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

Discover Denver’s Notorious Past with a Self-Guided Audio Tour

If you’re curious about Denver’s more rebellious, mysterious, and sometimes downright bizarre side, then the Denvers Wild Side audio tour offers a pretty compelling way to explore. Priced at just $9.99, this tour promises to take you through Lower Downtown (LoDo), revealing the city’s rough-and-tumble history, from underground tunnels to haunted hotels. It’s a flexible, self-paced experience that sounds perfect for curious travelers who enjoy stories as much as sightseeing.

What we genuinely appreciate about this tour is how it combines a rich narrative with the freedom to explore at your own speed. You won’t be tied to a group or strict schedule, which makes it ideal if you prefer wandering freely or have a tight itinerary. Also, the stories are pretty well-rounded, covering everything from old-time whiskey parties to the infamous House of Mirrors brothel. The only potential downside? Since it’s a self-guided tour relying on your phone, it’s not suitable for those who prefer guided commentary or want a more personal touch.

This tour is especially good for history buffs or anyone interested in Denver’s more colorful past. It’s also a fun choice for those who enjoy combining storytelling with walking, though you should be comfortable with some street walking and outdoor exploring. If you love a bit of mystery, ghost stories, and the historic dirt of Denver’s old neighborhoods, this might just be right up your alley.

Key Points

• Affordable price point makes it accessible for most travelers.
• Self-guided format offers flexibility to explore at your own pace.
• Rich stories and local legends make the experience engaging and educational.
• Includes offline access to audio and maps, so you don’t need constant internet.
• Highlights Denver’s hidden and infamous sites like haunted hotels and underground tunnels.
• Designed for independent exploration with detailed directions and start/end points.

What to Expect from the Tour

This 45-minute to 1 hour 15 minutes walking tour provides a detailed look at Denver’s shady, mysterious, and lively history. You’ll start at a sealed tunnel entrance on Market Street—an intriguing spot that hints at Denver’s underground activities during its rougher days. From there, the tour takes you through a variety of historic and notable locations, each with stories that will make you see the city differently.

Imagine walking past old warehouses that once saw illicit activities, and then turning a corner to find the elegant Sugar Building — a relic of Colorado’s sugar beet industry. You’ll hear about haunted spots like the Oxford Hotel’s Cruise Room, where ghost Florence Montague supposedly still lingers in room 320. The narrative covers everything from whiskey parties and destroyed Chinatowns to legendary gun duels between women. It’s colorful and, at times, a bit edgy — exactly what makes Denver’s past so fascinating.

The tour’s stops include a mix of historic buildings, lively neighborhoods, and iconic landmarks. For example, McGregor Square and Coors Field signal the revitalization of LoDo, while Dairy Block’s European vibe shows how much this district has transformed. The tour ends at Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row, a lively spot that’s become part of Denver’s modern scene.

In-Depth Look at the Stops

The Underground Tunnel and Coal Transport

Starting at the sealed tunnel entrance, you’ll learn about Denver’s underground coal systems and the illicit activities associated with them. It’s a glimpse into the city’s gritty beginnings, and the fact that the tunnel’s sealed now adds an air of mystery.

The Sugar Building

This is a standout for fans of industrial architecture or local industry history. As a relic of the sugar beet era, it showcases Denver’s roots in agriculture and commerce. It’s a visual treat, with stories that connect Denver’s growth with the sugar trade.

Haunted Oxford Hotel’s Cruise Room

A highlight for ghost story lovers, the Cruise Room boasts a lively history from Prohibition days. The tour shares tales of ghostly sightings and famous personalities who have visited. Keep in mind, entry fees aren’t included, so plan accordingly if you want to step inside.

McGregor Square & Coors Field

These sites mark Denver’s transformation from a rough-and-tumble past to a vibrant, modern sports and entertainment hub. You’ll hear how affluent redevelopment projects helped revive LoDo, balancing history with contemporary city life.

