2007 WAAC Annual Meeting

Denver Area Attractions

Art Gallery Districts

Santa Fe Arts District, Broadway/SE Corridor Arts District, Cherry Creek North Fine Arts District, Golden Triangle Museum District, Downtown/LoDo, 37th & Navajo Arts District, River North Art District (RiNo), Tennyson Street Cultural District

Especially for Kids

Children's Museum of Denver
2121 Children's Museum Drive
Denver, CO 80211-5221
303-433-7444

Discover The Children's Museum of Denver, where interactive Playscapes, programs, and special events all make learning fun by engaging children, infant through age 8, to play, learn and explore. It is a place that ignites and fosters a love of learning that children will carry with them throughout life.

Tiny Town and Tiny Town Railroad
6249 So Turkey Creek Rd
Morrison, CO 80465
303-697-6829

Historic Colorado landmark since 1915. More than 100 hand-crafted miniature buildings in a town, rural and mountain setting. Authentic steam train rides. Snack bar. Gift shop. Just off US Hwy. 285 on South Turkey Creek Road. Thirty minutes from downtown Denver. Open weekends in May, daily Memorial Day through Labor Day and weekends in September and October. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Inexpensive family entertainment.

Gaming

Towns of Central City, Blackhawk and Cripple Creek

Museums

Buffalo Bill's Museum & Grave
987 1/2 Lookout Mountain Golden, 80401
(303)526-0744

The Buffalo Bill Museum's exhibits include memorabilia from Buffalo Bill's life and Wild West shows, Indian artifacts, antique firearms and other Old West artifacts. The historical complex on Lookout Mountain includes the Museum, Buffalo Bill's grave, the Pahaska Tepee gift shop and snack bar, and a children's activity area.

Byers-Evans House Museum
1310 Bannock Street
Denver, CO 80204
303-620-4933

Italianate house built in 1883 and restored to the 1912-1924 period. This Denver landmark reflects the character of two early and important Colorado pioneer families. Closed Mon. Buses welcome with reservation. (Next door to DAM)

Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center
30 West Dale St.
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
719-634-5581

Discover our new satellite location, FAC MODERN: downtown Colorado Springs, 121 South Tejon. Chihuly fall 2006. Open Mon-Thurs, 9 a.m-5 p.m.; Fri-Sat, 9 a.m.-10 p.m, Sun 10 a.m -5 p.m. First Thursdays open until 10 p.m. Admission $3-$5. Friday - Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. First Thursdays open until 8:00 p.m. Museum Admission: Adults $10, Seniors $7, Students $7, Children 13-17 $7, Children 3-12 $5, Children 2 and under free.

Denver Firefighters Museum
1326 Tremont Place
Denver, CO 80204
303-892-1436

Description: The hottest place in town! Explore the history of the Denver Fire Department and learn about fire safety and prevention through a dynamic mix of exhibits, hands-on activity stations and educational programs. Group tours, birthday parties and special event rentals are welcome by reservation. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Mon. - Sat. Adults $6.00, seniors 65 and older and students with ID $5.00, children 1-12 $4.00 and children under 1 are free.

Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls & Toys
1880 Gaylord Street
Denver, CO 80206
303-322-1053
http://dmmdt.com

Description: Unique exhibits will capture your imagination and bring back childhood memories. Learn about architecture, design, lifestyles, art, fashion, history and folklore. Special exhibits change periodically. Birthday parties, educational workshops, scout activities, outreach programs and gift shop. Tue-Sat 10 to 4; Sunday 1 to 4; closed Monday. Adults $5, seniors (62+) and children $4, under 5 free.

Denver Museum of Nature & Science
2001 Colorado Blvd
Denver, CO 80205
303-322-7009
http://www.dmns.org/

Visit the top family attraction in Denver (2004 Zagat Family Travel Guide). Explore fantastic fossils, stimulating space science activities, view amazing gems and minerals, Egyptian mummies, and much more. Watch exciting IMAX films and visit one of the best planetariums in the country. Admission: Adults $10, Juniors (3-18) and Seniors (65+) $6. Exhibit: Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition

Littleton Historical Museum
6028 S Gallup St
Littleton, CO 80120
303-795-3950
http://www.littletongov.org

Description: Features a permanent gallery with the Littleton Story from settlement to the present; a changing gallery displaying traveling exhibitions from the Smithsonian Institution and other museums; a Fine Arts Gallery hosting original art and photography; the Kids Connection providing interactive hands-on exhibits. 1860s and 1890s living history farms with costumed interpreters; a summer concert series; lectures and other programs and events throughout the year.

