This Colorado city to the south of Denver is a gem for lovers of the outdoors as well as history buffs and foodies alike. It is a city that breeds Olympic athletes and U.S. Air Force cadets, it also ranks as one of the healthiest cities in America.
At the base of Pikes Peak Region in the Colorado Rockies, resides scenic, irrigated valley with a few struggles for employment or weather (300 days sun). This city almost never sleeps and has tons to do – whatever time of the year it is!
List of 31 Best Things to Do in Colorado Springs
1. Top Places to Stay in Colorado Springs for Your Family Getaway
Ideal for Families with Young Kids:
A family adventure, and one well suited to young children at that Great Wolf Lodge in Colorado Springs. This is a large resort with an extensive on-site waterpark, which will delight the kids. There are adults activities too including the gym and cafe-styled dining on-site so parents can be sure to remain active with a choice of eateries. The water park features 13 exciting slides and a massive pool area covering over 79,000sf designed for all ages.
Perfect for Couples:
Located in the heart of historic downtown Colorado Springs, The Mining Exchange, A Wyndham Grand Hotel & Spa is a luxurious experience. Amenities: Two on-site restaurants, full-service spa A variety of treatments, from soothing massages to revitalizing facials are available at the MX Spa. Meals are available from the Springs Orleans Restaurant and Bar cooking up Cajun dishes as well as Creole specialties, while guests can also relax in its outdoor courtyard or have a drink along with light bites at Lobby Bar.
Best Near Garden of the Gods:
The resort offers guests a vast selection of activities including on site full service spa and signature outdoor golf course, the Garden of the Gods Club & Resort is an all encompassing experience. Nestled 1.5 miles from Kissing Camels Country Club and Garden of the Gods Park, which is only a quick 15-minute drive away!
Best Active Family Resort:
A fantastic option for active families is the AAA Four Diamond Cheyenne Mountain Resort. It is a complete resort address for all age groups that have many pools, aquatic centre and water play area. Kayaking is available on the 35-acre lake, and tennis and a Pete Dye golf course are also offered. It’s location near to Cheyenne Mountain means it is an ideal place for walkers.
Most Luxurious:
Originally built in 1918, the Broadmoor is a historic landmark and member of Historic Hotels of America that features extravagant lodging with more than 780 guest rooms as well lodges, brownstones and cabins. The resort that has this 100-year-old tradition is recognized for lavish accommodations and top-notch service.
Most Distinctive:
It is truly a stunning castle, surrounded by English Tudor style gardens and towering over the natural red rock formations made famous at Garden of the Gods. The 800-acre estate was owned by General William Jackson Palmer, the founder of Colorado Springs and consists of 95 rooms across acres that include a castle with 17 bedrooms. The large mammals, bighorn sheep included, prance around the campus past guests who may want to lounge by the outdoor terrace or peruse any one of its local interest books.
2. Experience Garden of the Gods: A Must-See Attraction in Colorado Springs
As a city park and National Natural Landmark, Garden of the Gods is an absolute must see when visiting Colorado Springs. See rock climbers conquer these majestic structures, including ones named as ”Sleeping Giant” and “Siamese Twins.”
There are 15 miles of trails, so hike it and get to the top. Or if you’re looking for a more unconventional vantage, catch an enticing Segway tour or saddle up on your own steed and ride through the grand formations. Make a stop at the Visitor and Nature Center to watch for Native American artifacts, speak with helpful rangers.
3. Ascend Pikes Peak: A Journey to America’s Mountain
One of the mountains, Pikes Peak, known as America’s Mountain and was described by Katharine Lee Bates in her song “America the Beautiful”. One of the majestic “fourteeners” in Colorado and stunning to gaze at as it towers above 14,000 feet high from its location within The Rockies surrounding area just outside of Colorado Springs.
From there, make your way up the Pikes Peak Highway and then board the historic Pikes Peak Cog Railway—which has been running since 1891—for a nine-mile trek to the tip top of ole 14er. The top is high enough to leave you a little out of breath from the thin air, but it will provide its own reward. The view from the top covers five states and over 700 miles. Anyone who heads out to this part of the country should make sure they visit Pikes Peak!
You should prepare for a full day, or better yet an entire weekend since this is only scratching the surface of what Pike National Forest has in store. Standards: The 1.1 million-acre getaway aspect offers endless opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing and the like.
If heading into the alpine wilderness sounds a tad intimidating try slowing it down with the Pikes Peak Alpine School. These climbing facilities offers a rock wall, basic and lead climbing ropes classes, ice classing following by guide trips found at the summit clubs for other fun activities to you more comfortable.
