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Colorado Springs has changed a lot since 1967, when I first arrived. The main thoroughfair, Academy Boulevard, was a dirt road running from the Air Force Academy to Fort Carson in those days. Colorado Springs is known not just for its spectacular scenery and tourism trade, but also for its important military installations, including NORAD, Peterson Field AFB, Fort Carson, and the world-reknowned Air Force Academy. Beyond the surface tourist attractions, there is much more to the area than you'll ever find in a brochure. So here is a native resident's list of "must-experience" attractions in the Pikes Peak area.
1.) Pikes Peak. Beside being the most prominent geographic feature of the city, Pikes Peak is accessible via hiking trail (Barr Trail -- give yourself a weekend to truly appreciate this hike of approximately 20 miles); narrow-gauge railway (an afternoon adventure to the summit by train -- well worth the ticket price); and via the Pikes Peak Highway (the same highway on which the famous Pikes Peak Hillclimb takes place annually. Make SURE you have good brakes and a well-tuned engine that isn't prone to overheating before you attempt the highway.
2) Garden of the Gods. As you drive through this park, make sure you take the time to step out of your car and take a short hike through the trails. Staying on the main roads will leave you with a "touristy" taste of this truly amazing work of natural art.
3) Castle Glen Eyrie. This castle was the home of General William Palmer, the founder of Colorado Springs. A tour if this castle reveals that General Palmer was way ahead of his time in both the architecture and unusual features of the castle. Moreover, the grounds are spectacular with walking trails and a breathtaking rose garden. What most people don't know is that the castle also books rooms on a per-night basis. This is one of the Springs' greatest "hidden treasures," and well worth the money for even a single night.
4) Palmer Park aka Austin Bluffs. A *huge* city park right smack in the middle of town featuring picnic areas, hiking trails, gorgeous scenery, and horseback riding. Palmer Park is still one of the finest free attractions in the city.
5) Cheyenne Canyon. A drive along Gold Camp Road (there's an upper and a lower -- see them both) will wind through breathtaking stone canyons, rock tunnels, along crystal-clear streams, and past both Helen Hunt Falls (free to tour) and Seven Falls (entry fee to tour). Here, too, the key is to get out of your car and really take in the canyon. At the south end of the canyon is the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and Will Rogers Shrine. The zoo is a bit of a hike, but well worth it for the surprising variety of wildlife it shelters.
6) Broadmoor Hotel. You don't need to stay at the hotel to appreciate the numerous ammenities offered. Bring a sack of bread or a box of Saltines and feed the ducks from the veranda. Rent a paddleboat and enjoy the pond up-close-and-personal. Visit the unique shops in which collectible treasures that are hard to find anywhere else can be had. The Broadmoor also has an amazing collection of antique cars in the car museum. There is a world-class golf course, not to mention fine dining experiences in the Penrose room and its adjoining Garden Room.
7) Cave of the Winds. Yes, this is a tourist attraction, and only scrapes the surface of the massive system of caves in the area, but it's a worthwhile tour. (If you really want to get the inside scoop on the cave system, quietly inquire of a long-time local about "Huckeys". 'Nuff said.)
8) Manitou Springs & Old Colorado City. You don't have to be a fan of "Dr. Quinn: Medicine Woman" to enjoy this long stretch of antiquity and curiosity shops mixed liberally with interesting restaurants, candy makers, historical sites, unbelievably inexepensive jewelry shops (LOTS of silver and cheap, cheap turquoise), and the absolute not-to-be-missed attraction of them all: an authentic penny arcade that is literally a living, working archive of arcade games from the earliest to the most recent. Miramont Castle is also in Manitou Springs, and is a well-spent couple hours of touring.
9) Though it is in operation as a hotel, the Cliff House Inn is also well-worth your time for the sheer historical value of the place. Simply standing in front of it, you can clearly recognize the carriage-friendly design of the entrance and terrace. You can almost see the carriages swinging around to drop their passengers at the door.
10) Flying W Ranch. For an authentic "western" dining experience and entertainment, you can't do better than the Flying W Ranch. One of the Springs' oldest establishments.
11) Dining. For an interesting variety of the local flavor, try Edelweiss (authentic German bakery and restaurant), the Bean Bandit (authentic Mexican food in a tranquil atmosphere), Red Top (the biggest hamburgers you may ever see), Meadowmuffins (a multi-story historical building featuring great cuisine and a kickin' dance floor), Mission Bell Inn (excellent Mexican food), and of course, The Thunderbird (spectacular view; excellent food; superior service, and all at a great price).
12) Ute Pass. A secenic drive between Colorado Springs and Woodland Park, memorable for its winding twists and turns and breathtaking scenery.
13) The North Pole aka Santa's Workshop. This one is really mostly for the kids, but it's a genuinely good time. Petting zoo allows kids to pet real reindeer, there are lots of amusement rides for young and old, and plenty of themed gift shops. The kids can even sit on Santa's lap and have a little pre-season discussion about gifts and wishes.
14) Van Briggle Pottery. One of the oldest attractions in the city, it is not really an "attraction" at all, but a working pottery and glass-blowing shop. Tradition is the key here, and you'll be amazed by what you learn and see during the tour.
