Colorado Springs is located at the eastern foot of the Rockies and is known for its small-town charm.
Colorado Springs is best known for its natural attractions such as the Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak, but it is also known for its charming neighborhoods. Hiking, mountain biking, and outdoor adventures are available in the foothills. The best things to do in Colorado Springs are both in the city and outdoors.
Squeeze every moment out of your next vacation with tips and tricks from Lonely Planet in our weekly newsletter delivered to your inbox.Old Colorado City is where the original town was founded in the 19th century. The first capital of the Territory of Colorado was the historic district, which is now home to restaurants, art galleries and souvenir shops. The area has a 19th century feel.
The Old Colorado City Walking Tour app can be downloaded. The Old Colorado City History Center is located in a former Baptist church and has a small historical display in the center of the area.
The Garden of the Gods is a must-visit place in Colorado Springs. The vein of red sandstone at the park is about 300 million years old, and it is particularly striking. Climbers test their nerve on the sometimes flaky rock while enjoying a picnic and exploring the network of paved and unpaved trails. Climbing and bouldering requires a permit, and scrambling up the rocks is not allowed.
Rock Ledge Ranch is a living history museum that tells the stories of Native Americans and 19th century homesteaders.
The World Figure Skating Museum is a good place to stop by for fans of figure skating. It is the only institution of its kind in the world. If you have ever wondered how they do those jumps, you can learn about the blades and edges.
The Hall of Fame features some of the best skaters of all time, including Scott Hamilton and Dick Button.
The largest collection of giraffes in the world can be seen at the zoo located high up on the mountain. The zoo is proud of its giraffe-breeding program and educational programming. There are play areas for children and a ride that gives you a bird's-eye view of the enclosure.
Half a million people visit the summit of Pikes Peak every year, making it the most famous of Colorado's 54 "fourteeners". If you want to go straight up the mountain, you can take the scenic drive to the top. The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway reopened in May 2021 after being renovated. There is a new visitor center with an overlook.
There is a road trip in Colorado.
While away a couple of hours, this interactive science and technology center is a great place for families to visit. Astro-enthusiasts will love exploring the space artifacts and interactive exhibits as they absorb all sorts of fascinating information on the universe. You can check out scale model rockets and space suits worn by astronauts to protect them from extreme temperatures, micrometeoroids and the nearly pure vacuum of space, as well as explore the history of humans in space.
Fans of craft beers can find lots of choices in Colorado Springs. There is a casual atmosphere at the Phantom Canyon Brewery, which is located in a former warehouse. The Laughing Lab Scottish beer and pub grub menu is worth a visit. The Trinity Brewing Co is an eco-friendly place that serves artisan beers and has a recycled bar top.
Every Labor Day weekend there are hot air balloons in the sky. The Labor Day Lift Off was formerly known as the Colorado Springs Classic. You won't want to miss the early-morning balloon launches and the Saturday-evening "balloon glows" at the event. Visitors can pre-book balloon rides from one of the launch sites.
The Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum is a good place to learn about the city's past. The collection and exhibition of some 60,000 pieces sums up the region's history through old photographs and artifacts.
Hundreds of items from the Native American nations are in the collection. The museum is a great place for young people to visit because of its child friendly exhibits and activities.
The Red Rock Canyon Open Space is a great place for hiking, running, mountain biking, rock climbing and horseback riding. If you like a bird's-eye view, you may be interested in paragliding. Wheelchair accessible picnic sites are included in the family picnic area at the park. The Section 16 trail leads out of the southwestern corner of the park on a nice 6-mile loop.
It is possible to see the lives of an elite group of cadets at one of the country's highest-profile military academies. The US Air Force Academy visitor center gives a general background on the academy, as well as allowing access to the dramatic Cadet Chapel.
The Honor Court and Falcon Stadium are open to the public. Cadets do push-ups for every point they score at football games. There are tickets available for the graduation ceremony in May.
Every Memorial Day weekend in Old Colorado City, there is a street festival called Territory days. The festival has evolved from a small craft fair into a vibrant event with over 180 food and craft booths and a children's play area.
Native American dancers, Wild West gunfight re-enactments, and incredible blacksmith demonstrations are just some of the things visitors will be able to see at the museum.
The first two-story indoor racetrack in the US will be open to children of all ages. The downstairs track has circuits for beginners and experienced drivers, while the more intensive speed track caters to experienced drivers. Go-karts with hand controls are available at the track. Visitors to the sports bar can find a variety of Colorado craft beer and whiskey and a food menu.
The Colorado Springs Flea Market is a great place to go with your family. Up to 500 vendors hawking almost anything you can think of, as well as a variety of food trucks, are at the festival every weekend. The market has been open for over three decades. There is an inflatable slide, Ferris wheel, and canoe rides for families and children to enjoy at the park.
The museum and theater at Colorado College have a strong focus on Native American, Latin American and Spanish colonial art. Its permanent collection contains 20,000 pieces.
Richard Diebenkorn is the most famous artist here. The collection includes Mexican clay figures, woodblock prints from social-justice artist Leopoldo Mendez and Native American basketry and quilts, as well as abstract works by local artists.
The United States Olympic and Paralympic Museum is designed to inspire the next generation of athletes and fans. The Team USA athletes are at the center of the action in the 60,000 sq ft building. After a tour that is unique to you, you can chill out at the Flame Cafe.
Austin Bluffs Open Space is one of the many parks in Colorado Springs. The Pulpit Rock Park has walking and hiking trails that are suitable for both adults and children.
Memorial Park is the largest park in the city and has ball fields. The Uncle Wilbur's Fountain is located in the park. There are over 200 water jets and 52 of which are part of a play area for children.
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