Sloan's Lake: Where Denver's History Meets Modernity

Nature and City Life Coexist Seamlessly in This Renowned Community

Bordering the expansive Sloan's Lake Park, the Sloan's Lake Neighborhood has become one of Denver's most promising areas. Emerging from the shadow of its neighbors Highland and West Highland, this area has become a desirable location in its own right offering a mix of natural beauty and urban amenities. The neighborhood boasts safe, tree-lined streets featuring a diverse array of housing styles. From classic Tudors and Mediterranean revivals to modern renovations and popular duplexes and townhomes, Sloan's Lake attracts young professionals and families alike.   

The neighborhood is clearly defined, stretching from 29th Avenue in the north to 17th Avenue in the south, and from Federal Boulevard to Sheridan Boulevard. At its heart lies Denver's second-largest park, which encompasses the city's largest body of water - Sloan's Lake itself. Since its unexpected formation in 1861, Sloan's Lake has been a focal point for Denver residents. The lake's origin story, often described as miraculous, adds a touch of mystique to the area's allure. As the story goes, in 1861, Thomas M. Sloan was digging a well to irrigate his farmland in what is now West Denver when he inadvertently tapped into an underground aquifer. Remarkably, within a single night, the resulting body of water expanded to cover an impressive 200 acres.

While many of the neighborhood's historic structures have been lost to time, their legacy continues to shape the character of Sloan's Lake. The district seamlessly blends its rich history with modern development, creating a unique and vibrant community that honors its past while embracing the future.

Here are our favorite spots in the Historic Sloan's Lake Neighborhood:

Dining

Sloan's Lake Denver Neighborhood

Above: The delicious chilaqulies con huevos at Chili Verde (Photo credit: Chili Verde Facebook)

Chili Verde - Serving simply great Mexican cuisine for 15 years. From tacos to tequila Chili Verde offers a relaxing spot to enjoy happy hour or your favorite Mexican dish. Be sure not to miss the tres leches cake. Located at 2311 Federal Blvd  

Rise & Shine Biscuit Kitchen & Cafe - This laid-back eatery, with its warm brick walls and inviting atmosphere, has become a local institution. The star of the menu is their selection of house-baked biscuit sandwiches - each a perfect blend of flaky, buttery goodness and creative fillings. Located at 5126 W. 29th Ave.  

Leroy’s Bagels - Boasts 16 mouthwatering bagel flavors, including gluten-free options, all boiled and baked on-site daily. From classic spreads to customizable sandwiches, they cater to every palate and dietary need. Located at 4432 W. 29th Avenue

Brewing Company Sloan's Lake - Denver Neighborhood Guide

Above: The perfected craft beer selection can be found at Joyride (Photo credit: Joyride Brewing Company Facebook)

SloHi Coffee Company - Nestled in the heart of Denver's Sloan's Lake / West Highlands area, SloHi Coffee + Bike is a unique fusion of two passions. They have seamlessly blended a vibrant coffee shop with a full-service bike store, creating a one-of-a-kind community hub. This innovative space celebrates the natural synergy between coffee culture and cycling enthusiasm. Whether you're in need of a morning espresso, a tune-up for your two-wheeler, or both, they’ve got you covered. Located at 4436 West 29th Avenue  

Hogshead Brewery - Relaxed brewery with a pet friendly patio, craft beers and taproom featuring a diverse selection of beers, with a focus on classic British ales. Located at 4460 West 29th Avenue  

Sloan's Bar & Grille - Sloan’s was designed and built on the "belief that every great neighborhood deserves a great neighborhood bar & grill." The menu features a variety of staples plus specialties such as the Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf while the calendar includes weekly Wednesday trivia nights, music and more. Plus, kids eat free on Tuesdays. Located at 5850 W 25th Ave

Odell Brewing Sloan's Lake Brewhouse & Pizzeria - This location includes two bars with 16 Odell tap handles and a rooftop patio overlooking Sloan’s Lake and the Rocky Mountains. Brewhouse features a 10-barrel R&D system with experimental beers available exclusively at Sloan’s Lake. Located at 1625 Perry Street  

Joyride Brewing Company - Located right across from the scenic banks of Sloan's Lake, is a small craft brewery that has been serving the community since July 16, 2014. A 10-barrel brewhouse with ten serving tanks and 11 fermenters. Visit their upstairs rooftop patio and enjoy majestic lake views while savoring some of the finest beers in town. Located at 2501 Sheridan Boulevard

Events & Things To Do

Colorado Dragon Boat Festival Sloan's Lake - Denver Neighborhood Guide

Above: A race to the finish on Sloan's Lake during the Annual Colorado Dragon Boat Festival (Photo credit: Colorado Dragon Boat Facebook)

Sloan’s Lake Park - Sloan’s Lake is the biggest lake in Denver, and at 177 acres, it’s the city’s second-largest park. With two playgrounds, tennis courts, multiple athletic fields, boating, basketball courts, multi-use trails, and picnic areas, this park offers something for everyone.

