Since 1908, Denverites have been flocking to Lakeside Amusement Park in the town (yes, town! Population: 8 persons) of Lakeside, Colorado.
Lakeside Amusement Park (sometimes referred to as "White City," as in this Colorado Transcript newspaper article) opened on May 30, 1908, to a crowd of 50,000. Amazingly, the park has only changed ownership twice during its long history. The Lakeside Realty and Amusement Company, originally led by brewery magnate Adolph Zang, sold the park to Benjamin Krasner in 1935. Mr. Krasner's daughter, Rhoda, owns the park today.
Why was Lakeside Amusement Park once referred to as "White City?" During the early part of the 20th century, there were several White City amusement parks scattered throughout the United States, Great Britain, and Australia. The name "White City" originated at Chicago's Columbian Exposition of 1893, which featured amusement rides nestled among the exposition's neoclassical buildings awash in white Plaster of Paris.
Today, a trip to Lakeside is a stroll through a bygone era. Although the swimming beach, casino, theatre, race track, and public pool are no longer in operation, many classic rides survive, including the Cyclone coaster, the Wild Chipmunk, and the miniature train that circles Lake Rhoda.
Click HERE to view a gallery of historic Lakeside Amusement Park images from our photo collection. Be sure to view this gallery the next time you visit Lakeside—and prepare to be amazed by how many of the park's 20th-century buildings and rides live on.
[Want to learn more? We recommend David Forsyth's Denver's Lakeside Amusement Park: From the White City Beautiful to a Century of Fun]
Comments
Great post, Katie! So fun that we can still go to Lakeside and look back at the features from the past, too. The photos are great. I used to love to go to Kennywood in PA when I lived in Pittsburgh-- similar history. Wish I could have gone to Coney Island in it's heyday, too. Historic amusement parks are so fascinating! I always have to visit the historic penny arcade on Pier 45 when visiting San Francisco. Thanks for highlighting our own gem!
Thanks for reading and commenting, Genine! It's fun to have our own version of Coney Island right here in Denver!
Shame how this once great park has fallen into such dingy disrepair. Train is out. Many rides aren't staffed. The miniature golf course is a junkyard. Then there's the shell of the old Speedway. I wonder how closely it ever gets inspected anymore. Such an eyesore.
Shame how this once great park has fallen into such dingy disrepair. Train is out. Many rides aren't staffed. The miniature golf course is a junkyard. Then there's the shell of the old Speedway. I wonder how closely it ever gets inspected anymore. Such an eyesore.
Thanks for reading and posting your comments, John. We hope you enjoyed the photos from the park's earlier days!
Aww - I was there last night and found it lovely! We had a great time riding the carousel, the Dragon, and the train!
Sounds like a perfect evening!
How can I get your book of photos call The History of Lakeside Amusement Park in Photos, where can I buy one?
Thanks for your question, Geneva! While DPL has not published a book of Lakeside Amusement Park photos, we do offer reproductions of our historic photos for purchase. Please visit our image purchasing page for more information.
i remember the old Fun House with the laughing lady out front. The air being blown under the girls dresses. Also the Monkey cage. I am surprised we weren't killed in there. Fond Memories!
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