There are many issues to do in Colorado Springs, from big-name nationwide parks to nightlife choices, and way more. Additionally named one of many healthiest cities in america, you will discover no scarcity of outside actions and alternatives to absorb that recent mountain air.
Those that have studied the area’s historical past might need additionally famous its ties throughout the pond. Within the early twentieth century, Colorado Springs was nicknamed “Little London,” due to its dense inhabitants of English immigrants. Again then, one in 5 residents was from Nice Britain.
Although issues have actually modified within the time since, there are nonetheless traces of that early English heritage, together with streets named for previous polo grounds and excessive tea traditions on the Broadmoor Lodge. Beneath, we’ll talk about different legacy hotspots all through town. We’ll additionally introduce a number of the hottest locations to go to when on the town.
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Table of Contents
Right here Are the Finest Issues to Do in Colorado Springs, CO
From mountain excursions to candlelight cave excursions, there are tons of issues to do in Colorado Springs. Try the checklist under for extra data on our favourite actions.
Discover Downtown Colorado Springs
Taking a while to discover town is a good way to kick off your go to. Downtown Colorado Springs affords the perfect of each worlds, located between wonderful mountain peaks and dotted by a spread of numerous, cultural actions. It is also only a quick drive away from the Colorado Springs Airport.
You even have choices when it comes to the way you wish to get round. Whereas Colorado Springs maintains a excessive walkability rating, there’s a free shuttle that may take you from one space to the subsequent. Bike shares are one other in style selection.
Get a way of the native tradition by stopping by one of many cafes, headshops, or artwork galleries. You must also preserve an eye fixed out for a number of the out of doors installations, murals, and sculptures scattered across the metropolis.
The “We Are In This Collectively” and the “Take Again The Energy” murals, positioned on the Cottonwood Heart for the Arts and between Pikes Peak Ave and Tejon Avenue, respectively, stay two of essentially the most photographed areas in Colorado Springs.
Go to The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Do not overlook the title! The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is—fairly actually—a mountain zoo, positioned 6,714 ft above sea degree and working as the one one in every of its type within the nation. Not solely that, but it surely gives distinctive and hands-on experiences with the animals, together with feeding giraffes by hand, canoodling with child “joey” wallabies, and extra.
There’s additionally an open-chair carry that will help you navigate the zoo and sneak in just a few extra mountain views. One other one of many zoo’s most celebrated options is a children’ carousel, initially constructed again in 1925.
Tackle: 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd, Colorado Springs, CO
Take a Day Journey to Manitou Springs
Nestled between Pikes Peak and Gardens of the Gods Park, the city of Manitou Springs affords artwork galleries, avenue performances, and plenty of native eateries for guests to take pleasure in.
The city additionally accommodates a complete of eight springs, every boasting its personal, distinctive mineral properties. Years in the past, they’d helped appeal to the Cheyenne, Arapahoe, and different Plains tribes to the realm, although they have been later displaced after the arrival of British colonists.
Within the years that adopted, the realm really grew to become a well-liked vacation spot for tuberculosis victims, who believed the mineral springs may heal them.
Right now, excursions can be found to provide these a style of what every spring has to supply. Spas positioned round city additionally present unique entry to the springs, full with soaking swimming pools and cedar mineral tubs.
Earlier than you head again to Colorado Springs, remember to cease by the Manitou Cliff Dwellings, a sequence of ancestral Puebloan ruins anyplace from 800 to 1,000 years previous.
The world has additionally been expanded to incorporate a museum, which options Native-Made pottery, jewellery, and different artifacts.
Rocky Mountain Meals Excursions
In case you contemplate your self a culinary traveler, then this subsequent exercise is unquestionably one thing to entertain when visiting Colorado Springs.
Rocky Mountain Meals Excursions gives three completely different excursions to select from. One revolves round meals, the others round signature cocktails and craft beer.
Every possibility gives 4 or 5 completely different tastings in the course of the tour (all inside strolling distance). You’ll be able to count on to go to speakeasies, TV-featured eateries, celebrity-owned institutions, artisan meals outlets, and extra.
With Pikes Peak as your backdrop, you will even have the chance to absorb some wonderful mountain views. Their educated tour guides will even sprinkle in just a few historic notes and different enjoyable details concerning the metropolis.
