The Haunted History of Denver's Cheesman Park: From Cemetery to Spooky Urban Oasis

Denver is a city full of vibrant parks, but few have as rich—and eerie—a history as Cheesman Park. Today, this sprawling green space is a favorite spot for joggers, dog walkers, and picnickers, but beneath the surface lies a dark and haunted past. Originally a cemetery, Cheesman Park’s transformation was anything but smooth. It’s a tale that includes grave robbing, abandoned bodies, and rumors of restless spirits that persist to this day.

In this post, we’ll dive deep into the spooky history of Cheesman Park, explore its haunted reputation, and explain why it’s still one of the most unique places to visit in Denver—especially during the Halloween season.

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The Origins of Cheesman Park: From Cemetery to Green Space

Cheesman Park’s history dates back to the mid-19th century when it was originally a cemetery known as Mount Prospect Cemetery, established in 1858. Back then, Denver was just a small frontier town, and the cemetery was intended to be a final resting place for everyone, from pioneers to criminals.

The Cemetery’s Early Days
Mount Prospect Cemetery was divided into sections to accommodate different groups: a Catholic section, a Jewish section, and a larger area for non-denominational burials. However, much of the land was set aside for Denver’s less fortunate, including criminals and paupers. Because of its location on a hilltop, Mount Prospect offered expansive views of the Rocky Mountains—a serene place for burial. However, as the years went by, the cemetery fell into disrepair.

By the late 1800s, the cemetery was largely neglected. Graves were left unattended, weeds grew wild, and reports of body snatchers began to circulate. It became a public eyesore, and city officials decided it was time to take action.

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The Plan to Turn the Cemetery into a Park

By the 1880s, city officials were keen on converting the dilapidated cemetery into a public park. The land was too valuable to be left in such a poor state. In 1890, the city of Denver obtained permission from the federal government to transform the land, and the cemetery was officially closed. Families were given 90 days to move their loved ones to other cemeteries. Those who couldn’t afford it or simply didn’t care left their dead behind.

Enter E.P. McGovern, a local undertaker hired to move the remaining bodies. In what was supposed to be a respectful process, McGovern turned it into a macabre fiasco. Instead of transferring each body intact, he decided to break up the remains into smaller pieces so that he could charge the city per coffin. As a result, bones and body parts were scattered everywhere, and McGovern abandoned the project halfway through, leaving hundreds of bodies still buried beneath what would soon become Cheesman Park.

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Cheesman Park’s Haunted Reputation

After the chaotic exhumation, Cheesman Park was landscaped and officially opened to the public in 1907. Named after Walter Cheesman, a Denver businessman who donated funds for the park's creation, it quickly became a popular urban escape. But despite its beautiful transformation, the park’s dark history hasn’t been forgotten.

Ghost Stories and Paranormal Activity
It’s no surprise that Cheesman Park has gained a reputation as one of Denver’s most haunted locations. Local legend has it that the spirits of those whose bodies were disturbed—or never properly moved—still wander the grounds. Many visitors have reported feeling an eerie presence while walking through the park, particularly at night. Others claim to have heard disembodied voices, footsteps, or seen shadowy figures darting between the trees.

One of the most well-known ghost sightings is that of a woman in white, often seen aimlessly wandering the park’s pathways. Some believe she’s searching for her grave, unaware that her remains were disturbed during the hasty removal process. Another common report is the feeling of being watched or followed, even when the park appears empty.

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Cheesman Park Today: A Place for Recreation and Reflection

Despite its ghostly past, Cheesman Park is a beloved part of modern Denver. The park's rolling lawns, walking paths, and central pavilion offer a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. Whether you’re looking to relax under a tree, take in the panoramic views of downtown Denver, or enjoy a jog, Cheesman Park is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.

Architectural and Natural Beauty
At the center of the park stands the Cheesman Pavilion, a neoclassical structure made of marble, designed by architect **Merrill H. Hoyt**. The pavilion, built in 1910, is a beautiful spot to take in the skyline and mountain views, especially during sunset. The wide, tree-lined avenues surrounding the pavilion are often filled with people relaxing on picnic blankets or practicing yoga.

