Elitch Gardens is a 65-acre theme and water park in Denver, Colorado, with roots going back to 1890, when it opened northwest of downtown as a combination zoo, botanic garden, and amusement park. The park relocated to its current site in the Central Platte Valley near downtown Denver, reopening there on May 27, 1995. It marked its 136th season in 2026, making it one of the longer-running amusement parks in the United States.
Today the park is owned by KSE Radio Ventures and operated by Premier Parks, offering around 54 rides and attractions alongside the adjoining Island Kingdom water park. Its coaster lineup includes six rides, headlined by the wooden Twister III: Storm Chaser and the inverted Mind Eraser, drawing families and thrill-seekers throughout its May-to-October season.
Stats at a Glance
- Location: Denver, Colorado (Central Platte Valley)
- Opened: 1890 (original site); relocated and reopened May 27, 1995
- Size: About 65 acres
- Coasters: 6 operating roller coasters
- Signature ride: Twister III: Storm Chaser (wooden)
- Operator: Premier Parks
- Season: May through October
The Ride Lineup
Elitch Gardens’ coaster roster includes the wooden Twister III: Storm Chaser, the inverted Mind Eraser, the steel shuttle coaster Sidewinder, the looping Boomerang, the family-friendly Half Pipe, and the kid-oriented Blazin’ Buckaroo. The park also runs about 54 total rides and attractions, plus the Island Kingdom water park for summer visitors.
A Denver Landmark
Founded in 1890 as a garden and amusement venue on Denver’s northwest side, Elitch Gardens spent over a century at its original location before moving to a new site in the Platte River valley in 1995. The park closed for an entire season in 2020 due to COVID-19, the first such closure in its 130-year history, and has continued operating seasonally since, with a future relocation planned as part of Denver’s “River Mile” redevelopment project.
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Elitch Gardens FAQs
When did Elitch Gardens open?
Elitch Gardens originally opened in 1890 northwest of downtown Denver. It relocated to its current site in the Central Platte Valley and reopened there on May 27, 1995.
What is the most famous ride at Elitch Gardens?
Twister III: Storm Chaser, a wooden roller coaster, is the park’s signature ride, alongside the inverted steel coaster Mind Eraser.
Who owns and operates Elitch Gardens?
KSE Radio Ventures owns the property, while Premier Parks has operated the park’s day-to-day business since 2015.
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Photo by Olia Nayda on Pexels.