Key Highlights
Welcome to your simple guide for Denver Union Station. This place is in the heart of downtown Denver. The historic Union Station is much more than a spot for catching trains or buses.
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You can travel easily from here. Union Station brings together RTD commuter rail, light rail, and Amtrak trains in one spot.
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If you want a nice place to stay, the Crawford Hotel is right at the station for your comfort and style.
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If you get hungry, try some great food and drinks at spots like the Terminal Bar.
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You can walk through the grand Great Hall or check out the Denver Millennium Bridge, which is close by.
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It is easy to see places like the Denver Art Museum from here.
This is the best way to see all the top sites in the city, right from the heart of downtown Denver at Union Station.
Introduction
Welcome to Denver Union Station. This is the main spot in downtown Denver and a big part of the high city. It is not just a train station. The place is full of energy with lots of people coming and going. You will find both old charm and new comfort here.
You can get on a train, sit down for a good meal, or just spend some time taking in the way this place looks. Union Station has been fixed up nicely and is now even better than before. Each time you visit, you will find something special. Come and see why so many people love this downtown denver spot.
Discovering Denver Union Station: History and Significance
Denver’s Union Station shows the city’s vision and hard work to save its history. This historic union station has changed in a big way. It started as a simple train hall and is now a main place in the heart of downtown Denver. The job of making these changes was huge. The Denver Union Station Project Authority and the Union Station Alliance led this project.
The people working on this made sure to keep the old, classic look of the union station building. At the same time, they added things that the city needs today. This way, the station kept its special charm, but now it’s ready for the future. We will talk about how the station changed over time and look at its beautiful building features.
The Evolution of Denver Union Station
The story of today’s Union Station started in 2001. That was the year the Regional Transportation District (RTD) bought the site. In the next year, a team made a master plan for the area. This helped set up a way to rebuild and keep the historic Union Station and the land around it. The plan came together with help from the City and County of Denver, the Colorado Department of Transportation, and other partners in the area.
In 2012, RTD picked the Union Station Alliance to rebuild the historic building. Their goal was to make sure the heritage of this place stayed safe. This became a big part of the FasTracks plan to grow transit for the metro area. The plan brought together different ways to travel, like commuter rail on the main line.
Building work started in 2010. The new bus concourse opened in 2014. Then, the commuter rail service started in 2016. With these changes, Union Station turned into the travel center for people in the State of Colorado.
Architectural Highlights and Preservation
The team made sure to keep the union station building safe when they worked on it. They wanted to hold on to what made this historic building special while making it good for today’s needs. Now, the place is both beautiful and useful, spreading over thousands of square feet.
In the center, you will find the great hall. This is the main waiting area for union station. The space has high ceilings and a classic look. When you are there, you can sit, look around, and take in the cool parts of the architecture. This waiting area is open to the people. It feels fancy but also like a second home. Many say it is like Denver’s living room.
The upper levels now hold a small hotel, places to eat, and shops. The way these spaces have been used shows that the city cares about the old building. Now, the union station building has a new life. It will keep being a big part of Denver for many years.
Visitor Experience: Things to See and Do
Your trip to Union Station is about much more than just getting on a train. Union Station and the area around it have many things to see and do. It is the perfect place to enjoy a full afternoon or even a whole day in downtown Denver. You will find lively public spaces and museums here. There is something fun for everyone right in the heart of downtown Denver. Even the main waiting area by itself is something you should see.
You can walk to the Denver Millennium Bridge nearby. You might want to go watch a game at Coors Field or spend time at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Let’s check out what the area has to offer, including some amazing attractions and beautiful art.
Iconic Attractions, Events, and Activities
Union Station is full of life. The Great Hall is busy and often has fun seasonal events, markets, and get-togethers. It is a good starting point if you want to see more of Denver’s top spots. If you love sports, art, or history, you will find something fun near union station.
When you step outside, you will see that there is lots to do and see. The space is made for people who want to walk and look around. Here are a few places you should visit near union station:
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Denver Millennium Bridge: This bridge is just for people walking. You get some nice views of the city.
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Coors Field: This is where the Colorado Rockies baseball team plays.
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Denver Art Museum: The museum has many kinds of art from all over the world.