15) NORAD & the Air Force Academy. These aren't always open to the public for tours (depends upon the national security level), but if they are open, don't miss them! Even partial tours are well worth the effort. You'll recognize the entrance of NORAD from such movies as "War Games" (Matthew Broderick) and "Stargate" (James Spader).
16) Memorial Park. This is another *huge* city park featuring memorials to military veterans as well as fallen police officers and firefighters. The park includes an excellent public ice skating rink and the "Munici-pool" -- a huge public pool complete with lap lanes, kiddie pool, low and high dives, weight room, sun deck and spa. Enjoy a stroll around Prospect Lake, which offers boat rentals, fishing, and a public swimming area with a beach. If you want to keep it simple and free for the kids, park at the playground and let the kids enjoy catching minnows in a paper cup. Memorial Park is also the site of such traditional annual events as the Hot Air Balloon Race, Volksmarch, and the 4th of July celebration (an impressive fireworks display accompanied by the music of the Colorado Springs Symphony.)
17) Downtown / Nevada Avenue. In the area known to locals as "old downtown", you will find thriving old-style department stores, the public library, the Pioneer Museum, several other museums and historical landmarks, and row upon row of some of the finest examples of Victorian architecture still standing.
18) Peterson's Partyland. This is the costume/novelty shop owned by the parents of Cassandra Peterson (whom you probably knows as Elvira: Mistress of the Dark). With or without the fame of their daughter, Peterson's is just a cool shop full of interesting novelties, magic tricks, and an amazing array of costumes. (UPDATE: After the passing of Mr. Peterson, Mrs. Peterson moved to Florida, though two of their daughters remain in the Springs. I'm not sure if the daughters still have the shop open - please update me if you know. The shop was located on South Tejon.)
Obviously, I have left things like the Convention Center, World Arena, and the obvious attractions out of my list. Those places are no less interesting, but this is a guide to the less-obvious attractions that make Colorado Springs a truly unique and impressive place to visit. You won't have truly experienced the spirit of the city without visiting at least some of these destinations and attractions.
One word of caution for travelers: It can snow ANY time in Colorado -- I've seen it snow in July! Summers are usually mild, but can get up in the high 90s/low 100s during the days. Nights are quite cool (usually in the 50s to 60s), so a jacket is a MUST -- especially if you are acclimated to a warmer climate. Take it slow when you first arrive. Colorado Springs' elevation can give you altitude sickness (nausea, heart palpitations, severe headache, swelling) if you try to do too much too fast and aren't used to a high elevation. Your skin will also burn more rapidly at this elevation, so remember your sunscreen! If you take it easy your first 24 hours or so in town, you should have an excellent time without suffering any ill effects from the altitude.
If you have any comments or suggestions for this guide, please feel free to email me.
1.) Pikes Peak. Beside being the most prominent geographic feature of the city, Pikes Peak is accessible via hiking trail (Barr Trail -- give yourself a weekend to truly appreciate this hike of approximately 20 miles); narrow-gauge railway (an afternoon adventure to the summit by train -- well worth the ticket price); and via the Pikes Peak Highway (the same highway on which the famous Pikes Peak Hillclimb takes place annually. Make SURE you have good brakes and a well-tuned engine that isn't prone to overheating before you attempt the highway.
2) Garden of the Gods. As you drive through this park, make sure you take the time to step out of your car and take a short hike through the trails. Staying on the main roads will leave you with a "touristy" taste of this truly amazing work of natural art.
3) Castle Glen Eyrie. This castle was the home of General William Palmer, the founder of Colorado Springs. A tour if this castle reveals that General Palmer was way ahead of his time in both the architecture and unusual features of the castle. Moreover, the grounds are spectacular with walking trails and a breathtaking rose garden. What most people don't know is that the castle also books rooms on a per-night basis. This is one of the Springs' greatest "hidden treasures," and well worth the money for even a single night.
4) Palmer Park aka Austin Bluffs. A *huge* city park right smack in the middle of town featuring picnic areas, hiking trails, gorgeous scenery, and horseback riding. Palmer Park is still one of the finest free attractions in the city.
5) Cheyenne Canyon. A drive along Gold Camp Road (there's an upper and a lower -- see them both) will wind through breathtaking stone canyons, rock tunnels, along crystal-clear streams, and past both Helen Hunt Falls (free to tour) and Seven Falls (entry fee to tour). Here, too, the key is to get out of your car and really take in the canyon. At the south end of the canyon is the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and Will Rogers Shrine. The zoo is a bit of a hike, but well worth it for the surprising variety of wildlife it shelters.
6) Broadmoor Hotel. You don't need to stay at the hotel to appreciate the numerous ammenities offered. Bring a sack of bread or a box of Saltines and feed the ducks from the veranda. Rent a paddleboat and enjoy the pond up-close-and-personal. Visit the unique shops in which collectible treasures that are hard to find anywhere else can be had. The Broadmoor also has an amazing collection of antique cars in the car museum. There is a world-class golf course, not to mention fine dining experiences in the Penrose room and its adjoining Garden Room.
