Manitou Springs Map of Manitou Springs
General William Jackson Palmer, the founder of Colorado Springs and the English physician, Dr. William Bell, first visited the springs of Manitou in 1868. Legend says Indian tribes from the mountains and the plains met here in peace to worship Manitou, the God who breathed into the waters to create the natural effervescence of the springs to give them curative powers. Both Palmer and Bell fell in love with this gentle little valley and envisioned the area as a health spa that led to its initial development. As health interests waned, Manitou Springs became one of the original tourist destinations in Colorado. Sitting at the base of Pikes Peak, it is in the center of several of the most popular attractions in the region. Manitou has a wide variety of accommodations, excellent restaurants and a flourishing arts community. There are still a number of bubbling mineral springs in the city, nine of which have been restored and are open to the public for drinking. The town features a myriad of interesting shops and galleries. Today, Manitou has retained its “mining town look” with many of its homes built on the surrounding hillsides. Quaint houses and Victorian homes brush up against newer developments. An eclectic mix of professionals, artists and blue-collar workers call Manitou home. Manitou Springs is listed as a National Historic District with art and history walks favorite pastimes for tourists and residents alike.
General William Jackson Palmer, the founder of Colorado Springs and the English physician, Dr. William Bell, first visited the springs of Manitou in 1868. Legend says Indian tribes from the mountains and the plains met here in peace to worship Manitou, the God who breathed into the waters to create the natural effervescence of the springs to give them curative powers. Both Palmer and Bell fell in love with this gentle little valley and envisioned the area as a health spa that led to its initial development. As health interests waned, Manitou Springs became one of the original tourist destinations in Colorado. Sitting at the base of Pikes Peak, it is in the center of several of the most popular attractions in the region. Manitou has a wide variety of accommodations, excellent restaurants and a flourishing arts community. There are still a number of bubbling mineral springs in the city, nine of which have been restored and are open to the public for drinking. The town features a myriad of interesting shops and galleries. Today, Manitou has retained its “mining town look” with many of its homes built on the surrounding hillsides. Quaint houses and Victorian homes brush up against newer developments. An eclectic mix of professionals, artists and blue-collar workers call Manitou home. Manitou Springs is listed as a National Historic District with art and history walks favorite pastimes for tourists and residents alike.