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Photos: Denver's best free attractions and tours -- the top nine

Yesterday, on the heels of posts such as Denver's top eleven hidden tourism gems and the thirteen best free day trips from Denver, we shared part one of a new list: Denver's best free attractions and tours. In it, we counted down the first half of a roster featured on...
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Yesterday, on the heels of posts such as Denver's top eleven hidden tourism gems and the thirteen best free day trips from Denver, we shared part one of a new list: Denver's best free attractions and tours. In it, we counted down the first half of a roster featured on Visit Denver's Denver.org site -- slots seventeen through ten.

Today, you'll find picks nine through one, complete with photos, links and Visit Denver text. Check them out below.

Number 9: Littleton Historical Museum
Travel back in time at this free museum and get a glimpse into Colorado's pioneer past. Located on 39 acres, the museum consists of two living history farms (one from the 1860s and one from the 1890s), with a working farm, a blacksmith shop and more than 40,000 historically Colorado artifacts.
Number 8: Denver Story Trek
Ever wonder about the stories of the places you pass? On Denver Story Trek you'll explore the stories behind Denver's historic landscapes and landmarks on an interactive, self-guided tour of the city. It's simple to use and free!
Continue to keep counting down Denver's best free attractions and tours, part two. Number 7: Colorado State Capitol Tour
Tour Colorado's magnificent gold-domed Capitol Building. Stand at exactly a mile high on the steps, see Allen True's beautiful murals, listen in on the Colorado General Assembly, and check out the gorgeous Rose Onyx wainscoting. Free tours are available Mondays through Fridays. Note: The Capitol Dome will be undergoing major structural renovations for 2-3 years and will not be accessible during that time-frame.
Number 6: Red Rocks Hall of Fame & Trails
Carved from towering red rock monuments, this 9,000-seat arena is one of the world's most renowned concert venues. When there's no concert, the free Visitor Center has a museum and Performers of Fame, while the surrounding park has hiking trails that weave in, around and over the colorful red rocks.
Continue to keep counting down Denver's best free attractions and tours, part two. Number 5: National Center for Atmospheric Research
Learn about global warming, the 21st century's hottest topic, at this fascinating free museum. See a hailstone the size of a softball, watch as a miniature tornado is whipped up in front of your eyes, and get an up close look at how lightning is created.
Number 4: Denver SkatePark
This expansive area -- one of the most renowned skate parks in the country -- is filled with bowls for all levels of skating skill. Admission is free. Helmets are required.
Continue to keep counting down Denver's best free attractions and tours, part two. Number 3: Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) Free Days
Colorado residents can enjoy the following cultural attractions for free on select days throughout the summer: The Denver Art Museum (September 7-8 -- free to all, not just Colorado residents); Denver Botanic Gardens at York Street (August 27); Denver Museum of Nature & Science (September 1, September 8); Denver Firefighters Museum (September 7).
Number 2: Garden of the Gods
Located 60 miles from Denver, the awe-inspiring Garden of the Gods features gigantic 500-foot high red sandstone rock monuments at the base of Pikes Peak.
Continue to keep counting down Denver's best free attractions and tours, part two. Number 1: U.S. Mint Tour
Learn how to make money! The Mint produces 50 million coins a day, each one stamped with a little "D" for Denver. Free tours show every step in the process of turning a dull, blank, metal slug into shiny pocket change.

More from our Things to Do archive: "Photos: Denver's best free attractions and tours, part one."

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