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Molly Brown House Museum: You can see the home of Molly Brown, a famous survivor of the Titanic.
There is so much to pick from. Union Station is a great place to start your time in Denver. The station also plans its own special events, so it is good to check the schedule before you go.
Art Installations and Public Spaces
Art is a big part of the Union Station experience. You can see beautiful art both inside and outside the station. These art pieces help make the public spaces stand out. They show off the creative side of Denver and give you more to find when you visit. Union Station is like a living gallery right in the heart of downtown Denver.
Union Station’s focus on public art links it with the rest of the city’s culture. It only takes a short walk to get to places like the Denver Art Museum or the Museum of Contemporary Art. When you go, you can see even more creative work.
Even if you stop by for a little while, you should take some time to notice the art around you at the station. From big displays to small design features, these creative ideas make the place special. They help show why Union Station is such an important spot in downtown Denver.
Dining and Shopping Guide
Get ready for a great food experience at Union Station. The food options here are really good. You can find anything, from easy-going cafes to places that have won big awards. If you want something sweet, you can stop by Milkbox Ice Creamery. If you want a drink, you can enjoy a nice cocktail at Cooper Lounge. Some of the chefs here have even won a James Beard Award.
There are also shops and small stores for you to look through. This guide helps you see the best spots to eat, get a drink, and shop while you are at Union Station.
Noteworthy Restaurants, Bars, and Cafés
Denver Union Station is now a top spot in the city to eat and drink. The place has a mix of restaurants and bars that will please any taste. You can start your day with a strong coffee, have a fast lunch, or sit down for a nice dinner, all inside this one amazing building. The food here is top notch, and some places have even won a James Beard Award.
You can meet your friends or enjoy a meal on your own. There are lots of options to choose from. There is everything from craft beer to an extensive wine list. The drinks are as good as the food. Here are a few popular places you can check out:
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Terminal Bar: This bar used to be the ticketing office. Now, it serves many Colorado craft beers.
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Cooper Lounge: You will find this stylish bar on the mezzanine with classic cocktails and nice views of the Great Hall.
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Milkbox Ice Creamery: This spot has great local ice cream. You get to enjoy it in a cute and historic place.
These are only a few of the many places you will find. Trying the different food and drinks is a big part of the Union Station experience.
Unique Shops and Boutiques Inside the Station
Union Station is more than just a place to eat or get a drink. You will find unique shops and boutiques here that make shopping fun and easy. There is something for everyone, from locally made things to travel items and eye-catching souvenirs. The stores are well chosen to match the feel of Denver and the Rocky Mountain area.
Shopping at Union Station is a good way to find a nice gift or a little something to remember your trip. These boutiques are inside the beautiful building, so it is a nice place to walk around and shop. Here are some shops you can check out:
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Find books and gifts that show off Colorado.
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Buy handmade goods and things made by people in the area.
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Shop for some cool clothes and wearables.
The special shops here make Union Station even better. It is a real one-stop spot in the heart of downtown Denver.
Travel and Accommodation Essentials
Getting to union station and staying there is very easy. This spot is the main point for transit in the city. It links you with denver international airport by RTD commuter rail. You can also get amtrak trains, regional buses, and the new light rail station here. The union station bus concourse is the main place for many of these routes.
For an easy stay, you can book a room right at the crawford hotel. There are more hotels on site and others close by. You will be right in the heart of it all. Let’s take a look at the union station transit and place to stay options.
Getting to Denver Union Station Using Public Transit
Accessing Denver Union Station via public transit is simple and efficient. The station is the hub for multiple commuter rail lines and regional buses, making it easy to reach from all over the metro area and beyond. The RTD commuter rail A-Line provides a direct connection to Denver International Airport.
The underground Union Station bus concourse houses 22 bays, serving as a central point for local and regional bus routes. Additionally, the Union Station light rail station connects you to RTD’s extensive light rail system. For trips around downtown, the Free MetroRide and 16th Street Free MallRide offer convenient connections.
