Denver, Colorado, often referred to as the “Mile-High City” due to its elevation, is renowned for its stunning mountain views, outdoor adventures, and vibrant cultural scene. While Denver’s reputation as a hub for outdoor enthusiasts and craft beer aficionados is well-deserved, there’s another side to the city—one that’s delightfully weird and wonderfully offbeat.
In this guide, we invite you to peel back the layers of Denver’s personality and explore the city’s quirky and unconventional attractions. While the Rocky Mountains provide a breathtaking backdrop, Denver’s charm also lies in its eccentricity.
From dining in a restaurant staffed by nurses to admiring a giant blue horse with glowing red eyes, the city boasts a wealth of unusual, surprising, and sometimes downright bizarre experiences.
Whether you’re a visitor looking to add an element of quirkiness to your Denver adventure or a local eager to uncover the city’s hidden oddities, these 10 weird things to do in Denver promise a journey filled with memorable encounters and unexpected delights.
Embrace the city’s eccentric spirit, let your curiosity lead the way, and get ready to discover the captivating and unconventional side of the Mile-High City.
Weird Things to Do in Denver
1. Casa Bonita
Casa Bonita is a one-of-a-kind restaurant and entertainment complex located in the Denver suburb of Lakewood. What makes it incredibly weird and fascinating is its over-the-top, Mexican-themed decor and entertainment.
As you dine on Mexican cuisine, you’ll be surrounded by elaborately decorated rooms, including a cave with stalactites, a waterfall, and even a replica of a Mexican village.
The entertainment at Casa Bonita includes live shows, cliff divers leaping into a pool, and wandering mariachi bands. It’s a dining experience like no other, combining kitsch, nostalgia, and quirky entertainment all in one.
2. International Church of Cannabis
The International Church of Cannabis is a unique and controversial spiritual space located in Denver’s West Washington Park neighborhood.
What sets it apart is its vibrant and psychedelic interior adorned with colorful, intricate murals that cover every inch of the church’s walls and ceiling.
The church is dedicated to the belief in the spiritual benefits of cannabis and aims to provide a space for like-minded individuals to explore their spirituality and creativity.
While it’s not a traditional tourist attraction, the church’s distinctive art and message make it a peculiar and thought-provoking stop for those interested in alternative spiritual practices.
3. Denver’s Unicorn: Blucifer
Denver International Airport is home to an infamous and somewhat eerie statue known as “Blucifer.” This 32-foot-tall, blue fiberglass sculpture of a rearing mustang with glowing red eyes has captured the imagination of travelers and locals alike.
What makes it weird is the sinister and somewhat unsettling appearance of the horse, which some have referred to as “Lucifer” due to its connection to accidents during its construction.
Despite its creepy reputation, Blucifer has become a recognizable icon of the airport and Denver itself. It’s an unusual and eye-catching piece of public art that sparks conversations and curiosity.
4. Linger Eatuary (former mortuary turned restaurant)
Linger Eatuary is a restaurant with a concept as unique as its name. What makes it especially weird and intriguing is its location in a converted mortuary, the Olinger Mortuary, to be precise.
While dining here, you can sit in repurposed church pews and enjoy dishes that draw inspiration from various international cuisines.
The restaurant maintains elements of the building’s history, such as the original stained glass windows and even the original sign.
It’s a culinary and architectural experience that allows you to dine in a space with a fascinating past, making it a memorable and somewhat eerie dining adventure.
5. The 1up Arcade Bar
The 1up Arcade Bar is a nostalgic and entertaining destination for fans of retro video games and arcade classics.
Located in the heart of Denver’s LoDo (Lower Downtown) neighborhood, this bar features an impressive collection of vintage arcade cabinets, pinball machines, and other arcade games.
It’s a place where you can challenge friends to a game of Pac-Man or Street Fighter while sipping on a cold brew.
The nostalgic atmosphere and quirky combination of gaming and beverages make it a favorite haunt for those seeking a unique night out.
6. Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum
The Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum is a captivating destination for aviation enthusiasts and history buffs. What makes it somewhat weird and intriguing is the eclectic mix of aircraft and space-related exhibits housed within a historic Air Force hangar.
The museum also hosts a variety of events, from space-themed parties to flight simulators that allow you to experience the sensation of flying.
It’s a place where you can step back in time, marvel at aerospace technology, and even take part in immersive activities that provide a deeper appreciation of aviation and space exploration.
7. Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls, and Toys
The Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls, and Toys is a delightful and offbeat museum that showcases a vast collection of miniature art, dolls, and toys from different eras. What makes it weird in the best possible way is the intricate craftsmanship and attention to detail found in the exhibits.
Visitors can explore dollhouses filled with tiny furniture, intricate miniature scenes, and an array of vintage toys and dolls.
The museum also hosts special exhibits and workshops that allow visitors to engage with the world of miniatures and doll collecting. It’s a place where you can appreciate the artistry of the small scale and immerse yourself in a world of whimsy and nostalgia.
8. National Ballpark Museum
The National Ballpark Museum in Denver is a hidden gem for baseball enthusiasts and history buffs. What makes it uniquely weird is its focus on preserving the history and nostalgia of baseball stadiums.
The museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts, memorabilia, and vintage stadium seats from baseball parks across the country. You can explore the evolution of baseball stadiums and the cultural significance of America’s pastime.
One of the highlights is the opportunity to sit in actual seats from historic ballparks while listening to stories of baseball legends. It’s a place where you can step into the past and celebrate the nostalgia of the game.
9. The Clock of Nations at Denver Union Station
The Clock of Nations is a curious and eye-catching feature located inside Denver Union Station. What makes it weird and captivating is its intricate mechanical design and the way it brings together various elements of world culture.
The clock features miniature figurines dressed in traditional costumes from different countries, and each hour, it comes to life with music and movement.
As the figurines rotate, visitors are treated to a whimsical and multicultural show. It’s a unique and somewhat surreal experience that adds a touch of whimsy to the bustling transportation hub of Denver Union Station.
10. The Denver Museum of Nature & Science’s Mummy
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is home to an ancient and somewhat eerie artifact—a mummy. This well-preserved mummy is part of the museum’s extensive collection of cultural and archaeological exhibits.
What makes it peculiar is the opportunity to come face to face with an ancient individual who lived thousands of years ago.
The museum provides insights into the mummy’s history, culture, and the science of mummification. It’s a chance to connect with the distant past and explore the mysteries of ancient civilizations.
