Local Attractions Around Colorado Springs
Photo courtesy of Flying W Ranch
Academy Riding Stables
Experience the year-round pleasure of horseback riding in the spectacular Garden of the Gods Park. Academy Stables’ wranglers are real cowboys with the knowledge and skills to help you get the most enjoyment from your ride.
4 El Paso Boulevard, Colorado Springs | 719-633-5667 | 888-700-0410 | academyridingstables.com
Cave of the Winds
Take the Discovery Tour, an easy, educational 45-minute walking tour along well-lit pathways. Learn about the history and geology of the caves from knowledgeable tour guides. For a more rugged adventure, take the 90-minute Lantern Tour and explore passageways and formations lit only by hand-held lanterns. You’ll hear ghost stories and learn about the folklore and history of the cave on the Lantern Tour. Open daily.
100 Cave of the Winds Road, Manitou Springs | 719-685-5444 | caveofthewinds.com
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
This beautiful attraction is America’s only mountain zoo and named one of the best in the country. Hand-feed giraffes from the largest herd at any zoo. Come nose-to-nose with great apes, lions, and tigers. Enjoy breathtaking city views and mountain scenery. Ask the concierge how to access the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun, located just above the zoo on Cheyenne Mountain. The zoo is open daily.
4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Road, Colorado Springs |719-633-9925 | cmzoo.org
Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center
The Fine Arts Center strives to inspire community vitality through performing arts, visual arts, and art education. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Theater performance times and days vary.
30 West Dale Street, Colorado Springs | 719-634-5581 | fac.coloradocollege.edu
Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum
Located downtown in the former El Paso County Courthouse, the Pioneers Museum is the only institution researching, collecting, and interpreting the robust history and culture of Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Region. Open Tuesdays through Saturdays. Closed Sundays and Mondays. Admission is free.
215 South Tejon Street, Colorado Springs | 719-385-5990 | cspm.org
FLYING W RANCH
The legacy and the romantic spirit of the Old West lives on at Flying W Ranch. One of the most popular destinations in Colorado, it’s home to hiking trails, ranch animals, and historical demonstrations including Navajo rug weaving, silversmithing, horse shoeing, and hat making. All of this is paired with a chuckwagon supper and western stage show performed by the renowned Flying W Wranglers — the second longest-running western performance band in the world.
3330 Chuckwagon Road, Colorado Springs | 719-598-4000 | 800-232-FLYW | flyingw.com
Garden of the Gods Park
Garden of the Gods Park is a registered National Natural Landmark located right in our own “backyard”. This park features stunning geological formations, rock climbing, and miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The park is open daily and is free to enter.
1805 North 30th Street, Colorado Springs | 719-634-6666 | gardenofgods.com
Garden of the Gods Trading Post
Located at the southwest edge of the park, the Garden of the Gods Trading Post has been welcoming visitors for more than 100 years. With over 90,000 different gifts, souvenirs, jewelry, and locally made art to browse, you are sure to find that special item to remember your trip to Colorado. Enjoy lunch on the Balanced Rock Café patio or relax at the Kissing Camels Coffee Shop. Summer hours 8:00 AM to 8:30 PM. Winter hours 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
324 Beckers Lane, Manitou Springs | 719-685-9045 | www.gardenofthegodstradingpost.com
Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center
The perfect starting point for your visit to the Garden of the Gods Park. Hands-on interactive exhibits bring the geology, ecology, and cultural history of the park to life. See the short film “How Did Those Red Rocks Get There? in the state-of-the-art Geo-Trekker theater. (Shown every 20 minutes – $4 Children 5-12, $6 Adults) Visit the award-winning gift shop for a souvenir or local Colorado gift. Enjoy coffee, breakfast, or lunch with a view at Bean Sprouts Cafe® Sign up with Front Range Climbing for an adventure in one of the world’s most historic climbing venues. Hop on a Jeep, Segway, or 1909 Trolley tour for an unforgettable excursion into the park with Adventures Out West or enjoy an e-bike tour with Amp’d Adventures. Children of all ages can sign up for the fun-filled Junior Ranger program. Daily nature walks, adventure series programs and community events hosted throughout the year. Check website for more information. Summer hours 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Winter hours 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Free admission. Proceeds benefiting public education and conservation of the Park since 1995.
