What’s behind the scenes of a factory producing coins or candy? What are the stories that are sacred to one of the region’s most prominent sports/concert meccas — and the studio of a pre-eminent, late artist?

These four Mile High City tours are free or cost a few bucks — a small investment given the inside looks they provide.

Hammond’s Candies

Tour length: 30 minutes

The experience: Candy is dandy, and life is sweet — all the more so at Hammond’s Candies, a Denver confectioner since 1920. Free candy factory tours reveal real people — as opposed to Willy Wonka’s Oompa Loompas — crafting signature caramel-coated marshmallows, striped candy canes, shimmering ribbon candy and more.

The laborious process makes the enchanting candy even sweeter; and the gift shop allows you to purchase Hammond’s chocolates, taffy and other sugar-buzz inducers. After this tour, you’ll never see a candy cane the same again; but you’ll spot Hammonds’ striped creations at high-profile retailers such as Williams-Sonoma, Neiman Marcus and Whole Foods. Hammond’s even got nods from Martha Stewart and Oprah.

Catch the tour: Hammond’s Candies is at 5735 Washington St. in Denver.

Reservations: None are required for groups numbering fewer than 10 people. (Groups of 10-50, call 303-333-5588 ext. 110 to schedule your tour.) Free 30-minute tours run on the hour and half-hour, Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Connect: 303-333-5588 or hammondscandies.com

Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art

Tour length: Approximately 30 minutes

The experience: Vance Kirkland is famous in some circles for the famous, cosmic dot paintings in his central Denver studio, now a museum. Docents usher visitors through Kirkland’s illustrious career and explain the artist’s curious studio, completed in 1911.

Additionally, the Kirkland’s trove of modern and contemporary decorative arts — curated by museum director Hugh Grant — ranks as one of the nation’s best caches of the recent past. The giddy trip down memorabilia lane includes Princess phones, potato chip chairs, typewriters, Frank Lloyd Wright furnishings, Art Deco designs, Arts and Crafts books and more artful everyday stuff of yesteryear.

The Kirkland also includes a significant collection by Colorado artists. Weather permitting, be sure to step out to enjoy the sculpture garden, as well. But leave the kids elsewhere: Due to the fragile nature of the collection, the Kirkland does not admit children under age 13. Kids ages 13 to 17 must be accompanied by an adult.

Catch the tour: Kirkland Museum, 1311 Pearl St. Free parking in the lot across from the museum on the southwest corner of 13th and Pearl.

Reservations: The museum is open Monday by appointment only and Tuesday through Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. General tours offered at 1:30 Wednesday through Saturday, free with museum admission: Adults $7; seniors, teachers, students $6 with ID.

Connect: 303-832-8576 or kirklandmuseum.org

United States Mint

Tour length: 30 minutes

The experience: Money changes everything, and Denver has made change at the U.S. Mint since 1863. The Denver Mint offers free tours that highlight the history of the mint and detail the contemporary manufacturing process for circulating coins. Tours explain the painstaking craftsmanship at every stage from original designs and sculptures to the actual striking of the metal coins.

Catch the tour: United States Mint, 320 W. Colfax Ave. All United States Mint tours are free of charge. Guided tours start on the hour and are available from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday (excluding federal holidays).

Reservations: Mint tours require reservations. This is a government facility manufacturing money and storing gold and silver, so security is understandably high. Carefully heed policies. The website provides a long list of prohibited items. Ladies, you cannot bring your purse; and there’s no on-site storage. Also, book early: Tours typically fill up weeks in advance. Arrive 15 minutes early.

Connect: 303-405-4761 or usmint.gov

Pepsi Center

Tour length: 90 minutes

The experience: Denver’s mecca for sports and concert extravaganzas has a massive capacity for competition and entertainment. A walking tour takes visitors through the state-of-the-art arena, the home of the playoff-bound Denver Nuggets and the Colorado Avalanche. Learn how the arena morphs from wooden basketball court to ice hockey rink to concert stage. Sports fans will find this a winning tour, whether you hold season tickets or have never attended a professional game, set or match.

Catch the tour: Pepsi Center, 1000 Chopper Circle

Reservations: Tour dates vary according to more than 200 scheduled Pepsi Center events each year. No tours on weekends or holidays. Reservations required. Walk-in tour prices top out at $7, with $1 discounts for students, veterans, kids and seniors. For tours, park in Lot A on the west side of the arena, check in at the box office on the south side. Cameras allowed, but no video or recording devices permitted.

Connect: 303-405-8556 or PepsiCenterTours@PepsiCenter.com

Colleen Smith