Cocktails, Murals and True Crime in RiNo

Cocktails, Murals and True Crime in RiNo: A Deep Dive into Denver’s Creative and Curious Side

If you’re looking to combine a bit of art, history, and intrigue during your visit to Denver, the Cocktails, Murals and True Crime in RiNo tour offers a distinctive experience. This 2-hour adventure doesn’t just showcase some of the city’s most stunning street art—it also weaves in stories of infamous Colorado crimes, local history, and plenty of chances to sip on refreshing drinks. It’s a lively way to see Denver from a different perspective, perfect for those who love a mix of culture and storytelling with a splash of fun.

What caught our attention most is how this tour balances visual delights with compelling narratives. You get to stroll past vibrant murals, many inspired by true crime tales, while enjoying two included drinks—beers, cocktails, or wine—and a couple slices of pizza. The tour’s small group setting keeps things intimate and engaging, allowing you to ask questions and get personalized insights from your guide. But, as with any experience, it’s worth considering that if you’re not especially interested in true crime, some parts may feel a bit heavy. This is an excellent choice for curious travelers, art lovers, and anyone wanting to experience Denver’s creative side in a relaxed, social setting.

Key Points

• Unique blend of art, history, and true crime makes this tour stand out.
• Includes two alcoholic drinks and pizza, providing a good value for the price.
• Small group format ensures a more personal, engaging experience.
• Expert guides share detailed stories and insights that deepen your understanding.
• Flexibility to tailor the storytelling based on group interests.
• Perfect for those interested in Denver’s murals and local lore with a side of fun.

Exploring Denver’s RiNo District: What You Can Expect

This tour offers a two-mile walk through the heart of Denver’s RiNo (River North) neighborhood, famous for its vibrant street art and creative vibe. It’s a chance to see some of the most beautiful murals in the city, many of which are inspired by or connected to true crime stories, giving the art a layered meaning. Your guide will take you past murals that are not just pretty pictures but visual stories that echo Denver’s vibrant—and sometimes dark—past.

The Murals and Art Scene

Denver’s RiNo district is recognized nationally for its street art scene. As you walk, you’ll see murals that are both colorful and provocative, offering Instagram-worthy photo ops at every turn. The guides are knowledgeable about the art and neighborhood history, helping you appreciate what makes these murals so special. Several reviews highlight how “the murals are truly stunning,” and guides often point out lesser-known pieces and their backstories, turning your walk into a mini art tour.

True Crime Stories That Haunt and Fascinate

One of the unique elements of this experience is the true crime narrative woven into the artwork. You might hear tales about Colorado’s infamous cases, including the JonBenet Ramsey mystery, the Columbine tragedy, or the escape of Ted Bundy from jail in Denver. Murals inspired by these stories give a haunting visual dimension to the tales, making the stories more tangible. Reviewers have appreciated how the guides handle these sensitive stories with respect, while still making them intriguing. As one reviewer noted, “The stories really brought the murals to life—I felt like I was walking through Denver’s dark yet fascinating history.”

Local History and Hidden Stories

Beyond murals and crime, the tour touches on local history details like the origins of Market Street and Denver’s red-light district. These tidbits add depth and context, turning a simple walk into an educational experience. The guides are adept at adjusting the focus based on group preferences, whether you want more art, more history, or more true crime.

Practical Details and What Makes This Tour Special

The $85 per person price is quite reasonable considering the inclusions: two drinks, pizza slices, and a knowledgeable guide leading you through Denver’s culturally rich neighborhoods. The tour lasts about 2 hours, with starting times varying—be sure to check availability. Meeting in front of the bar outside is straightforward, and the tour ends back at the starting point, making logistics simple.

The Guide and Group Size

The experience is limited to 10 participants, which means you’ll get plenty of interaction with your guide. Many reviews praise the guides for their depth of knowledge and friendly manner. One reviewer mentioned that their guide, who is “super knowledgeable and fun,” made the stories even more engaging, adding personal insights and answering questions thoroughly.

Drinks and Food

Having two alcoholic drinks included is a real plus—whether you prefer beer, cocktails, or wine, there’s a choice. The pizza slices complement the drinks well, making this more than just a walking tour; it’s a social, relaxed experience. For many, this makes the experience feel less like a tour and more like an informal gathering of friends exploring Denver’s creative and mysterious side.

