“Enjoy the Ride” That’s the slogan that captures the spirit of Lakeside Amusement Park. Lakeside Amusement Park is a family-owned amusement park in Lakeside, Colorado, right next to Denver.
Lakeside Amusement Park opened its doors on May 30, 1908. It stands as the oldest amusement park in Colorado still gracing its original location. Lakeside is also the only remaining American amusement park that once carried the name White City. The park helped create the Town of Lakeside in 1907. The landmark Tower of Jewels stands tall.
Lakeside Park was the vision of Denver brewer Adolph Zang and his group. The park sprawled across approximately 57 acres next to Lake Rhoda. Back then, it was known as West Berkeley Lake. It was known as both “Lakeside Park” and “The White City of the West”. The park was built in the Exposition and White City architectural styles. An estimated 100,000 electric bulbs lit it up. The Denver Tramway built a trolley line to service it. Unlike most trolley parks, Lakeside was independently owned and included ample parking.
The original buildings included the 150-foot Tower of Jewels at the main entrance. There was a three-story Casino building with a theater and dining areas overlooking the lake. A natatorium, a 15,000 square foot ballroom, a roller skating rink, a boat house with a 160-foot pier, and a train station with clock tower, modeled after Denver’s Union Station, were all part of the original design.
The main entrance led down a wide staircase to a central park area. Rides and attractions were grouped at the southern end. The northern section was reserved for social activities such as musical performances, ballroom dancing, boating, outdoor swimming and diving, and roller skating.
Original rides and attractions included the Lakeshore Railroad. It was a miniature railroad that circled the lake. There was a merry-go-round, a Ferris wheel, an airship and balloon ascension platform, a Third Degree funhouse, and the Devil’s Palace. A Shoot-the-Chutes, a mile-long Scenic Railway, and the Velvet Coaster were also present. The Velvet Coaster had a 1,200 foot framework situated along the southern end of the lake. It had a total of 3,600 feet of track. The Tickler ride was soon removed after customers suffered injuries.
The Derby Racer, a double-track racing coaster designed by John A. Miller, was added in 1911. The massive ride was built at the northern end of the park.
A fire destroyed the Scenic Railway and other structures in 1911. Another fire in January 1912 destroyed the skating rink and damaged the Derby coaster. The coaster was repaired. The natatorium was converted into the new roller skating rink.
Ben Krasner acquired Lakeside in 1935. Lakeside underwent major renovations and additions. Many new rides were added, including the Cyclone roller coaster in 1940. New buildings were built in the Art Deco style. Architect Richard L. Crowther designed much of Lakeside’s Art Deco and Modern features during this period. He included a great deal of neon lighting in his work.
Architectural salvage can be found throughout the park. Inside the main restaurant is a marble and mirror backbar. It was saved from the Denver Union Station. One of the picnic pavilions is created from a retired center column of a ride. The pool for the Skoota Boats ride is an adaptive reuse of the original Shoot-the-Chutes ride.
The Cyclone is the most popular ride at Lakeside Amusement Park. Built in 1940, it is an ACE Coaster Classic and Coaster Landmark. Lakeside’s miniature railway features steam train locomotives from the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. It also features the world’s first miniature gauge diesel locomotive.
As you stroll through Lakeside Amusement Park, you’re walking through history. The twinkling lights, the classic rides, and the Art Deco architecture create an unforgettable experience. Enjoy the ride and the memories that Lakeside Amusement Park holds.