Denver City Park
17th Avenue & Colorado Boulevard, Denver, Colorado
Built in 1882, the 314-acre (127-hectare City Park is Denver’s largest urban green space. The park is home to two lakes, two playgrounds, picnic sites, sports facilities, and several historical monuments, as well as major attractions, like the Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.
Denver City Park’s size, central location, and numerous attractions make it one of the most popular outdoor areas for visitors and locals alike. Numerous paths cater exclusively to pedestrians, and boathouses on Ferril and Duck lakes rent paddleboats for those who’d like to get out on the water. While the park is easily visited independently, travelers can also see the park’s highlights while zipping through on a guided scooter tour of Denver, with other stops at Coors Field, Union Station, Colorado State Capitol, and the Governor’s Mansion.
- Access to the park is free, but some of its attractions charge separate admission.
- Dogs are allowed in the park but must be on a leash at all times.
- Don’t forget to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat.
City Park sits east of downtown Denver, bounded by York Street to the west, Colorado Boulevard to the east and East 23rd Avenue from north to south. The biggest parking areas are located off East 23rd Avenue and North Colorado Boulevard. Bus lines including #15, #20, and #40 stop near the park.
The park remains open throughout the year, and there’s never really a bad time to visit. The paths and facilities tend to be quieter on weekdays. During the summer months, the park hosts free jazz concerts every Sunday evening. Come at night to see the fountain on Ferril Lake light up with colorful LED lights.
Not only is the park itself a highlight of a trip to Denver, but the surrounding City Park neighborhood is also well worth exploring. Nearby Colfax Avenue boasts a bevy of hip shops and restaurants. At the north end of City Park, just across East 23rd Avenue, the public City Park Golf Course offers 18 holes near the heart of the city.
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