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A Day In Denver History: Lakeside

Posted on May 22, 2023   |   Updated on September 30, 2025
Bree Davies

Bree Davies

Entrance to the Lakeside Amusement Park’s infamous Cyclone roller coaster.

Entrance to the Lakeside Amusement Park’s infamous Cyclone roller coaster. (Denver Public Libraries Special Collections, WH1504-2016-124)

A lot has changed about Lakeside Amusement Park since it first opened in 1908. Fine dining, ballroom dancing, and full theatrical productions have been replaced with funnel cakes, a mini race car track, and whiplash from the Wild Chipmunk. But one thing has stayed the same for much of the park’s existence: the Cyclone. This wooden roller coaster joined the park’s ride offerings in the 1940s and still rattles and hums along its twisty timber track today. While the classic coaster could stand alone as the main attraction, the Cyclone’s entrance platform — designed by late local architect Richard Crowther —  hearkens back to Old Denver vibes with its slick art-deco-meets-midmod design and beautiful lighting.

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