Places to Visit in Colorado Springs
Area Code for Phone Numbers is (719) unless noted otherwise
Air Force Academy
Built along the base of the majestic Rampart Range, this is one of Colorado’s most popular destinations for visitor. The elite four-year military institution has a variety of areas open to the public including the Cadet Chapel, concerts at Arnold Hall, Falcon Stadium, and a visitors center. Call 333-2025 to confirm hours of operation. I-25 at Exit 156B (North Gate Blvd.), www.usafa.af.mil.
The Broadmoor Hotel and Resort
One of the country’s finest resorts, it was built in 1918 as a grand
hotel and for years has en joyed a Mobile 5-star rating. Offers three
golf courses, tennis, swimming, spa and 15 restaurant options. One
Lake Avenue, 634-7711, www.broadmoor.com.
Buckskin Joe Frontier Town & Railway
Located at the foot of the Greenhorn Mountains in Canon City,
gunfights, live entertainment, animals and everything in between will
have you living in the Wild West! John Wayne movies were filmed
here and the History Channel filmed a documentary “The Haunted
Rockies” here on location. Also of interest is the Royal Gorge Scenic Railway. This mountain train takes you to the edge with views of the Gorge and famous bridge. Hours vary subject to dark days, call for times. Admission fee for each attraction. Located eight miles west of Canon City on Hwy. 50. 275-5149, www.buckskinjoe.com. You can also take the Royal Gorge Route Railroad dinner train that takes you on a three hour journey 24 miles through the Gorge. Information and prices: 888-724-5748 or www.royalgorgeroute.com.
Catamount Institute / Beidleman Environmental Center
Administrator of Sonderman Park in Colorado Springs and a 177 acre mountain campus just south of Woodland Park, CO. This field campus offers camping, educational programs, hiking, workshops, tobogganing, tracking and more. Open to all nature lovers! For more information call 471-0910 or visit www.catamountinstitute.org.
Cave of the Winds
Travel deep into the Rocky Moun tains. Guided 7/8 mile tour takes
you through millions of years of geological history. View stalactites,
stalagmites, flow stone, plus many other cave formations. Six miles
west off Hwy 24 in Manitou Springs, 685-5444, www.caveofthewinds.com.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
At an elevation of 6,800 feet, America’s only mountain zoo features over 750 rare and endangered animals representing over 140 species.
Always voted one of Colorado Springs’ top attractions, come see Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun, experience the African Rift Valley Exhibit, ride the tram or antique carousel and don’t forget to visit the primates and hippos! Open daily. 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd., 633-9925,
www.cmzoo.org.
Colorado Wolf & Wildlife Center
Shelter for rescued wolves, foxes and coyotes. Public welcome for educational tours. Located off Hwy. 24 (two miles west of Divide) on Twin Rocks Road, 687-9742, www.wolfeducation.org.
Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad
Enjoy unobstructed views from open cars and interesting narrations about gold mines and trestles as you travel to Anaconda, a nearby deserted mining camp. Runs daily, May-October, 5th and Bennett Avenue, Cripple Creek, 6892640, www.cripplecreekrailroad.com.
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
Just west of Divide, this area provides a fascinating look into the distant
past. Enjoy interpretive exhibits, a Visitor’s Center and trails for summer and winter activities. Administered by the National Park Service. Admission. Open daily. 15807 Teller County Rd., 748-3253.
Flying W Chuckwagon Supper
This working ranch consists of restored buildings, authentic contents, ranch style suppers and western entertainment. Open seven nights a week May through September, call for winter hours. 3330 Chuckwagon Rd., 800-232-3599, www.flyingw.com.
Garden of the Gods Park
Natural park of 1,300 acres containing massive formations of red sandstone, including Gate way Rocks, Balanced Rock, and the Cathedral Spires. There are nature walks, foot and horse trails, and pic nicking. Visitors Center features exhibits, gift and coffee shops. Open daily. 1805 N. 30th St. (at Gateway Road), 634-6666, www.gardenofgods.com/parkinfo/.
Manitou Cliff Dwellings
First opened to the public in 1906 and built more than 700 years ago, these authentic Anasazi dwellings allow you to roam inside the architectural marvels of the American Indians that inhabited the southwest from 1200 B.C.-1300 A.D. A pueblo-style building houses the museum and gift shop. Open sevendays a week, call for seasonal hours. Located five miles west on Hwy. 24 in Manitou Springs, 685-5242, www.cliffdwellingsmuseum.com.
Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine
The United States’ only 1,000 foot vertical shaft gold mine tour complete with viewing areas, air powered tram-air locomotive and mineral display. Discovered in 1891, it is maintained as a mineable property. Continual updates are being made including crosscut tunnels to enhance the experience. Admis sion fee. Open seven days a week April through October. Group tours available year round. Located one mile north of Hwy. 67 in Cripple Creek, 689-2466, www.goldminetours.com.
North Cheyenne Canon Park
The oldest city park in Colorado Springs, located on N. Cheyenne Canon Road, it is cut 1,000 feet deep into 1.5 billion year old granite. Outstanding plant and animal life abound. Activities include driving Gold Camp Road, a steep, scenic nine mile route into the mountains with great hiking trails and “pullouts” for leisurely viewing of mountains, valleys and waterfalls. Helen Hunt Falls Visitor Center is located at 4075 N. Cheyenne Canon Rd. with exhibits, hiking trail maps, books, etc. Seasonal hours (opens in May). Call 385-6086 (winter) or 633-5701 (summer) for more information. Starsmore Discovery Center is located at 2120 S. Cheyenne Canon Rd. and offers dioramas, nature exhibits, bird watching, climbing wall, books and maps. Seasonal hours (opens in May), 385-6086. Additional information about this wonderful park can be found at www.springsgov.com, then click on “park”.
