Writer’s Travel Guide to Denver: Best Places to Write

Denver, Colorado holds a lot of significant history in the growth of the U.S. The Mile High City also attracted a lot of writers throughout its history, and there are still lots of great writing spots in Denver today.

As with all my Writer’s Travel Guides, you’ll find the best writing spots, places to get inspiration and where to stay while in Denver.

Without further ado, see why lots of writers found refuge in Denver—and why you’ll likely write a lot there too.

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Best Writing Spots in Denver

     

Denver Union Station

So, you might not think of a train station as the best place to write in a city, but in Denver it is. In fact, the Denver Union Station just might one of my all-time favorite writing spots.

Beautifully renovated, the classy décor of the impressive interior is so inviting and there are comfy armchairs and couches taking up most of the space.

Best of all, you can find everything you need inside the station. Pigtrain Coffee Company for coffee/tea, Terminal Bar for drinks and food, Tattered Cover for a bookstore browsing writing break and even ice cream motivation at Milkbox Ice Creamery.

The rail industry is crucial to Denver’s history, so what better place to write in Denver? (And if you’re interested in rail travel, check out the California Zephyr train line, which makes a stop in Denver.)

My Brother’s Bar

Are you a fan of the Beat Generation and want to drink like they did? This is the oldest bar in Denver and was frequented by the Beat writers, like Neal Cassady and Jack Kerouac. The place likely didn’t change much since those guys’ time, so head over and imagine what it was like to be among those writers as you yourself write.

    

Babe’s Tea Room

This is an adorable tea room was probably my favorite café to write in Denver. The combination of an impressive selection of teas (I’m a bit of a tea addict…okay, more than a bit) and an inviting, cozy interior made me want to stay all day long.

I could see this being a busy place on weekends, but it was fairly empty when I was there on a weekday afternoon.

Blue Sparrow Coffee

Just down the street from Babe’s Tea Room is Blue Sparrow Coffee, a better option for coffee lovers. It has a more minimalist interior for those who are easily distracted and lots of great seating options.

Commons Park

Denver is sunny about 300 days of the year, so it’s not a stretch to assume that you’ll be in Denver on a nice day. Why not write outside?

I personally enjoyed Commons Park the most. Head to the top of the hill and watch pedestrians and dog walkers (and dogs!) passing by, the mountains in the distance, and the South Platte River below as you write. Bring a blanket or something to sit on!

Civic Center Park

For an outdoor writing spot in Denver that is more cultural, the Civic Center Park is another option. Especially if you plan on sightseeing the Colorado State Capital or heading to the nearby museums (Denver Art Museum, History Colorado Center, Molly Brown House Museum).

Denver Botanic Gardens

And finally, although far from downtown, the botanic gardens are a great spot to write outside in Denver. The gardens are absolutely stunning and known as some of the best in the country.

Best Places to Get Inspiration in Denver

Larimer Square

If you’ve read On the Road, you’ll know that lots of the Beat Movement writers lived in Denver. And you’ll also have heard of Larimer Square.

Larimer Square is known as the place where Denver began, but in the time of the Beat Movement, this historic place was where bums hung out. Today, it’s transformed into one of the trendiest parts of Denver, with upscale bars, restaurants and shops. Wander around, people watch or hang out here!

Tattered Cover

This independent bookstore has an excellent selection of books, and best of all, they have several locations throughout Denver. It’s a great place to wander around and perhaps be inspired to write your own book.

Museum hopping

Denver’s transformation from an industrial to cultural city means that you will find lots of museums here. And museums, to me, are synonymous to writing idea generators.

Art museums: Denver Art Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, American Museum of Western Art, Museum of Outdoor Arts

History museums: History Colorado Center, Molly Brown House Museum, Center for Colorado Women’s History, Black American West Museum, Denver Firefighters Museum, Four Mile Historic Park

Science/technology museums: Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Forney Museum of Transportation, Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum

The Rockies

Denver, lying a mile above sea level, is located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. As such, it’s a great base to explore the beautiful nature of perhaps the most impressive mountains in the country.

If you’re like me and always get writing inspiration while hiking, take a small notebook along to jot down your ideas.

Where to Stay in Denver: For Writers

For any budget travelers/ starving artists, Fish Hostel is your best bet. It’s one of the only hostel options and although pricy for a hostel, all accommodation in Denver is expensive. And this upscale hostel holds lots of great writing spots, with a balcony and inviting common areas with inviting décor.

If you have a higher budget, check out The Crawford. It’s unique in that it’s located in the gorgeous Denver Union Station, which in itself is one of my favorite writing spots in Denver. But the hotel also has more private spots to write, and it’s a highly rated one.

P.S. Like writing on trains? Why not travel the U.S. by train while writing on the California Zephyr line? It passes through Denver, among lots of other beautiful parts of the U.S. Make it a cross country train trip and buy the Amtrak Rail Pass.

Denver Inspired Books to Read

Before visiting a place, I like to read books set there. Here are some books that were inspired by Denver or written by writers from Denver.

On the Road – Jack Kerouac

Plainsong – Kent Haruf

Murder at the Brown Palace – Dick Krek

So what do you think? Will you be visiting Denver’s writing spots and adding to the list of books set there?