Denver's Elitch Garden Theme Park turns 134 years old this week. The historic amusement park — visible to commuters near Interstate 25 and Speer Boulevard in downtown Denver — has evolved quite a bit from its humble beginnings. On May 1, 1890, John and Mary Elitch opened Elitch Zoological Gardens for the public to enjoy on their farm on the outskirts of the city — or what is now 38th Avenue and Tennyson Street. At the time, Denver itself had only been a city for 30 years. Elitch's was one of the first zoos to open west of Chicago and held the distinction as the city's first botanic garden. When John Elitch died unexpectedly the next year, Mary Elitch took over the business. By doing so, she became the first woman in the country to own and manage a zoo, according to the park. Read more: https://www.9news.com/article/life/style/colorado-guide/elitch-garden-theme-park-history-denver/73-f9d8aed8-16bc-4aaa-b1a5-86c6281498fb More local videos here: https://youtube.com/@9news Subscribe to NEXT: https://youtube.com/@Nexton9NEWS Stay connected: 9NEWS Website: https://www.9news.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ilike9news Twitter: https://twitter.com/9NEWS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/9newsdenver/ Download the 9NEWS App: https://www.9news.com/appredirect/ Sign up for the 9NEWSLETTER: https://www.9news.com/email 9NEWS (KUSA) is located in Denver, Colorado.