted History Tour, with a small but enthusiastic following, focuses on Denver’s darker and more scandalous stories. It’s a 2-hour walk through iconic sites like Union Station, Larimer Square, and the Daniels & Fisher Clocktower, emphasizing Denver’s taboo tales and conspiracies.
The tour is led by Max, who shares stories of Denver’s less-publicized past, including hidden secrets and original tales of the city’s shady moments. The reviews highlight Max’s engaging storytelling and the fun, provocative nature of the tour. It’s priced at $34, offering a reasonably priced way to see the city’s more intriguing side.
This tour is ideal for those who like their history with a side of mystery and want to explore beyond the standard. It’s a shorter, more casual experience packed with photo opportunities and behind-the-scenes stories.
Bottom line: Great for travelers interested in Denver’s hidden stories and conspiracies, especially if you enjoy storytelling with a twist.
8. 2 Hour LoDo Historic Walking Tour in Denver
Number 8 is the 2 Hour LoDo Historic Walking Tour, the most reviewed tour on our list with over 1,000 reviews and a perfect 5-star rating. This tour offers a quick but comprehensive look at Denver’s oldest neighborhood, LoDo, with inside tips on where to eat, drink, and party.
Starting at Union Station, the guide leads a 1.5-mile loop, sharing stories about Denver’s frontier days, underground tunnels, and legendary buildings. Guests love the use of headsets, which ensure every word is heard, and the lively commentary on historic sites like Mattie Silks House of Mirrors and Coors Field. At just $28, it’s an excellent value for travelers wanting a lively overview without a long time commitment.
Reviewers praise how knowledgeable Will is and his tips for local spots, making it a favorite among repeat visitors. It’s ideal for those who want to combine sightseeing with practical recommendations for dining and nightlife.
Bottom line: An efficient and fun way to get familiar with Denver’s oldest district, especially if you’re short on time but want local insights.
Last but not least, the Shared Golden’s History Wagon Ride, is a cozy 90-minute ride that explores Golden’s historic neighborhoods with Wallace and Todd, two Clydesdales. This unique experience combines history, local stories, and scenic views, making it perfect for families or travelers who prefer a relaxed, scenic journey.
Led by an award-winning historian, the tour covers Golden’s 160 years of history, including the influence of the Coors brewery, the role of local colleges, and historic buildings. The wagon ride offers a different perspective on Golden’s development, with stories about its first saloon, opera house, and Olympic-sized swimming pool. Meeting points are centrally located on Depot and Vasquez Streets, making it easy to access.
For $65, you get a personalized, visual history lesson that’s both educational and fun. It’s a charming way to enjoy a slow-paced tour while soaking in Colorado’s mountain town atmosphere.
Bottom line: Ideal for those seeking a relaxed, family-friendly outing with stories and scenic views, especially if you’re interested in Golden’s unique history.
How to Choose
When trying to decide between these top Denver historical tours, consider your interests and schedule. If you want a broad overview of downtown landmarks, Denver: City Highlights and History Walking Tour offers good value and lively storytelling. For those intrigued by ghost stories, the Capitol Hill Ghost Tour provides a spooky twist. If your evening plans include dining and cocktails, the Nightlife Tour combines history with Denver’s vibrant bar scene.
Active travelers who love winter landscapes should consider the Snowshoe Tour, while families or history enthusiasts might enjoy the Golden wagon ride. Budget and time are also factors—most walking tours are around $28-$39, with the exception of the private cocktail tour, which offers a tailored experience at a higher cost.
Booking early is recommended, especially during busy seasons, to secure your preferred time and group size. In sum, Denver offers a diverse range of history tours that cater to almost every interest, making it easy to find one that fits your trip.
Final Thoughts
From lively city walks to ghostly tales and mountain snowshoeing, Denver’s history tours provide a layered look at its past. If you’re after a comprehensive city overview, the City Highlights Tour is hard to beat for its lively storytelling and inside visits. For a spooky twist, the Capitol Hill Ghost Tour adds an eerie dimension to the city’s historic streets.
Those interested in nightlife and architecture will find the Nightlife Tour a perfect blend, while outdoor lovers may prefer the Snowshoe Tour to combine physical activity with local lore. For a family-friendly, scenic experience, the Golden wagon ride offers a charming tour of Colorado’s frontier towns.
No matter your preference, these tours give you a deeper understanding of Denver’s past beyond just the skyscrapers. Planning ahead and booking early will help ensure you don’t miss out on these memorable journeys into the city’s history.