If you have ever driven along Sheridan Boulevard in the Denver metro area, you have probably seen the glowing lights, vintage rides and unmistakable Tower of Jewels at Lakeside Amusement Park.
For generations of Colorado families, Lakeside has been part of summer in Denver. But what many people don't realize is that Lakeside is more than an amusement park.
It is its own city, it has been operating since 1908, and the same family has owned the park since 1935.
Recently, our family got an even more personal look at the story behind Lakeside, and it made us appreciate this Denver-area landmark even more.
Welcome to Denver Chit Chat by The Modglin Collection, where we share the stories, neighborhoods, landmarks and local history that make living in Denver and Colorado so special.
Is Lakeside Amusement Park Actually in Denver?
Technically, no.
One of the most interesting facts about Lakeside Amusement Park is that it is located in the Town of Lakeside, Colorado, an incorporated municipality in Jefferson County surrounded by the Denver metro area.
The Town of Lakeside was incorporated in 1907, one year before the amusement park opened.
So while most people simply call it "Lakeside in Denver," when you enter the park, you are actually entering a separate Colorado municipality.
The town and the amusement park are closely connected, making Lakeside one of the most unusual small communities in the Denver area.
When Did Lakeside Amusement Park Open?
Lakeside Amusement Park opened on May 30, 1908.
It was originally called White City, a name inspired by the thousands of electric lights that illuminated the park.
At the time, Lakeside was much more than a place to ride roller coasters. It was designed as a major entertainment destination with rides, a ballroom, theater, skating rink, lake activities and elaborate architecture.
More than 100 years later, much of Lakeside's historic character is still visible.
That is one of the reasons visiting Lakeside feels so different from visiting a newer amusement park.
You are not just riding attractions.
You are experiencing a piece of Colorado history.
Who Owns Lakeside Amusement Park?
The Krasner family has owned Lakeside Amusement Park since 1935, when Benjamin "Ben" Krasner purchased the property.
Under the Krasner family, Lakeside evolved into much of the Art Deco and Art Moderne style people recognize today.
But the family's impact extends far beyond the architecture.
For generations, Lakeside has remained a place designed for everyday families.
Nearly 90 years later, the Krasner family's connection to Lakeside continues.
Why Is the Lake at Lakeside Called Lake Rhoda?
The lake inside Lakeside Amusement Park is called Lake Rhoda, and there is a wonderful family story behind the name.
Ben Krasner named the lake after his daughter, Rhoda Krasner.
Today, Rhoda remains closely connected to Lakeside and her family's legacy.
Families have been riding the train around Lake Rhoda, walking along the water and making memories there for decades.
But for us, learning more about Rhoda made the history much more personal.
Jay Had the Pleasure of Meeting Rhoda
Jay, recently had the opportunity to work one of his first responder shifts at Lakeside during a private event. Did you know Jay is an EMT? We’ll that’s a story for another time.
Anyway, while he was there, he had the pleasure of meeting Rhoda herself.
What struck out most to him was learning how present she still is at the park.
Rhoda still drives around Lakeside in the golf cart her parents used to drive around the property.
She continues to make her way through the park, talk with guests and stay connected with the families visiting Lakeside.
Think about how special that is.
This isn't simply a family legacy preserved through photographs, memorabilia or a name on a building.
Rhoda is still there.
She is still talking with guests.
She is still watching new generations of Colorado families enjoy the same amusement park her family has cared for since 1935.
Why Does Lakeside Amusement Park Stay Affordable?
During Jay's shift, he also had the opportunity to speak with the Lakeside Police Chief.
The Police Chief shared something that gave us an entirely new appreciation for Rhoda and the park.
He explained that Rhoda's desire is to keep Lakeside operating as an affordable entertainment option for families in the community.
She wants families to have somewhere they can go together, ride the rides, laugh, spend time with each other and create memories without family entertainment becoming financially out of reach.
That means a lot in today's world.
Family activities can become expensive quickly, especially for larger families.
Knowing there is a deeper purpose behind Lakeside's continued operation makes the park even more special.
Photo by: Brigette Modglin
Lakeside Is More Than Valuable Denver Real Estate
As real estate professionals, we cannot help but notice the location.
Lakeside sits on a significant piece of land along Sheridan Boulevard in the heart of the Denver metro area.
From a purely real estate perspective, the property carries enormous development potential.
But Lakeside has never simply been about land value.
For the Krasner family, this property represents nearly a century of family history.
For Rhoda, it represents her parents, her childhood, her family's work and generations of Colorado families who have passed through the gates.
That is why the Lakeside story stands out to us.
Sometimes the value of a property can't be measured only by price per square foot or redevelopment potential.
Sometimes its greatest value is in the memories created there.
Why Is Lakeside Amusement Park Important to Denver History?
Lakeside represents something that is becoming increasingly rare across the Denver metro area.
A historic local landmark that continues to serve essentially the same purpose it did generations ago.
The lights still turn on.
The rides still run.
Parents still bring their children.
Grandparents can return with grandchildren and tell them stories about when they rode the same rides decades earlier.
And Rhoda is still driving around the park, visiting with guests and watching another generation enjoy her family's legacy.
As Denver continues to grow and change, places like Lakeside help keep us connected to the history that came before us.
Quick Facts About Lakeside Amusement Park
Where is Lakeside Amusement Park?
Lakeside Amusement Park is located in the Town of Lakeside, Colorado, just west of Denver along Sheridan Boulevard.
Is Lakeside its own city?
Yes. Lakeside is its own incorporated municipality and is not part of the City and County of Denver.
When was Lakeside Amusement Park established?
Lakeside Amusement Park opened in 1908.
What was Lakeside originally called?
The amusement park was originally known as White City.
How long has the same family owned Lakeside?
The Krasner family has owned the park since 1935.
Who is Lake Rhoda named after?
Lake Rhoda was named after Rhoda Krasner, daughter of Ben Krasner.
Is Rhoda still involved with Lakeside?
Yes. Rhoda remains a presence at the park, where she can still be seen driving around, talking with guests and continuing her family's legacy.
Why has Lakeside remained affordable?
According to the Lakeside Police Chief, Rhoda's desire is to keep the park available as an affordable place for families in the community to enjoy rides and make memories together.
A Family Legacy That Still Lives On
After hearing about Jay's experience working at Lakeside, meeting Rhoda and learning more about her family's commitment to the park, I don't think we'll ever look at Lakeside the same way again.
Behind the vintage neon lights and historic rides is a much bigger story.
It is a story about Denver history.
It is a story about family.
It is a story about community.
And it is a story about choosing legacy over simply looking at the financial value of the land.
The next time you drive down Sheridan Boulevard and see Lakeside glowing in the distance, remember that you are looking at a place that has been entertaining Colorado families since 1908.
You are also looking at the legacy of a family that has cared for the park since 1935 and a woman who still drives around in her parents' golf cart, talks with guests and works to keep that legacy alive for another generation.
And I think that is a Denver story worth telling.
About Denver Chit Chat by The Modglin Collection
Denver Chit Chat by The Modglin Collection is where we share the people, places, neighborhoods, history, real estate and hidden gems that make Denver and Colorado such an incredible place to call home.
At The Modglin Collection, we believe understanding a community means knowing more than home prices and market statistics. It means knowing the stories behind the neighborhoods and landmarks that make each part of Colorado unique.
Looking to buy, sell, invest or learn more about Denver real estate and the surrounding communities? Connect with The Modglin Collection for local insight, real estate expertise and a deeper look at what it means to live in Colorado.