Denver Geographical Help Needed

[rolanni]

As reported elsewhere in this journal, I plan to have me at least one ride on a wooden carousel during my visit to the City in the Clouds. I am now in possession of a train schedule and a barebones panel assignment list (no reading/signing/coffee- chat filled in yet), with which to work. What I need to do now is figure out relative locations and the availability of mass transit/taxicabs.

The con schedule, insofar as it currently exists:

Tuesday: Arrive Denver Union Station 7:10 a.m.

Wednesday:
The Electronic Storyteller's Bowl 11:30 a.m. Steve and Sharon

Thursday:
Clarion West Student Readings: the Early Years 11:30 a.m. Steve
Writing in Concert 4:00 p.m. Steve and Sharon

Friday:
After the day job goes: writing full time to pay the mortgage 5:30 p.m. Steve
Dinner 7 p.m.

Saturday:
Keeping a Job: What writers do to support their writing 11:30 a.m. Sharon
Short stories/Long Novels: Fitting the story to the form 4:00 p.m. Steve

Sunday:
Working with Science and Science Fiction Museums 10:00 a.m. Steve
Writers Married to Each Other 1:00 p.m Steve and Sharon

Monday: Catch a Zephyr going East 8:10 p.m.

...From this it looks like my best shot is going to be arrival-Tuesday, assuming I can find somewhere to stash my bags; Wednesday afternoon; Friday; or departure-Monday, again assuming a place to stash bags. I'm a little uncomfortable planning outside activities on actual con days, because of those unscheduled-but-still-possible events.

My information is that there is a 1925 Philadelphia Toboggan Company wooden carousel in Elitch Gardens, which is said to be in "downtown Denver". This looks the most promising, though I understand that Denver is a Big City, and that the carousel and the convention both being "inside the city limits" doesn't necessarily mean they're anywhere near each other.

There is also a Parker Menagerie three-level carousel (just...oh, wow...) at Lakeside Park at 46th St and North Sheriden Blvd -- also inside city limits?

Can someone who is local to or very familiar with Denver counsel me on the relative sanity of trying to reach either of these carousels during the times I have available, and the best (most reliable) way to reach them?

Thanks!

Comments

[serge-lj.livejournal.com]

So you're arriving the day before we'll be showing up. Duly noted. I hope Sue and I will get to meet you and your hubby. (I haven't forgotten the wonderful time we had at that pub in Boston in 2004.)

[rolanni.livejournal.com]

Oh, cool! I'll be glad to see you both.

When the schedules get filled out a little more, we should try to squeeze in a lunch/dinner.

[katmoonshaker.livejournal.com]

I'm not sure, but I posted a link to this entry so that my friends who live in Denver can get here. I know they plan on being at the con as well so they'll know the best way from the actual site. It also gave me the chance to pimp your books again. muahahahahahahahahaha

[kitsunegeek.livejournal.com]

Hi, I'm one of Kat's friends in Denver-area. Elitch's is very do-able. The park (it is a small Six Flags-owned amusement park) is right in Downtown Denver; not far from Union Station and all the mass transit. And yes, the carousel is gorgeous!

I'm not super-familiar with routes within Denver (I live North of Denver in Lafayette) but I believe Light Rail and buses will get you easily to the hotels, Convention Center, and back to Elitch's. I'm trying to remember; but there may even be lockers at Union Station where you can lock up your bags and go straight to the park (maybe call and ask?). Go to http://www.rtd-denver.com for area bus and light rail information.

I've never been to Lakeside (I'm not an amusement part fan, my husband's old company had parties at Elitch's) but if you do a Google "find Business" for Lakeside Park in Denver, that should get it. I'm pretty sure it isn't in downtown, though.

I don't want to add to your list; but I would feel remiss if I did not add that there is a new-but-amazing carousel at the Denver Zoo. http://www.denverzoo.org All wood, hand-painted, all the animals are different endangered species. The zoo is in town, but on the other side of town from the stations and convention center; there is a direct bus from Market Street Station.

I hope some of that helps!

[rolanni.livejournal.com]

Thank you; that's a lot of help. The last time we were there I thought Denver was a really walkable city (after those of us who are used to the sea-level thing get acclimated :) ); it's good to know that it's navigable, too.

I don't want to add to your list; but I would feel remiss if I did not add that there is a new-but-amazing carousel at the Denver Zoo. http://www.denverzoo.org All wood, hand-painted, all the animals are different endangered species.

Oh, that sounds lovely. There's the problem, though. The reason I'm in Denver is for the World Science Fiction Convention (work, work, so I kinda need to fit the (other) Fun Stuff and sightseeing in and around.

Thanks again.

[(Anonymous)]

So, it's been well over a decade since I lived in Denver, but...

Elitch Garden's was basically a combination of teens wanting to see and be seen and park security guards who were on a serious ego trip *and* had to deal with said teens.

Lakeside, on the other hand, was a slightly down at the heels Art Deco park, with one of the best sets of "whirl and hurl" rides in the country, a classic roller coaster, and other classic rides. Lines are short to non-existent, and you'd be hard pressed to find anyone there between the ages of 10 and 21.

[dhw.livejournal.com]

That was me.

[dhw.livejournal.com]

Oh, I should add, Lakeside is in its own city.

Seriously, the lake, the park, a mall, and about 6 houses are their own city (1sq mile).

[rolanni.livejournal.com]

Seriously, the lake, the park, a mall, and about 6 houses are their own city (1sq mile).

Yanno... that sounds worth visiting, even without the triple-decker carousel...

[trolleypup.livejournal.com]

Lakeside is an absolute jewel, a stunning example of a family owned traditional amusement park...Elitch Gardens is now next to downtown and now owned by a property management company. Both are worth visiting.

Lakeside Amusement Park (http://www.lakesideamusementpark.com/Main.php)
Admission is $2.50 plus per ride.

Elitch Gardens (http://www.elitchgardens.com/index.php)
Admission is $30 (pay one price).

Denver RTD (http://www.rtd-denver.com/)

The 44 bus goes from downtown to Lakeside, and Elitch Gardens is served directly by light rail.

[dhw.livejournal.com]

Lakeside also offers a Pay-One-Price option.

[trolleypup.livejournal.com]

True...one of these years I'll have to get back there...

[saruby.livejournal.com]

Elitch's is very close to downtown and readily accessible by public transportation. Not cheap, however. I have a season pass with at least one guest pass, however, so we can get you in when you want to go. Elitch's was better before they moved, but at least they moved the carousel with the park.

Lakeside is the poor cousin, and of questionable safety, although a carousel is probably safe. It is not that close to downtown Denver. In fact, Lakeside is its own town, which is entirely owned by the family that owns the park. However, a ride can be provided, as necessary. Just let me know.

[rolanni.livejournal.com]

Oh! Thank you; that would be absolutely super. I'll email you when I've got the rest of the schedule nailed down, and we can see what will work best for both.

Light rail to carousels

[(Anonymous)]

Piece of cake since you are coming in at Union Station. The different light rail lines all converge at Union Station, so just be careful to get on the right line. There are plenty of maps at each station so it should be easy for you to see what you need to do. Grew up in Denver (now you know why the rain in WA is such a problem for me) and if I make it out there for the con, I'll be glad to be your guide. Jenny from WA

Re: Light rail to carousels

[rolanni.livejournal.com]

Thank you! I'm countrified by my years in Maine, alas, and keep forgetting that things like light rails are available in more...metropolitan areas.

[papersky.livejournal.com]

I'm going on the train too. I may well see you on it!