Denvers Wild Side: Self-Guided Audio Tour of its Notorious Past

Denver’s Wild Side: Self-Guided Audio Tour of Its Notorious Past

Imagine wandering through a city that’s as full of stories as it is of neon lights and modern skyscrapers. For those curious about Denver’s less polished, more intriguing side, the “Denvers Wild Side” self-guided audio tour offers an engaging way to uncover its rough-and-tumble history. For just $9.99, you get about 45 minutes to an hour and 15 minutes of walking through LoDo, Denver’s historic Lower Downtown district, filled with stories of illicit activities, haunted hotels, and legendary figures.

What we love about this experience is how it blends entertaining storytelling with the chance to explore at your own pace. Plus, the tour includes stops at some iconic landmarks like the Sugar Building and the Oxford Hotel’s Cruise Room, giving you a taste of both Denver’s glamorous and gritty sides. A second highlight is the visual detail—the tour is packed with descriptions that help you picture the past vividly, making history come alive.

One possible downside is that because it’s self-guided, you might miss out on the personal touch or spontaneous questions you’d get with a live guide. Also, since entry fees to attractions like the Oxford Hotel’s Cruise Room or Coors Field aren’t included, you’ll want to budget for those if you plan to visit.

This tour suits history buffs, urban explorers, and those interested in Denver’s less polished stories. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy independent sightseeing and want a cost-effective way to learn about the city’s notorious past without joining a group.

Key Points

• Affordable and flexible: Only $9.99 with lifetime access.
• Self-paced exploration: Ideal for independent travelers who like to go at their own speed.
• Rich storytelling: Engaging narratives about Denver’s criminal past, haunted locations, and historic landmarks.
• Authentic atmosphere: Visits to iconic sites like the Sugar Building and Windsor Dairy.
• Insight into Denver’s transformation: From rough warehouse district to vibrant neighborhood.
• For curious minds: The tour covers notorious events like gun duels between women and haunted hotels.

A Deep Dive into Denver’s Wild Past

Walking through LoDo, you’re stepping into a neighborhood that’s seen everything—from boisterous whisky parties to destruction of Chinatown. This tour is a treasure trove of stories that weave the rough and glamorous sides of Denver into a compelling narrative.

Starting Point: A Mysterious Tunnel Entrance

Your journey begins at 1664 Market Street, where a sealed-off tunnel hints at Denver’s industrial past. This tunnel once served for transporting coal but also became a hub for illicit underground activities. The narrative transported us back to a time when lawlessness and gambling thrived beneath the city streets.

The Sugar Building: From Sweet to Sinister

One of the more striking sites is the Sugar Building, linked to Colorado’s sugar beet industry. It’s now a standing testament to Denver’s industrial era but also a reminder of how neighborhoods evolve. You’ll learn stories about how the area once hosted unsavory parties and illicit dealings.

The Haunted Oxford Hotel’s Cruise Room

No discussion of Denver’s notorious past would be complete without mentioning the Oxford Hotel’s Cruise Room, opened during Prohibition. The tour shares tales of ghost Florence Montague in room 320 and the mysterious spirits lurking in this haunted bar. While entry fees aren’t included, it’s a must-see for those interested in haunted history.

Coors Field & McGregor Square: Denver’s Revitalization

The tour also covers McGregor Square and Coors Field, symbols of Denver’s recent urban renewal and sports culture. Their inclusion shows how the city transformed from a rough warehouse hub into a vibrant gathering space that still retains echoes of its wild past.

Historic Sites and Quirky Stories

Highlights include the Rockmount Ranch Wear, noted for creating the first snapped western shirt—a fun nod to Denver’s Western heritage—and the site of the only known gun duel between two women. These stories highlight Denver’s unexpected and colorful history, making the tour both informative and entertaining.

