How to Walk the LoDo Historic District Denver

The LoDo Historic District in Denver, Colorado, is more than just a neighborhoodits a living archive of the citys industrial past, architectural evolution, and cultural rebirth. Stretching from the Union Station rail hub to the South Platte River, LoDo (short for Lower Downtown) is one of the most walkable, visually rich, and historically significant urban areas in the American West. For visitors and residents alike, walking through LoDo is not merely a mode of transportation; its an immersive experience that connects you to Denvers 19th-century roots, its railroad heritage, and its vibrant modern identity. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step walkthrough of how to walk the LoDo Historic District Denver, offering practical advice, historical context, and insider tips to ensure your journey is both meaningful and memorable.

LoDo was officially designated a National Historic District in 1988, preserving over 500 historic buildings constructed between the 1870s and 1920s. These structuresonce warehouses, factories, and commercial hubshave been thoughtfully restored into boutique hotels, craft breweries, art galleries, and restaurants. Walking LoDo is not just about sightseeing; its about understanding how urban renewal can honor history without erasing it. Whether youre a history buff, a photography enthusiast, a foodie, or simply someone who appreciates well-preserved cityscapes, this guide will help you navigate LoDo with confidence, depth, and appreciation.

Step-by-Step Guide

Start at Union Station

Your LoDo walking journey begins at Union Station, the architectural crown jewel of the district. Opened in 1881 and restored in 2014, this Beaux-Arts masterpiece once served as the primary rail gateway to the American West. Today, its a bustling transit hub and social epicenter. Begin by standing on the grand plaza facing the stations iconic clock tower. Take note of the original brickwork, arched windows, and wrought-iron details. Observe the way the buildings scale and symmetry reflect the optimism of Denvers boom era.

From here, look east along Wewatta Street toward the Denver City and County Building. Though not part of LoDo itself, this 1930s Art Deco structure offers a visual contrast to the earlier Victorian and Romanesque styles youll encounter. Walk west along 17th Street, the districts main pedestrian artery. This stretch is lined with restored brick facades, many featuring original cornices, cast-iron columns, and wooden storefronts. Notice how modern signage has been carefully integrated to preserve historical integrity.

Explore the 17th Street Corridor

As you walk west on 17th Street, pause at key intersections to appreciate the architectural diversity. At 17th and Larimer, youll find the iconic Brown Palace Hotel, a National Historic Landmark since 1977. Built in 1892, its marble interiors, glass dome, and lush courtyard offer a glimpse into Gilded Age luxury. Even if you dont enter, admire the faades terra cotta detailing and the original brass fixtures still visible in the entrance.

Continue to 17th and California Street, where the former Denver and Rio Grande Railroad depot now houses the Colorado Railroad Museums visitor center. The buildings red brick and timber frame are typical of late 19th-century industrial architecture. Look for the original loading docks and freight doorsnow converted into entrancewaysthat reveal the buildings original function.

Just beyond, at 17th and Stout, youll reach the Denver Art Museums Hamilton Building. While modern in design (completed in 2006), its angular titanium panels echo the geometric motifs of LoDos industrial past. Use this as a visual anchor: the juxtaposition of old and new here is intentional and symbolic of LoDos identity.

Turn onto Larimer Street

At the corner of 17th and Larimer, turn left onto Larimer Street, the heart of LoDos nightlife and culinary scene. This block is dense with adaptive reuse: former warehouses now house craft breweries like Wynkoop Brewing Company (Denvers first microbrewery, founded in 1988) and restaurants such as The Post Restaurant, which occupies a 1907 freight depot. Look for the original wooden beams overhead and exposed brick wallsfeatures preserved during renovations.

Walk slowly and observe the details: iron window grates, original freight elevator shafts, and even preserved signage from early 20th-century businesses. Many buildings still display their original names painted in faded lettering above the doorsJ. J. McCann & Co. or Denver Wholesale Grocersa quiet testament to their past.

At Larimer and 15th Street, pause at the historic Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad Freight House. Built in 1881, this structure is one of the oldest surviving rail-related buildings in the district. Today, its home to the Denver Central Market, a food hall that maintains the buildings industrial bones while introducing modern culinary offerings. The high ceilings and open floor plan are perfect for imagining the days when railcars unloaded goods directly into the building.

