Pics or it didn’t happen! While you’re in The Mile High City for IPW 2018 (May 19-23) make sure to explore Downtown Denver’s exciting visual blend of past, present and future. The city is filled with unique photo ops that will make even your most jaded Instagram follower slow her scroll to hit “like.” Here are a few recommended spots … [header photo via the Colorado Convention Center]
The Big Blue Bear
You can’t miss the Big Blue Bear! This 40-foot-tall fellow is located right at the entrance of the Colorado Convention Center, peering curiously to see what’s happening inside. Installed in 2005, the Big Blue Bear quickly became a Denver icon. Hey, he's even got his own Instagram account — give him a follow @cccbluebear.
The Mile High Step
Denver is, of course, The Mile High City. But can you stand exactly 5,280 feet above sea level? Head over to the steps of the Colorado State Capitol Building. There, you’ll find a plaque that is one mile high. Don’t forget to turn around – the Capitol steps also boast one of the best mountain views in Denver. It’s against state law to block it!
54thirty
Want to have an even more high-altitude experience in Denver? The new, very ‘gram-worthy 54thirty is the highest open-air rooftop bar in the city (5,430 ft. above sea level), located on the 20th floor of Le Méridien Denver Downtown. The views are amazing. The cocktails are even better.
Union Station
Denver’s Union Station has experienced a major renaissance in recent years, and pretty much everywhere you turn is Instagram gold, from the classic Beaux-Arts exterior to the futuristic train concourse. And inside, the Great Hall is a magical space – and a great spot to hang out any time of day. Shuffleboard, anyone?
Millennium Bridge
Just a few steps from Union Station is another impressive architectural structure – Millennium Bridge. The 200-foot-tall tapered white steel mast is a dazzling part of the Downtown Denver landscape. Climb the steps to the top and get some snaps of the bridge itself, as well as views of the 16 th Street Mall to the east and Denver’s Highlands neighborhood to the west.
The Rooftop at Coors Field
Coors Field only opened its doors back in the 1990s, but it has the feel of a classic ballpark. The Rooftop here is a relatively new addition, giving you an expansive view of the on-field action – and the Denver skyline behind it. No filter required.
Daniels & Fisher Clocktower
It’s hard to believe, but back when it was built in 1910, the Daniels & Fisher Clocktower was the tallest structure between the Mississippi and California. Today, surrounded by skyscrapers, it remains a classic Denver historical landmark. Get a low-angle shot of this one.
The Denver Art Museum
The radical angles and sharp corners of the Denver Art Museum’s Hamilton Building were controversial when unveiled in the early 21 st century. But now they’re as beloved as the red sandstone monoliths of Red Rocks (another spot worth a ‘gram). No matter what your vantage point is, you’ll come away with a mind-blowing pic.
MCA Denver
Discover the cutting-edge Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, which is even cooler than usual at the moment. Its entire exterior is encased in the bold, powerful black & white work of street artist Cleon Peterson, giving Lower Downtown a pleasingly gritty vibe. And of course, the permanent, revolving heart-with-a-dagger sculpture through located outside the museum is extremely cool.
Larimer Square
This Downtown Denver area is where Denver was founded back in 1858 (over a barrel of whiskey, according to legend). Today, it’s a picture-perfect spot – especially after dark, when a canopy of hundreds of LED lightbulbs provide otherworldly illumination over the street.
Tyler Wilcox: April 17, 2024
Malcolm Griffiths: April 11, 2024
Tyler Wilcox