Denver Park

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Parks

Colorado

Nearby: Kittredge Park The Wetlands

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Denver Park in Colorado is an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

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Summary

The park's sprawling 314 acres offer endless opportunities for hiking, biking, picnicking, fishing, and wildlife watching. Some of the park's top attractions include Ferril Lake, the Denver Botanic Gardens, the Denver Zoo, and the Museum of Nature and Science. Ferril Lake is the park's centerpiece, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and bird watching. The Denver Botanic Gardens is home to a wide variety of plants and flowers from around the world. The Denver Zoo is one of the top zoos in the country, with over 4,000 animals representing more than 600 species. The Museum of Nature and Science is also a must-visit, with exhibits on dinosaurs, space, and Colorado's history.

In addition to its natural and cultural attractions, Denver Park is also known for its interesting history. The park was founded in 1882 and was originally designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the same man who designed New York City's Central Park. Over the years, the park has hosted a number of important events, including the 1908 Democratic National Convention and the 1976 Winter Olympics.

The best time of year to visit Denver Park is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and sunny. However, the park is open year-round, and each season offers its own unique set of attractions. In the fall, visitors can enjoy the changing leaves and fall festivals, while in the winter, they can go ice skating on Ferril Lake or attend the annual Parade of Lights.

Overall, Denver Park is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Colorado. With its beautiful natural scenery, fascinating history, and wide range of attractions, it's no wonder why the park is one of the most popular destinations in the state.

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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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