Even if you hate the sound of excess change rattling around your pockets, you'll find a tour of the Denver branch of the United States Mint to be an interesting way to spend an hour or so. Having opened in 1863, its purpose was to transform the Gold Rush's findings into coinage. Today, the U.S. Mint in Denver can produce up to 50 million coins a day.

A free guided tour of the U.S. Mint in Denver will allow you the opportunity to learn more about each stage of coin production, from the design and sculpting of each piece to the cutting of each type of coin. Some recent visitors marveled at the coin-making machines, but say that not all travelers will likely find it enthralling.

You'll find the U.S. Mint in downtown Denver near the Denver Art Museum. You can easily get there on foot from the Capitol Hill area and LoDo, or you can hop aboard the Nos. 9, 16 or 52 buses – all of which stop within walking distance of the mint. Admission to the U.S. Mint is free, and open to those age 7 and older but you'll need to contact the mint in advance to reserve your spot on a tour. The mint is open to visitors Mondays through Thursdays (excluding national holidays); tours are offered beginning at 8 a.m. with the final tour departing at 3:30 p.m. You must arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your tour time in order to clear security. You are not allowed to carry any handbags, backpacks, strollers, food or beverages with you when you tour the facility. For more information or to schedule a tour, visit the U.S. Mint's website.