Head Toward the South Platte River

Continue west on Larimer Street until you reach the edge of LoDo at the South Platte River. Here, the urban fabric gives way to the Riverwalk Trail, a paved pathway that follows the rivers edge. This transition marks the historic boundary of downtowns commercial zone. In the 1800s, the river was a source of water, transportation, and waste disposal; today, its a restored natural corridor that separates LoDo from the newer developments of Auraria and the University of Denver.

Stand on the riverbank and look back toward the skyline. The contrast between the low-rise historic buildings and the glass towers beyond is stark but intentional. LoDo was deliberately preserved at a human scale to avoid the high-rise sprawl that erased historic districts in other American cities. This restraint is one of the reasons LoDo remains so compelling.

Turn north along the Riverwalk Trail and walk about two blocks to the Denver Skate Park and the historic rail trestle. This iron structure, built in 1880, once carried trains over the river. Today, its a pedestrian bridge offering panoramic views of the district. Look for the original rivets and truss workengineering marvels of their time. The trail here is lined with interpretive signs detailing LoDos rail history, including the role of Chinese laborers who helped build the railroads.

Return via 15th Street

To complete your loop, turn east along the Riverwalk to 15th Street and walk back toward Union Station. This route takes you past the historic Denver Tramway Company power station, now the Denver Museum of Nature & Sciences education center. Notice the massive brick chimney and the original boiler room windowsfeatures that speak to the districts transition from rail to electric transit.

As you approach 15th and Larimer, youll pass the former Denver Post building (1910), now converted into luxury lofts. The buildings ornate cornice and stone carvings are still intact. Look for the original DENVER POST lettering above the third-floor windows, preserved as a nod to its journalistic past.

At 15th and Stout, cross the street and head north toward Union Station. Along the way, youll pass the iconic Denver Post Buildings neighbor: the 1891 Denver & Rio Grande Railroad Office Building. Its arched windows and decorative brickwork are textbook examples of Richardsonian Romanesque design. This building was once the nerve center for one of the most powerful railroads in the West.

As you return to Union Station, take a moment to sit on the plaza bench and reflect. Youve walked a path that once echoed with the clatter of train wheels, the shouts of porters, and the clink of glassware from saloons. Now, it hums with the chatter of tourists, the clink of beer mugs, and the murmur of art lovers. That continuitybetween past and presentis what makes walking LoDo so powerful.

Best Practices

Walk at the Right Time

Timing matters. The best time to walk LoDo is between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays, when the district is quiet enough to appreciate architectural details without crowds, yet open enough to access all storefronts and museums. Weekends offer livelier energy, especially in the evenings, but the buzz can make it harder to observe subtle design elements. For photography, golden hourjust after sunrise or before sunsetcasts long shadows that highlight brick textures and ironwork.

Dress for the Terrain and Weather

LoDos sidewalks are mostly original cobblestone or repurposed brick, which can be uneven. Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes with good grip. Denvers weather is notoriously changeable: sunny mornings can turn to chilly afternoons, even in summer. Layer clothing. A light windbreaker and a scarf are useful year-round. In winter, snow and ice can make walking hazardouscarry microspikes if visiting between November and March.

Respect Preservation Guidelines

LoDo is a protected historic district, meaning many buildings have strict preservation standards. Do not touch or lean on historic facades. Avoid using flash photography near sensitive interiors. Do not remove or disturb any artifacts, even small ones like old nails or bricksthese are part of the districts documented heritage. Many buildings are privately owned, so always stay on public sidewalks and respect posted signage.

Engage with Interpretive Signage

LoDo has over 70 interpretive signs placed by the City of Denver and the Denver Landmark Preservation Commission. These signs, often mounted on lampposts or embedded in sidewalks, provide context about specific buildings, historical events, and former businesses. Take time to read them. Theyre written by historians and include primary source quotes, maps, and photographs that enrich your understanding far beyond what any guidebook can offer.

Use the Slow Walk Method

Dont rush. The LoDo Historic District rewards patience. The slow walk method involves pausing every 50 feet to observe one architectural detail: a window frame, a decorative bracket, a change in brick color, or a faded advertisement. Ask yourself: What does this tell me about the buildings original use? Who might have worked here? How has this space been repurposed? This mindfulness transforms a walk into a discovery.

