Sloan Lake A Guide to Denver's Scenic Urban Oasis

Sloan Lake, also known as Sloan's Lake, is a multifaceted destination in Denver, Colorado, serving as a body of water, a sprawling public park, and a vibrant residential neighborhood. Located on the northwest side of the city, the lake acts as the central heart of its surrounding community.

Geography and Boundaries

Sloan Lake is situated on the western edge of Denver's city limits, bordering the suburbs of Lakewood, Edgewater, and Wheat Ridge. The lake's boundaries are roughly defined by Sheridan Boulevard to the west, 17th Avenue to the south, Raleigh Street to the east, and 26th Avenue to the north. Notably, the lake has no tributary streams.

The History of Sloan Lake

The origins of Sloan Lake are shrouded in some mystery. During the mid to late 19th century, the lake did not exist; instead, the South Golden Road connected Denver to Golden through this area. In December 1866, Thomas M. Sloan received a land patent from President Andrew Johnson for agricultural use.

A popular local legend suggests that Sloan accidentally tapped into an underground aquifer while digging a well, flooding his farmland and forcing the realignment of the road (now Colfax Avenue). However, historical accounts from stagecoach driver Bill Turner suggest the lake appeared earlier, between 1861 and 1863. While the lake once exceeded 200 acres, portions were later filled, and it was eventually merged with the nearby Cooper Lake in the 1930s via underground channels created by the Works Projects Administration. Today, the combined body of water covers 177 acres.

Manhattan Beach and Luna Park

In the late 19th century, the lake was home to Manhattan Beach, which opened in 1881 as the first amusement park west of the Mississippi River. After burning down in 1908, it was rebuilt as Luna Park, though it eventually closed in 1914 due to competition from Elitch Gardens and Lakeside Amusement Park.

Wildlife and Natural Habitat

Sloan's Lake is a vital sanctuary for diverse wildlife. The waters and shores support a variety of species, including:

• Birds: White pelicans, mallard ducks, Canada geese, seagulls, barn swallows, house finches, and common night hawks.
• Wading Birds: Avocets and herons, the latter of which colony on Cooper Island.
• Aquatic Life: Black crappie, carp, and trout stocked by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife agency.
• Mammals: Native muskrats, non-native nutria, and occasional sightings of foxes and coyotes.

The shoreline is characterized by cottonwood trees, cattails, and bluegrass, while the water supports algae and duckweed.

Penny Island

Located in the center of the lake, Penny Island is a 67,396 square foot barren island. It is a point of interest for photographers and bird enthusiasts due to a manmade osprey nesting structure installed in 2014. It is also a popular spot for local drone pilots.

Sloan's Lake Park

At 290 acres, Sloan's Lake Park is the second largest park in Denver. It offers a wide array of recreational opportunities, including:

• Hiking, jogging, and bicycling on perimeter trails.
• Fishing and boating on the lake.
• Basketball and tennis courts.
• The annual Dragon Boat Festival, which celebrates Asian American culture and attracts thousands of visitors every summer.