10 Fun Facts About Denver, CO: How Well Do You Know Your City?

Denver, CO, is more than just a mile-high city with breathtaking mountain views. Its thriving arts and culture scene, outdoor recreational opportunities, and diverse neighborhoods make it a dynamic and exciting place to call home. Whether you’re exploring the trendy shops and restaurants in LoDo or hitting the slopes in the nearby Rocky Mountains, Denver offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty that’s sure to captivate residents and visitors alike. Whether you’re settling into a new apartment in Denver or have been a longtime resident, this Redfin article will dive into some fun facts about Denver you’ll want to know.

Quick facts about Denver

1. Denver earns its title as the Mile High City

Denver is known as the Mile High City because it is exactly one mile above sea level. This unique fact makes it the highest major city in the United States.

2. Denver is the beer capital of the Rockies

Denver has more than 100 brewpubs, breweries, and taprooms in the metro area, making it the beer capital of the Rockies. With a wide variety of craft beers, Denver is a beer lover’s paradise.

3. Denver is one of the sunniest cities in the country

Denver is known for its 300 days of sunshine per year, making it one of the sunniest cities in the United States. Though this is a somewhat surprising fact about Denver given the hefty annual snowfall totals, this abundance of sunshine allows residents and visitors to enjoy outdoor activities year-round.

“Denver consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in the United States and for good reason. With 300 days of sunshine amongst its four distinct seasons, the Rocky Mountains serving as a stunning backdrop, and a diverse range of music, art and food throughout the city, Denver has a little bit of everything,” says Custom Garage Solutions. “Coloradans have a natural love for the outdoors with an abundance of recreation available within the city and surrounding areas. A Colorado garage can be simultaneously full of skis, golf clubs, bikes, kayaks and camping gear to be used throughout the year.”

4. Denver converted a natural rock structure into a music venue

Denver is home to the famous Red Rocks Amphitheatre, a natural rock structure that has been used as a concert venue for over a century. The acoustics and natural beauty of this venue make it one of the most iconic concert locations in the world.

5. “Cowtown” was once one of Denver’s nicknames

Denver was once a major hub for the cattle industry, earning it the nickname “Cowtown.” While the city has evolved significantly since then, it still pays homage to its western roots with events like the National Western Stock Show.

6. Many of the country’s coins are produced in Denver

The United States Mint in Denver produces billions of coins each year, making it one of the busiest mints in the country. Visitors can take guided tours to see how coins are made.

7. Denver hosts a free jazz series during the summer

Every summer, City Park in Denver hosts a free jazz concert series that has become a beloved tradition for locals. City Park Jazz brings together people of all ages to enjoy live music and beautiful outdoor surroundings.

8. One of the city’s most notable landmarks is a giant bear sculpture

The 40-foot tall blue bear sculpture, officially named “I See What You Mean,” has become a beloved symbol of Denver. Located next to the Denver Convention Center, the playful and curious expression of the bear has made it a popular photo spot for tourists and locals alike.

9. The first Stegosaurus fossil was discovered near Denver

The first Stegosaurus fossil was discovered near Morrison, a small town just outside Denver, in 1877. This lead to significant paleontological discoveries in the region. Some of these fossils can be found at the Morrison Natural History Museum, a must-vistit destination for any amateur archeologists in the city.

10. The Brown Palace Hotel has had a long list of illustrious guests

The Brown Palace Hotel in Denver has hosted numerous presidents, celebrities, and dignitaries since it opened in 1892. The hotel’s rich history and elegant architecture make it a must-see destination for visitors to the city. Notable guests include legendary actor John Wayne, former president Franklin D. Roosevelt, and The Beatles.

Methodology: The median home sale price and average monthly rental data is from the Redfin Data Center. The Walk Score, Transit Score and Bike Score data is from Walk Score.

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