Molly Brown House Museum
1340 Pennsylvania St
Denver, CO 80203
303-832-4092
http://mollybrown.com

Home of the "Unsinkable" Molly Brown, Titanic heroine, restored to its original Victorian splendor. All tours are guided and last 45 minutes. Group tours by reservation only; walk-ins welcome. Available for private events. Open Tues.-Sat. at 10 a.m.; Sun. at Noon; Last tour begins at 3:30 p.m.

Museo de las Am�ricas
861 Santa Fe Drive,
Denver CO 80204
303-571-4401
museo.org

Located in the heart of Denver's Santa Fe Art District, the Museo de las Am�ricas was founded in 1991 as a nonprofit museum that is committed to preserving, presenting, and promoting the art and culture of the Latino people. Through innovative exhibitions and collections, bilingual programs, educational activities and special events, the Museo educates its public in the richness of Latin American arts.

Museum of Contemporary Art Denver
1840 15th Street, Unit D
Denver, CO 80202 (at 15th & Delgany)
303-298-7554
Tuesday - Saturday 11am - 5:30 pm, Sunday Noon - 5:30
http://pmmcartdenver.com
Saturday Open: 10:00 Tour at 3:

Stiles African American Heritage Center
2607 Glenarm Place
Denver, CO 80205

The Stiles African American Heritage Center is a center emphasizing positive contributions of African Americans with guided tours, cultural exhibits, artifacts, replicates, memorabilia, reading and research materials, courtyard containing cultural artifacts, and diversity workshops. Open Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday by appointment.

Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum

The massive B-52 Stratofortress greets you at the front door of our 1930's-era former Air Force hangar - home to over three dozen historic airplanes and space vehicles. The Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum consists of numerous exhibits including the Avionics Room, Timeline of Technology room, Science of Flight room, The Howard Model Collection room, The Eisenhower room, and many more. 303-360-5360 x105

Parks and Gardens

Buffalo Herd Nature Preserve
I-70 at Genesee Park, Exit 250
Denver, CO

Description: Buffalo Herd Located 20 miles west of Denver at I-70 Exit 250. The city of Denver maintains a herd of buffalo in a natural setting. The buffalo are direct descendants of the last wild buffalo herd left in America. Excellent photo opportunities.

Butterfly Pavilion and Insect Center
6252 W 104th Ave
Westminster, CO 80020
303-469-5441

At the Butterfly Pavilion, we've got more adventures than you can imagine. Explore our tropical rainforest where over 1,200 butterflies flutter around you. Hold a friendly tarantula in the palm of your hand. Discover what lurks in your very own backyard on a colossal scale. It's where science, fun and education come together.

Cave of the Winds
PO Box 826
Manitou Springs, CO 80829
(719) 685-5444

Year-round fun and entertainment. Three distinctive tours, plus evening laser show (summer 9 p.m.). Come witness the mystery and beauty. One hour from Denver, six miles west of Colorado Springs on Hwy. 24.

Denver Botanic Gardens
1005 York Street Denver, CO 80206
1005 York Street
Denver, Colorado 80206
720-865-3500

With more than 32,000 plants from such far-away places as Australia, Africa and the Himalayas, Denver Botanic Gardens is recognized as one of the top botanical gardens in the United States. There is something for all ages and all five of your senses.

Denver Zoo
2300 Steele St
Denver, CO 80205
303-376-4800

Denver Zoo, located in City Park, spans over 75 acres and is home to over 4,000 animals including rare amur leopards, okapi, black rhinoceros, elephants, vampire bats, orangutan, Komodo dragons and more! For a virtual tour visit http://www.denverzoo.org or call (303) 376-4800.

Dinosaur Ridge
16831 W Alameda Pkwy
Morrison, CO 80465
303-697-3466
http://dinoridge.org

Outdoor museum with a Visitor Center site where important dinosaur discoveries were made in the late 1800's. See Stegosaurus bones, Iguanodon tracks and prehistoric ripples preserved in this unique outdoor setting. Stop by the Visitor Center for a free trail map.

Downtown Aquarium
700 Water Street
Denver, CO 80211
303-561-4450
downtown-aquarium-denver

This world-class aquarium immerses visitors on two journeys, from the Continental Divide in Colorado to Mexico's Sea of Cortez, the other from an Indonesian rain forest to the Pacific Ocean. From Colorado's state fish, the greenback cutthroat trout, to swimming Sumatran tigers, visitors experience a variety of fish, mammals and birds that all rely upon water.

Red Rocks Amphitheatre and Visitor Center Tours
18300 West Alameda Parkway
Morrison, CO 80465
(303)693-0550
http://redrocks.com

Tour the Visitor Center and enjoy interactive educational displays, a short film documentary focusing on the geologic and musical history of Red Rocks by Oscar winner Donna Dewey and a Performer's Hall of Fame featuring pictures of the performers who rank as audience and venue favorites since the amphitheatre's inception as a concert location. The tour includes a special "Backstage Pass" where guests can sing or play an instrument on the Red Rocks Amphitheatre stage.