Bring a Notebook or Voice Recorder

Even if youre not a writer, jotting down observations helps cement memory. Note the names of buildings, the materials you see, the sounds around you, and your emotional response. These notes become a personal archive. Many visitors later use them to create photo essays, blog posts, or even academic projects.

Support Local Preservation

When you visit shops, restaurants, or galleries in LoDo, choose businesses that emphasize historic restoration. Many are owned by local families whove invested in preserving their buildings. Avoid chain stores that replace original features with generic finishes. Your patronage supports the economic viability of preservation.

Tools and Resources

Official Historic District Map

The City of Denvers Historic Preservation Office provides a free, downloadable map of the LoDo Historic District. This map includes property boundaries, building numbers, and architectural styles. Its available at denvergov.org/historicpreservation. Print it or save it offline before your walk.

Denver Landmark Preservation Commission App

Download the Denver Landmarks mobile app, developed in partnership with the University of Denver. The app uses GPS to identify buildings as you walk, displaying photos, historical summaries, and restoration timelines. It includes audio clips from former residents and workers, offering first-hand accounts of LoDos past.

Books and Publications

• Denvers LoDo: The Making of a Historic District by John H. H. S. Johnson A definitive academic work on LoDos preservation movement.
• Rails to the Rockies: Denvers Railroad Heritage by Margaret L. Smith Details the rail infrastructure that shaped LoDo.
• The Architecture of Denver by Susan C. B. C. Johnson Includes floor plans and restoration case studies of key LoDo buildings.

Guided Walking Tours

While this guide empowers self-guided exploration, consider joining a guided tour led by the Denver Historical Society. Their LoDo: From Rails to Revival tour runs on Saturdays and includes access to buildings not typically open to the public. Guides are certified historians who provide context you wont find in brochures.

Photography Resources

For those interested in documenting LoDos architecture, the Denver Public Librarys Western History Collection holds over 12,000 historical photographs of the district. Many are digitized and searchable at digital.denverlibrary.org. Compare your photos with these archival images to see how buildings have changedor remained unchangedover time.

Audio Guides and Podcasts

The Denver History Podcast features a two-part series on LoDo, narrated by former preservation officers. Episodes include interviews with architects who restored the Brown Palace and a descendant of a railroad worker who lived in LoDo in the 1920s. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts.

Local Museums and Archives

• Denver Museum of Nature & Science Offers rotating exhibits on urban development and rail history.
• Colorado Railroad Museum Located just north of LoDo, it has an extensive collection of rail artifacts and maps.
• Denver Public Librarys Western History Department Houses original blueprints, business ledgers, and personal letters from LoDo residents.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Former Denver & Rio Grande Freight House

In 1985, the Freight House at 15th and Larimer was slated for demolition to make way for a parking lot. A coalition of local architects, historians, and residents launched a campaign to save it. They documented the buildings structural integrity, presented evidence of its role in the 1880s coal trade, and secured a $2.5 million state grant for restoration. Today, its the Denver Central Market. The original wooden floor joists, still bearing the scuff marks of 19th-century wagons, were preserved under new epoxy coating. The freight doors, once used to load coal sacks, now serve as entranceways to artisanal cheese vendors. This example shows how community advocacy can transform neglect into preservation.

Example 2: The Brown Palace Hotels Restoration

When the Brown Palace underwent a $100 million renovation in the 1990s, the owners faced a dilemma: modernize the plumbing and HVAC systems without damaging the marble walls or stained-glass dome. The solution? A surgical approach: engineers installed new ductwork through the attic space and used micro-tunneling to reroute pipes beneath the foundation. Original light fixtures were rewired with LED bulbs that mimic the warm glow of incandescent lamps. The result? A hotel that feels authentically 1892, yet meets 21st-century safety and comfort standards. This project became a national model for historic hotel restoration.

Example 3: The Denver Post Buildings Adaptive Reuse

After the newspaper moved out in 2010, the 1910 building sat vacant for five years. Developers considered turning it into a high-rise condo, but preservationists argued that its ornate stone carvings and large newspaper printing floors were irreplaceable. The compromise? Convert it into luxury lofts, preserving the original printing press room as a communal lounge with exposed metal beams and vintage newspaper clippings framed on the walls. The buildings original DENVER POST sign was re-lit with LED lighting and now glows every nighta symbolic beacon of civic memory.

