The South Platte River runs right through Denver, giving anglers prime access to Gold Medal waters a short distance from town. And that’s not the only place to cast a line—for starters, there’s the Historic Lincoln Hills Resort, which has a long tradition of being a summer escape for Black Americans for over a century. Today, the area still serves as an incredible destination for hiking and fly fishing along a quiet, private river. To access some of the region’s more well-kept secrets, book a tour with outfitter 5280 Angler.
When you’re ready to head home to your swanky basecamp at the Crawford Hotel, right inside Union Station, you’ll still be steps away from the action. Seek a thrill on the rapids of Confluence Park, where Cherry Creek and the South Platte converge near downtown. Rent a kayak or a tube from Confluence Kayaks and paddle or float your way down. For dinner, indulge in delicious seafood at Stoic & Genuine or check out the creative dishes at Linger Eatuary, a trendy mortuary-turned-restaurant. Top it all off with a scoop (or two) of Little Man’s famous homemade ice cream, just around the corner.