Dairy Block and Windsor Dairy

The European vibe of Dairy Block and the restored Windsor Dairy building tell stories of Denver’s culinary and commercial evolution. It’s a favorite stop for those who appreciate historic architecture and lively districts.

Site of the Women’s Gun Duel & Red Light District

These stories highlight Denver’s wild, often lawless side, including a rare duel between women and the notorious red-light district. It’s a reminder that Denver’s history isn’t all polished facades.

The Experience: What It’s Like to Walk and Listen

Since you’ll be using your phone with the app, you can choose when and how long to linger at each spot. The directions are clear, so you won’t get lost, but it’s a good idea to keep your device charged. The offline access to audio and maps is helpful, especially if you’re in an area with spotty reception.

The narration is engaging but not overdone, with stories delivered in a conversational style that feels like chatting with a knowledgeable friend. We’ve seen reviews noting the “knowledgeable guides,” which definitely adds to the experience. You’ll appreciate the mix of history, ghostly tales, and urban legends told in a way that’s accessible and interesting.

The tour covers a lot of ground without feeling rushed, but since it’s self-paced, you can opt to spend more time at sites that catch your eye. It’s flexible enough to fit into an afternoon or a relaxed evening stroll.

How It Compares to Traditional Tours

At just under $10, this tour offers excellent value compared to guided group tours, which can be significantly more expensive and less flexible. Because it’s self-guided, you can start when you want, pause when you need, and skip parts if something doesn’t interest you. However, you won’t get a personal guide’s insights or real-time answers, so it’s best suited for self-motivated explorers comfortable with independent sightseeing.

While some reviews might mention the lack of guided interaction, the detailed narration and historical context provided by VoiceMap make this a very informative experience. For travelers who prefer to wander on their own but still want a story to follow, this is a great middle ground.

Price and Value

For $9.99, the tour offers a decent amount of storytelling, historical insight, and flexibility. Considering that guided tours often charge much more and don’t include the same freedom, this is a budget-friendly way to learn about Denver’s rougher side without feeling like you’re missing out on the details. Plus, the lifetime access means you can revisit the stories anytime without extra cost.

Who Will Love This Tour

This experience is ideal for curious travelers who enjoy history, legends, and exploring on their own terms. It’s perfect if you like uncovering hidden stories that aren’t always in the guidebooks. If you’re a fan of ghost stories or urban legends, you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained. It’s also suitable for solo explorers, couples, or small groups who want a flexible, affordable way to learn about Denver’s past.

On the downside, if you’re looking for a guided tour with a live guide and personal interaction, this might feel a bit too independent. Also, it’s not designed for families with young children, as some stories are darker or more mature in nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the stories are generally appropriate for most travelers, some tales involve haunted sites and stories about illicit activities, so parental discretion is advised if traveling with kids.

Do I need to download anything before starting?
Yes, the app provides offline access, so you’ll want to download the tour, maps, and audio ahead of time to avoid relying on internet during your walk.

How long does the tour last?
The total walking and exploring time is approximately 45 minutes to an hour 15 minutes, depending on how much time you spend at each stop.

Are there any extra costs involved?
Entry fees for attractions like the Cruise Room or other sites are not included, so budget accordingly if you want to step inside some locations.

Can I start the tour at any time?
Yes, as long as you have the app and the tour downloaded, you can start when it’s convenient for you, any time during the tour’s open hours.

Is this a guided group tour?
No, it’s a self-guided audio experience, so only your group participates, giving you the freedom to go at your own pace.

To sum it up, the Denvers Wild Side self-guided tour offers a budget-friendly, flexible way to explore the city’s more colorful past. It’s especially suited if you love stories, history, and urban exploration without the constraints of a group. The narration by knowledgeable voices enhances the experience, making it feel like a personal tour, just on your own terms. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or just curious about Denver’s hidden stories, this tour is a solid way to add some intrigue to your visit without breaking the bank.