1805 North 30th Street, Colorado Springs | 719-634-6666 | gardenofthegods.com
Ghost Town Museum
Mosey on over to this 1800s Old West town. Buildings have been salvaged from all over the Pikes Peak Region, preserved at this indoor museum, and filled with thousands of authentic Old West artifacts. Kids are sure to enjoy such hands-on activities as butter churning and panning for gold (seasonal). The museum store has a variety of Colorado-themed gifts. Summer hours Monday through Saturday 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Sunday 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Winter hours 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.
400 South 21st Street, Colorado Springs | 719-634-0696 | ghosttownmuseum.com
Glen Eyrie
Glen Eyrie is an English Tudor-style castle built in 1871 by General William Jackson Palmer, the founder of the city of Colorado Springs. Glen Eyrie is a place of stunning beauty, profound history, and awe-inspiring grandeur. Step back in time and immerse yourself in the historical grandeur of the castle by taking a 90-minute guided tour or partaking in one of their unforgettable teas. Tours and teas are offered daily. Reservations are required; reservation office is open Monday through Friday.
3820 North 30th Street, Colorado Springs | 719-265-7050 | gleneyrie.org
Historic Manitou Springs
“Manitou”—a Native American word for “great spirit”—describes this historic mountain community. Eight naturally carbonated mineral spring fountains located throughout the town run free. The Ute and Cheyenne considered this area sacred for its healing springs and clean mountain air. Manitou Springs is a lively artisan community and home to world-class art, music, and theater, and the Historic District is lined with unique art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. Manitou Springs is also home to the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, Cave of the Winds, Miramont Castle, Cliff Dwellings Museum, Iron Springs Chateau Melodrama, and the Manitou Incline.
West Manitou Avenue | 719-685-5089 | manitousprings.org
Historic Old Colorado City
Founded in 1859, Old Colorado City was the first capital of the Territory of Colorado and the center of early settlement in the region. During the Pikes Peak Gold Rush, miners would flock to Old Colorado City to stock up on supplies. Today, Coloradoans flock there for food, fun, and history. Fine old brick structures, quaint alleyways, and territorial charm provide the setting for unique boutiques, galleries, and restaurants.
West Colorado Avenue | 719-577-4112 | shopoldcoloradocity.com
Manitou Cliff Dwellings
The Manitou Cliff Dwellings are comprised of Anasazi ruins that date back 800 to 1000 years ago. The 40-room site was originally located in SW Colorado and relocated to Manitou Springs in 1907 in order to preserve and protect the dwellings from vandals. Visitors can walk through the rooms and experience first-hand the architecture of the ancient Puebloan. To enhance your experience, be sure visit the Anasazi Museum located inside an adjacent three-story pueblo. Open daily 9:00 AM, March through November; and 10:00 AM, December through February.
10 Cliff Road, Manitou Springs | 719-685-5242 | cliffdwellingsmuseum.com
Miramont Castle and Museum
This castle was originally built in 1895 as a private home for Father Jean Baptist Francolon, a French born Catholic Priest. Take a self-guided tour of this hidden gem and experience life as it was in the Victorian Era. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday.
9 Capitol Hill Avenue, Manitou Springs | 719-685-1011 | miramontcastle.org
Pikes Peak Cog Railway
This cog railway holds a unique distinction as the highest cog railway in the world. Since 1891, millions of passengers have taken the trip to the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak. On the way up, you’ll pass by mountain streams and forests of aspen and pine. You might even see bighorn sheep, marmots, and other wildlife. At the top, your views are endless! The trip lasts about 3 hours and 10 minutes. Reservations highly recommended. Open seasonally.
515 Ruxton Avenue, Manitou Springs | 719-685-5401 | cograilway.com
Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site
This is an educational, non-profit living history museum that depicts life in the Pikes Peak Region across four-time periods: Native American area (1775), Galloway Homestead (1860s), Chambers Home and Ranch (1880s), and an Edwardian Country Estate (1907). Knowledgeable interpreters will guide you on your journey through history. The Living History Program runs from June 3 to August 19, Wednesday through Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
3105 Gateway Road, Colorado Springs | 719-578-6777 | rockledgeranch.com
Seven Falls
Seven Falls is a series of seven cascading waterfalls located in South Cheyenne Canon. Walk through a 1,250-foot wall box canyon (“The Grandest Mile of Scenery in Colorado”) to the base of the falls. Climb the 224 steps to the top of the falls or take the elevator up to the Eagles Nest Lookout. Ready for more? Hike the trails at the top of the falls or zip across the canyon on a zipline. Shopping and dining are also available inside the park. Hours vary by season. There is no parking at Seven Falls. A complimentary shuttle departs regularly from The Norris Penrose Event Center.
