Why you should experience REI in Denver, Colorado.
REI is an iconic outdoor retailer where Highland's adventurous spirit, industrial heritage, and passion for exploration have redefined what an outdoor shopping experience can become.
Set along Platte Street near 15th Street and just steps from Confluence Park, this remarkable outdoor destination occupies Denver's beautifully restored 1901 Denver Tramway Powerhouse, combining historic architecture with immersive retail, expert outfitting, climbing experiences, bicycle services, educational programming, and gear rentals dedicated to life outdoors. Rather than simply preserving the landmark, REI transformed one of Denver's most significant industrial buildings into a destination that celebrates Colorado's outdoor culture while honoring the city's architectural past. Today, it stands as one of the nation's most distinctive retail experiences and a symbol of Denver's deep connection to adventure.
What you should know about REI.
REI is best known for opening in 2000 inside the restored Denver Tramway Powerhouse, preserving one of the city's most significant industrial buildings while creating one of the country's most celebrated examples of adaptive reuse within the outdoor retail industry.
The transformation demonstrated how historic preservation and modern commerce could coexist without sacrificing the character that made the building extraordinary. Rather than replacing its industrial past, REI incorporated soaring brick walls, exposed steel, massive windows, and original structural elements into the visitor experience, allowing guests to appreciate the powerhouse's engineering legacy while exploring an extensive selection of outdoor equipment and apparel. Over the years, the location has evolved into far more than a retail store, becoming a gathering place for outdoor education, stewardship initiatives, expert workshops, adventure planning, gear maintenance, and community events that encourage responsible exploration throughout Colorado. Today, the building stands as one of Denver's finest adaptive reuse success stories, demonstrating how a historic landmark can continue serving the public in an entirely new way while remaining deeply connected to the city's outdoor identity.
How to fold REI into your trip.
REI fits naturally into an active morning exploring Denver's revitalized riverfront before continuing through some of the city's most celebrated public spaces.
Begin with a walk or bike ride along the South Platte River Trail, where miles of scenic pathways introduce Denver's outdoor culture before stopping into REI to admire the restored powerhouse architecture and browse equipment inspired by Colorado's endless adventures. Afterward, continue through Confluence Park, where kayakers, cyclists, and walkers gather at the meeting point of Cherry Creek and the South Platte River before unwinding in Commons Park, whose expansive lawns, skyline views, and peaceful riverfront setting provide the perfect place to slow down. The surrounding neighborhood rewards exploring on foot, with historic warehouses, pedestrian bridges, waterfront cafés, and locally owned businesses creating a seamless connection between Denver's industrial heritage and its enduring passion for the outdoors.
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