Lakeside Amusement Park

By Nina Snyder, About.com Guide

Visitors enjoy the Skoota Boats ride at Lakeside Amusement Park on August 2, 2010.

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About Lakeside Amusement Park:

I had not been back to Lakeside Amusement Park in the more than 25 years since childhood, but not much had changed when I visited in 2010. Although a bit rough around the edges, the park still possesses a certain dilapidated charm. The graceful layout of the park built in 1908 shows through, and there is nothing wrong with Lakeside that a few coats of fresh paint would not fix.

Roller coaster aficionados will appreciate the wooden roller coaster at Lakeside Amusement Park, and parents will appreciate the budget-friendly prices. Lakeside's snack bars also offer reasonable prices for pretzels, popcorn and other treats.

History of Lakeside:

The Denver Tram Company built Lakeside Amusement Park in 1908 as a way to entice Denver residents to ride the trolley. Dubbed as "The Coney Island of the West," Lakeside featured live theater, fine dining and the El Patio ballroom. The two miniature trains, still in operation today, date from the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis.

The amusement park is built around the shores of a lake off Sheridan Boulevard, and features views of the Rocky Mountains to the West. The American Coaster Enthusiasts also designated Lakeside's wooden "Cyclone Coaster" as a Landmark coaster in 2003.

Hours and Admission:

Hours for 2013:
The hours for Lakeside may vary slightly by month, but the general hours are listed below.
Weekends: Adult and childrens' rides open at 12 noon.
Weekdays: Childrens' rides open at 1 p.m. Adult rides open at 6 p.m.
Lakeside Amusement Park is open from May through mid-September.

Admission for 2013:
Gate admission is $2.50 per person, and includes one 50 cent coupon.
Unlimited ride wrist tags, with gate admission included, are $13.75 - $19.75 depending on the day.
Individual rides require coupons. Prices for rides range from 50 cents - $3.

Directions and Address:

Directions:
From I-70, exit on Sheridan Boulevard and head south. Lakeside Amusement Park will be on your right. On public transportation, the 44 bus also stops at 44th and Sheridan Blvd.

Address:
Lakeside Amusement Park
4601 Sheridan Blvd.
Denver, CO 80212
303-477-1621

Other Important Info:

Parking is free but requires gate admission.
Group rates for groups of 10 - 249 people are available.
All rides in Kiddies' Playland are one coupon, or 50 cents.