Barnum Park

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Parks

Colorado

Nearby: Barnum East Park Frog Hollow Park

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Barnum Park is a beautiful and popular public park located in Denver, Colorado.

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Summary

It spans 32 acres and has a wide range of amenities and attractions that make it a great place to visit for people of all ages.

One of the main draws of Barnum Park is its stunning panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains. Visitors can enjoy hiking or walking along the park's trails, or simply relax on the green grass and take in the breathtaking scenery.

The park also features several playgrounds and sports fields, including basketball and volleyball courts, soccer fields, and a baseball diamond. There are also picnic areas with grills and tables, making it an ideal spot for a family outing or a group gathering.

One unique aspect of Barnum Park is its history. It was originally part of the Barnum and Bailey Circus, and some of the old circus buildings still remain on the property. The park is named after P.T. Barnum, the famous circus owner, and is a tribute to his legacy.

The best time of year to visit Barnum Park is during the spring or fall months when the weather is mild and comfortable. However, the park is open year-round, and visitors can enjoy winter activities such as sledding and ice skating when the conditions allow.

Overall, Barnum Park is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the Denver area. With its stunning views, variety of amenities, and unique history, it has something to offer everyone.

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.

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