Flexibility and Cancellation

Booking is flexible, with a full refund available if canceled 24 hours in advance. You can reserve now and pay later, which suits travelers with unpredictable schedules. This flexibility adds peace of mind when planning your trip.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

The tour’s route covers important murals in the RiNo district, some inspired by actual true crime cases, others celebrating local culture. You’ll walk past murals that are both visually stunning and thematically compelling. Guides often share stories of the murals’ origins, the artists behind them, and what each piece represents.

For example, some murals are directly inspired by infamous cases like James Holmes or Jack Gilbert Graham, connecting the visual art to Colorado’s darker stories. Others focus on Denver’s historic neighborhoods, like Market Street, giving you a sense of how the city evolved into its current cultural hub.

What Makes the Murals Stand Out?

The murals in RiNo are not just decorative—they’re conversations starters. They often incorporate themes of justice, mystery, or local history, making your walk a mini cultural investigation. From large-scale pieces that dominate entire buildings to smaller, detailed works, each mural adds to the neighborhood’s vibrant tapestry.

The True Crime Angle

The inclusion of true crime stories adds an unpredictable twist. The stories are handled with care, and the murals inspired by these tales serve as visual anchors, making both the art and the stories more memorable. Reviewers mention that the stories of JonBenet Ramsey or Columbine are “fascinating and a bit unsettling,” but handled with sensitivity, which adds an authentic edge to the experience.

Why This Tour Is Worth It

This experience offers great value for those interested in combining visual arts, history, and storytelling. The small group size fosters a more personal connection, allowing your guide to tailor the narrative to your interests. The inclusion of drinks and pizza makes it a relaxed social outing rather than a stiff walking tour.

If you’re a fan of street art, history buffs, or curious about Denver’s darker tales, this tour hits all the right notes. It’s particularly ideal for travelers who enjoy immersive, storytelling-style experiences and want to see a different side of Denver.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour appeals most to art enthusiasts, history buffs, and true crime fans. It’s also perfect for visitors looking for a fun, social activity that combines sightseeing with local storytelling. Those who appreciate small groups will find the experience intimate and engaging. If you prefer a more structured or traditional museum visit, this might not be your ideal choice, but for those wanting a lively, narrative-driven walk, it’s a winner.

It’s less suited for travelers seeking a full day’s activity or those with limited interest in true crime stories, as some narratives are quite detailed and dark.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Your Time and Money?

Overall, Cocktails, Murals and True Crime in RiNo offers a captivating look at Denver’s street art scene, layered with fascinating stories and cultural insights. The combination of stunning murals, local history, and true crime tales delivers a unique perspective on the city that’s both educational and entertaining. The included drinks and pizza add a casual, convivial vibe, making it feel less like a formal tour and more like visiting friends with stories to tell.

This tour is a fantastic pick for travelers who want to see Denver’s creative heartbeat while getting a taste (literally and figuratively) of its darker tales. The knowledgeable guides, stunning murals, and lively atmosphere make it a memorable experience—especially if you enjoy stories that make you think and art that makes you stop and stare.

If you’re after a relaxed, engaging activity that combines art, history, and a little mystery, this tour is definitely worth considering.

FAQs

What is the cost of the tour?
It costs $85 per person, which includes two drinks and pizza slices, making it a good value for a two-hour guided experience.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for about 2 hours, with different starting times available—just check availability when booking.

Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is in front of the bar outside, which is easy to find and straightforward to access.

Is this a small group tour?
Yes, it’s limited to 10 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience with your guide.

Are drinks included?
Indeed, you receive two alcoholic drinks—beer, cocktails, or wine—plus pizza slices.

Can the tour be canceled?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

Is the tour suitable for non-drinkers?
While the tour includes drinks, non-drinkers could potentially skip or request alternatives, but confirm this option when booking.

Does the tour focus more on art or true crime?
It’s flexible; the guide can adjust the focus based on your group’s interests, but both elements are integral to the experience.

Is there a specific age restriction?
The provided information doesn’t specify age restrictions, but since alcohol is involved, it’s likely intended for adults.

To sum it up, this tour offers a lively, visually captivating, and informatively rich exploration of Denver’s RiNo district. It’s perfect for those who enjoy street art, local stories, and a good story—especially when paired with drinks and good company. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned local, it’s a memorable way to see Denver’s creative and mysterious side.