Rarely do I encourage my fellow downtown dwellers to leave the city, especially with all the great summer events and activities, but this is a special circumstance.
Just a short drive from downtown Denver is Heritage Square. Opened in 1971 it features a small amusement park, a Victorian themed village and has one of my favorite attractions in the metro, the Alpine Slide.
End of a Denver Metro Tradition
Earlier this year, it was announced that the Alpine Slide and the Village will be closed after the 2015 season. The amusement park and Victorian Events Center will continue to operate, but this summer will be your last chance to ride the slide. So grab the family, a few friends and enjoy some old-fashioned fun and excitement.
Fast or Slow Thrills
Alpine slides have been popular for a long time. Like bobsledding on wheels, they are usually built on the sides of mountains or large hills to provide summer time attractions and revenue during the skiing off-season. Some slides use wheeled carts that have a brake system that controls speed. The slide in Golden utilizes plastic runners that glide easily over the smooth surface of the slide.
If you want to go fast you push the lever forward and let it rip. For the more conservative, or if you are riding with a small child, you can pull back on the lever to allow for a more leisurely ride. The Alpine Slide at Heritage Square has two tracks, one for the experienced thrill seeker and one for slower speeds. I’m all about pushing the handle forward and racing towards the bottom.
Great Value for Denver Fun
The slide is open Monday - Saturday: 10 am – 8 pm, and Sunday from 11 am – 8 pm, weather permitting. Tickets are $8.00 for single riders 7 and older and $5.00 for children 6 and under. Please note children under 6 must ride with ticketed rider 18 or older. Part of the experience is the ski lift ride to the top of the mountain, where you will enjoy great views of the surrounding open spaces and be able to look back at downtown.
Colorado Summers Rock
Heritage Square is located at 18301 West Colfax Avenue in Golden and has all the makings for a fun outing from the city. Besides the slide there is an incredible maze, carnival rides, zip lines and other great activities for kids of all ages. Parking is close and this is one metro tradition you want to experience before it is too late. For other fun summer events, stay tuned to our blog posts or follow us on Facebook.
