Self Guided Audio Tour of Denver's Historic LoDo District

Uncover the rich history of Denver on this self-guided walking tour through Lower Downtown (LoDo), where the city's origins took shape. Walk along the banks of Cherry Creek and the South Platte River, exploring preserved warehouses, jazz clubs, and modern art spaces that reflect both the historic heart and the evolving spirit of Denver. This tour reveals the fascinating narrative of gold seekers, the rise of railroads, and the district's transformation from a bustling commercial center to a vibrant cultural hub. — Discover the birthplace of Denver at the confluence of two rivers — Explore historic architecture, including Italianate and Romanesque buildings — Learn about the impact of the gold rush and the transcontinental railroad — Enjoy a flexible pace, perfect for history enthusiasts and casual strollers alike

1. 1

   16th Street Mall

   5 min

   16th Street Mall is the gateway to downtown’s pulse. A bustling pedestrian corridor just east of LoDo, this mile-long promenade links Union Station to Colorado’s Capitol with shops, public art, and city energy.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   5 min

   One of Denver’s oldest surviving structures, this 1863 brick building once housed a saloon owned by African American entrepreneur Barney Ford. The presence of the Barney Ford Building connects Denver’s frontier days with stories of resilience.

3. 3

   Confluence Park

   5 min

   At the meeting point of Cherry Creek and the South Platte River, this urban Confluence Park invites walkers, paddlers, and nature lovers to experience Denver’s natural origins in the heart of the city.

4. 4

   Dairy Block

   5 min

   A trendy micro-district of boutique shops, hidden bars, and cozy courtyards, Dairy Block represents LoDo’s reinvention of historic spaces into modern urban gems.

5. 5

   Denver Millennium Bridge

   5 min

   This sleek pedestrian cable bridge soars over I-25, linking LoDo with Riverfront Park and offering panoramic views of the skyline and rail yards below.

6. 6

   Denver Union Station

   5 min

   More than a transit hub, Union Station is a restored Beaux-Arts landmark with shops, restaurants, and a grand Great Hall—a living centerpiece of LoDo’s revival.

7. 7

   Stop 7

   Pass by

   Once warehouses, today these lofts offer modern urban living inside historic walls. They exemplify how LoDo has repurposed industrial bones for contemporary life.

8. 8

   Stop 8

   5 min

   This distinctive structure recalls LoDo’s past as a storage and ice distribution hub, now adapted to retail, dining, or office use—where history meets utility.

9. 9

   Larimer Square

   5 min

   Denver’s first designated historic district, Larimer Square is lined with restored Victorian buildings turned into restaurants, boutiques, and nightlife venues.

10. 10

    Museum Of Contemporary Art Denver

    Pass by

    A modern counterpoint in LoDo, this museum spotlights bold, current art inside historic bones. It bridges Denver’s past and present creative identities.

11. 11

    Stop 11

    5 min

    Established in 1891, the historic Oxford Hotel has hosted presidents, celebrities, and seekers. Its vintage charm anchors the neighborhood’s architectural heritage.

12. 12

    Rockmount Ranch Wear

    5 min

    A LoDo legacy brand, Rockmount creates Western apparel with style and history. Their storefront keeps Denver’s cowboy and craftsmanship spirit alive.

13. 13

    Stop 13

    5 min

    The Sugar Building showcases how LoDo preserves texture even as it evolves, and is a converted industrial building now used for retail or creative space.

14. 14

    Tattered Cover Book Store - Colfax Avenue

    5 min

    A treasured independent bookstore, this LoDo branch continues the city’s literary tradition inside a building that once housed the commerce of an earlier era.

15. 15

    Stop 15

    5 min

    Colorado’s first modern brewpub, founded in 1988, Wynkoop helped spearhead LoDo’s revitalization. This is a great place to taste history—alongside a craft beer.

16. 16

    Coors Field

    Pass by

    Built in 1995 at LoDo’s edge, this vintage-style ballpark captures the spirit of the neighborhood—with brick facades echoing a former warehouse district.

17. 17

    9th Street Historic Park

    5 min

    A small block preserving LoDo’s original street pattern and building scale, this park offers a moment of calm amidst the urban fabric.

18. 18

    Stop 18

    5 min

    This tap house revives the historic Tivoli Brewing legacy in Denver, combining craft beer, heritage, and LoDo’s evolving story.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Works entirely offline once downloaded—no cell service required
• GPS-triggered audio plays automatically based on your location
• Flexible - Buy once, use any day/time—access never expires
• Get the Drives & Detours app download the tour ahead of time

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.