Local Information

The CICC social committee has partnered with Aspire tours in Denver so that our in-person attendees can have a unique conference experience while visiting one of the most beautiful cities in the USA. Aspire tours is offering both half-day and full-day tours to CICC attendees, with a special discount. We encourage you to explore the link below and book your tours early.

Please use the code ‘CICC2024‘ during check-out and Aspire will take $5 off a half day tour booking total and $10 a full day tour booking total.

Please note: if 2 people sign up for a half day tour under the same booking and use the code, it will NOT take $5 off each person in the booking- just $5 off the booking total. Also, the tours must have a total of 4 people booked, otherwise Aspire tours may rebook the selected tour for an alternative tour that is of interest.

CICC social committee is encouraging attendees to the conference to join the “Recommended Tour” below on April 20^th, to maximize the potential for networking and meeting new people.

Full Day:

Rocky Mountain National Park Sightseeing (Recommended Tour)

https://www.aspire-tours.com/tours/rocky-mountain-national-park-tour

Rocky Mountain National Park Hiking

https://www.aspire-tours.com/tours/rocky-mountain-national-park-hiking-tour

Breckenridge Mountain Explorer

https://www.aspire-tours.com/tours/breckenridge-mountain-explorer

Half Day:

Denver, Red Rocks & Beyond (Recommended Tour)

https://www.aspire-tours.com/tours/denver-redrocks-daytrip

Half Day Hike (Recommended Tour)

https://www.aspire-tours.com/tours/half-day-rocky-mountain-hike

Brews & Views

https://www.aspire-tours.com/tours/brews-n-views

Rocky Mountain Escape

https://www.aspire-tours.com/tours/half-day-rocky-mountain-escape

A Brief History of Denver, Colorado

Denver has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the mid-19th century:

Early Settlement and Gold Rush Era (1858-1860s): Denver was founded in 1858 during the Pikes Peak Gold Rush. Initially, a mining town named Denver City after Kansas Territorial Governor James W.
Denver, it quickly grew due to the influx of prospectors seeking gold in the area.

Becoming a Hub for Trade and Transportation (Late 1800s): Denver’s strategic location at the base of the Rocky Mountains made it a central point for trade, transportation, and the supply of mining
communities. The arrival of the railroad in the 1870s further accelerated the city’s growth.

Boomtown and State Capital (Late 1800s-Early 1900s): Denver experienced rapid expansion and
prosperity, becoming the capital of Colorado in 1867. The city’s economy diversified beyond mining to
include agriculture, manufacturing, and services.

Silver Crash and Recovery (Late 1800s-1900s): The Silver Crash of 1893 hit Colorado hard, causing
economic downturns and struggles in Denver. However, the city eventually recovered by diversifying its
economy and investing in infrastructure.

Cultural and Urban Development (20th Century): In the 20th century, Denver continued to grow as a cultural and urban center. Significant milestones included hosting the 1908 Democratic National
Convention and the 1976 Winter Olympics.

Modern Development (Late 20th Century-Present): Denver experienced revitalization efforts in the late 20th century, focusing on downtown redevelopment, cultural institutions, and urban renewal projects.
It became a hub for tech, aerospace, and renewable energy industries.

Today, Denver is a vibrant city known for its outdoor recreation, cultural attractions, diverse population,
and thriving economy. Its history as a frontier town, a booming mining center, and its evolution into a
modern metropolis contribute to its unique character and appeal.

Downtown Denver Attractions

Downtown Denver has a variety of attractions that offer a mix of cultural experiences, entertainment,
and historical significance. Here are a few examples.

16th Street Mall: A pedestrian-friendly promenade lined with shops, restaurants, and
entertainment venues.
Union Station: Historic transportation hub turned into a vibrant space with restaurants, bars,
shops, and a hotel.
Denver Art Museum: Known for its extensive collection of American Indian art, Western art, and
contemporary works.
Colorado State Capitol: Iconic gold-domed building offering tours and great views of the city
from its steps.
Larimer Square: Historic block filled with boutiques, restaurants, and nightlife.
Denver Performing Arts Complex: Hosts various theaters showcasing Broadway shows,
concerts, and performances.
Museum of Contemporary Art: Exhibits contemporary art and hosts various programs and events.
Civic Center Park: Green space with events, festivals, and the Civic Center EATS food truck gathering.
Denver Center for the Performing Arts: Offers theater, dance, and musical performances in several venues.
Coors Field: Home of the Colorado Rockies baseball team, offering games and stadium tours.

