Venture to LoDo

DENVER -- Richard Grimes plays a tune on one of the many pianos open for use to everyone in the downtown Denver area on Aug. 23, 2012. All along the 16th Street Mall shopping area there are many free attraction open to public use such as chess boards. (U.S. Air Force photo by Paul Labbe)

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Venture to LoDo

DENVER – People cross 16th Street Aug. 24, 2012. LoDo, or downtown Denver has offers plenty to visitors. While downtown, people might come across street performers, whether it’s a ventriloquist, magician or somebody playing one of the several pianos located throughout 16th St. Active-duty service members can ride to LoDo and other destinations for free by using the Regional Transportation District Light Rail System or Bus. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Gross)

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Venture to LoDo

DENVER – Light Rail passengers head up to the boarding location Aug. 24, 2012. Nine Mile Station is one of many Regional Transportation District Light Rail System stations available for customers to park and board the light rail to their destination. Nine Mile Station is the closest to Buckley Air Force Base, Colo. and is free for active-duty service members. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Gross)

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Venture to LoDo

DENVER -- A pedestrian waits to board a RTD train on Aug. 23, 2012.The Regional Transportation District Light Rail System is free to ride for all military individuals. (U.S. Air Force photo by Paul Labbe)

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Venture to LoDo

DENVER – A chess player ponders his next move during a chess match Aug. 24, 2012. Several chess and checkers tables are located throughout 16th Street downtown. Bring your own pieces as they are not provided. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Gross)

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Venture to LoDo

DENVER – One of the many eateries available to stop and grab a snack, located in downtown. LoDo, or downtown Denver has offers plenty to visitors. Active-duty service members can ride to LoDo and other destinations for free by using the Regional Transportation District Light Rail System or Bus. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Gross)

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Venture to LoDo

DENVER -- The Nine Mile Station is one of many regional Transportation District Light Rail System stations available for customers to park and board the light rail to their destination. (U.S. Air Force photo by Paul Labbe)

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Venture to LoDo

Published Aug. 27, 2012
By Senior Airman Christopher Gross
460th Space Wing Public Affairs

BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Bored on Buckley? Take a day and board the Regional Transportation District Light Rail System or take the RTD bus to LoDo, also known as Lower Downtown Denver.

These services are free for active-duty service members. Hop on the bus or ride down to the nearest light rail station and enjoy a free ride while exploring what downtown Denver has to offer.

The closest light rail station to Buckley is Nine Mile Station, which is Line H. Take Interstate 225 South to the Parker Rd. exit. Nine Mile Station is visible immediately after exiting.

There are several light rail stops between Nine Mile Station and downtown with a travel time of approximately 30-40 minutes. To see a map of stops, stations and different lines click here. For arrival and departure times click here.

If you're attending an event at the Pepsi Center or Sports Authority Field and want to avoid the hassle of traffic and parking, the light rail make stops near both of those locations.

The bus stops several times throughout the day on Buckley across from the Base Exchange at the intersection of Telluride and Steamboat. It's more than an hour ride to downtown. To see a map of stops click here and for arrival and departure times click here.

After arriving downtown another bus is available free of charge, traveling up and down 16th Street Mall and Union Station where many stores, eateries and attractions are located.

While downtown, people might come across street performers, whether it's a ventriloquist, magician or somebody playing one of the several pianos located throughout 16th Street. People can stop and enjoy some free entertainment.

Or how about some downtown chess or checkers action at one of the many board game tables available? Just be sure to bring your own pieces as they are not provided.

The 16th Street Mall is also known for its numerous stores, so pedestrians can spend the day shopping, stroll the street to enjoy downtown architecture and side-street art.

Looking for an educational activity? Search the web for local art or history museums as there are several located on or near 16th Street.

So, if you're ever Bored on Buckley and can't think of a thing to do, get out and enjoy what downtown Denver has to offer while enjoying a free ride there and back.