DU Field Notes: The Most Instagrammable Spots in Denver

An alleyway adorned with murals in the River North neighborhood of Denver.

Picture this: You’ve made it (back) to campus and are ready to show the world that you’re excited for the start of a new school year. Maybe you went shopping over the summer and have some new outfits to show off, or you hit up the salon and are rocking some fresh highlights. This obviously calls for an Instagram post (or story, or reel—or maybe even a full-fledged TikTok).

And the University of Denver’s location in the beautiful, exciting city that is Denver means you’ve got a ton of choices when it comes to selecting the spot where you’ll shoot your school year debut content.

Don’t take our word for it: Check out this list of the five most Instagrammable spots around Denver!

Denver Botanic Gardens—York Street

1007 York Street

If you’re into the outdoors but hit pause when it comes to climbing an actual mountain, making some content at the Denver Botanic Gardens is the perfect solution. On 24 acres in the middle of Denver, you’ll find a variety of greenhouses, outdoor and indoor gardens, art and sculptures, and a pond full of lily pads that will make your followers go, “She’s definitely in her ‘Folklore’ era.”

Denver Union Station

1701 Wynkoop Street

If you’re feeling more of those ~city vibes~, look no further than Denver’s downtown, where you’ll find the historic and eye-catching Union Station. Perfect for day or night photoshoots, the exterior exudes classic metropolitan charm. Meet up with your summer fling for a beverage at the station’s Terminal Bar and then, just maybe, soft launch them on Instagram with a cute photo outside (where their face is obscured, obviously).

RiNo Art District

Along the banks of the South Platte River just north of Coors Field

Okay, so maybe your vibe is less big city, less outdoorsy, more… modern industrial? Sure, we see you, we know you exist. Head to the RiNo Art District, where you’ll find more than just breweries and galleries—there are also a ton of social media-worthy murals and outdoor art installations for you to capture and post. Here’s a tip: Dancing in front of a mural won’t get you a ton of engagement unless you’re actually, like, really good.

Big Blue Bear

Colorado Convention Center, 700 14th Street

Here’s some DU trivia you may not know: That statue of a big blue bear in downtown Denver, the one peering into the Colorado Convention Center, was designed by a DU professor—the late Lawrence Argent. His whimsical bear statue, dubbed “I See What You Mean,” is a mainstay of public art in Denver and a popular place to snap a photo or two.

City Park

E. 17th Ave. and Colorado Blvd.

City Park is vast and beautiful, offering visitors the chance to experience urban green space alongside a large lake, trails and even a museum and planetarium. The park is also home to one of the most-snapped vistas around Denver: A westward view of the downtown skyline set against the striking Rocky Mountains, the park’s sparkling lake in the foreground. Grab a friend and a picnic basket and head to the park for a gorgeous Instagram opportunity and some much-needed time outdoors.