Is There a Six Flags in Colorado? | Easily Explained
In this page, we will explain whether or not there is currently a Six Flags in Colorado, a previous Six Flags in this location, and the history behind the current theme park in Denver.
Is There a Six Flags in Colorado?
There is currently no theme park in Colorado that is a Six Flags park. However, the Elitch Gardens theme park used to be known as Six Flags Elitch Gardens for 7 years, from 1999-2006.
Located in Downtown Denver, Elitch Gardens is uniquely located right across the Empower Field at Mile High Stadium, where the Denver Broncos play.
Elitch Gardens still features some of the best rides from the Six Flags era, such as Twister II, Sidewinder and Mind Eraser.
Brief History of Elitch Gardens
Elitch Gardens has one of the most unique histories of any theme park as it has been around since 1890.
John and Mary Elitch would originally transform their farm into a green oasis and zoological park.
Elitch Gardens would later become:
- Denver's first Botanic Garden
- Colorado’s first Children’s Museum and activity center
- One of the first zoos in the area
As time passed and technology advanced, Elitch Gardens would as well and would at times have a theatre and a ballroom for musicians along the way.
In 1928, they would install their first carousel which would set the foundation for what the park would later become.
The Ferris Wheel was next, and then the roller coasters soon followed.
The Future of Elitch Gardens
The city of Denver recently announced the River Mile project, that is envisioned as a sustainable, walkable downtown neighborhood.
This project is meant to address walkability, allow residents to be located closer to their work environments, restaurants, and give the downtown area a more 'Neighborly' feel to it.
It will essentially turn the Elitch Gardens area and the surrounding parking lots into a new dense, walkable extension of downtown is a great idea.
The reason why it's called the River Mile is due to the river being the focal point of the neighborhood-feel aspect of the project, and for visitors to experience life along the river edge.
This project is expected to force Elitch Gardens to relocate in the near future.
However, the River Mile project is expected to take 25 years to fully complete, and span 62 acres.
Why Did Elitch Gardens Get Rid of the Six Flags Name?
Six Flags would sell Six Flags Elitch Gardens and 6 other theme parks for $312 million to PARC Management in late 2006.
After PARC Management acquired these parks, they would drop the Six Flags name and also remove all branding related to Looney Tunes and DC Comics from the theme park.
Elitch Gardens would change ownership several more times including:
- 2011-2014: CNL Lifestyle Properties
- 2015-2020: Premier Parks LLC
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