Train stations in the U.S. rarely go beyond their practical purpose. Denver Union Station redefines what a station can be. Originally built in 1881, this historic landmark has been a centrepiece of Denver for over a century. Rebuilt and reopened in 2014, it has become more than a transit hub. In its mid-1940s heyday, the station welcomed over 50,000 visitors daily. Today, it thrives, attracting more than 100,000 visitors each month.
For both travelers and locals, Union Station is more than a transit hub. It’s a gathering space, a place to explore, and a reflection of Denver’s unique charm. The transformation in 2014 restored its Beaux Arts grandeur while introducing modern amenities, turning it into one of the city’s most visited attractions.
If you visit briefly or spend the day, Union Station offers a blend of historic elegance and modern vibrancy.
Here’s a closer look at what makes it so unique.
Denver Union Station – A Grand Entrance into History
When you approach Union Station, its iconic architecture is the first thing to capture your attention. With the glowing “Travel by Train” sign, the building’s facade instantly transports you to a bygone era when train travel was at its peak.
Walking through those historic doors, you’ll feel the weight of over a century of Denver’s history. The entrance alone sets the stage for what’s inside – a rich blend of the old and the new, with all the charm of the past intact and modern amenities added for comfort.
The station’s Beaux Arts design, with its ornate details and grand proportions, evokes a sense of nostalgia while maintaining relevance in a modern cityscape.
It’s an invitation to explore one of Denver’s most beloved landmarks. Read our complete relocating to Denver city guide if you learn more about Denver city.
The Great Hall Denver’s Living Room
The grandeur of the Great Hall greets you inside, often called “Denver’s Living Room.” With soaring ceilings, massive arched windows, and a flood of natural light, the Great Hall is a welcoming place where visitors and locals gather. The room features classic wooden benches and luxurious leather chairs.
It provides ample seating for people to relax, read, work, or watch the world go by. The hall becomes even more enchanting with seasonal decorations during the holiday season. The Christmas tree, garlands, and wreaths add a festive touch that complements the warm lighting, giving the space an extra charm.
Denver Union Station has transformed the Great Hall into more than a waiting area to linger, meet friends, and unwind. It’s no wonder many people come here to experience the unique atmosphere.
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Exploring Unique Shops and Eateries
As you make your way through the Great Hall, you’ll come across various shops and eateries that capture the spirit of Denver. Start with the charming flower cart near the entrance, where vibrant bouquets add a splash of color and freshness to the station. This flower cart is just one example of the small yet thoughtful details that make Denver Union Station special.
Explore further, and you’ll discover an eclectic mix of shops selling local goods, unique gifts, and travel essentials. These stores are perfect for finding a last-minute gift or a memento of your time in Denver. For food lovers, Union Station is a treat.
The station is home to some of Denver’s best dining, from quick coffee spots to gourmet restaurants. Sit down for a meal at one of the fine-dining restaurants, or grab a quick pastry and coffee if you’re on the go.
The wide array of choices means you can find something to enjoy whether you have five minutes or an hour.
And with so many locals dining alongside travelers, the station’s food options reflect Denver’s rich and evolving culinary scene.
Relaxing in Lounge Areas Where Comfort Meets Style
Union Station’s thoughtfully designed lounge areas are perfect for unwinding or completing work. These spaces are filled with cozy leather chairs, stylish sofas, and communal tables topped with brass lamps, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The lamps add a vintage charm, perfectly complementing the modern amenities like power outlets at nearly every seat.
It is a popular spot for remote workers, freelancers, and students who enjoy the station’s unique combination of old-world charm and modern-day conveniences. Settle into a leather chair by a lamp, plug in your laptop, and have a workspace as comfortable as inspiring. Other visitors surround you, all immersed in their activities, adding a sense of community to your experience.
If you are waiting for a train or just looking for a cozy place to spend some time, the lounge areas make you feel at home amid a bustling transit hub.
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Adding a Touch of Fun with Shuffleboard
Union Station knows how to keep things lively with shuffleboard tables available right in the Great Hall. These tables aren’t just for show; they’re a popular activity among travelers and locals alike. The shuffleboard area is a social spot where friends and strangers meet over a game, bringing a bit of friendly competition into the mix.
