Elitch Gardens

Elitch Gardens opened on this Platte Valley site on May 27, 1995, after 105 years at 38th and Tennyson: a wooden coaster (Twister II), a 220-foot drop tower, a water park, and the skyline behind every ride. About the rumors: in 2023 co-owner Revesco said the park might relocate for the River Mile redevelopment, and 'final season' talk spread online. What actually happened is that Kroenke Sports & Entertainment became sole owner on June 11, 2025, the park opened its 2026 season in April as scheduled, no plans or permits have been filed for the River Mile parcels, and an Elitch spokesperson told Denverite in April 2026 the park 'will continue operating in its current location for the foreseeable future.' The 2026 calendar runs through Elitch Holidays in early January 2027. Gate tickets are $64.99; online any-day tickets were $57.99, weekdays $42.99.

Why go. Roller coasters with a skyline view, and it is not going anywhere this year.

Buy weekday tickets online (about $20 cheaper), come at opening in April, May or September when lines are short, and walk from Union Station rather than paying for the lot.