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Denver’s Union Station: A Century of History, Dining & Culture 🚉✨
More than just a train station—Union Station is a historic landmark, foodie hotspot, and cultural hub in the heart of LoDo.
Union Station: Denver’s Timeless Landmark

Hey Denver!
Denver Union Station isn’t just a place to catch a train—it’s a destination in itself. Originally built in 1881 and beautifully restored in 2014, this iconic landmark blends history with modern-day charm. From world-class dining and shopping to a luxury hotel and vibrant events, it’s where locals and visitors come together to experience the best of Denver.
Whether you’re sipping craft coffee at Pigtrain Coffee Co., enjoying a gourmet breakfast at Snooze, or unwinding with a cocktail at the elegant Cooper Lounge, there’s always something happening at Union Station. Ready to explore? Let’s dive in! 🚉✨

🚉 Denver Union Station: Where History Meets Modern Denver
Denver Union Station isn’t just a transit hub—it’s one of the city’s most beloved landmarks, seamlessly blending its rich past with today’s vibrant culture. Originally opened in 1881, this architectural gem has been beautifully restored, turning it into a must-visit destination for dining, shopping, entertainment, and history lovers alike.
🏛️ A Storied Past
Union Station has been at the heart of Denver for over 140 years. Rebuilt in 1914 after a fire, the station became the city’s gateway to the West, welcoming thousands of travelers daily. After years of decline, a visionary restoration effort in 2014 transformed the station into the bustling cultural hub it is today, complete with a hotel, restaurants, bars, and local boutiques.
🍽️ Eat, Drink & Unwind
Union Station is a foodie paradise, offering everything from casual bites to award-winning cuisine. Here are some top spots to check out:
• ☕ Pigtrain Coffee Co. – Locally roasted coffee with a cozy train station vibe.
• 🍳 Snooze, an A.M. Eatery – Famous for their creative pancakes and benedicts.
• 🥂 Cooper Lounge – A sleek, Art Deco-inspired cocktail lounge overlooking the Great Hall.
• 🍨 Milkbox Ice Creamery – Serving up 16 rotating flavors, plus boozy milkshakes!
• 🥩 Mercantile Dining & Provision – A farm-to-table restaurant by James Beard Award-winning chef Alex Seidel.
• 🍷 Ultreia – Tapas and gin-tonics inspired by the flavors of Spain and Portugal.
🛍️ Shop Local at Union Station
Looking for unique finds? The Tattered Cover Bookstore offers an incredible selection of books, while Beet & Yarrow is your go-to for fresh flowers and gifts. For those with a sweet tooth, Telluride Truffles serves up handcrafted chocolates straight from the Colorado mountains.
🎟️ Events & Live Music
Union Station is home to some of Denver’s best events, from farmers’ markets and fitness classes to live music and holiday celebrations. Stop by on a weekend and you might catch an outdoor concert, seasonal festival, or pop-up market in the Great Hall.
🚉 Have a favorite Union Station memory? Let us know! 👇

Denver Trivia Time 🌟
What year did Denver Union Station originally open? |
Answer at the bottom of this issue!

🌆 Mile High Happenings & Weather ☀️❄️
📅 Today, March 24 🌞 Mostly Sunny | High: 73°F | Low: 43°F | Wind: W 18 mph | 0% chance of precipitation ![]() 🆓 Free Events 🎶 Indie 102.3’s March Local 303 Meetup – Celebrate the Local 303 lineup with live performances by Barbara and DNA Picasso. @ Bar 404, 6:30-9 PM 💵 Ticketed Events 🎸 Gunnar – Lost Lake Presents GUNNAR live on Monday night. @ Lost Lake Lounge, 8 PM ($22+) 🎷 Hot Tomatoes Dance Orchestra: Swing Into Spring – Swing into Spring with music from the Swing Era. @ Dazzle, 7-8:30 PM ($15 - $25) 🎤 The Driver Era – The Obsession Tour live at The Fillmore Auditorium. @ The Fillmore, 6:30 PM ($43+) 💃 Merc Mondays – A weekly Brazilian Zouk dance class and social event. @ 2199 California St, 7 PM-Midnight ($15) 😂 LoDo Comedy Show - Carmen Lagala (NYC) – NYC comedian Carmen Lagala performs an intimate comedy show. @ 1740 Blake St, 8-10 PM ($30) 🎭 Thick Skin – A raw and hilarious comedy show at Comedy Works Downtown. @ Comedy Works Downtown, 7:30-9 PM ($14) | 📅 Thursday, March 25 🌞 Mostly Sunny | High: 71°F | Low: 42°F | Wind: E 9 mph | 1% chance of precipitation ![]() 🆓 Free Events 🧠 Geeks Who Drink – A live-hosted pub quiz with prizes. @ Fuel & Iron Bar, 8-10 PM 🩰 Wonderbound’s Open Rehearsals – Experience a behind-the-scenes look at a professional dance rehearsal. @ Wonderbound, 9:30 AM-5:30 PM 🔢 Bingo Night! – Play a unique form of digital Bingo and win free prizes. @ Waldschänke Ciders, 6:30-8:30 PM 💵 Ticketed Events 🎶 Matt Nathanson – King of (un)simple Tour with KT Tunstall live at The Ogden Theatre. @ The Ogden Theatre, 7 PM ($$) 🎸 Marc Scibilia – More To This World Tour live at The Bluebird Theater. @ The Bluebird Theater, 8 PM ($25.50+) 🕯️ Mile High Melts: Candle Making – Create two personalized candles while learning about candle-making history. @ Thompson Denver, 5-6 PM ($40) 🎸 Chiodos – 20 Years of All’s Well That Ends Well live at The Fillmore. @ The Fillmore, 6 PM ($53+) |
Where are you heading this week? Tag us in your adventures! 🚀

🚆 More Than a Station
Beyond its shopping, dining, and entertainment, Union Station is still an active transportation hub, connecting travelers to Denver International Airport, local transit, and Amtrak services. Whether you’re stopping by for a drink, catching a concert, or just admiring the historic architecture, Union Station is a true Denver icon. 📍 Find it at: 1701 Wynkoop St., Denver, CO 🎉 Trivia Answer: B) 1881 🏛️ Denver Union Station originally opened in 1881 as the Denver Union Depot, making it the tallest building in the West at the time. It has since gone through multiple renovations, with the most recent transformation in 2014 turning it into the vibrant cultural and transportation hub it is today. 🚆✨ Did you guess right? Stay tuned for more Denver trivia next time! 😉 |
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