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In Pictures: Denver Union Station
By Tom Adkinson
August 26, 2022
DENVER – Denver Union Station is a not just a transportation landmark in the heart of the city where Amtrak trains roll through and the A-Line light rail connects downtown to Denver International Airport. It is a vibrant, multi-faceted destination itself and continues to earn its nickname of “Denver’s Living Room.” Yes, it’s the waiting room for Amtrak passengers, but it also is the location of the Crawford Hotel (a 122-room historic gem), restaurants, shops, an ice cream parlor and the rendezvous-worthy Terminal Bar.
'Travel by Train' city side
The first Union Station opened in 1881 and was said to be the largest building in the West. The Beaux Art/Renaissance Revival building you see today emerged in 1914. Neon “Union Station – Travel by Train” signs appeared on both sides of the building in 1952. Image by Tom Adkinson
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'Travel by Train' track side
Day or night, the neon signs atop Denver Union Station make it a landmark easy to see. This side of the station bustles with activity as residents and visitors make their ways to local rail transportation. Image by Tom Adkinson
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Waiting room
Bell-shaped chandeliers hang over the cavernous Great Hall of Denver Union Station. The space earned the nickname of “Denver’s Living Room” because of its comfortable atmosphere, collection of businesses and strategic location. Image by Tom Adkinson
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Crawford Hotel
The reception desk for the Crawford Hotel is tucked discretely into the interior of Denver Union Station. The hotel offers 112 rooms, suites and lofts where guests can soak in the history of the station and the city. Some are designed to spark memories of Pullman cars – but with more room than the old railcars. Use your room key for a scoop of your choice at the Milkbox Ice Creamery, a draft beer or a ride on an e-bike. Image by Tom Adkinson
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Mix your own cocktail
Forget the old-school mini-bar concept. Rooms at the Crawford Hotel include the ingredients, bar implements and glassware to pour your own Old Fashioned, Manhattan or Negroni. Image by Tom Adkinson
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| Cooper Lounge |
105th meridian |
Towering arched windows in the Crawford Hotel’s Cooper Lounge practically beg you to come sit and gaze into the city. The Terminal Bar is one level below the Cooper Lounge and occupies the station’s historic ticketing office. Image by Tom Adkinson
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A scooter rider glides past a metal rail in the walk outside Denver Union Station and probably doesn’t realize its significance. The rail is the 105th meridian of longitude, marking Denver’s location 105 degrees west of the prime meridian in Greenwich, England. Image by Tom Adkinson |
Trip-planning resources: UnionStationDenver.com, TheCrawfordHotel.com and Denver.org
(Travel writer Tom Adkinson’s book, 100 Things To Do in Nashville Before You Die, is available on Amazon.com.
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