Denver Highlight

Sloan's Lake and its History (A Denver Landmark)

Sloan’s Lake, Denver, CO

Sloan’s Lake, Denver, CO

It’s 1861. You wake up early to get ready for a day’s work on the farm. First on the agenda is to finish digging the well, so you head that way. Upon digging, you notice something interesting—water trickling near your boot.

This is the sensation Thomas Sloan must’ve felt before cracking into the vast underground water reserves that turned into Sloan’s Lake. Little did he realize that the small trickle near his boot would surge into an almost-200-acre lake near South Golden Road (now Colfax).

Some time later, the area now occasionally referred to as “Sloan’s Leak” burgeoned thanks to the plethora of activities that could be carried out on the large body of water. The area got so popular that an amusement park called Manhattan Beach was established, operating on the lake shores from 1881-1908.

Manhattan Beach Amusement Park

Manhattan Beach Amusement Park

Though the rides were well and fun, Manhattan Beach’s biggest attraction was Roger the Elephant. People from across the Midwest would come to see and ride Roger—that is, until Roger did an oopsie. Regardless, Roger serves as a symbol of Sloan’s Lake’s local influence. In fact, lore claims that Roger is still buried under the old King Soopers site near Sloan’s Lake! Perhaps a developer will find him?

Speaking of developers, Sloan’s Lake is now sitting next to some fairly hot real estate—not including, of course, the real estate projects being developed by Denver Development Group. Its popularity has only continued to boom since the early 1900’s, and though there Roger the Elephant may not be around, there’s still plenty to do and see.

For instance, Sloan’s Lake is home to a plethora of activities, including the watery sort like boating and fishing. Since it’s the biggest lake in Denver sandwiched next to the second biggest park in Denver, Sloan’s Lake is perfect for a casual day out. Its facilities include playgrounds, tennis courts, picnic areas, and of course restrooms and water fountains. They even have a baseball field and soccer field! And in July, the annual Colorado Dragon Boat Festival is held on its waters. Here’s a picture of the race below!

Colorado Dragon Boat Festival

Colorado Dragon Boat Festival

Sloan’s Lake is just a walk away from the burgeoning neighborhoods that Denver Development Group is helping to grow. With a view of both the Rocky Mountains to the West and the Denver downtown skyline to the East, it’s a park worth taking advantage of and really squeezing to get the most of every portion. It’s got a lot to offer.


Denver Development Group strives to bring quality development to the local Denver area to help improve its neighborhoods. Be a part of the process today.