Don’t miss The Carriage Museum, or the official name these days of that branch, which is now Penrose Heritage museum. Numerous other Western artifacts are also on display along with a collection of 30 carriages and race cars (a total of 15 from the world’s most famous hill climb, Pikes Peak International Hill Climb) that have competed at Race to the Clouds—the second oldest motorsport event in America behind only Indy.
4. Conquer the Manitou Incline: A Challenge Like No Other
The Manitou Incline is near Pikes Peak and was built by the cable car railway to carry goods up a mountain. Nowadays, it has turned the place into a hot spot for those who want to experience intense training. Here, you will find the ‘stairs,’ actually old railroad ties that extend for a mile and climb 2,000 vertical feet.
You may even encounter local Olympic athletes training on this steep and challenging hiking trail. Prove your physical fitness and take the ultimate selfie once you do reach that pinnacle.
5. Tackle Broadmoor Seven Falls: A Stairway to Stunning Views
After already climbing the hundreds of steps on The Manitou Incline are you still up to challenging yourself even further? Climb more than 200 steps to the lookout at the top of these cascading, stunning seven waterfalls.
The cascading falls within a box canyon are encased by 900-foot pink granite cliffs, called the Pillars of Hercules. A site known as Seven Falls is at Broadmoor Seven Falls. At the summit, there are a series of hiking trails to explore; thrill-seekers can take their turn on the zip line tour over North America’s second largest waterfall and fine dining is available at Restaurant 1858 down by edge of the water.
6. Hit the Trails: Hiking Adventures in Colorado Springs
Get ready to explore! Colorado Springs is the perfect spot for hiking, thanks to its outstanding weather and amazing landscapes. There are an ample amount of parks in the area (Red Rock Canyon, North Cheyenne Cañon Park, Mueller State Park Bear Creek Regional Park and the recently created though much maligned by certain neighbors) as well offering a variety of hiking/biking trails.
Hikers can hit the popular Palmer Loop Trail meandering among fragrant pine trees, an easy stroll to Helen Hunt Falls and a leisurely trek up Seven Bridges trail tracing part of an old rail line. Enjoy the view of Hanging Lake with plenty of nature nearby as well, but if you have more time take a day or two out to explore some other surrounding attractions in Glenwood Springs!
7. Embark on a Whitewater Rafting Adventure
For an unforgettable experience of whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River, head to the Royal Gorge. Whether you like a lazy float or some excitement through wild rapids, Colorado mountain views are best seen from the water.
While in the area, be sure to visit Royal Gorge Bridge & Park rising nearly 1000′ above the river on one of highest suspension bridges ever constructed.
8. Experience the Wilderness with a Jeep Tour
Colorado Springs Now Available Check out the rugged beauty of Colorado Springs on a local jeep tour beyond the usual trails. As with any good off-road tour, you’ll head to remote areas only accessible by four-wheel drive vehicles for an unadulterated taste of the wild.
Head out on a Colorado Jeep Tour and take an open-air ride through the terrain as you learn about local geology, paleontology, Wild West history. Enjoy the great outdoors while exploring places like Royal Gorge, historic mining districts and more.
9. Give Rock Climbing a Go
Colorado Springs have some of the most extreme levels for rock climbers across worldwide. Locally run guided adventures and incursions are perfect for beginners to learn the ropes be lead straight into well suited routes Garden of the Gods, Red Rock Canyon and North Cheyenne Cañon offer some of the finest climbing for sport-shredding veterans.
And as noted before, the Pikes Peak Alpine School is also a great option if you need more guidance or instruction.
10. Enjoy a Game of Disc Golf
One of Colorado’s favorite pastimes is playing disc golf, and it isn’t hard to talk about why. What better way to hike up a mountain than tossing the old frisbee? Mild weather and plenty of sunshine in the Colorado Springs area make it possible to play disc golf just about year-round.
Choose from seven nine- and 18-hole courses for a day of fresh air fun.
11. Visit the Olympic Training Center
Colorado Springs, dubbed Olympic City USA, is home to the prestigious U.S. Olympic Training Center where elite athletes prepare for competition sport in world-class facilities. This facility is the flagship among U.S. Olympic Committee training centers and also houses the national headquarters for USA Swimming and USA Shooting Guests can make reservations for a one-hour walking tour of the facility, enjoy up to two Team USA stores in all of America with purchases going directly to the athletes and an interactive virtual reality experience.
