Lakewood was not incorporated until 1969, after a long process. The process required the unification of multiple neighborhoods that spent years as separate identities. These neighborhoods had a strong sense of individuality that developed over time without a central government. Each one had spent decades establishing schools, laying pipelines, and securing other improvements without outside help. This individuality made the process of unification extremely difficult at times.
In 1889, William Loveland established one of the first of these neighborhoods and called it Lakewood. Loveland was the owner of the Colorado Central Railroad and placed his community near Harlan Street and West Colfax Avenue. This area united in ranching, raising turkeys, and operating dairies. Over time, this agricultural aspect of unity gave way to a more neighborhood sense of pride in unity.
During the 1960s, residents of the area that would become Lakewood began to fear annexation to Denver and were also concerned about a lack of resources, especially the shortage of law enforcement. Lack of resources and a desire to remain independent from Denver caused the residents, over 90,000 at the time, to consider incorporation. Finally, Alameda, Green Mountain, Bear Creek, Applewood, and Lakewood neighborhoods voted in 1969 to create a unified city.
Today, Lakewood has a population of over 156,000, with a strong sense of community. Lakewood has over 300 restaurants for your dining pleasure, including locally-owned businesses. While in town, you will also want to check out the various city parks, including Bear Creek Lake Park, William Hayden Green Mountain Park, and Kendrick Lake Park. Other Lakewood attractions include Colorado Mills, Green Mountain Beer Company, and Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park.
Great American Beer Festival - This event is the largest beer festival in the country. It takes place every year in October at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver.
Cider Days – Every October, this festival celebrates the area's agricultural history. You can enjoy live music, vintage tractors, family activities, and yummy treats.
Dia De Los Muertos Festival – The first Saturday in November is reserved for this festival. The Denver Botanic Gardens celebrates the Day of the Dead with altars, entertainment, food, programs, and other events.
Oldtoberfest – With a pretzel-making station, beer on tap, and live music, Lakewood celebrates Oktoberfest in Old 121 style every October.
The 238-mile drive to the Great Sand Dunes National Park takes you to Alamosa, Colorado. This 232-square-mile park has some of the largest dunes, including Star Dune. During the spring, the snow in the nearby mountains melts and creates the seasonal Medano Creek.
If you drive 250 miles, you will reach the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. This national park is similar to the Grand Canyon because it surrounds a deep, steep-walled gorge carved by the Gunnison River. It contains 30,750 acres as well as the north and south rim. The rock of this national park is some of the oldest exposed rock in the world.
A short 71 miles take you from Lakewood to the Rocky Mountain National Park. This park is over 265,807 acres and is well known for its abundant wildlife. This wildlife includes elk, bighorn sheep, mule deer, and moose. Trail Ridge Road, 12,183 feet above sea level, is the highest paved road in any national park.
Chatfield State Park has plentiful wildlife, amazing foothills, and a giant reservoir. The reservoir's surface area is 1,423 acres, fed by the South Platte River. The rolling foothills are part of the Rocky Mountains. In the park, you will find elk, deer, coyotes, foxes, bald eagles, and bears.
Close to Denver, Colorado, Cherry Creek State Park is known as an escape from city life. This popular park is bustling during the summer, making the off-season the best time to visit. It has over 40 mammal species. These species include rabbit, deer, weasel, beaver, and muskrat. The 880-acre reservoir is also home to sailboats, paddle craft, and power boats.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park is an 18.94 square mile park located near Golden, Colorado. This park has four backcountry shelters, one to two miles from the closest parking area. They also have 20 hike-in campsites. This park is dog-friendly as long as the dog is on a 6-foot or shorter leash. You can hike on any of the available trails year-round.
Some of Colorado's most visited landmarks are near Lakewood. For example, Red Rocks Amphitheatre is in nearby Morrison, Colorado. This venue has welcomed many well-known artists, including The Beatles, Radiohead, The Grateful Dead, and U2.
Another Colorado landmark, in Estes Park, is The Stanley Hotel. This hotel is famous for its paranormal activity. It was written in Stephen King's The Shining and appeared in Ghost Hunters and Adventures episodes.
Manitou Incline can be found in Manitou Springs, Colorado. This popular hiking trail has 2,744 steps, which leads to an increase of 2,000 feet in elevation.
Dakota Ridge RV Park is an excellent choice when looking for an RV park and campground. They have 141 sites and offer daily, weekly, and monthly rates.
Another fabulous choice is Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park. This park has a lot to offer families, such as playgrounds, hayrides, and a movie theater.
Spruce Lake RV Resort is another great choice. This campground has a full miniature golf course, playground, and a variety of other activities.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Lakewood, CO, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Lakewood?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Lakewood from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Lakewood?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.