For many visitors, a quick game of shuffleboard is the perfect way to unwind before catching a train or heading back into the city.
Even if you don’t join in, watching others play adds to the dynamic feel of the station. Something is endearing about seeing people from different backgrounds coming together.
People-Watching and Absorbing the Ambiance
One of the greatest pleasures of Union Station is simply watching the people around you. Everyone shares this space, from families to business travelers, locals to tourists, giving it a true sense of community. The mix of people and activities creates a fascinating snapshot of life in Denver.
Grab a coffee, sit, and enjoy the sights and sounds around you. Denver Union Station is a melting pot of stories, and each person passing through has a destination, a purpose, or a moment of rest. It’s a beautiful reminder of how places like this can unite people, even for a fleeting moment.
The Crawford Hotel in Denver Union Station
Right inside Denver’s Union Station, The Crawford Hotel offers more than a place to stay. It’s a journey through Denver’s rich history and modern vibrancy. This boutique hotel combines historic charm with contemporary amenities, ensuring an experience that is anything but ordinary.
What Awaits You at The Crawford
When you stay at The Crawford, you have access to a range of amenities crafted to make your visit truly memorable –
- Luxury Concierge Services
- Luggage Storage
- Luxury Transportation
- Art & History Tours
- Curated Experiences and Guest Insider Access
- Banquets & Catering
- Meeting & Event Spaces
Rooms to Match Your Style
They offer a selection of unique rooms, each one with a distinct charm –
- Pullman Rooms
- Classic Rooms
- Loft Rooms
- The Crawford Suite
Dining Right at Your Doorstep
Kick off your day at Snooze A.M. Eatery with breakfast, brunch, coffee, espresso, tea, or even a morning cocktail. Mercantile Dining & Provision offers crafted sandwiches, house-made preserves, and a curated selection of salumi & cheese for lunch or dinner.
From the moment you step into Denver Union Station, they surround you with Denver’s energy and elegance. Staying here is more than a simple overnight stay; it’s a gateway to experience the best of the city in a setting that beautifully merges history with modern-day luxury.
Although not part of the biggest hotel chains, it offers an intimate, unique experience that rivals even the most renowned brands.
For more information about The Crawford Hotel, visit – TheCrawfordHotel.com.
Recommended read – The 10 Best Hilton Hotels in the World for Luxurious Stays
Heading Out to the Platforms
When it’s time to catch your train, head to the platform area, where Denver Union Station’s design transitions from historic elegance to modern functionality. The platform canopy offers shade while allowing natural light to flood in, creating an open and airy feel. Navigating this space is easy, thanks to clear directional signs.
You’ll notice helpful signage like “Track 2” and “Track 3,” directing you to your designated boarding areas. Signs guide other areas within the station, such as the “Pedestrian Bridge to Tracks 1, 5, 6, 7, 8” and the “Underground Bus Concourse.” These signs are designed for quick reference, ensuring passengers can quickly locate their destinations without confusion.
The station’s platform area combines style with practicality, seamlessly guiding you where you need to go. Standing on the platform, surrounded by these efficient design elements, you feel Denver Union Station has grown from a historic landmark into a modern transit hub.
It’s a place that connects Denver to the broader world, blending the city’s past with a future-focused approach to travel.
Settling In and Beginning Your Journey
As you board the train, sit by the window or settle in with your laptop to continue working. From the bustling Great Hall to the quiet hum of the platform, Union Station has set the tone for a journey filled with possibility.
Denver Union Station is not just where journeys begin or end; it’s an experience meant to inspire and connect people. If you’re a local or a traveler passing through, Union Station leaves a lasting impression that stays with you long after you’ve left.
Final Say
Denver Union Station is far more than a functional transit hub. With over a million annual visitors, the station has become a symbol of the city’s evolution, where Denver’s rich past meets its vibrant present. If you’re here for a meal, to catch up on work, or to enjoy the bustling ambience, Union Station provides an experience that’s as enriching as the city itself.
Next time you’re in Denver, carve out time for Union Station. You’re there to play shuffleboard, enjoy a meal, or absorb the ambience, and each visit is an experience worth remembering.
The station is a testament to Denver’s spirit of being open, welcoming, and endlessly dynamic.
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