Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park | Denver

Information

Landmark: Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park
City: Denver
Country: USA Colorado
Continent: North America

Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park, Denver, USA Colorado, North America

Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park is an amusement park and water park located in Denver, Colorado, USA.

Visual Characteristics

The park features a variety of amusement rides, including roller coasters, thrill rides, and family rides, alongside a water park with slides and pools. Structures are primarily constructed from steel and concrete, with colorful theming and signage throughout.

Location & Access Logistics

Elitch Gardens is situated at 2000 Elitch Gardens Drive, Denver, CO 80204. It is approximately 1.6 km (1 mile) west of downtown Denver. Parking is available on-site for a fee. Public transport options include Denver RTD bus routes 1, 15, and 42, which stop near the park entrance.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The park originated as a small amusement park in 1890, founded by John Elitch. It has undergone numerous expansions and ownership changes, evolving into its current dual-park format. The site is located on reclaimed land adjacent to the South Platte River.

Key Highlights & Activities

Activities include riding roller coasters such as the Mind Eraser and the Twister II, experiencing thrill rides like the Drop Tower, and enjoying water attractions in the water park, including the Castaway Cove and the Mega Wedgie slide. Live entertainment and seasonal events are also featured.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available throughout the park. Shaded areas are provided by canopies and some natural tree cover. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available. Food and beverage vendors are located within the park.

Best Time to Visit

The park is typically open from late April through October. Weekdays outside of school holidays offer lower crowd density. The water park operates seasonally, generally from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Mid-afternoon provides the most direct sunlight for water park activities.

Facts & Legends

A local anecdote suggests that the original carousel from the 1890s park is still housed within the current facility, though its exact location and operational status are not publicly confirmed.