Deprecated: Methods with the same name as their class will not be constructors in a future version of PHP; Zebra_Image has a deprecated constructor in /home/ec2-user/www/public_html/freeindenver/components/com_jem/classes/Zebra_Image.php on line 46
Ruby Hill Rail Yard
For about 6 weeks each year in January and February, Ruby Hill Park in Denver features a free ski and snowboard park known as Ruby Hill Rail Yard.
Aurora History Museum (always free)
The Aurora History Museum is free and open every day except Monday and certain holidays. There is a permanent display of Aurora history as well as changing displays. This is a great Denver area free attraction, where you can gain a perspective on the real Colorado and the early days of settling this landscape.
Table Mountain Inn (Golden)
Table Mountain Inn in Golden is one of my favorite happy hour restaurants to visit when I'm hungry for traditional pub fare at a decent price. Unlike most Denver happy hours, this menu offers meal size food options in addition to their drink specials.
Colorado State Capitol Free Tours (Weekdays)
The Colorado State Capital is one of the popular Denver Attractions, not only for the well known '5280 step' but also for the free tours inside.
Why take a Colorado State Capitol tour? I'll give you three reasons:
- The Colorado State Capital building in downtown Denver allows you to watch our state Legislature in action. As more people take an interest in the workings of our government, this is a great opportunity to see firsthand how the system works. The Colorado State Legislature is in session from early January to early May.
- The capitol building itself is awash in history and amazing architecture. It was built using Colorado materials as much as possible, such as Colorado gold for the dome, granite walls from Granite, Colorado, and Colorado's distinctive red onyx throughout the interior.
- The views from the Dome tour are some of the best in Denver!
Location:
Just head for downtown Denver and the 16th Street Mall, you can't miss the gold domed building beyond the southern end of 16th street mall. The steps on the western side are the most popular area to enter as the "1 mile above sea level" markers are there. The civic center park area has become very sketchy, expect to encounter quite a few homeless if you walk through the park.
Visitors to the state capitol are allowed to wander the public areas on their own, or you can take one of several guided tours:
Historical Tours:
All about construction of the building and early Colorado history, as well as some of the more interesting artifacts on display within the building. Reservations are not required unless you have a group of 10 or more. Tours are 45 minutes long and are available weekdays except holidays.
Historical Tour Hours:
10am - 3pm every Monday - Friday
Legislative Tours:
Legislative tours are a popular field trip for Colorado grade school students. When possible, you will make stops in the House and Senate galleries to see the legislature in action. This tour is only for school groups and reservations are required.
Legislative Tour Schedule:
Annually, early January through early May. Reservations are required.
Dome Tours (currently closed):
This tour climbs a long spiral staircase to an indoor observation area with amazing views of Denver.
Dome Tour Hours:
Daily from 9am to 2:30pm. Reservations are required.
Dome tours are currently closed until further notice due to dome renovations.
Mr. Brown's Attic:
This exhibit area illustrates Colorado's history and the legislative process, and includes a hands-on children's area. The attic is open 9am to 3pm on weekdays and reservations are not necessary.
For more information about Colorado State Capitol Tours, visit the Colorado Legislative Council Site: 
New Belgium Brewery Tours (Tuesday - Saturday)
The New Belgium Brewery in Fort Collins has had to greatly modify their previously awesome tour and beer sampling system. They never said why they changed, but it was obvious what the problem was when I visited. Because of the free beer samples, the place was overrun with college kids who wanted to party hard for free.
Now to get a small free sample you must take the full brewery tour, and reservations fill up online weeks or months in advance. If you go there without being signed up for a tour, you can still buy beer at the bar for a discounted rate.
Despite the changes, this is still an excellent small brewery to see and learn about.
Location: 500 Linden Street in old town Fort Collins.
Liquid Center Hours:
Tuesday - Sunday 10am to 6pm
Closed on Sundays until Feb 9th, 2014.
Guided Tour Hours:
Tuesday - Sunday 11am to 4:30pm
Closed on Sundays until Feb 9th, 2014.
New Belgium Beer Web Site:
Leanin' Tree Museum, Boulder (always free)
Over the years Ed Trumble has assembled what is likely one of the finest collections of western art in America. His collection is housed in the Leanin' Tree Museum and Sculpture Garden of Western Art in Boulder, Colorado.
The free Leanin' Tree Art Museum is one of the best museum values in Colorado. The exhibits are truly amazing and represent many decades and styles of western American art. The museum contains over 250 paintings and 150 sculptures.
Hours:
Monday - Friday 8am to 5 pm.
Saturday, Sunday, Holidays 10am to 5pm.
Closed Easter, July 4, Christmas Day, New Years Day.
Location:
6055 Longbow Drive, Boulder Colorado, 80301.
Located near the free Celestial Seasonings Tour.
Check the Leanin' Tree Museum site for the latest info:
Lookout Mountain Nature Center (always free)
This free nature center on top of Lookout Mountain in Golden is one of the top things to do in Colorado with the kids.