---
title: "Cheesman Park"
description: "Cheesman Park in Denver\'s Capitol Hill is a neoclassical green space, LGBTQ+ hub, and former cemetery with a history worth knowing before you visit."
url: "https://viatravelers.com/places/cheesman-park/"
published_at: "2024-04-21T14:40:48-06:00"
updated_at: "2026-09-04T01:45:42-06:00"
author: "Kyle Kroeger"
categories:
  - "North America"
  - "United States"
---

Cheesman Park, nestled in [Denver](https://viatravelers.com/destinations/denver/), CO, is a beacon of tranquility fused with a rich cultural tapestry. This serene green enclave, distinguished by vast lawns and shaded jogging paths, centers around a majestic neoclassical pavilion, embodying an atmosphere of classical elegance. It’s not just a park but a lively cultural hub, hosting regular LGBT-oriented events and embracing inclusivity. Nearby, the Denver Botanic Gardens offers a botanical haven with themed areas and summer concerts. Encircling streets feature casual pizzerias, cozy coffeehouses, and chic craft-cocktail bars, making Cheesman Park a quintessential urban retreat with a diverse appeal.

### Cultural Context

Historic Denver park with macabre origins as former cemetery, now elegant green space in Capitol Hill representing city’s transformation from frontier town to sophisticated metropolis, center of LGBTQ+ community life

### Historical Context

Originally Mount Prospect Cemetery 1858-1890 holding 5,000 graves, bodies hastily relocated creating paranormal legends, transformed to park 1898 by Reinhard Schuetze, renamed 1907 honoring water pioneer Walter Cheesman