- Biking/Hiking: A 2.8-mile paved path circles the lake perfect for bikers and pedestrians

- Boating: Kayaks, canoes, stand up paddle boards and other non-motorized watercraft are always welcomed on Sloan’s Lake

- Fishing: Permitted everywhere but the channel between the island and shore

It's also one of the best spots to catch a sunset, featuring breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains and the Denver skyline. Located at 1700 N Sheridan Boulevard

Colorado Dragon Boat Festival - The Colorado Dragon Boat Festival made its debut in 2001 at Sloan's Lake Park in Denver and has been held there for two days in July ever since. This event was the brainchild of three Denver area Asian community leaders who aimed to highlight the vibrant and diverse Asian community to the general public and to the various ethnic groups within the "Asian" and "Asian American" umbrella. By 2023, the festival had expanded to a two-day event, drawing over 200,000 visitors. Today, it is the largest Dragon Boat Festival in the country, surpassing even the long-established festivals in cities such as New York, Boston, Houston, Seattle, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

Sloan's Lake: Denver Broncos Mile High Stadium

Above: Empower Field at Mile High, home of the Denver Broncos, sits just to the East from from Sloan's Lake

Empower Field at Mile High - The convenience of Sloan's Lake neighborhood to the original Mile High Stadium and now Empower Field at Mile High has made it a convenient staple and happening spot on Sundays throughout the fall for Denver's beloved Broncos as well as the numerous other events at the stadium throughout the year. Recent and upcoming concerts at Empower Field include Taylor Swift, Kenny Chesney, The Rolling Stones, Morgan Wallen, George Strait, Chris Stapleton and more.

Meow Wolf Denver - Self-described as "Denver's Premier Interactive Art Venue", Meow Wolf is an immersive art experience featuring large-scale interactive and immersive art installations. It's location is adjacent to Empower Field and is located just over a mile from Sloan's Lake.

Planted - Although shops aren't abundant in the neighborhood, Planted is worth a visit. This corner store offers a wide variety of succulents, blooming plants, and reclaimed wood containers to bring a touch of nature into your home. Located at 3824 West 23rd Ave

Downtown Denver - Sloan's Lake is just a hop, skip and a jump away from Downtown Denver including Ball Arena (Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche), Coors Field (Colorado Rockies), Elitch Gardens and all the dining and nightlife of Colorado's biggest city.

Homes and Living in Sloan's Lake

Sloan's Lake Info, Homes, Living Guide - Denver, Colorado

Above: 1575 Perry Street, recently sold by Rankin Goulder Kissinger exemplifies the modern living options in the Sloan's Lake area. The light-filled four story south facing townhome is in immaculate condition and offers three bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, an open floor plan, floor to ceiling windows, and all around amazing views including mountain, Sloans Lake, and Downtown.

Homes in the Sloan's Lake neighborhood are known for their stunning views of the lake and the Denver skyline. This area features a mix of charming bungalows, modern townhouses, and elegant historic residences, offering diverse architectural styles. Many properties have spacious yards and mature trees, creating a peaceful, suburban feel.

The Sloan's Lake neighborhood remains a highly sought-after area due to its convenient access to a wide range of recreational activities, historic charm, and natural beauty. Residents and visitors alike can take in the scenic views of Sloan's Lake and the distant Rockies, just as people have done for the past century.

For more information on Sloan's Lake, as well as to stay connected with community events, explore Sloan's Lake Neighborhood Association at www.slnadenver.org.

Sloan's Lake Homes - Denver Neighborhood Guide

Above: This Tudor style home at 2342 Irving Street sold by Amy Kissinger illustrates the history and charm of Sloan's Lake neighborhood

Allison Rankin, Jane Goulder, Amy Kissinger - Top Colorado Real Estate Agents of Compass Denver

Whether you're considering buying or selling in Central Park or anywhere in the Denver area, reach out to Allison Rankin, Jane Goulder, or Amy Kissinger today! Whether you're a first-time buyer, an investor, or an experienced buyer looking to upsize or downsize, we possess the experience, resources, and relationships to assist you. Let us help you embark on your next chapter in the Denver area!

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