The Wildlife Experience Museum 10035 S. Peoria
Parker, CO 80134
720-488-3300
Fax: (720) 488-3399
http://thewildlifeexperience.org

An interactive, and ever-changing museum, that features art, natural history, film and interactive galleries for kids. Combining a giant screen theater, children's gallery, a variety of educational programs including arts and crafts classes, and several changing art exhibits. It's more than a museum, it's an Experience.

Visitors' Centers

Official Visitor Information Center - DIA
5th Floor Information Desk
303-317-0629

Convenient for visitors coming into DIA. Stop in for brochures, maps, and general visitor information.

Official Visitor Information Center - Downtown
1600 California St
Unit 6
Denver, CO 80202
303-892-1505
http://denver.org

Discover Denver - where to stay, play and dine. Get insider tips for the best performing/visual arts, shopping, and outdoor recreation the city has to offer. Our award-winning center offers free regional maps, AAA tour books and maps, Ticketmaster services, Elitch Gardens tickets and RTD day passes. Free guided walking tours offered at 9:30 am Thursdays and Saturdays, June-August.

Day Trips from Denver

Getting into the high country is quick from Denver. Two scenic roads will even take you far above the timberline to the 11,000-foot-plus alpine tundra. The Mount Evans Scenic Byway, the state's most impressive high-altitude drive, is a 14-mile toll road that tops out at 14,134 feet, 130 feet shy of the summit, which is a �-mile stroll from the parking lot. Take I-70 west to Exit 240 and then follow Highway 103 south to the Forest Service's check-in station at Echo Lake. From Denver, it takes about 90 minutes to this point, and then another hour to the summit.

Guanella Pass is a lesser-traveled (and free) 22-mile dirt and asphalt road running from Georgetown to Grant. Along the way you'll get close views of Mount Evans as well as Grays and Torrey's peaks—two Fourteeners. From I-70 west, take Exit 228 in Georgetown and follow signs to the pass. It takes about 45 minutes to reach the start of the pass, and another 40 minutes to cross it.

Four Mile Historic Park
715 South Forest Street
Denver, CO 80246
303-399-1859
http://fourmilepark.org

Discover this quiet, rustic 12-acre historic oasis and the site of Denver's oldest house. Tour the house, stroll the gardens and grounds, see antique farm equipment and visit the animals. Weekend horse-drawn rides.

Garden of the Gods Visitor Center
1805 N 30th St
Colorado Springs, CO 80904
719-634-6666
http://gardenofgods.com

The place to start a visit to the Garden of the Gods. 12-minute, big-screen movie "How Did Those Red Rocks Get There?" Gift shops featuring Colorado-made items. 30 interactive exhibits. Balcony cafe overlooking the Park and Pikes Peak. 30 minute summer bus tours. Free map of the park. Open daily. Free.

Rocky Mountain National Park / Estes Park
1000 Highway 36
Estes Park, CO 80517-8397
970-586-1206
http://rocky.mountain.national-park.com

The quaint town of Estes Park is known as the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. You can drive a loop around the park in a day and experience breathtaking vistas and stop for hiking, climbing, other outdoor activities and wildlife viewing

Tours

Adventures Out West Guided Tours
Info Phone: (800) 755-0935
http://adventuresoutwest.com

Since 1973, Adventures Out West has been giving our guests the best the West has to offer. Spectacular hot air balloon flights, incredible Jeep tours, outrageous rafting, excellent guided horseback, biking and hike trips are available. For great discounts visit our website.

Canyon Wind Cellars
1500 Argentine Street
Georgetown, CO 80444
(303) 569-3152

Experience award winning Colorado wine! Enjoy complimentary samples of our wonderful wines, shop among our unique selection of specialty gifts and view a private collection of western art. Located 50 miles west of Denver in historic Georgetown, Exit 228 off I-70. Open daily, including Sundays, summer: 11am- 7pm; winter 11am-6pm.

Celestial Seasonings Visitor Center
4600 Sleepytime Drive
Boulder, CO 80301-3292
303-581-1202
http://celestialseasonings.com

Largest herb tea manufacturer in the U.S., 5 miles east of Boulder. Guided tours of production area end in the Tea Shop and open tea bar for sampling of 47 tea blends. Tea and gift items available, and the Celestial Cafe is open to the public. Tours hourly: Mon-Sat 10-3, Sun 11-3, except holidays. Children under 5 not admitted in factory portion. Groups of 8+ require reservations. Flat-soled shoes recommended. Tea Shop: Mon-Fri 9-6, Sat 9-5; Cafe: Mon-Fri 8-3. Lunch 11-2. Closed holidays.