South Cheyenne Canyon, Colorado Springs | 719-632-0765 | sevenfalls.com
Space Foundation Discovery Center
This is the region’s first and only dedicated space, science, and technology center and museum. It is an interactive, educated-focused destination that advances science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics in the exciting context of space exploration. Highlights included Science on a Sphere and robotic Mars rovers. Open Tuesday through Saturday.
4425 Arrowswest Drive, Colorado Springs | 719-576-8000 | discoverspace.org
United States Air Force Academy
The Barry Goldwater Air Force Academy Visitor Center is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00PM daily. The Chapel is open from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Saturday, and 1:00 to 4:30 PM on Sunday. The Chapel serves as an all-faith center of worship for cadets and includes Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, and Buddhist chapels. It is considered among the most beautiful examples of modern American academic architecture. Please note: Visitors to the Academy must enter through the North Gate, which can be accessed from Exit 156B on Interstate 25. *The Chapel is currently closed due to renovations.
2346 Academy Drive, U.S. Air Force Academy | 719-333-2025 | usafa.edu/visitors
U.S. Olympic Training Center
The U.S. Olympic Complex in Colorado Springs is the flagship training center for the U.S. Olympic Committee and the Olympic Training Center programs. Free public tours are conducted on a year-round basis by USOC Ambassadors. The tour includes a 12-minute film and 45-minute walking tour of the complex. Most of the tour is out-of-doors. During the tour, you have the opportunity to view athlete training facilities including sport center gymnasiums, weightlifting and wrestling facilities, the USA shooting center, coaching and sport science, the aquatics center, and sport medicine. Winter hours are Monday through Saturday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Summer hours are Monday through Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
1750 East Boulder Street, Colorado Springs | 719-866-4618 | teamusa.org
Western Museum of Mining and Industry (WMMI)
The mission of the WMMI is to educate the public about the history and continuing contributions of mining in the American West through its collection, restoration, exhibition and interpretation of artifacts related to mining, metallurgy and their support industries. Open Monday through Saturday.
225 North Gate Boulevard, Colorado Springs | 719-488-0880 | wmmi.org
Attractions in Surrounding Mountain Communities
Historic Mining Towns of Cripple Creek and Victor
Cripple Creek and Victor Museums
Explore the local museums of Cripple Creek and Victor, including: Outlaws and Lawmen Jail Museum, Cripple Creek Heritage Center, Old Homestead House Museum, Cripple Creek District Museum, and Lowell Thomas Museum (Victor). Open seasonally.
Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad
Take a ride through time and be transported back to the gold mining days aboard this 2-foot, narrow-gauge heritage railroad. The track goes south out of Cripple Creek, over a reconstructed trestle, past historic mines to a deserted mining camp, before returning to Cripple Creek. The trip lasts about 45 minutes and departs every 40 minutes from the 1894 depot, mid-May to mid-October.
520 East Carr Street, Cripple Creek | 719-689-2640 | cripplecreekrailroad.com
Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine Tour
Descend 1,000 feet in America’s only vertical shaft gold mine tour. Experience the “Old West” as it was for hard-rock gold miners of Cripple Creek. Witness the evolution of underground mining, view gold veins in their natural state, ride an underground tram air locomotive, and experience the sights and sounds of mining equipment. One-hour guided tours offered seasonally.
9388 Highway 67, Cripple Creek | 719-689-2466 | goldminetours.com
Canon City
Echo Canyon River Expeditions
A Colorado tradition since 1978, Echo Canyon is the state’s single largest rafting outfitter. From extreme whitewater rafting to calm family floats, your adventure on the Arkansas River will be unforgettable. Peak season is May to September.
45000 Highway 50 West, Canon City | 800-755-3246 | raftecho.com
Historic Royal Gorge Route Railroad
All aboard! This heritage railroad travels along the most famous portion of the former Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad. Enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Royal Gorge during this 2-hour tour. Choose from several classes of service and meal options.