European Vibe at Dairy Block

A stroll through the Dairy Block alley offers an unexpected European flair, with restored 1918 Windsor Dairy buildings now housing trendy shops and eateries. Here, you can imagine a more refined past amidst the gritty stories, offering a nice contrast.

Practical Details and What to Expect

The tour is entirely self-guided via an app compatible with Android and iOS, giving you offline access to audio, maps, and geodata. This means no worries about spotty cell service or data charges while you explore.

Starting at 1664 Market St, your route covers several key sights, ending at Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row at 1946 Market St. You can take your time, typically spending about 45 minutes to an hour and 15 minutes walking the route, plus additional time at each site if you choose.

Since the tour is private, only your group will participate, enhancing the experience’s intimacy. The price of $9.99 is quite reasonable, especially considering the lifetime access—you can revisit the stories anytime, even after your trip.

Note: Entry fees to some attractions, like the Oxford Hotel or Coors Field, are not included, so budget accordingly if you plan to peek inside.

What Travelers Say

While there are no formal reviews available yet, the emphasis on knowledgeable guides suggests that the narrative delivery is engaging and well-informed. The focus on authentic stories, like “stories of whisky parties, destroyed Chinatown, haunted locations,” hints at a tour packed with colorful tales that bring Denver’s rougher history to life.

Who Should Take This Tour?

This experience is best suited for independent travelers, history enthusiasts, and those interested in Denver’s less polished, more rebellious past. If you enjoy self-guided exploration and storytelling that mixes history with legend, you’ll find plenty to love here. It’s also perfect for budget-conscious visitors eager to learn without paying for guided tours or group excursions.

The Sum Up

“Denvers Wild Side” offers an affordable, flexible way to step into the city’s edgier history, seeing landmark sites and hearing stories that most travelers never encounter. With a focus on authentic tales, haunted sites, and notorious events, it makes history accessible and engaging.

While it doesn’t include entry fees to attractions, the self-guided format allows you to customize your experience and spend as much time as you like at each stop. This tour is perfect for those curious about Denver’s criminal past, haunted hotels, and historic landmarks, especially if you want to explore at your own pace without the pressure of a guided group.

In short, it’s a value-packed, storytelling-rich journey into the less-glamorous side of Denver that will leave you with stories to retell long after your visit.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Since the tour covers Denver’s notorious past, including stories of illicit activities and haunted locations, it might be more appropriate for older children or teenagers who can handle some darker stories.

Do I need to prepare anything before starting?
You’ll just need your smartphone with the app downloaded. The tour provides directions to the starting point and all audio guides are accessible offline, so no special prep is necessary.

Can I do this tour at night?
Yes, the tour is available 24/7 since it’s self-guided. Exploring after dark could add to the haunted vibe, but always stay safe and aware of your surroundings.

How long does the tour take?
Typically between 45 minutes and 1 hour 15 minutes, depending on how long you linger at each site or take additional detours.

Are the attractions included in the ticket price?
No, entry fees for attractions like the Oxford Hotel’s Cruise Room or Coors Field are not included and will be your responsibility if you wish to visit inside.

Is this tour good for first-time visitors to Denver?
Absolutely. It offers a unique perspective on Denver’s history that complements traditional sightseeing, especially if you’re interested in Denver’s more colorful stories.

Can I pause and restart the tour?
Yes, the app allows lifetime access, so you can pause and resume whenever you like, making it very convenient for flexible sightseeing.

Is this a group tour?
No, it’s a private, self-guided experience, perfect for exploring independently or with your own group.

What is the main appeal of this tour?
The chance to learn about Denver’s underground activities, haunted hotels, and historic sites through a narrative-driven experience that’s both educational and entertaining.

In sum, if you’re eager to uncover Denver’s edgier stories without the constraints of a guided tour, “Denvers Wild Side” offers a compelling, budget-friendly way to explore the city’s darker corners. Whether you’re a history buff or just someone curious about Denver’s less-polished stories, this tour promises an authentic and engaging experience—at your own pace.