Although it is literally a 'Mile High City', being sited one mile (1.6km) above sea level, Denver is flat and sprawling, overwhelmed by the backdrop of the majestic peaks of the Rocky Mountains.

It was founded as a gold mining camp in 1859, and at the centre of the Old West it was filled with cowboys, gamblers, saloons, gunslingers, Native Americans, and crooked characters such as the infamous Jefferson 'Soapy' Smith. Although very little gold was discovered, a city was laid out and the name Denver attributed it.

Having since shed its cow-town image and evidence of its western past, it has developed into a modern city with wonderful museums, historic architecture, cultural attractions, shopping venues and a world-class airport. It has more than 200 parks and tree-lined boulevards and a completely refurbished lower downtown area (LoDo to the locals), where blocks of old Victorian buildings and warehouses have been carefully restored to house restaurants, galleries, antique shops and jazz clubs. Historic Larimer Square is the heart of the dining and nightlife scene. Denver brews more beer than any other city in America and most of it can be sampled in LoDo where the city's brewpubs proliferate.

Most residents are active nature lovers who take advantage of the city's setting, the pleasant climate and unlimited outdoor adventures just minutes from the centre, including skiing, hiking, mountain biking and fishing. Tourism focuses on its natural setting and the outdoors, and as such it is a major destination for tourists heading into the mountains. Visitors to Denver will be pleasantly surprised by its welcoming and friendly nature.

History Colorado Centre

Address: 1200 Broadway, Denver, 80203 Denver

Admission: $7 (adults). $5 (children 6-12). Children under six years are free. Student, children and senior concessions available Opening in Spring 2012

Telephone: (303) 447 8679

Denver Art Museum

Address: 100 West 14th Avenue Parkway Denver

Admission: $13 (adults), $5 (children 6-18); under 5's are free. Student, senior and resident concessions available. It is recommended that tickets are ordered in advance Closed on Mondays. Tuesday to Thursday 10am to 5pm, Friday 10am to 8pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am to 5pm

Telephone: (720) 865 5000

Mount Evans

Address: Near Bailey, Colorado Denver

Admission: $10 for 1-12 people in vehicle Check the website for times/weather reports, as the road will be closed in hazardous conditions

Telephone: Clear Creek Ranger Station: (303) 567 3000

Denver Museum of Nature and Science

Address: 2001 Colorado Blvd. Denver

Admission: General museum admission: $12 (adult), $8 (senior), $6 (junior/student). Certain shows/exhibitions charge extra, and may require you to pre-book tickets on the museum's website. Open daily from 9am to 5pm (closed on Christmas Day)

Telephone: (303) 370 6000

Denver March Pow Wow

Where: Denver Coliseum,Denver

When: 18-29 March, 2011

CHUN Capitol Hill People's Fair

Where: Civic Center Park,Denver

When: 4-5 June, 2011

The Great American Beer Festival

Where: Colorado Convention Center,Denver

When: 29 September - 1 October, 2011

National Western Stock Show

Where: National Western Complex, Humboldt Street,Denver

When: 5 - 22 January 2012

Colorado Dragon Boat Festival

Where: Sloan's Lake Park,Denver

When: 30-31 July, 2011

Greeley Stampede

Where: Greeley,Denver

When: 4 July, annually