Santa Fe Depot, one block south of Hwy 50 & 3rd Street, Canon City | 888-724-5748 | royalgorgeroute.com
Royal Gorge Bridge & Park
The Royal Gorge Bridge is one of the world’s highest suspension bridges. Built in 1929, it stretches 1,270 feet across the gorge and soars 956 feet above the Arkansas River. Cross the bridge on foot, take a photo with your state flag, and peer over the bridge at the rafters below. Aerial gondolas take you from one side of the canyon to the other and offer spectacular views as well.
4218 County Road 3A, Canon City | 719-275-7507 | royalgorgebridge.com
Divide and Florissant
Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center
Take a walk on the wild side! CWWC is dedicated to the rescue of and education about wolves and wolf-hybrids. On a 1-hour guided tour, you’ll see wolves, coyotes, and fox and learn about their history and biology, as well as the current issues they face. Every tour ends with a group howl. Interactive experiences, photo opportunities, feeding tours, and full moon tours are also offered. Open Tuesdays through Sundays.
4729 Twin Rocks Road, Divide | 719-687-9742 | wolfeducation.org
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
Beneath a grassy mountain valley in central Colorado lies one of the richest and most diverse fossil deposits in the world. Petrified redwood stumps up to 14 feet wide and thousands of detailed fossils of insects and plants reveal the story of a very different, prehistoric Colorado. Four self-guided trails are available year-round.
15807 County Road 1, Florissant | 719-748-3253 | nps.gov/flfo/index.htm
Woodland Park
Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center
This is a world-class museum of which 12,000 feet are dedicated to dinosaur displays. The museum features fossils from the Cretaceous Period. The displays are supplemented with vibrant graphics and life-restoration sculptures. Visitors can also view a working fossil laboratory. Children enjoy the play area and hands-on educational activities. Open Monday through Saturday 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Sunday 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
201 South Fairview Street, Woodland Park | 719-686-1820 | rmdrc.com
Cascade
North Pole Colorado – Santa’s Workshop
It’s Christmas every day at North Pole Colorado – Santa’s Workshop, a Christmas-themed amusement park where you can meet Santa Claus and his elves. This enchanted park has something for every member of the family. Ride on any of the more than two dozen family-friendly rides, feed the deer and llamas, or watch a magic show. There is even a quaint village filled with little shops. Opens mid-May for the summer and then again for Christmas.
5050 Pikes Peak Highway, Cascade | 719-684-9432 | northpolecolorado.com
Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain
Pikes Peak forms a stunning backdrop for Colorado Springs and Garden of the Gods Park. It is the most visited peak in North America and the second most visited in the world. The summit can be reached by car on a winding 19-mile highway, by a seasonal cog railway on an 8.9-mile track or by foot on the 13-mile Barr Trail. The views from the 14,115-foot summit are worth the effort no matter how you get there. Check current road conditions before you go and dress for the weather. Winter hours open 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Summer hours 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
5069 Pikes Peak Highway, Cascade | 719-385-7325 | coloradosprings.gov/pikes-peak-americas-mountain
Wines of Colorado
Nestled at the base of Pikes Peak, The Wines of Colorado is a romantic creek-side oasis. Their free wine tasting allows you to sample wines from some of the 95 Colorado wineries represented. Oenophiles take delight in the wine tasting, retail wine sales, and gift shop, while epicureans head to the wood deck or Creekside dining area to feast on towering sandwiches and burgers.
8045 West Highway 24, Cascade | 719-684-0900 | winesofcolorado.com
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Local Shopping
From charming historic shopping districts to traditional shopping centers, Colorado Springs is sure to have what you are looking for. Explore the bustling heart of Colorado Springs, historic Old Colorado City, or quaint Manitou Springs in your quest for that perfect souvenir or that one-of-a-kind piece to complete your wardrobe. Ask your Concierge for detailed town maps.
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Local Hiking & Biking
Lace up your boots and hike some of the most beautiful trails in the country. Within 20 minutes of the resort, you can find yourself looking up at majestic red rock formations or listening to the soothing sounds of a waterfall. Your Concierge has detailed trail maps for nearby Garden of the Gods Park, as well as other canyons and open spaces within the city limits of Colorado Springs.