Colorado State Capitol
200 East Colfax Ave.
Denver, CO 80203-1784
303-866-2604

Visit the three Mile High Markers, Allen True water murals, Women's Gold Tapestry, Colorado General Assembly Chambers and the rose onyx wainscoting. Free tours Mon.-Fri.

Coors Brewing Company
13th @ Ford
Golden, CO 80401
303-277-BEER
http://coors.com

Come see and taste traditional brewing in the Rocky Mountains! The newly upgraded tour includes a 45-minute walk through our malting, brewing and packaging processes, sampling of Coors products in our hospitality lounge and shopping in the Coors & Co. gift shop. Samples are limited to guests 21+ years old with a valid ID. Non-alcoholic beverages are also available. Guests under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Free. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday - Saturday. Closed holidays.

United States Mint
Tour Information
320 West Colfax Avenue
Denver, Colorado 80204-2693
(303) 405-4761

See where American money is made. One of three United States Mints is just blocks from the Denver Art Museum

Georgetown Loop Mining & Railroad Park
PO Box 249
Georgetown, CO 80444
888-456-6777
http://georgetownlooprr.com

Journey back in time with a ride on one of Colorado's great narrow gauge railroads. Be astounded by the Devil's Gate High Bridge, Rocky Mountain views and the engineering marvel that is the Georgetown Loop. Just 45 miles west of Denver on I-70. Open May - October.

Pikes Peak Cog Railway
515 Ruxton Ave / PO Box 351
Manitou Springs, Colorado 80829
(719) 685-5401
info@CogRailway.com

For 115 years, the Manitou and Pike's Peak Railway (the world's highest cog railroad, the highest Colorado railroad AND highest train in the United States) has taken passengers to the 14,110 foot summit of Pikes Peak. Just 77 miles from downtown Denver and 6 miles from downtown Colorado Springs, this classic Colorado train trip is NOW running YEAR-ROUND.

HOT SPRINGS

Glenwood Hot Springs
Box 308
Glenwood Springs, CO 81602
(303) -6571, (800) 537-7946
http://hotspringspool.com

Fully developed, premier hot springs and spa of Colorado. Large pools, athletic club, restaurants, and hotels.

Strawberry Park Hot Springs
P.O. Box 773332
Steamboat Springs, CO 84047
(970) 879-0342
http://strawberryhotsprings.com

Preview: Secluded mountain setting with nicely developed pools. Nicely developed native stone soaking pools next to creek. This is a beautifully picturesque hot springs with a colorful history and is one of the most pleasant rural settings in Colorado.

Hot Sulphur Springs
Box 175
Hot Sulphur Springs, CO 80451
(800) 510-6235
http://hotsulphursprings.com

Newly renovated vacation spa in an isolated community. Pools, soaking caves, and a small conference facility. With seemingly endless views of the Arapaho National Forest, a world-class river that runs.

Hiking

Hell's Hole

From Idaho Springs, take CO Highway 103/Mt. Evans Road/Exit 240 from I-70 south approximately 7 miles to the first switchback. Turn Right onto West Chicago Creek Road. Up to 4.5 miles one way and 1850 feet elevation gain. Add 1 mile and about 200 feet elevation if the road is closed at the first hairpin. This is a great 'advanced' beginner trail.

Kenosha Pass

Herman Gulch/Waltrous Creek

Mt. Evans area

Roxborough State Park
Littleton, CO 80125
303-973-3959
Fax: 303-973-4044
http://colorado.com

Guanella Pass(el. 3557 m./11,669 ft.)

A high mountain pass in the Rocky Mountains of central Colorado. The pass is located in southwestern Clear Creek County, just west of Mount Bierstadt in the Front Range west of Denver and south of Georgetown. The pass provides a route between Georgetown in the valley of Clear Creek to the north and Grant in the valley of Geneva Creek, a tributary of the North Fork South Platte River, to the south. The pass is traversed by the Guanella Pass Scenic Byway. The road provides a link between Interstate 70 to the north and U.S. Highway 285 to the south. At the summit of the pass hiking trails lead to Mt. Bierstadt (el. 14,060 ft./4285 m.) among other places.

Hayden Green Mountain Park

William Frederick Hayden Park is the second largest park in the City of Lakewood, covering approximately 2400 acres of open space. The park is open to all users at no fee.

Three main trailheads provide parking and access to the park. These are located on West Alameda Parkway at West Florida Drive and West Utah Avenue and at Rooney Road a half mile north of Alameda Parkway. There are two main trails: a 6.4-mile Green Mountain Trail Loop and the 3.1-mile Hayden Trail Loop. The park is open all year. Park hours are from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Just a few of thousands of hiking trail options in the Denver area. For a comprehensive list see http://www.denvertrails.com