12. Explore the U.S. Air Force Academy
The U.S. Air Force Academy annually attracts more than a million visitors to its renowned institution that prepares future officers for the United States Air Force Entry is known to be competitive, with many prospective cadets requiring a referral from their representative in Congress. For their part, graduates are just expected to serve in the military for a specific number of years; college education is free.
The chapel is one of the most striking architectural features on campus, and indeed in Colorado Springs. With 17 spires, a feat of engineering constructed in glass aluminum and steel. This chapel has different worship spaces inside for the major religions Protestant, Catholic and Islam as well Buddhism and Judaism.
13. Savor Local Cuisine with Rocky Mountain Food Tours
For your dining escapade, start with The Original – a five-stop food tour that showcases the very best of local eats including hidden gems and artisan shops. During the journey you will be treated to a selection of regional dishes and discover much about local history.
Sip and eat also have a more adult twist at Rocky Mountain Food Tours, which has its own cocktail or craft beer crawl. There are four drinks (cocktails or beer flights), snacks and a side of local lore with this tour.
14. Explore the Depths at Cave of the Winds Mountain Park
Imagine the excitement of the young boys in the 1800s who first stumbled upon this ancient cave, estimated to be 500 million years old and situated 6,000 feet above sea level. At Cave of the Winds Mountain Park, families can enjoy the Discovery Tour, a well-lit and accessible exploration of the cave, with plenty of room to move around.
As you journey through the cave, you’ll learn about fascinating formations like stalactites and stalagmites. Afterward, step outside for an adrenaline rush on the Bat-a-pult, a two-person thrill ride similar to a zipline, or challenge yourself on the ropes course, both offering stunning views as they soar above a deep gorge.
15. Immerse Yourself in History at Manitou Cliff Dwellings
Check out an extraordinary historic payout that was the place where Native American ancestries famously hefted their domiciles carved in to the rock-faces. Manitou Cliff Dwellings — Located near Pikes Peak, these dwellings provide a window into the lives of the Anasazi people who lived in this area more than 800 years ago.
Kids will love climbing room to room, figuring out what each space is used for within these intriguing structures. It is not an abstract history lesson, instead it provides a tangible historical experience and take students into the daily life of that time period.
16. Experience the Haunting History at Ghost Town Museum
Go to the Ghost Town Museum and you can step into a world frozen in time, with over 27 years of creating an “Old West” feeling by preserving western relics from old towns brought back to life under one roof.
Thanks to this fact, inside you’ll find a Wild West- themed village replica with barber shop, saloon, general store and an old-style apothecary. During the summer, visitors can also challenge Marie to a shooting gallery game of accuracy and admire some original carriages while giving mining for gold their best shot.
17. Visit the Colorado Wolf & Wildlife Center
One hour outside of the city, get up close and personal with wolves, foxes and coyotes at Colorado Wolf & Wildlife Center.
The center is almost as much of an educational experience as it is a sanctuary—there are places for the animals to be observed in vast, wooded enclosures. Every tour then ends with a group wolf howl to see if the wolves respond.
18. Get Up Close with a Giraffe at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Are you traveling to Colorado Springs with kids? Cheyenne Mountain Zoo: With the claim of being America’s only mountain zoo, this establishment showcases a variety of animals along with some very large views of Colorado Springs itself. Home to one of the largest herds of reticulated giraffes in the world, grizzlies, wallabies and more at 6,800 feet!
The zoo has an old-time carousel and a chairlift that carries you up to the top — but the animal views are just as stunning. Also included is a trip to the Will Rogers Shrine of Sun which you can drive up to at 1 mile away from the zoo. This is a shrine to the famous singer at 8000 feet.
For a once in a lifetime experience, contemplate the Animal Art Experience (really), take an Safari Trail Tour or get up close and personal with one of their famous animal encouters at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.
19. Explore the Old Colorado City Historic District
Travel back to 1859, during the Pikes Peak gold rush, by visiting Old Colorado City, which once served as the first capital of the Colorado Territory and a bustling hub for miners seeking supplies.
Today, this area is alive with shops, art studios, and dining options, yet it still retains its historical charm. You can explore preserved buildings and view artifacts from the era at the Old Colorado City History Center, offering a glimpse into the past.
20. Unearth Dinosaur Treasures
If you have a dinosaur lover in the house, make sure to stop by Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience. In this attraction, you pass through a section that showcases real dinosaur fossils discovered in the region and horizontally travel back into recreated prehistoric land populated by life-sized animatronic dinosaurs!
And, if you want to experience all of that with a bit more thrill factor. The ropes course will draw out the prehistoric adventurer in everyone as an intimidating T-Rex towers over you.