The trees that dot the park’s landscape provide a striking backdrop in the fall when the leaves turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow. The open grassy areas, winding trails, and proximity to Capitol Hill make it a perfect place to spend an afternoon, whether you’re exploring with friends or walking your dog.

But even in daylight, some people can’t shake the sense that Cheesman Park is still home to more than just picnickers and joggers.

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Cheesman Park During Halloween: The Best Time to Visit

If you’re interested in Denver’s haunted history, Cheesman Park is a must-visit during **Halloween**. The park’s eerie past comes to life during the spooky season, when local ghost tours and paranormal enthusiasts flock to the grounds to catch a glimpse of the supernatural.

Ghost Tours and Paranormal Investigations
Several Denver-based ghost tours make Cheesman Park a key stop on their routes, offering spine-chilling stories about the bodies left behind and the spirits that supposedly roam the park at night. If you’re brave enough, you can visit Cheesman after dark and take part in a guided paranormal investigation, complete with ghost-hunting equipment like EMF detectors and spirit boxes.

Cheesman Park is also frequently included in lists of Denver’s most haunted places, and it’s common to see groups of ghost-hunters wandering the park during the Halloween season, hoping to capture some paranormal activity on camera.

While Cheesman is beautiful during the day, Halloween is when the park truly shines for those interested in the darker side of Denver’s history. The combination of its ghost stories, the shadows cast by the towering trees, and the knowledge that bodies may still lie beneath the surface make it a perfect destination for spooky-season adventures.

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Why Cheesman Park’s History Matters Today

So, why should Denverites and visitors care about the haunted history of Cheesman Park? Beyond its ghost stories, Cheesman’s transformation from cemetery to park is a reflection of Denver’s evolving identity. What started as a haphazard solution to a neglected cemetery has become one of the city’s most iconic green spaces. It’s a reminder that history—no matter how dark—often plays a central role in shaping the places we take for granted today.

Lessons in Preservation and Respect
The chaotic exhumation process at Cheesman Park serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of respecting the past. While the park is a beloved space today, its history should not be forgotten. The botched effort to remove the bodies from Mount Prospect Cemetery is a striking example of how neglecting the past can haunt the present, both figuratively and literally.

By remembering Cheesman Park’s origins, we can better appreciate its current role in the community and the value of preserving history—whether that history is beautiful, eerie, or both.

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Visiting Cheesman Park: What You Should Know

Whether you’re interested in the park’s ghostly reputation or just want to enjoy a peaceful afternoon outdoors, Cheesman Park is a must-visit for anyone in Denver. Here are a few tips for visiting:

1. Best Time to Visit: While Cheesman Park is open year-round, visiting in the fall, especially around Halloween, offers a unique experience. The park’s haunting atmosphere is amplified as the days grow shorter and the shadows grow longer.

2. Accessibility: The park is easily accessible from downtown Denver and Capitol Hill, with several nearby parking options. It’s also a great spot to visit if you’re already exploring Denver’s historic neighborhoods.

3. What to Bring: Pack a picnic, bring your dog, or just enjoy a casual walk. But if you’re visiting at night—especially around Halloween—you may want to bring a flashlight. You never know what (or who) you might encounter in the dark.

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Conclusion: Cheesman Park’s Haunting Legacy

Cheesman Park is a place where beauty and history collide. Its past as a cemetery and the eerie stories that surround it have given the park a special place in Denver’s cultural memory. Whether you’re drawn to its ghostly legends, its architectural beauty, or its role as a vital part of Denver’s public space, Cheesman Park offers something for everyone.

Next time you’re in the area, take a moment to reflect on the park’s history. Beneath the peaceful lawns and towering trees, the spirits of Denver’s past may still be wandering. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, there’s no denying that Cheesman Park is one of Denver’s most unique—and haunted—landmarks.

So, as Halloween approaches, why not pay Cheesman Park a visit? You might just find yourself experiencing more than a peaceful afternoon stroll.