Tour the Olympic Coaching Heart
Formally often known as the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Coaching Heart and Customer Heart, this attraction serves because the flagship coaching middle for the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee and the Olympic & Paralympic Coaching Heart packages.
The nationwide headquarters for the USA Swimming and USA Capturing groups are additionally positioned throughout the advanced.
Along with coaching services, the middle gives housing, eating, and leisure alternatives for athletes. As a result of it serves as a residence, vacationers cannot merely wander onto the premises, however scheduled excursions can be found for people involved in studying extra concerning the Olympic coaching course of.
Tackle: 1 Olympic Plaza, Colorado Springs, CO
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Discover the Backyard of the Gods Park
Not solely is the Backyard of the Gods one of the in style parks within the nation, but it surely’s additionally a registered Nationwide Pure Landmark, so remember to make it a precedence the subsequent time you go to Colorado Springs.
With over 300 million years of historical past, the park gives a number of the most spectacular geological options on this planet.
Throughout your go to, look forward to finding a novel mixture of pure grasslands, pinyon-juniper woodlands, and mountain forests. Positioned within the Pikes Peak area, you will additionally take pleasure in spectacular pink rock formations whereas exploring the realm.
Whereas there are roads main by way of the park, many desire navigating the realm on horseback or by bike. There are additionally tons of mountaineering trails and locations to picnic for people who wish to courageous it by foot.
Tackle: 1805 N thirtieth Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO
Take pleasure in Excessive Tea on the Broadmoor Lodge
Excessive tea on the Broadmoor Lodge is one other in style bucket checklist exercise when in Colorado Springs. As talked about, the custom was inherited from early British residents within the space.
Right now, guests can head to the West Tower Foyer for a wide array of teas, sandwiches, and freshly baked pastries.
First opened again in 1918, the Broadmoor Lodge gives unique entry to a number of the space’s most celebrated points of interest. That checklist consists of ranch stays within the Pike Nationwide Forest, mountaintop hideaways, and fly fishing excursions in Colorado’s famed Tarryall River.
The principle resort additionally affords a hefty checklist of facilities, together with two award-winning golf programs, an outside infinity pool, heated tennis courts, and a full-service spa.
Tackle: 1 Lake Ave, Colorado Springs, CO
Examine Out The U.S. Air Drive Academy
The U.S. Air Drive Academy, positioned simply north of Colorado Springs, affords 18,500 acres of breathtaking panoramic views.
Guests are inspired to embark on self-guided excursions of the campus, absorbing the ability’s mid-century trendy structure, state-of-the-art Division I athletic services, and trendy educational analysis facilities.
The academy additionally sits on miles of trails, offering ample fishing and searching actions. They’ve even arrange a campus-wide scavenger hunt for guests to play.
Oh, and do not be too stunned when you run right into a furry customer. In line with employees, mule deer, wild turkeys, falcon, and elk frequent the grounds fairly typically.
Tackle: 2304 Cadet Drive, Suite 3100 USAF Academy, CO
Trip the Pikes Peak Cog Railway
Hailed as the best rack railway on this planet, the Pikes Peak Cog Railway brings you proper to the summit of “America’s Mountain.”
The railway was initially established again in 1891 however has undergone in depth renovations to maintain requirements excessive. Right now, vacationers will take pleasure in new trains, new tracks, and new depots when driving the rail.
The railway gives handy transport up the mountain for many who do not wish to courageous the Pikes Peak Freeway by automobile. Whereas it’s a lovely drive, the highway climbs to a harrowing 14,115 ft and is usually a bit harmful for many who aren’t snug navigating the realm.
On the prepare, you may take within the wonderful surroundings worry-free whereas making your approach up the mountain. Employees and prepare conductors will level out notable websites and share some fascinating historical past, tales, and some tall tales concerning the space.
Tackle: 515 Ruxton Ave, Manitou Springs, CO
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Go to the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum
Up to now, we have informed you the place to eat, the place to hike, and the place to identify some wildlife, however we’ve not informed you the place to absorb some native historical past. For that, you may head over to the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum.
The museum has served as a gathering establishment since 1896, making it one of many oldest of its type in all of Colorado. Right now, the museum homes over 70,000 artifacts, together with paintings, paleontological specimens, and over 6,000 cubic ft of archival supplies.