7) Cave of the Winds. Yes, this is a tourist attraction, and only scrapes the surface of the massive system of caves in the area, but it's a worthwhile tour. (If you really want to get the inside scoop on the cave system, quietly inquire of a long-time local about "Huckeys". 'Nuff said.)
8) Manitou Springs & Old Colorado City. You don't have to be a fan of "Dr. Quinn: Medicine Woman" to enjoy this long stretch of antiquity and curiosity shops mixed liberally with interesting restaurants, candy makers, historical sites, unbelievably inexepensive jewelry shops (LOTS of silver and cheap, cheap turquoise), and the absolute not-to-be-missed attraction of them all: an authentic penny arcade that is literally a living, working archive of arcade games from the earliest to the most recent. Miramont Castle is also in Manitou Springs, and is a well-spent couple hours of touring.
9) Though it is in operation as a hotel, the Cliff House Inn is also well-worth your time for the sheer historical value of the place. Simply standing in front of it, you can clearly recognize the carriage-friendly design of the entrance and terrace. You can almost see the carriages swinging around to drop their passengers at the door.
10) Flying W Ranch. For an authentic "western" dining experience and entertainment, you can't do better than the Flying W Ranch. One of the Springs' oldest establishments.
11) Dining. For an interesting variety of the local flavor, try Edelweiss (authentic German bakery and restaurant), the Bean Bandit (authentic Mexican food in a tranquil atmosphere), Red Top (the biggest hamburgers you may ever see), Meadowmuffins (a multi-story historical building featuring great cuisine and a kickin' dance floor), Mission Bell Inn (excellent Mexican food), and of course, The Thunderbird (spectacular view; excellent food; superior service, and all at a great price).
12) Ute Pass. A secenic drive between Colorado Springs and Woodland Park, memorable for its winding twists and turns and breathtaking scenery.
13) The North Pole aka Santa's Workshop. This one is really mostly for the kids, but it's a genuinely good time. Petting zoo allows kids to pet real reindeer, there are lots of amusement rides for young and old, and plenty of themed gift shops. The kids can even sit on Santa's lap and have a little pre-season discussion about gifts and wishes.
14) Van Briggle Pottery. One of the oldest attractions in the city, it is not really an "attraction" at all, but a working pottery and glass-blowing shop. Tradition is the key here, and you'll be amazed by what you learn and see during the tour.
15) NORAD & the Air Force Academy. These aren't always open to the public for tours (depends upon the national security level), but if they are open, don't miss them! Even partial tours are well worth the effort. You'll recognize the entrance of NORAD from such movies as "War Games" (Matthew Broderick) and "Stargate" (James Spader).
16) Memorial Park. This is another *huge* city park featuring memorials to military veterans as well as fallen police officers and firefighters. The park includes an excellent public ice skating rink and the "Munici-pool" -- a huge public pool complete with lap lanes, kiddie pool, low and high dives, weight room, sun deck and spa. Enjoy a stroll around Prospect Lake, which offers boat rentals, fishing, and a public swimming area with a beach. If you want to keep it simple and free for the kids, park at the playground and let the kids enjoy catching minnows in a paper cup. Memorial Park is also the site of such traditional annual events as the Hot Air Balloon Race, Volksmarch, and the 4th of July celebration (an impressive fireworks display accompanied by the music of the Colorado Springs Symphony.)
17) Downtown / Nevada Avenue. In the area known to locals as "old downtown", you will find thriving old-style department stores, the public library, the Pioneer Museum, several other museums and historical landmarks, and row upon row of some of the finest examples of Victorian architecture still standing.
18) Peterson's Partyland. This is the costume/novelty shop owned by the parents of Cassandra Peterson (whom you probably knows as Elvira: Mistress of the Dark). With or without the fame of their daughter, Peterson's is just a cool shop full of interesting novelties, magic tricks, and an amazing array of costumes. (UPDATE: After the passing of Mr. Peterson, Mrs. Peterson moved to Florida, though two of their daughters remain in the Springs. I'm not sure if the daughters still have the shop open - please update me if you know. The shop was located on South Tejon.)
Obviously, I have left things like the Convention Center, World Arena, and the obvious attractions out of my list. Those places are no less interesting, but this is a guide to the less-obvious attractions that make Colorado Springs a truly unique and impressive place to visit. You won't have truly experienced the spirit of the city without visiting at least some of these destinations and attractions.
One word of caution for travelers: It can snow ANY time in Colorado -- I've seen it snow in July! Summers are usually mild, but can get up in the high 90s/low 100s during the days. Nights are quite cool (usually in the 50s to 60s), so a jacket is a MUST -- especially if you are acclimated to a warmer climate. Take it slow when you first arrive. Colorado Springs' elevation can give you altitude sickness (nausea, heart palpitations, severe headache, swelling) if you try to do too much too fast and aren't used to a high elevation. Your skin will also burn more rapidly at this elevation, so remember your sunscreen! If you take it easy your first 24 hours or so in town, you should have an excellent time without suffering any ill effects from the altitude.
If you have any comments or suggestions for this guide, please feel free to email me.
Guide created: 06/27/06 (updated 10/23/06)
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