Here is a quick breakdown of your main transit options:
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Transit Type |
Details/Connections |
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RTD Commuter Rail |
Includes the A Line to Denver International Airport and other commuter rail lines. |
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RTD Light Rail |
The D, E, H, and W lines stop at the light rail station. |
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RTD Bus Service |
The underground bus concourse serves numerous local and regional routes. |
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Amtrak |
National rail service for long-distance travel. |
Onsite Hotels and Stay Options
If you want a stay that you will not forget, you can get a room right inside Denver Union Station. The Crawford Hotel is one of the top places to stay at, known for its nice rooms and being right by all that the station has to offer. Picture yourself waking up in the heart of downtown Denver, with great food spots and public transit right outside your room.
A night at the Crawford Hotel is much more than only a place to sleep. It gives you a whole new feel that brings you closer to Denver Union Station. The look and style of the hotel uses pieces from the history of the station, and each room has its own cool look. This is what you get:
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Unique Room Styles: Pick rooms that are set up like classic Pullman train cars, have a old-time Victorian feel, or show off a clean, modern look.
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Exclusive Amenities: People who stay here get treats like first-choice seating in station restaurants and a free cold local craft beer.
This hotel puts you in the heart of downtown Denver, so you are set to walk out and explore all the things to do in the city.
Accessibility and Traveler Services
Denver Union Station wants to give every visitor a good and easy experience. This train station has many things and services to help make your trip easy and nice. It thinks about you in every way, from when the doors open to how people in the station support travelers.
The station has lots of things that make it easy for everyone to move around. These services show that the City and County of Denver care about making things open for all. Here is the important information you need for your time at union station.
Hours of Operation and Amenities
The main public spaces at Denver Union Station, like the Great Hall waiting area, are open every day. You can go there from 6:30 AM to 10:00 PM all week. This gives you a lot of time to enjoy the Union Station atmosphere, get something to eat, or wait for your trip.
The Amtrak ticket office, passenger help, and checked baggage services all work from 6:30 AM until 9:30 PM each day. Still, it is smart to get there at least an hour before your train leaves if you plan to use any of these services.
Each restaurant and shop, including the Terminal Bar, might have its own hours. A morning coffee place could open at a different time than the bar. Make sure to check when each spot at Union Station opens before you go. This way, you can be sure they are ready to serve you.
Accessibility Features for All Travelers
Yes, Denver Union Station is ready to help all travelers. The station has many features to make it easy for everyone to get around. Union Station wants to welcome everyone, both locals and people visiting the City and County of Denver.
Key things you will find at historic Union Station are easy-to-reach platforms, restrooms, ticket offices, and also waiting rooms. There is a smooth path from the drop-off spot straight to the train platform. This helps people with wheelchairs or anyone else who needs an easy route.
The station has wheelchair lifts and will lend you a wheelchair if you need one to get around the station. Station staff are there for help with bags or anything else you may need. All these things help make union station a welcoming spot for every person in the community or visiting.
Conclusion
To sum up, Denver Union Station is not just a place for catching a train. It is, in fact, a busy spot full of life that shows what the high city is all about. There is a lot to see in and around union station. You will find a rich past, good-looking buildings, and many places to eat, shop, and have fun. This means there is something for everyone here.
If you want to ride the train, taste local food, or see art, your time at union station will be special. As you get ready for your trip, remember to check out all the things that help make your visit easy and smooth. Are you set to see it for yourself? Book a trip now and dive into what makes Denver Union Station and the high city so full of charm.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I catch an Amtrak train at Denver Union Station?
To board one of the Amtrak trains, go to the Amtrak ticket office inside the main train hall. Here, you can buy tickets or get help if you need it. It is a good idea to get there at least 60 minutes early if you want to check your bags or if you need help as a passenger. You can reach the platforms right from the main station building.
Is Denver Union Station accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes, Denver Union Station is easy to use for everyone. It has features to help people with access needs. There are ramps on the platforms, restrooms, a waiting area, and ticket offices that anyone can use. The station has lifts for wheelchairs and gives out free wheelchairs to help travelers. People from the county of Denver and other places can feel good about using union station.
Are there any special events regularly held at Denver Union Station?
Yes, that’s right! Union Station in Denver has many special events in its public spaces. Most of these happen in the Great Hall. You can find things like markets, live music, and get-togethers with people from the city. The plaza outside, close to the Denver Millennium Bridge, is also busy with outdoor fun and events all year.