It is also dwelling to the Starsmore Heart for Native Historical past (SCLH) which homes over 80,000 images from the late nineteenth century, together with early twentieth century maps, blueprints, ephemera, and oral histories.
Tackle: 215 S. Tejon Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO
Take a Class on the Pikes Peak Alpine College
The Pikes Peak Alpine College first opened again in 1989 and has been offering coaching for mountaineers, climbers, and snow riders ever since.
The varsity operates year-round, making ready people for every kind of circumstances, together with rock, snow, and ice. It is also open to skiers and snowboarders seeking to get away from resorts and into the backcountry.
The programs, which stretch anyplace from one to 4 days lengthy, conclude with a guided tour associated to your exercise of curiosity.
Take observe: anybody involved in actions involving snow should full an avalanche schooling course earlier than heading out into the mountains.
Tackle: 1819 N. Corona Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
Examine Out the Nationwide Museum of World Conflict II Aviation
The Nationwide Museum of World Conflict II Aviation was established to provide guests a deeper understanding of how American aviation impacted the occasions of WWII and the way it continues to form the world we stay in right now.
As soon as inside, you will see a formidable assortment of 20 totally restored, flying WWII plane. The museum additionally hosts pre-war and post-war plane all year long.
Different reveals revolve round artifacts, archival materials, interpretive narratives, maps, and audio-visual methods as they relate to the plane on show.
The museum additionally gives data on the occasions main as much as America’s involvement in WWII and the way these impacts helped affect the fashionable aviation trade.
Tackle: 775 Aviation Manner, Colorado Springs, CO
Hike Across the Pike Nationwide Forest
The Pike Nationwide Forest stretches over 1,106,600 acres, crammed with pine timber, reservoirs, and mountaineering trails. Only a quick journey from downtown Colorado Springs, the realm additionally gives tons of alternatives for fishing, tenting, mountain biking, boating, and cross-country snowboarding.
Totally different points of interest will attraction to people of various talents. Manitou Park, as an illustration, is a good place to journey with children, with miles of straightforward trails and picnic areas. In the meantime, the Pikes Peak Mountain Path is lengthy and strenuous, and may solely be accomplished by those that are up for the trek.
Different space points of interest embody Gold Camp Highway, Rampart Vary Highway, Satan’s Head Lookout, and Elevenmile Canyon.
Stroll Across the Penrose Heritage Museum
The Penrose Heritage Museum showcases the entire historical past of the Pikes Peak area by way of the non-public artifact assortment of Spencer Penrose and his spouse, Julie.
The celebrated philanthropist first arrived in Colorado Springs again in 1892, when he was concerned in outstanding actual property and mining actions. He was additionally answerable for constructing main space points of interest together with the Pikes Peak Auto Freeway, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo, and the Broadmoor Lodge.
Formally often known as the El Pomar Carriage Museum, it now homes 30 carriages and 15 race vehicles, together with artifacts, historic images, archival information, and movie footage belonging to the couple.
Tackle: 11 Lake Circle, Colorado Springs, CO
Go Whitewater Rafting Down the Arkansas River
The Arkansas River begins excessive within the Rocky Mountains close to Leadville, Colorado, the place it passes by way of Colorado Springs and travels right down to town of Pueblo.
It additionally serves as the most well-liked whitewater rafting vacation spot in America, with 152 rafting miles and greater than 80 Class II to Class V rapids to take pleasure in.
Every year, greater than 175,000 folks flock to the realm for the tour. The most well-liked sections of the river for rafting embody Bighorn Sheep Canyon, Browns Canyon, and the Royal Gorge. Totally different routes will cater to rafters of various talents, so remember to verify in together with your firm of selection earlier than reserving. Paddleboarding, kayaking, and float journeys are additionally obtainable.
The river additionally flows by way of a state park, which affords much more adventures to take pleasure in on land, from mountaineering to horseback driving, four-wheeling, and extra. Oh, and gold panning actions are additionally obtainable for anybody seeking to get in contact with their inside miner.
Go to Glen Eyrie
Along with its rock formations and forests, Colorado Springs can be dwelling to some castles, most notably Glen Eyrie. The 95-room constructing is located over 700 breathtaking acres.
The citadel was constructed by Basic William Jackson Palmer, the “founding father of Colorado Springs,” after the passing of his spouse, who’s reported to have at all times wished to stay in such an property. Right now, it serves as a historic-style lodge and occasion venue.
