For most of its history, thanks to its geography, Northwest Denver has felt like a world apart from the rest of the city. West of the South Platte River, and with much of its land elevated above the rest of Denver, the northwest side attracted people who wanted to leave behind the dirt and sins of early Denver to improve their physical and moral health. As time went on, successive waves of immigrants endowed the area with their own cultural traditions, many of which continue to thrive. Northwest Denver has also been a pleasure ground, home to the Elitch Gardens, Lakeside, and Manhattan Beach amusement parks, beautiful lakes, and other amenities. Today, Northwest Denver, encompassing such varied neighborhoods as Highlands, West Highlands, Berkeley, Sunnyside, Sloan's Lake, and Jefferson Park, is experiencing renewed popularity as newcomers and longtime Denverites discover its charms.