Officially titled I See What You Mean, the "Big Blue Bear" is a striking sculpture located in the heart of Denver, Colorado, alongside the Colorado Convention Centre. Created by British visual artist Lawrence Argent in 2004, it stands at 40 feet tall and was conceived to be an emblem of Colorado that goes beyond the stereotypical images of mountains that are typically associated with the state. It is said to have been inspired by an image the artist saw in a local newspaper of a bear peeking through someone's window, and so the larger-than-life version depicts a bear standing on its hind legs to peer into the glass facade of the Convention Centre.
Believe it or not, the vivid blue colour is actually a happy accident. Whilst the sculpture was originally designed in a more muted colour palette reflecting the natural landscapes of Colorado, the artist received a printout of the design in blue by mistake and liked it enough to change his vision for the final product. The bear has since become a beloved symbol of Denver and a key component of the city's public art scene.
Explore Denver, the capital of the state of Colorado which is not only home to many an outdoor adventurer, with gorgeous natural scenery all around, but the city itself is also booming with culture. It is a mountainous metropolis that offers visitors many diverse faces that you will discover on this private walking tour and experience so much of what the city has to offer!
On your private tour of Denver, you will:
Get an intimate look inside local Denver life and discover its unique history. With the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop, this walking tour captures what it truly means to call this place home.
With a lively craft beer and food scene, Denver appeals to all types of visitors and not just the outdoor types. Your private tour will give you a well-rounded look into the many swatches that make up the fabric of this great Rocky Mountain city.
From the striking façade of the Denver Art Museum to the gigantic blue bear holding up the convention centre building, this tour will give you a true taste of what makes Denver such a glorious destination.
Please note: on the tour, you will walk a total of 2.5 miles, so please dress appropriately for the weather.
Denver, Colorado’s dynamic and unpretentious capital city, offers an enticing blend of arts, history and the great outdoors. A gateway to the Rocky Mountains, it boasts a wide range of cultural attractions, plenty of green spaces and one of the best craft beer scenes in the US. Our 5-hour driving tour is a wonderful way to get to know the city from the comfort of a private vehicle, with a carefully curated route around the highlights of downtown Denver combined with a visit to off-the-beaten-path enclaves like the colourful RiNo Art District.
On your 5-hour driving tour, you will:
Get ready to sit back, relax and enjoy an immersive journey into the heart of Denver on our exhilarating five-hour tour led by a knowledgeable local driver guide who brings the Mile High City’s stories to life. With hotel pick-up and drop-off included from central hotels, this tailored tour offers an insider’s perspective on Denver’s rich history, eclectic neighbourhoods, and evolving cultural identity.
From the charming red-brick facades of LoDo (Lower Downtown) to the gleaming towers of the Central Business District, you’ll cruise through the city’s most iconic neighbourhoods with the ease and comfort of private transportation. Marvel at the historic Union Station, a once-abandoned rail hub now reborn as a lively gathering place filled with restaurants and local flavour. As your guide shares tales of boomtown ambition and architectural opulence, you’ll pass the ornate Brown Palace Hotel, a Denver legend since 1892, and admire the grandeur of the Colorado State Capitol, its golden dome gleaming against the sky. Nearby, you’ll also take in the elegant mansions of Capitol Hill, including the storied Molly Brown House, once home to the Titanic’s “unsinkable” heroine.
You’ll soak in the city’s vibrant public art and offbeat personality as you catch a glimpse of the beloved Big Blue Bear, a huge statue peeking into the Colorado Convention Centre, and pass by the legendary Coors Field, home to the Colorado Rockies. In historic Larimer Square, you will get the chance to step out to wander among the elegant 19th-century buildings, lovingly preserved and now housing an array of boutiques and eateries.
Depending on your interests, your guide can also lead you through some of Denver’s more unexpected corners. In the trendy RiNo Art District, you’ll encounter an explosion of colour with its massive murals, hidden galleries, and converted warehouses that pulse with creative energy. You will also have the chance to visit Denver Central Market, a lively gourmet food hall where you can sample artisan bites and get a taste of the city’s thriving culinary scene.
With plenty of opportunities to pause, stroll, take photos, and follow your curiosity, this private driving tour is a relaxed yet comprehensive introduction to the dynamic spirit of Denver that is personalised, flexible, and full of memorable moments.
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