Bringing The Thrill Back Home
Elitch Gardens was established in the West Highlands neighborhood of Denver in 1890 as a Zoological Gardens. One year later, Mary Elitch, established the Elitch Theatre (as Theatre at The Gardens) which became the oldest summer stock theatre in the country.
For over a century Elitch Gardens thrived and survived. Adding amusement rides, a kiddie park, letting go of the zoo element, hosting big band dances, being the nation’s leading distributor for carnations, and scaring young children with an incredibly tall wooden roller coaster called Mister Twister. (Okay, maybe just my young self!)
It was an adventure to go to Elitch Garden’s Amusement Park, known as Elitch’s. Nestled in North Denver with its gardens growing tall along its hedges and tall trees offering shade, entering the park was like walking into another dimension. One that was happier, daring and way more exciting than real life.
Then in 1994 it was bought by Six Flags and moved downtown. They planted trees but not enough to fight the concrete and tar main ingredient. The cost of admission seemed similar to a down payment of some sort and the rides were new and shiny- no more nostalgia and wooden engineering feats. There was a water park, which was new and a big parking lot. Yet it felt sterile, too commercial and nowhere in the park could you feel the Denver vibe.
Well- welcome back to the pulse wherein you were born Elitch’s! You are now a privately owned park, you are no longer a sponsor for a chain, your residence can once again afford to grace your grounds! Your trees still need to grow a bit, but now you are at least heading in the right direction.
The Denver Traveler recommends you buy a season pass as the price is equivalent to two admissions and you get to go as many times as you may choose. It also includes their summer concert series.
Tags: Elitch Garden’s Amusement Park, Elitch Gardens, Elitch Theatre, West HighlandsRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Announcements, Attractions, Family Fun, Food & Beverage, Great Places to Unwind, History & Information, Just a Bit Weird - Fun & Quirky Places, Must-See Sights
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