21. Visit the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum
The Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum affords free admission and is a central repository of the region’s vast history inside the historic 1903 El Paso County Courthouse in Downtown Colorado Springs, known for its iconic clock tower.
In the museum, visitors will find exhibits on Native American heritage; the history of mining industry, military in four states and Old West as well with a collection that boasts over 60 thousand artifacts including Western art items, quilts or manuscripts.
22. Explore the Peterson Air & Space Museum
The Peterson Air & Space Museum is located on the site of Colorado Springs’ first municipal airfield and takes visitors through aviation history with an impressive display about the area’s contributions to space exploration. It has everything from early aircraft to World War II planes, and modern developments — the exhibit includes surface-to-air missiles as well as various kinds of airframes incorporated.
And within is the city’s original airport passenger terminal, a sleek Art Deco design, as well as in 1928 hangar with North America air defense system exhibits.
23. Explore the National Museum of World War II Aviation
Located on Peterson Air Force Base (where the U.S. Army constructed a small airfield in 1942) in an actual World War II-era hangar, the National Museum of World War II Aviation covers aircraft and technological developments made during this critical period with their largest collection established to date. The museum as a whole includes more than 3,000 artifacts and an assortment of vehicles used by U.S. forces and their allies when fighting the war.
24. Visit the Western Museum of Mining and Industry
Since the 1800s, mining has been a pivotal part of Colorado’s economy and this museum is dedicated to telling that story. Discover a replica stamp mill with working mining equipment including the powerful “jaw crusher” at the Western Museum of Mining and Industry. Visitors can also enter an 1894 Queen Anne-style farmhouse from a former railroad supply town and discover the process of land reclamation that takes previous coal mining sites back to their original state.
25. Discover the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center
The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College, established in 1936, offers a diverse array of artistic experiences.
You can enjoy a live performance at the theater, explore the museum’s permanent exhibits, or even enroll in a fine arts class at the center’s school.
26. Spend Time in Manitou Springs
Be sure to explore Manitou Springs if you are around, too – with all its quirks and history it is an interesting little town. This town has been attracting visitors since the 1870s on account of its subterranean mineral waters that were thought to have healing properties.
You’ll find the perfect place to unwind in Manitou Springs an easy distance from both Pikes Peak and Garden of Gods, sample one of their charming eateries or tour numerous art galleries. Be sure to stop by the Penny Arcade for an old-school taste of fun playing classic games like pinball machines, skeeball, and more.
27. Hop Aboard the Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad
But a train journey is different: The miles slipping past your window are as much of the point, and that is particularly true when you’re traveling through Colorado. Ride the Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad behind a steam engine locomotive for an educational 45-minute ride that includes stops at old mines.
One of the best times to ride is in September, when aspens and other trees turn pages from golds into bright fall reds.
28. Explore the ProRodeo Hall of Fame
The Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame — through the Colorado Springs based facility founded in conjunction with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association to honor and immortalize rodeo legends.
Hall of Champions (winners from the PRCA rodeo events) The Heritage Hall is a good place to see many artifacts from the near and distant past of horse racing, while the Sculpture Garden serves as an appropriate setting if you wish selfie with life-sized bronze statues out in front of the barns.
29. Dining in Colorado Springs: A Craft Beer Haven
With more than 20 craft breweries, Colorado Springs is a beer paradise and if you’ve got the time for a short drive, make the trek to Golden (west of downtown Denver) to see where it all begins at Coors.
You can always count on a Gourdy Pumpkin at local brewer Iron Bird Brewing, or order up the malty Sticky Paws from Fieldhouse Brewing Company (and if avaliable) the Coffee Porter at Smiling Toad. Phantom Canyon Brewing Company is another great option and also has a kids’ menu so families choose it frequently.
30. Dine Inside an Airplane
For a dining experience you’ll never forget, check out the Airplane Restaurant outside of Colorado Springs Municipal Airport.
Named for a Boeing KC-97 plane that served as an aerial refueling tanker from the mid-’50s to the early ’60s, this colorful Argentinian spot actually houses over 40 guests during lunch or dinner. Photo evidence, artefacts and memorabilia are displayed throughout the interior memorialising a history synonymous with aviation.
31. Enjoy Wine at an Abbey
The lovely Holy Cross Abbey in Canon City, at the base of the Wet Mountains. Until the end of 14th century it served as a residence for Benedictine monks, now inside there is a winery.
The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey has an extensive selection of wines such as Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot. Swing by the year-round tasting room and enjoy them sans reservation.