The citadel can be dedicated to retaining the realm’s British legacy alive, serving afternoon tea each Wednesday by way of Sunday. Each day citadel excursions can be found to the general public.
Tackle: 3820 North thirtieth Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO
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Go to the Peterson Air and Area Museum
The Peterson Air and Area Museum ranks as Colorado’s oldest aviation museum and one of many nation’s 12 Air Drive Discipline museums.
It is positioned within the middle of the historic district at Peterson Air Drive Base, which additionally occurs to be the place the primary municipal airfield in Colorado Springs was stationed.
The museum is anchored by 4 unique airfield buildings, constructed between 1928 and 1941. Inside, guests will discover an airpark, previous metropolis hangar, and Medal of Honor park. Listed on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations, the museum has a big assortment of heritage gadgets associated to our civilian aviation historical past.
Tackle: 150 E. Ent Avenue Peterson SFB, CO
Stroll Round Bear Creek Regional Park
Bear Creek Regional Park gives 545 acres of inexperienced house, picnic pavilions, tennis courts, and playgrounds, together with an archery vary, horseshoe pit, and basketball courts.
There are additionally 10 miles of multi-purpose, non-motorized trails which will be loved for strolling, biking, and horseback driving.
Positioned only a quick drive away from downtown, the realm stays one of the often used parks amongst residents. There’s a nature middle on the grounds, in addition to a sequence of instructional packages that youngsters can take pleasure in all year long.
Tackle: twenty first Avenue & West Rio Grande Ave., Colorado Springs, CO
Have a Drink on the Phantom Canyon Brewing Firm
After a lot sightseeing, you are most likely prepared for a drink. On the Phantom Canyon Brewing Firm, you will discover a sprawling choice of malted barley, high quality hops, choose ales, in addition to cocktails, wine, and spirits.
You may as well look forward to finding anyplace from 14 to 19 brews on faucet at any given time, together with seasonal specialties.
Don’t fret, there’s meals too. Their award-winning menu options lunch and dinner choices, starting from soups and sandwiches to burgers and extra.
There’s additionally tons of historic appeal to take pleasure in as soon as inside. The brewery is positioned within the Cheyenne Constructing, a 100-year-old brick construction that stands three tales tall.
Different standout options embody its picket flooring, 12-foot ceilings, and arched home windows. The constructing has secured a spot on the U.S. Nationwide Register of Historic Locations.
Tackle: 2 East Pikes Peak Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO
Do a Cave Tour on the Cave of the Winds Mountain Park
Historical past books will say that the Cave of the Winds was found in 1881, however the space is definitely thousands and thousands of years previous. Early legends from the Jicarilla Apaches even communicate of a cave close to Manitou Springs the place the Nice Spirit of the Wind might be discovered.
Right now, Cave of the Winds stay one of many premiere present caves in america, and standing at 7,000 ft, additionally they account for one of many highest. Guests can take pleasure in guided excursions of the cavern, the place they will see stalactites, stalagmites, and underground geological options, study a whole lot of cool details, and listen to much more concerning the space’s historical past.
In case you’re touring with children, follow the Discovery Tour. This 45-60 minute tour consists of 15 rooms, a 1/2 mile of concrete walkways, and 196 stairs.
In case you’re into one thing a little bit spookier, join the Haunted Lantern Tour. This feature permits you to discover the Manitou Grand Caverns by candlelight. Throughout your 90 minutes contained in the caves, you will hear scary ghost tales and find out about some eerie and unexplained phenomena surrounding the realm.
Tackle: 100 Cave of the Winds Rd, Manitou Springs, CO
Go to the ProRodeo Corridor of Fame and Museum of the American Cowboy
Do not let the headshops and mountaineering distract you—Colorado Springs was as soon as a part of the Wild West, a legacy that also endures right now. If you do not know what we imply, simply head over to the ProRodeo Corridor of Fame.
There, you will discover a formidable assortment of artifacts from previous cowboys, like saddles, chaps, ropes, boots, clothes, and extra. Rotating galleries are additionally on show to showcase Western artwork collections and different items concerning the sport of rodeo.
There’s even a Corridor of Fame devoted to rodeo professionals. Since its opening in 1979, 279 folks, 35 animals, and 30 rodeo committees have been inducted.
