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

Exploring Denver’s Wild Side has never been easier or more flexible than with this self-guided audio tour from VoiceMap, priced at just $9.99 per person. Lasting between 45 minutes and 1 hour 15 minutes, this tour takes you through the Lower Downtown (LoDo) district, revealing its rough warehouse origins and transformation into a lively, modern neighborhood. Starting at the sealed tunnel entrance on Market Street, you’ll uncover stories from Denver’s past, including underground illicit activities, historic buildings, haunted locations, and pivotal events that shaped the city.

This tour is ideal for history buffs and curious explorers who enjoy self-paced sightseeing. It offers offline access via an app for both Android and iOS, giving full flexibility to explore at your own pace. While there’s no included entry fee for attractions, you’ll pass by several notable sites, and the tour’s narrative helps you appreciate Denver’s notorious past without the need for a guided group.

Key Points

• Affordable price of $9.99 per person makes this a budget-friendly way to explore Denver’s history.
• Self-guided format with offline access allows exploration without the need for a live guide.
• The duration varies from 45 minutes to over an hour, depending on your pace.
• Starts at the sealed tunnel entrance on Market Street, a site linked to underground illicit activities.
• Passes through historic sites like the Sugar Building, the Oxford Hotel’s Cruise Room, and McGregor Square.
• Highlights Denver’s notorious past, including stories of whisky parties, a gun duel between women, and a haunted brothel.

Starting Point at 1664 Market Street in Denver

The tour begins at 1664 Market Street, near the former site of the sealed tunnel entrance. This tunnel played a key role in Denver’s underground economy involving coal transport and illicit activities. The starting point is easy to find with directions provided in the app, and the tour ends at Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row at 1946 Market Street.

Travelers should plan to have a smartphone with the app installed, as smartphones and headphones are not included. The timing is flexible, thanks to the self-guided format, making it perfect for fitting into a busy day or exploring at leisure.

Denver’s Underground and the Historic Tunnel Entrance

The tour’s first stop focuses on the sealed tunnel on Market Street, which once facilitated coal transport and was linked to underground illicit activities. This site hints at Denver’s hidden history, where secretive dealings and underground tunnels shaped the city’s development.

Following the narrative, you learn about how the underground space connected to Denver’s rougher past. The story also touches on the transformation of LoDo from a warehouse district into a vibrant neighborhood.

LoDo’s Main Street: From Warehouse District to Historic Landmark

A key part of the tour involves a stroll along what is recognized as one of Denver’s most important streets, designated as the first historic landmark in 1971. This street, once lined with warehouses, now hosts shops, restaurants, and bars that reflect Denver’s rebirth.

The narrative helps paint a picture of the neighborhood’s evolution from gritty industrial hub to a lively area filled with history and modern charm. The walk offers a chance to appreciate the architecture and past stories woven into the streetscape.

The Legacy of the Sugar Building and the Industry

The story then takes you past the Sugar Building, a reminder of Denver’s sugar beet industry era. This building, with its distinctive architecture, represents a significant part of the city’s industrial past.

The tour explains how the sugar industry contributed to Denver’s growth and how the building’s preservation maintains the neighborhood’s historic character. It’s a fascinating look at how industry shapes city landscapes.

Haunted Oxford Hotel and the Cruise Room

A highlight is the Oxford Hotel’s Cruise Room, opened during the Prohibition era. This historic bar is haunted, with stories of ghost Florence Montague in room 320. Visitors appreciate the unique ambiance and the haunted reputation of this bar.

While the tour does not include entry fees, it offers intriguing tales of Denver’s haunted locations. The Cruise Room remains a popular spot for those interested in ghost stories and classic prohibition-era decor.

McGregor Square and Coors Field’s Revitalization

Passing by McGregor Square and Coors Field, the narrative explains how these areas sparked LoDo’s revitalization. This part of the tour emphasizes sports culture and urban renewal, highlighting Denver’s transformation into a vibrant sports and entertainment district.

The tour describes the atmosphere of McGregor Square, the baseball fans’ hub, and how these sites contributed to modern Denver’s identity.

European Vibe at Windsor Dairy and the Dairy Block

The Dairy Block’s alley boasts a European atmosphere with restored 1918 Windsor Dairy building. Once famed for fine cheeses and dairy products, this area now features trendy shops and restaurants.

The narrative details the restoration process and how this area blends historic architecture with contemporary culture. It’s a favorite for visitors wanting to experience a historic yet lively part of LoDo.

The Red Light District and the House of Mirrors Brothel

Another story touches on the most notorious red light district in the American West, where an iconic bar is located today. The area’s infamous reputation is linked to Denver’s wild past, including whisky parties and illicit activities.

Plus, the site of the only known gun duel between two women is part of the narrative, illustrating Denver’s colorful and sometimes lawless history. The House of Mirrors brothel is also mentioned as part of the city’s outrageous past.

Practical Details: Logistics and What’s Included

The tour begins at 1664 Market Street and concludes at Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row. It includes lifetime access to the audio content in English and offline, allowing unlimited exploration at your own pace.

The tour comes with directions to the starting point and is delivered via an app compatible with Android and iOS. However, travelers need to bring their own smartphone and headphones. The tour does not include attraction entry fees, food, drinks, or transportation.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This experience suits those who enjoy self-guided exploration supported by engaging storytelling. It is perfect for visitors interested in Denver’s notorious history, including haunted locations, underground secrets, and historic landmarks.

While it’s not a physical guided tour, the rich stories and local knowledge make it feel like an insider’s look into Denver’s colorful past. The flexible pace and offline access make it suitable for a relaxed day or a quick insight into Denver’s lesser-known stories.

The Sum Up: A Compact Dive into Denver’s Notorious Past

This self-guided audio tour offers an affordable, flexible way to explore Denver’s less polished side. It weaves together stories of underground tunnels, haunted hotels, and historic districts, giving a vivid picture of the city’s rough-and-tumble roots.

While it doesn’t include entry fees for attractions, the narrative-rich stops and local lore provide plenty of interest. It’s an excellent choice for those wanting a personalized, engaging look at Denver’s notorious history without the constraints of a group tour.

Ideal for history lovers, urban explorers, and anyone curious about Denver’s wild side, this tour delivers entertainment and education in a convenient, budget-friendly package.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, since it’s a self-guided audio tour, most ages can participate comfortably.

Do I need to pay for attractions during the tour?
No, the tour does not include entry fees for attractions; those are paid separately if you choose to visit specific sites.

Can I do this tour on my schedule?
Absolutely. The offline app allows you to start and stop whenever you wish, fitting into your personal timetable.

What should I bring on the tour?
A smartphone with the app installed, headphones, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Are there any physical accessibility considerations?
The tour involves walking through outdoor areas; accessibility depends on individual mobility.

How long does the tour take?
The total time varies from about 45 minutes to over an hour and 15 minutes, depending on your pace and stops.

Where does the tour end?
The tour concludes at Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row on Market Street.

Is this a group tour?
No, it is a private, self-guided experience, only your group participates.

Can I get a refund if I change my mind?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.