Parks & Atrractions

AMUSEMENT PARK ATTRACTIONS

ELITCH GARDENS THEME PARK
Elitch Gardens is full of world-class thrills and adventure -- all at a MILE HIGH! Look in your conference program book for a special ½ price discount coupon.
For regular admission information, group sales as well as details of rides and attractions, check out: http://www.elitchgardens.com/

HERITAGE SQUARE/ALPINE SLIDE
Heritage Square is a unique amusement park, theater, and shopping village with delightful Victorian architecture -- a place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy great fun and beauty in the Golden foothills. Enjoy Colorado's best Alpine Slide*, Fish 'n Farm Fun Center featuring miniature golf, go-karts & amusement rides, Heritage Rio Golden Train, Music Hall Dinner Theater, old-time photos and more. Check out www.heritagesquare.info or call
303-279-1661

*Alpine Slide: Take the scenic chair lift ride to the top of the mountain - rising vertically 490 ft. Then grab a plastic sled and cruise down one of the two 1/2 mile tracks. Pick up your speed - push forward to go and pull back to slow. www.heritagesquare.info/businesses/alpine.html

CATHOLIC PILGRIMAGE SITES

MOTHER CABRINI SHRINE
Mother Cabrini Shrine, located beyond the foot-hills of Golden, Colorado, was established by Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini as a summer camp for orphan children and for the purpose of spreading the gospel. With her beatification in 1938, the property became a place of prayer, pilgrimage and devotion to Mother Cabrini and the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The shrine is one of many missions served by the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
View www.den-cabrini-shrine.org for visitor information.

SAN LUIS STATIONS OF THE CROSS
San Luis is the oldest non-Indian town founded in Colorado. The San Luis Stations of the Cross are a series of graphic meditations of the last hours of Christ's life, depicted in beautiful bronze sculpture. Created by internationally known sculptor Huberto Maestas, the bronze pieces adorn a hillside path. These life-size sculptures of each station will draw you into prayer as you follow that passion of our Lord. It would be a great stop along with the Great Sand Dunes. Visit http://www.costilla-county.com/stationsofthecross.html for more information.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

RED ROCKS PARK AND AMPITHEATRE
Nestled in the Rocky Mountain Foothills fifteen miles west of Denver, there stands a symbol of nature's unparalleled majesty. Red Rocks is a geologically formed, open-air Amphitheatre that is not duplicated anywhere in the world. The majestic setting of the Amphitheatre, along with the panoramic view of Denver, makes for a breathtaking scene. At an Elevation of 6,200 feet above sea level, this diverse environment allows the visitor to see plants, birds and animals of the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains. In addition to Red Rocks’ world-famous concert venue and awe-inspiring hiking and biking trails, the Visitor Center provides guests with an amazing Performers Hall of Fame display, an interactive educational display featuring the geologic and music history of Red Rocks, and a “rockin’” bar and grille.
The park is open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, FREE of charge. On event days, tourists are permitted until 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.redrocksonline.com or call (303) 295-4444 (main line) or 303-697-4939 (visitors’ center).

MOUNT EVANS
The Mount Evans Scenic Byway is America's highest paved automobile road. All 14 miles of the road from the entrance station to the Mount Evans summit parking area (14,130) are paved. From there, you can hike the last 130 feet (about 1/4 mile walk) to the top at 14,264 feet. After you have made this climb, you can tell all your friends: "I climbed a 14,000 foot mountain in Colorado!" Also, see beautiful Echo Lake located just north of the Mount Evans Entrance station. Known for its excellent fishing (it is stocked yearly) and its picnic area at the north end of the lake, there is also a trail around the lake which makes for a beautiful, easy walk. Visit www.mountevans.com.

PARKS AND TRAILS
Information on Lookout Mountain Visitor Center and Jefferson County trails, parks, and open space (including popular Mount Falcon Park) can be found at www.co.jefferson.co.us/openspace or by calling 303-526-0594.

THE GREAT SAND DUNES
Explore the tallest dunes in North America! Whether hiking, sliding, exploring in a dunes wheelchair - or simply playing - the Great Sand Dunes are a unique wilderness area protected for all to enjoy. Visit http://www.nps.gov/grsa for more information.

EXHIBITS/MUSEUMS

DENVER MUSEUM OF NATURE AND SCIENCE
Visit the top family attraction in Denver (2004 Zagat Family Travel Guide). Explore fantastic fossils, stimulating space science activities, view amazing gems and minerals, Egyptian mummies, and much more. Watch exciting IMAX films and one of the best planetariums in the country. Check out www.dmns.org or call 303-322-7009.

DENVER ZOO
The Denver Zoo, located in City Park, spans over 75 acres and is home to over 4,000 animals including rare amur leopards, okapi, black rhinoceros, elephants, vampire bats, orangutan, Komodo dragons and more! For a virtual tour visit www.denverzoo.org or call (303) 376-4800.

DINOSAUR RIDGE
The Dinosaur Ridge area is one of the world's most famous dinosaur fossil localities. Here, in 1877, some of the best-known dinosaurs were first discovered. Today, Dinosaur Ridge is a destination for over 70,000 dinosaur enthusiasts, students of all ages, and nature aficionados each year. There are several options that you have when planning a visit to Dinosaur Ridge, including FREE self-guided tours. For more information, call (303) 697-3466 or visit www.dinoridge.org.

PROFESSIONAL SPORTS GAMES/EXHIBITS/TOURS

COLORADO ROCKIES/COORS FIELD
Catch a Colorado Rockies Baseball Game (home games throughout the week following SOR) or simply visit Coors Field- a must see to anyone who visits the Denver Area. For tickets, tours, and other information, call 303-ROCKIES.

COLORADO SPORTS HALL OF FAME
A FREE museum honoring Colorado sports legends. Open most Thurs.-Sat. from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Contact 720-258-3536 or check our www.coloradosports.org.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For information regarding shopping, dining, and other recreation in Denver, visit www.denver.org.