Run by the Skilled Rodeo Cowboys Affiliation (PRCA), the venue additionally hosts a sequence {of professional} rodeo occasions all year long, together with bareback driving, barrel racing, tie-down roping, and extra.
Tackle: 103 Professional Rodeo Drive, Colorado Springs, CO
Go See the Seven Falls
Hailed as Colorado’s “most majestic waterfall,” Seven Falls stands 181 ft tall. There’s a staircase that connects the bottom of the falls to the height, however be warned—the 224-step trek will be difficult, so that you may not wish to do that one with children.
The falls are located inside a 1,250-foot-wall field canyon between the Pillars of Hercules, which refers to 2 granite buildings standing over 900 ft tall and 41 ft aside. The world was a well-liked haunt spot amongst Colorado Faculty college students again within the 1800s.
The falls additionally comprise a few completely different mountaineering trails. The Path to Inspiration Level was initially opened in 1883, spanning one mile. The Path to Midnight Falls is a barely shorter trek, taking only a half hour to finish.
Tackle: 1045 Decrease Gold Camp Rd, Colorado Springs, CO
Discover the Nationwide Historic District of Outdated Colorado Metropolis
Right now, the historic district of Outdated Colorado Metropolis serves as a middle of retail, eating places, and commerce, although it was as soon as a recognized Wild West city, teeming with saloons, brothels, and gaming parlors.
Based in 1859, Colorado Metropolis additionally served as the primary capital of the Territory of Colorado and the middle of early settlement within the Pikes Peak area. However by 1873, Colorado Springs had taken over because the county seat of El Paso County. In 1913, Colorado Springs fully annexed it.
Although the realm not features independently, there’s nonetheless loads of historic structure, sculptures, and landmarks to discover. The district can be dwelling to a burgeoning artwork scene, with over 15 galleries showcasing native expertise.
Wrapping Up
That is about it for our checklist of issues to do in Colorado Springs, however remember to verify again with us quickly! Travelicious, supported by Finest Life, is dedicated to serving to you discover your subsequent journey. Join our e-newsletter for expert-backed ideas for navigating our favourite U.S. locations!
FAQ
What’s Colorado Springs most recognized for?
Whereas Colorado Springs has some unimaginable historical past and tradition, town is greatest recognized for its lovely landscapes. Positioned throughout the Pikes Peak space, town is dwelling to the notorious Backyard of the Gods Park, which accommodates over 300 million years of geological historical past. The world additionally gives a novel mixture of pure grasslands, pinyon-juniper woodlands, and mountain forests.
What are enjoyable issues to do in Colorado Springs with children?
Colorado Springs persistently ranks as one of the family-friendly cities within the state. With an inflow of households shifting to the realm, it isn’t shocking that there is been a rise in actions for households with little ones in tow. Try our favourite Colorado Springs points of interest for teenagers under.
- Feed the animals on the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
- Discover the Dinosaur Analysis Heart
- Take pleasure in Some Outside Enjoyable at Bear Creek Regional Park
- Go to the Manitou Cliff Dwellings
- Cease by the Backyard of the Gods Customer & Nature Heart
- Soak up Some Colorado Springs Historical past on the Pioneers Museum
What are essentially the most romantic issues to do in Colorado Springs?
There are many actions for {couples} to take pleasure in within the Colorado Springs space, from curated journey excursions to the extra mainstream vacationer points of interest across the metropolis. Try the checklist under for just a few of our favorites.
- Hike Across the Backyard of the Gods Park
- Take pleasure in Excessive Tea on the Broadmoor Lodge
- Spend an evening at Glen Eyrie Fortress
- Take a lantern tour on the Cave of the Winds Mountain Park
- Spend a while at Seven Falls
- Have just a few drinks on the Phantom Canyon Brewing Firm
- Ebook a spa day in Manitou Springs
What’s there to do in Colorado Springs at no cost?
Visiting Colorado Springs does not must be expensive. The town affords a spread of free actions for each youngsters and adults. Among the hottest choices embody:
- Cease by the Penrose Heritage Museum
- Discover the Backyard of the Gods Customer & Nature Heart
- Spend a while at Bear Creek Regional Park
- Go to the Cripple Creek Heritage Heart
- Benefit from the free-ride bike park at Purple Rock Canyon
- Go see the Pioneers Museum
