Area Attractions

Area Attractions
Colorado Springs
Combining scenic beauty, pleasant residential areas, modern, industry, attractive military installations and cultural activities to satisfy every taste, Colorado Springs is a well-rounded community. The city offers a variety of activities, both recreational and cultural.

The city is situated on a gently rolling plateau 6,035 feet above sea level, sheltered by the towering, 14,110 foot-high Pikes Peak. This locale assures cool, dry summers and comfortable, mild winters, with the low humidity tempering the extremes of the respective seasons. Colorado Springs, the largest municipality in El Paso County, has a population of 407,902 residents (estimated in 2008) and comprises an area of more than 190 square miles.

The city operates a public bus system, which offers special rates and services for senior citizens, the handicapped, students and others. Several airlines fly in and out of the Colorado Springs Municipal Airport. For more information, visit www.visitcos.com or call (719) 635-7506 or (800) 368-4748.

Olympic Training Center
This facility, a former Air Force Base, at 1 Olympic Plaza, is headquarters for the U.S. Olympic Committee administration and the Olympic Training Center programs. Free public tours are conducted on a year-round basis. The tour includes a 12-minute film and 45-minute walking tour of the complex. For more information, call (719) 866-4618.

Fine Arts Center
Founded in 1936, the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 West Dale Street, was the nation's first facility designed to cultivate both the visual and performing arts. It is home to the Taylor Museum, The Bernis School of Art and Performing Arts Theatre. For more information, visit www.csfineartscenter.org or call (719) 634-5581.

Pioneers Museum
Colorado Springs' history comes to life as the featured Indian relics and western pioneer antiques tell the story from the past to today. It is located at 215 S. Tejon Street in Colorado Springs. For more information, call (719) 385-5990.

Numismatic Museum
The Museum of the American Numismatic Association, 818 N. Cascade Avenue, displays coins, tokens, paper money, medals and related items. For more information, call (719) 632-2646.

Manitou Cliff Dwellings Museum
The Cliff Dwellings Museum contains some of the finest examples of artifacts and cliff dwelling homes acquired from the Southwest. Visitors can explore the dwellings room by room. The museum is open seven days a week year-round, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. May through September, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. December through February and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the months of March, April, October and November. The museum is five miles west of Colorado Springs on U.S. 24 above Manitou Springs. For more information, call (719) 685-5242.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo provides an unforgettable adventure combining breathtaking mountain scenery with nearly 800 animals, representing 172 species of wild animals. The zoo is located at 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Road. For more information, visit www.cmzoo.org or call (719) 633-9925.

Cave of the Winds
Cave of the Winds offers guided tours through caverns formed millions of years ago. Cave of the Winds is located just six miles west of Colorado Springs on U.S. 24 above Manitou Springs. For more information, call (719) 685-5444 or visit their Web site at www.caveofthewinds.com.

Garden of the Gods
The towering red rock formations at the base of Pikes Peak on N. 30th Street (at Gateway Road) are one of the emblems of Colorado Springs. Hike, bike, horseback ride or drive through the 1,367-acre park and watch for many animals including big horn sheep, deer and a variety of birds. Start your visit at the Garden of the Gods visitor center with its hands-on exhibits explaining the geology, ecology, plants and history of the area; or take time to visit Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site, located just inside the east entrance of the park. For more information, contact the Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center at (719) 634-6666 or visit their Web site at www.gardenofgods.com.

Pikes Peak Cog Railway
You can take an unforgettable panoramic trip that leads you to the 14,110-foot summit of America's most famous peak. Modern Swiss trains operate year-round, departing from the depot at 515 Ruxton Avenue in Manitou Springs. Round trip is three hours and 10 minutes. For more information, call (719) 685-5401 or visit their Web site at www.cograilway.com.

Royal Gorge
Take a trip on the Royal Gorge Scenic Railway. A train ride takes passengers through the 'Grand Canyon of the Arkansas.' You also can ride the white water of the Arkansas River or view the Royal Gorge Bridge, the world's highest suspension bridge, hanging 1,053 feet above rushing water. For more information, visit their Web site at www.royalgorgebridge.com.

Seven Falls
Seven Falls is located just ten minutes from downtown Colorado Springs via Cheyenne Boulevard and is nestled deep within Cheyenne Canyon. From May 11 to Sept. 1, nights come alive with a fascinating glow of colorful lights illuminating the entire canyon. For more information, visit their Web site at www.sevenfalls.com.

North Pole, Home of Santa's Workshop
Santa's Workshop/North Pole is a Christmas themed family amusement park that has been in existence since 1956. Christmas music fills the air as visitors browse through the village. At the center of Santa's Workshop is the North Pole, an ice-covered pole that never melts. Surrounding the North Pole is a variety of gift shops, each with their own unique selection of toys and gifts. Of course, the highlight of everyone's visit is a trip to Santa's House to greet the jolly old elf himself. For more information, visit their Web site at www.santas-colo.com.

Western Museum of Mining and Industry
The Western Museum of Mining and Industry, located at 225 North Gate Boulevard, features a variety of exhibits complete with daily guided tours. For more information, call (719) 488-0880 or visit their Web site at wmmi.org.

World Figure Skating Hall of Fame and Museum
The World Figure Skating Hall of Fame and Museum, located at 20 First Street, shows exhibits honoring the world's best figure skaters. There are displays featuring skating artifacts, trophies, costumes and memorabilia. For more information, contact (719) 635-5200 or visit their Web site at www.usfsa.org.

ProRodeo Hall of Fame
Rodeo—America's original sport—is showcased at the ProRodeo Hall of Fame and Museum of the American Cowboy in Colorado Springs. The Hall, established in 1979, is located at 101 Pro Rodeo Drive. For more information, call (719) 528-4764 or visit their Web site at www.prorodeohalloffame.com.