Nightlife Spots

Denver has a lively nightlife scene with a range of spots catering to different tastes, from laid-back pubs
to high-energy clubs and live music venues:

LoDo (Lower Downtown): This historic district is packed with bars, clubs, and restaurants. The
atmosphere is vibrant, especially along Market Street and Larimer Square.
RiNo (River North Art District): Known for its artsy vibe, RiNo offers a mix of breweries, cocktail
bars, and art galleries. It’s a hotspot for both locals and visitors.
South Broadway (SoBo): This area features a diverse mix of music venues, dive bars, breweries,
and trendy restaurants. It’s great for live music enthusiasts.
Colfax Avenue: Stretching across the city, Colfax Avenue hosts a variety of bars, live music
venues, and dance clubs catering to different tastes.
Union Station and LoHi (Lower Highlands): Union Station and the surrounding area offer
upscale bars, cocktail lounges, and trendy restaurants with a sophisticated vibe.
Capitol Hill: Known for its eclectic mix of bars, from dive bars to LGBTQ+ friendly venues, this
neighborhood offers a diverse nightlife experience.
Clubs and Music Venues: Denver has a range of clubs and music venues like The Church
Nightclub, Temple Nightclub, and the Bluebird Theater that host DJs, live bands, and events.

Denver Museums

Denver boasts a range of museums covering various interests and subjects from art and history to
science and transportation. Here are some prominent ones:

Denver Art Museum (DAM): Known for its diverse collection, including American Indian,
Western, and contemporary art. The Hamilton Building’s architecture is also a highlight.
Denver Museum of Nature & Science: Features interactive exhibits on natural history, space,
and science, along with an IMAX theater and planetarium.
Clyfford Still Museum: Showcases the works of abstract expressionist Clyfford Still, offering a
deep dive into his art and process.
Molly Brown House Museum: Former home of the “Unsinkable” Molly Brown, a Titanic
survivor. It provides insights into Denver’s history and the life of this prominent figure.
History Colorado Center: Chronicles Colorado’s history through interactive exhibits, showcasing everything from Native American culture to the state’s modern era.
Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum: Located in a former Air Force hangar, this
museum showcases aircraft, space artifacts, and exhibits on aviation history.
Denver Firefighters Museum: Offers a glimpse into the history of firefighting in Denver,
featuring antique fire equipment and interactive exhibits.
Forney Museum of Transportation: Showcases antique cars, trains, bicycles, and other
transportation-related artifacts.
Black American West Museum & Heritage Center: Focuses on the history and culture of African Americans in the Old West.
Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art: Features a unique collection of international
decorative art, along with Colorado and regional art.

Natural Attractions Around Denver

Within a two-hour drive of Denver are a range of attractions and natural wonders, providing outdoor
adventures, cultural experiences, and scenic beauty:

Rocky Mountain National Park: Known for its stunning landscapes, hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives.
Boulder, Colorado: A vibrant city with a lively downtown, hiking trails in the Flatirons, and the
Pearl Street Mall.
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre: Famous for its natural amphitheater and stunning rock
formations, hosting concerts and events.
Garden of the Gods: Located in Colorado Springs, it features dramatic rock formations, hiking,
and rock climbing.
Mount Evans: Drive the highest paved road in North America, reaching over 14,000 feet, with
breathtaking views.
Golden, Colorado: Home to the Coors Brewery, Clear Creek for outdoor activities, and a historic
downtown area.
Ski Resorts: Various ski areas such as Breckenridge, Vail, Keystone, and Winter Park offer skiing
and snowboarding in winter and outdoor activities in summer.
Colorado Springs: Visit the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training
Center, and the Air Force Academy.
Estes Park: Gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, offering shops, restaurants, and beautiful
mountain views.
Black Hawk and Central City: Known for their casinos and historic mining towns, offering
gambling, dining, and entertainment.

Source: Edited from ChatGPT