Twisted History Tour Denver True Crime, Scandal, Sinister Tales

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Twisted History Tour Denver True Crime, Scandal, Sinister Tales

By Discover Denver Tours

Free cancellation available

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Features

Free cancellation available
2h
Mobile voucher
Instant confirmation

Overview

Discover Denver’s dark side on this top-rated true crime and scandal walking tour through downtown’s most iconic landmarks.

As you explore sites like Union Station, Larimer Square, 16th Street & the Mile High City's other top, must-see sites, this tour uncovers the many shocking stories & hidden history most visitors never hear.

From gruesome murders to political corruption, red-light secrets, notorious gangs, and the city’s most infamous (and interesting!) characters, you'll experience the darker side of the Mile High City.

Expect a mix of dark humour, engaging storytelling of real events (not ghost stories), and surprising twists that bring Denver’s past to life in a way that’s anything but ordinary.

Perfect for travellers & true crime enthusiasts looking for a memorable experience & a unique twist on history where you don't have to pick between seeing the top landmarks & a darker Denver tour—you get both.

Duration: 2 hours (plenty of stops for photos & questions)
Ages 16+

Activity location

Denver Union Station
- 1701 Wynkoop St,
- 80202-1047, Denver, Colorado, United States

Meeting/Redemption Point

1701 Wynkoop St
- 1701 Wynkoop Street
- 80202, Denver, Colorado, United States

Check availability

Twisted History Tour Denver True Crime, Scandal, Sinister Tales

2h
English

Travellers

Language options: English

Starting time

Price details

£24.80 x 1 Adult£24.80

Total

20% off

What's included, what's not

Government Fees
Meals
Private transport

Know before you book

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transport options are available nearby
Transport options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
In accordance with UK consumer law, activities services are not subject to the right of withdrawal. Supplier cancellation policy will apply.
This activity is provided by a professional trader (a party acting within their trade, business or profession).

Activity itinerary

Denver Union Station

Denver’s beautifully restored Union Station looks polished today—but its past tells a different storey. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, this bustling rail hub was surrounded by chaos: pickpockets, con artists, and drifters looking to take advantage of weary travellers arriving in the Mile High City. The area nearby was notorious for crime, gambling, and underground activity, making it one of the city’s roughest entry points. As you stand in this grand space, it’s hard to imagine the grit, desperation, and danger that once defined it.

Larimer Square

Larimer Square is often called Denver’s most historic block—but it also has one of its darkest pasts. Once the heart of the city’s red-light district, this street was lined with saloons, brothels, and backroom deals. Crime, corruption, and violence were common, and some of Denver’s earliest scandals unfolded right here. Behind today’s charming lights and restored buildings are stories of power struggles, vice, and the city’s morally questionable beginnings.

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts

Now a hub for culture and performance, this area once sat near some of Denver’s more rough-and-tumble streets. In the city’s early days, entertainment often came with a darker edge—gambling halls, saloons, and questionable establishments weren’t far away. While today’s shows are far more refined, the surrounding area has a long history of nightlife that blurred the line between entertainment and vice.

Daniels and Fisher Tower

The iconic D&F Clocktower has watched over Denver for more than a century—and witnessed its share of drama. Built in 1911, it stood above a city centre filled with bustling crowds, street crime, and the occasional scandal. Nearby streets were once lined with saloons and shady activity, and the tower became a silent observer to the city’s evolving—and sometimes troubled—history.

16th Street Mall

Today, the 16th Street Mall is a lively pedestrian promenade—but historically, this corridor has always been at the centre of Denver’s energy, for better or worse. In earlier days, nearby blocks were known for shady deals, conmen (Soapy Smith was one of the biggest and baddest), and late-night activity that often spilled into trouble. It’s long been a place where different sides of the city collide—commerce, culture, and a hint of chaos.

Skyline Park

Skyline Park was once adjacent to Denver’s most notorious stretches - the Red Light District. During the late 1800s, it became a hotspot for vice—lined with brothels, saloons, and criminal activity that defined the city’s wild early reputation. Deals were made in the shadows, and the line between legality and corruption was often blurred. It was here that Denver’s “anything goes” attitude truly took hold.

Mcgregor Square

Now a modern entertainment district next to Coors Field, McGregor Square sits in an area that has long been tied to crowds, energy, and occasional chaos. While today it’s all sports bars, eateries and big screens, the surrounding area has a history shaped by rowdy gatherings, nightlife, and the unpredictable behaviour that comes with them. It's also the area that was once Chinatown, before the riots completely destroyed and decimated it. It’s a fitting place to end a tour filled with stories of Denver’s more colourful—and sometimes chaotic—past.

Location

Activity location

Denver Union Station
- 1701 Wynkoop St,
- 80202-1047, Denver, Colorado, United States

Meeting/Redemption Point

1701 Wynkoop St
- 1701 Wynkoop Street
- 80202, Denver, Colorado, United States

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