Riverside Cemetery

Riverside Cemetery in Denver is a profound journey through Colorado's pioneering past. Established in 1876, it stands as the city's oldest operating cemetery and a designated National Historic District, offering a unique blend of solemn history and artistic memorials. This 77-acre site serves as the final resting place for many of Colorado's most influential early figures, whose stories are etched in stone and landscape.

Visitors can explore a remarkable collection of funerary art, including unique sculptures in granite, marble, limestone, and bronze. Among its treasures are the distinctive Lester Drake Cabin, a log cabin replica, and the poignant life-size horse statue marking Addison Baker's grave. Riverside also boasts the largest known collection of zinc monuments in North America, showcasing a fascinating aspect of historical memorialization. The cemetery's layout, originally designed as a park-like setting by landscape engineer Harvey C. Lowrie, still offers a sense of peace amidst its historical markers.

Beyond its historical significance, Riverside Cemetery provides a reflective escape, inviting quiet contemplation amidst its mature trees and open spaces. It's a place where the rich tapestry of Colorado's diverse early settlers is powerfully evident, with sections dedicated to Russian Orthodox, Japanese, Chinese, Italian, and African American communities. The ongoing revitalization efforts aim to restore its original beauty, making it an ever more welcoming and poignant destination for those seeking to connect with the past. Wondering what that bird or insect is? Find out on your visit using the Snappit nature app.