Outdoor supplies from an old powerplant
REI
Why locals love it
REI isn't unique to Denver, but this store is exceptional. Repurposing a coal furnace used to power the city's streetcar system, the outdoor gear dealers responded intelligently to the historic industrial nature of the space by restoring the brick and steel structure, using certain interior elements as decor and salvaging the surrounding landscape.
Why you should visit it
The vast interior of the renovated powerplant shelters a full-scale indoor climbing wall. Outside, the landscaped courtyard links with a public park adjacent to major bike routes and whitewater kayak course where shoppers can test paddling products.
Special tip
Most of Denver's massive outdoor community shop here, not in small part because of the no-questions-asked return policy covering a full year.