North Pole & Santa’s Workshop
Twenty-five acres of family fun visiting Santa. Featuring a host of friendly animals, artisans, and 22 amusement rides. Open April 14 through December 31, call for specific information. 5050 Pikes Peak Hwy., Cascade, 684-9432, www.santas-colo.com.
Old Colorado City
The Old Colorado City Historic District is an extraordinary blend of heritage and architecture. In the historic buildings there are restaurants,
art galleries, studios, and specialty shops. W. Colorado Ave.
between 24th and 28th, 636-1225 (Historical Society), www.history.oldcolo.com.
Pikes Peak Cog Railway
World’s highest railway takes visitors on an unforgettable panoramic trip to the 14,110 ft. summit of America’s most famous peak. Open year round, call for hours. 515 Ruxton Ave., Manitou Springs, 685-5401, www.cograilway.com.
Pikes Peak & Pikes Peak Highway
Drive to the 14,110 ft. summit of the peak that inspired the song “America the Beautiful” in the comfort of your car. Open daily year round, weather permitting. There is a road toll charge. West on Hwy. 24 in Cascade, 385-7325, www.pikespeakcolorado.com.
Royal Gorge Bridge & Park
World’s highest suspension bridge spans Colorado’s most famous canyon and the Arkansas River. Aerial tram, cliff walk, wildlife park, petting zoo and Visitors Center. 4218 Fremont County Road 3A, Canon City, 275-7507, www.royalgorgebridge.com.
Seven Falls
The Falls cascade down a steep canyon in seven distinct steps. Best viewed from Eagle’s Nest, at the top of a 224-step stairway, elevator available. Open daily. Seven miles west of downtown, 2850 S. Cheyenne Canyon Rd., 6320765, www.seven falls.com.
U.S. Olympic Complex
This mega-complex is not only headquarters for 12 USOC organizations, it also holds the training center, including aquatics, numerous gyms, sports medicine and science centers, dining room, residence halls, and other member organizations. Free tours. 1750 E. Boulder (aka 1 Olympic Plaza), 866-4618, www.usoc.org.
Van Briggle Art Pottery
See history’s oldest art form, “throwing on the Potter’s Wheel”, and other phases of pottery-making on a complete tour of this unique facility. Free admission. Open daily. Hwy. 24 at 21st Street, 633-7729, www.vanbriggle.com.
Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun
Built by Spencer Penrose in memory of his friend, the great American humor ist Will Rogers, the shrine towers 100-feet high on Cheyenne Mountain. Shrine admission also includes admission to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Features Westminster Chimes which strike every 15 minutes. Open daily. 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Rd., 578-5367, www.cmzoo.org/shrine.html.
Colorado Springs Feels Like Home - No Matter How Long You Stay!
Experience Colorado Springs at
Pikes Peak is the region’s Convention and Visitors Bureau. Our mission
is to “bring the world to Colorado Springs at Pikes Peak.” We do this by creatively marketing the region to family,
group and business travelers around the world. Many of the features
that make Colorado Springs a great place to live also make it a great place to take a vacation or hold a business meeting. Order your FREE visitors guide today at www.ExperienceColoradosprings.com or call 1-888-368-4748
Colorado Springs - ATTRACTIONS
With over 50 attractions, the Pikes Peak Region offers endless possibilities to have fun, experience the “mild” West and learn something new about our western heritage. From museums to underground caves to a journey to the 14,110 summit of Pikes Peak, you’ll have plenty from which to choose, and you may just want to extend your trip by a few days to fit it all in!
Colorado Springs - DINING & NIGHTLIFE
In 2006, Colorado Springs was voted “Best City to Chill” by Sperlings Best Places and Bailey’s Irish Crème. This top ranking is based in part on the many restaurants, cafés, bistros and nightclubs throughout the area. Enjoy a pint in an authentic English pub or dine al fresco at a sidewalk café. For evening entertainment, but sure to see what’s playing at one of our event centers or theaters, visit www.PeakRadar.com for a complete list of events and activities.
Colorado Springs - UNIQUE NEIGHBORHOODS
The Pikes Peak Region is made up of unique neighborhoods and cities,
each with a distinct personality. Using downtown Colorado Springs as your “hub,” plan excursions to Cripple Creek, Woodland Park, Green Mountain Falls, Chipita Park, Old Colorado City, Manitou Springs, Cañon City and Cheyenne Mountain.
Colorado Springs - RECREATION
Throw on your play clothes, stretch out those muscles and come to
Colorado Springs for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, river rafting, ballooning, rock climbing, golfing and horseback riding. With over 300 days of sunshine each year, you’ll have ample opportunity to reconnect with your “inner outdoorsman.”
Colorado Springs - CULTURE & HERITAGE
Experience the Mild or Wild West through our diverse collection of culture and heritage activities and attractions. Several indoor museums focus on western culture and multiple attractions allow you to explore the dwellings of ancient civilizations or the wonders of an underground cave. Round off your trip with a roundup at one of our authentic summer rodeos.