The American Museum of Western Art – The Anschutz Collection provides access to one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of Western art in one of the most unique settings in the country. This permanent exhibition surveys the art of the American West from the early 19th century to the present, and you will enjoy the salon-style viewing typically experienced in European museums. Participants need to wear comfortable walking shoes and wear appropriate clothing for indoor and outdoor conditions.
To begin this tour, we’ll travel just outside Denver to Red Rocks – the world’s only naturally occurring amphitheater. At 300 million years old, these dramatic sandstone formations create an absolute acoustical phenomenon. While visiting Red Rocks, guests will have the option to browse the “Old West” trading post and explore the venue’s underground Visitor Center. Guests will then travel to Coors Brewery where America’s finest quality beers have been produced for more than 120 years. The visit includes a tour through their unique malting, brewing, and packaging processes and, of course, some beer sampling. You’ll see how the refreshing flavor of Coors tastes even better in the Rocky Mountains!
Enjoy a day in one of Colorado’s most popular attractions, Rocky Mountain National Park. Different elevations throughout the park support a variety of ecosystems ranging from pine to wildflowers to the alpine tundra. Following this scenic driving tour of the Rockies, guests will be welcomed to Estes Park where they will enjoy a picnic-style lunch while experiencing the sights and sounds of the beautiful Rocky Mountains. Following lunch, guests may browse the quaint town of Estes Park before returning to Denver.
Did you ever hold a shiny new penny in your hand and wonder where it came from? Chances are it came from the Denver Mint, the largest producer of circulated coins in the world. Guided tours take a look at the fine art of crafting coins, from the intricate designs and making of molds, known as “striking”, to the actual production of the coins.
The Money Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank offers a unique and up close look at the nation’s financial system in action. Visitors can learn more about the Fed, view aspects of the payments system and discover how the Fed promotes a healthy economy which positively impacts our daily lives.
Note: Round-trip bus transportation will be provided from the AAPG Headquarters Hotel (Hyatt Regency – Convention Center) beginning at 5:45 p.m. and ending at 10:30 p.m.
Dr. Scott Sampson, a native of Vancouver, British Columbia, is a dinosaur paleontologist, science communicator and passionate advocate for connecting people with nature. He currently serves as vice president of research and collections and chief curator of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.
A recipient of the AAPG Geosciences in the Media Award, Scott is well known as “Dr. Scott”, host and science advisor of the Emmy-nominated PBS KIDS television series, Dinosaur Train, produced by the Jim Henson Company.