Manhattan Beach (Denver)
| Company type | Amusement park |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment |
| Founded | June 27, 1891 in Edgewater, Colorado, United States |
| Founder | Adam Graff |
| Defunct | 1914 |
| Headquarters | Edgewater , United States |
Area served | Denver, Colorado area |
Key people | Robert Steinke, Ernest Steinke, Adam Graff |
| Products | Amusement rides, animal exhibits, entertainment shows |
Manhattan Beach was an amusement park located in Denver, Colorado, operating between 1891 and 1914, and held the distinction of being the first amusement park established west of the Mississippi River. The park was financed by Robert and Ernest Steinke, while its construction was overseen by founder Adam Graff on the northern shore of Sloan's Lake in Edgewater, Colorado. Opening its gates on June 27, 1891, the venue offered attractions such as a roller coaster, a dance hall, a Ferris wheel, boating activities, hot air balloon excursions, aerial performances including a human cannonball, and animal exhibits showcasing more than 40 species. The centerpiece attraction was Roger the Elephant (also known as Rajah), a favored ride for children. Access to the park was available through streetcar, boat services, and wagons.
Although Manhattan Beach attracted many visitors, it encountered difficulties like competition from nearby parks such as Elitch Gardens and White City (which later became Lakeside Amusement Park), along with incidents like the 1891 event when Roger the Elephant became startled by a hot-air balloon and injured a child.
In 1908, after a fire caused significant damage, Manhattan Beach was reconstructed and reopened under the name Luna Park that same year. The park ultimately ceased operations in 1914.