You have braved the Tower of Doom, thrashed around on the Mind Eraser, and may even remember seeing a live production (or two) of Batman during the infamous “Six Flags” era… you must know all there is to know about Denver’s iconic Elitch Gardens, right? Well, if you didn’t know that its current location just off I-25 is not its original location (or that the amusement park used to primarily showcase colorful gardens), you still have a thing or two to learn, which we will quickly discuss via these 9 nostalgic photos:

Originally opened in 1890 as the Elitch’s Zoological Gardens, Elitches was the first zoo opened in Denver that quickly gained popularity throughout the city.

History Colorado/94.319.10

History Colorado “Men stand near Ivy Baldwin’s partially inflated balloon at Elitch Gardens in Denver, Colorado.” (1894)

History Colorado/90.152.664 “Merry go round at Elitchs.” (c. 1904)

Located at 38th and Tennyson Street, the original Elitches continued to grow and eventually did away with the zoo before adding a theater and more rides.

YouTube/shannon shanklin

YouTube/Denphemera The park’s iconic Calypso.

YouTube/shannon shanklin The original 1964 John C. Allen wooden Twister.

Wikimedia Commons The old Elitch Gardens Theatre in 1923.

YouTube/shannon shanklin One of the original park’s gardens, circa 1980.

When did Elitches current location come into play? The amusement park continued to grow and expand at its 38th and Tennyson Street location until 1994, when the park moved to its current (and larger) location just off the Platte River valley near Downtown.

Flickr/Daniel Spiess

For even more epic outdoor opportunities, check out these 7 Little Known Swimming Spots Around Denver That Will Make Your Summer Awesome.

History Colorado/94.319.10

History Colorado

“Men stand near Ivy Baldwin’s partially inflated balloon at Elitch Gardens in Denver, Colorado.” (1894)

History Colorado/90.152.664

“Merry go round at Elitchs.” (c. 1904)

YouTube/shannon shanklin

YouTube/Denphemera

The park’s iconic Calypso.

The original 1964 John C. Allen wooden Twister.

Wikimedia Commons

The old Elitch Gardens Theatre in 1923.

One of the original park’s gardens, circa 1980.

Flickr/Daniel Spiess

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.