Exploring Denver’s Legal Landmarks

Denver’s legal history is embedded in the architecture and civic spaces of its downtown core. From gilded domes to modern courtrooms, the city offers a tangible connection to the state’s governance and judicial heritage. With cooler temperatures on the horizon, a historic walking tour can bring aspects of Colorado’s past to life!

Featuring six locations along an approximate two-and-a-half-mile walk, you’ll be able to enjoy some of the most prominent historically important buildings in a single afternoon!

Colorado State Capitol

• Location: 200 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80203
• Built: 1894
• Style: Neoclassical
• Parking & Accessibility: Metered parking along Grant, Sherman, and Lincoln Streets; underground garages nearby; ADA-compliant entrances and elevators.

Significance: The Colorado State Capitol is more than a government building — it’s a symbol of the state’s democratic identity, with a striking gold-leaf dome commemorating Colorado’s Gold Rush.

The west steps feature the famous “One Mile Above Sea Level” marker, a popular photo stop. Inside, free guided tours offer a chance to see the House and Senate chambers, the Governor’s office, and historical displays, including stained glass portraits of notable Coloradans. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Ralph L. Carr Colorado Judicial Center

• Location: 2 E 14th Ave, Denver, CO 80203
• Built: 2013
• Style: Contemporary civic architecture
• Parking & Accessibility: Paid parking garages adjacent; accessible drop-off zone; fully ADA-compliant design.

Significance: Named for Governor Ralph L. Carr, remembered for defending the civil rights of Japanese Americans during World War II, the Ralph L. Carr Judicial Center is home to the Colorado Supreme Court and Court of Appeals. The center’s design emphasizes transparency and public trust, with a glass atrium, public art installations, and exhibits on Colorado’s judicial history.

Visitors can observe appellate court proceedings (when in session) and explore the educational lobby displays. With adjacent parking garages, it’s one of the easiest downtown landmarks to visit without worrying about finding street parking.

Denver City and County Building

• Location: 1437 Bannock St, Denver, CO
• Built: 1932

Significance: A prominent neoclassical building facing Civic Center Park, it’s the seat of city and county government and hosts major civic events.

Denver U.S. Mint

• Location: 320 W Colfax Ave, Denver, CO
• Built: 1897 (opened as a mint in 1906)

Significance: One of only four active U.S. mints. It produces coins and plays a key role in the federal monetary system. Historically, it symbolizes Denver’s transition from mining town to economic hub. Tours reveal its secure, regulated operations.

Byron White U.S. Courthouse

• Location: 1823 Stout St, Denver, CO 80257
• Built: 1916
• Style: Beaux-Arts
• Parking & Accessibility: Public parking garages within a block; ADA-accessible entrances and interior pathways.

Significance: The Byron White U.S. Courthouse, named after the Colorado-born U.S. Supreme Court Justice and former NFL player, is one of Denver’s most beautiful federal buildings. Constructed in 1916 in the Beaux-Arts style, it originally housed both the U.S. Post Office and federal courts. Today, it’s home to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit.

While security procedures are in place for entry, the courthouse welcomes visitors to explore its public areas. The building’s grand columns, ornate stonework, and marble interiors reflect the architectural optimism of the early 20th century. Public parking garages nearby make visiting stress-free.

U.S. Custom House (Federal Courthouse use historically)

• Location: 721 19th St, Denver, CO
• Built: 1931

Significance: Originally a customs building, it later housed federal court functions. It’s a great example of Renaissance Revival architecture.