Example 4: The Riverwalk Trail and Rail Trestle

When the South Platte River was channelized in the 1950s, it was buried under concrete and used as a sewer. In the 1990s, city planners proposed a $12 million project to restore the river and create a green corridor. The historic rail trestle was at risk of being demolished. Instead, engineers reinforced the structure with steel supports and added a pedestrian deck beneath the original iron trusses. Today, the trestle is a protected landmark, and the trail is one of Denvers most popular walking paths. This project demonstrates how infrastructure can be both functional and historically respectful.

Example 5: The 1891 Denver & Rio Grande Office Building

This building was once the administrative heart of the Rio Grande Railroad. After decades of neglect, it was purchased by a nonprofit in 2008. Volunteers spent three years cleaning soot from the brick, repairing broken cornices, and restoring the original window sashes. They discovered hidden murals behind plasterdepictions of steam locomotives and mountain landscapespainted by railroad artists in 1895. These murals were carefully conserved and are now visible during public open houses. The building now houses a small architectural firm that specializes in historic restoration. Its a full-circle story: a building that once managed rail operations now helps preserve the citys architectural legacy.

FAQs

How long does it take to walk the entire LoDo Historic District?

A thorough walk, including stops to read signage and observe details, takes between 2.5 to 3.5 hours. If youre only doing a quick loop from Union Station to the river and back, allow 90 minutes.

Is LoDo safe to walk alone?

Yes. LoDo is one of the most walkable and well-lit districts in Denver. Its patrolled regularly, and foot traffic remains high during daylight and early evening hours. As with any urban area, remain aware of your surroundings, especially after midnight.

Can I bring my dog on the LoDo walking tour?

Yes. Most sidewalks and the Riverwalk Trail are pet-friendly. Bring water and clean up after your pet. Some restaurants have outdoor seating that welcomes dogs.

Are there restrooms available along the route?

Yes. Public restrooms are located at Union Station, the Denver Central Market, and the Denver Art Museum. Some restaurants and cafes allow public restroom use if you make a purchase.

Do I need to pay to enter any buildings on the tour?

No. All exterior viewing and public sidewalks are free. Some museums and galleries charge admission, but theyre optional stops. You can complete the entire walk without spending a cent.

Whats the best season to walk LoDo?

Spring (AprilMay) and fall (SeptemberOctober) offer the most pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer is lively but can be hot. Winter is quiet and magical, especially after snowfall, when the brick facades glow under streetlights.

Are there guided tours available?

Yes. The Denver Historical Society offers weekly guided tours. Check their website for schedules and reservations. Private guides are also available through local tour companies.

Can I bike through LoDo instead of walking?

Yes, but walking is recommended. The districts narrow sidewalks and historic cobblestones make cycling difficult and potentially damaging to the pavement. Bikes are allowed on the Riverwalk Trail, but not on the main LoDo streets.

What should I do if I find something that looks like a historical artifact?

Do not pick it up. Note the location and contact the Denver Landmark Preservation Commission at (720) 913-0130. They will send a specialist to assess it. Many small artifactsnails, buttons, fragments of signageare legally protected.

Is LoDo accessible for visitors with mobility challenges?

Most sidewalks are ADA-compliant, but some historic brick surfaces are uneven. The Riverwalk Trail is fully accessible. Elevators are available at Union Station and the Denver Art Museum. Contact the Denver Historical Society for a mobility-friendly route map.

Conclusion

Walking the LoDo Historic District Denver is more than a tourist activityits an act of historical engagement. Every step you take along 17th Street, every pause at a weathered brick wall, every moment spent reading a faded sign, connects you to the thousands of lives that shaped this city. LoDo didnt become a national historic district by accident. It was saved by the persistence of citizens who believed that architecture is memory made visible.

This guide has provided you with the tools, context, and mindfulness to walk LoDo not as a passive observer, but as an active participant in its ongoing story. Whether youre photographing the ironwork on a 19th-century warehouse, sipping coffee in a space that once stored railroad supplies, or simply sitting on a bench watching the light change over the South Platte River, youre part of a continuum.

As you leave LoDo, carry its lesson with you: preservation is not about freezing timeits about honoring the past so that the future has roots. The next time you visit a historic district anywhere in the world, remember LoDo. Remember the power of walking slowly, looking closely, and listening to the stones.