Since 1908, Denverites have been flocking to Lakeside Amusement Park in the town (yes, town! Population: 16 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
Is the park still in
Is the park still in operation, is it still fun to go to from a historical perspective? Thank you for all the interesting history.
Yes it is still operational.
Yes it is still operational. Labor day weekend discount today.
Found a coin like metal token
Found a coin like metal token about the size of a 50 cent piece that says “Casino Theater Lakeside Denver” on one side and “Playing The Best And Latest. Musical Comedy Success” on the opposite side. Looks to be copper or brass. Found in Lascar Colorado near Rye, Colorado.
Back in 63 64 65 I worked I …
Back in 63 64 65 I worked I the funhouse walking the barrels and sitting in the air booth⁸
Back in 63 64 65 I worked I …
Back in 63 64 65 I worked I the funhouse walking the barrels and sitting in the air booth⁸
I didn't grow up here as a…
I didn't grow up here as a kid. I moved here in 1980. But I would like to know the name of some of the older rides from the 30 - 40's era. I took my kids there when they were small and they have continued the tradition. We also used to have family pick nick day at the park that included the nieces and nephews. We had a great time then.. Is lakeside now considered a historic landmark not to be torn down? I think it should be. The historic society or who ever besides Rhonda should help get it restored including the speed way.
Add new comment