Things to do in Colorado Springs, Colorado
- The city was originally founded in 1871 by General William Jackson Palmer as a resort destination known as 'Little London' due to the high number of British expatriates.
- Colorado Springs serves as the headquarters for the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee, housing the Olympic Training Center.
- The city is home to the United States Air Force Academy, which features a campus designed by architect Walter Netsch.
- The Pikes Peak Cog Railway, operating nearby, is one of the highest altitude railways in the world.
- Due to its location at the intersection of the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains, the city experiences extreme microclimates and rapid weather shifts.
About Colorado Springs, Colorado
Colorado Springs sits at the base of Pikes Peak, serving as the high-altitude gateway to the Rocky Mountains at an elevation of over 6,000 feet. The city is defined by its rugged topography, anchored by the dramatic sandstone formations of the [69] Garden of the Gods and the sprawling trails of [8834] Palmer Park. Historically established as a health resort, it has evolved into a center for aerospace and athletic training. Visitors often explore the regional history at the [10012] Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum or aviation heritage at the [44879] National Museum of World War II Aviation.
Highlights of Colorado Springs, Colorado
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Parks
Navigate massive, towering red sandstone rock formations along paved and dirt trails.
Natural attractions
Explore canyon trails that reveal unique geological history through accessible hiking loops.
Parks
Access an expansive urban park featuring rugged rock outcroppings and panoramic views of the Front Range.
Museums
View a vast collection of restored World War II aircraft and aviation artifacts in an immersive hangar setting.
Museums
Examine local history and regional artifacts inside the historic 1903 El Paso County Courthouse.
Museums
Walk through an indoor recreation of an old-time Western town featuring authentic historical structures.
Parks
Enjoy birdwatching and equestrian trails located within this diverse creek-side ecosystem.
Venues
Attend major sporting events, ice shows, or large-scale concerts at this primary regional entertainment venue.
Top things to do in Colorado Springs, Colorado
The 82 highest-rated places in Colorado Springs, Colorado, ranked by travellers.
1
Parks
Garden of the Gods is a public park in Colorado Springs characterized by 300-foot-tall sedimentary rock formations uplif...
2
Natural attractions
Red Rock Canyon Open Space features 1,474 acres of public land characterized by dramatic Fountain Formation sandstone ho...
3
Parks
Palmer Park is a 730-acre regional park situated on a prominent mesa that provides a 360-degree view of Colorado Springs...
4
Parks
Memorial Park is the largest municipal park in Colorado Springs, anchored by Prospect Lake. The park features a variety...
5
Venues
The Broadmoor World Arena is a multi-purpose indoor venue in Colorado Springs capable of hosting up to 8,000 spectators...
6
Parks
Cheyenne Mountain State Park features over 28 miles of hiking and biking trails spanning 2,701 acres of distinct ecologi...
7
Parks
Bear Creek Regional Park East serves as a primary outdoor hub in Colorado Springs, featuring a specialized public archer...
8
Museums
The National Museum of World War II Aviation is a specialized facility focused on the restoration and exhibition of oper...
9
Parks
John Venezia Community Park is a 105-acre recreational facility in northern Colorado Springs featuring extensive multi-u...
10
Museums
The Ghost Town Museum in Colorado Springs preserves authentic artifacts from the Pikes Peak region’s gold mining era wit...
11
Parks
Cottonwood Creek Park is a expansive community facility in Northeast Colorado Springs that integrates extensive outdoor...
12
Parks
Fox Run Regional Park is a 431-acre forested expanse in Northern El Paso County, Colorado. The park features a dense can...
13
Museums
The Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum is housed in the historic 1903 El Paso County Courthouse, a neo-classical building...
14
Parks
Quail Lake Park is a community park in southwest Colorado Springs centered around a 22-acre lake. The park features a fl...
15
Parks
Nancy Lewis Park is a 7.5-acre neighborhood park in Colorado Springs known for its varied landscape and accessible recre...
16
Parks
Fountain Creek Regional Park is a 460-acre riparian corridor located along the Fountain Creek waterway in El Paso County...
17
Places of interest
High Point Overlook is a designated vista point located within the Garden of the Gods park in Colorado Springs. It sits...
18
Parks
Monument Valley Park is a 153-acre urban park situated along Monument Creek in central Colorado Springs. The park serves...
19
Parks
Acacia Park is a historic downtown green space located in the heart of Colorado Springs. The park features a modern play...
20
Venues
Falcon Stadium is the home field for the United States Air Force Academy Falcons football team, situated at an elevation...
21
Amusement parks
Sky Zone Colorado Springs is an indoor trampoline park featuring wall-to-wall jumping surfaces and specialized fitness p...
22
Museums
The Western Museum of Mining & Industry is a 27-acre complex dedicated to the history of hard-rock and placer mining in...
23
Venues
Pikes Peak International Raceway (PPIR) is a multi-purpose motorsports facility located in Fountain, Colorado, featuring...
24
Parks
Bancroft Park serves as the primary community gathering space in the historic Old Colorado City district of Colorado Spr...
25
Museums
The ProRodeo Hall of Fame & Museum of the American Cowboy serves as the official heritage site for the Professional Rode...
26
Parks
Rampart Park is a 33-acre community park located in northern Colorado Springs. The site features a dedicated BMX track u...
27
Parks
Widefield Community Park is a multi-use recreational facility managed by the Widefield School District 3 in Colorado Spr...
28
Parks
Black Forest Regional Park is a 385-acre multi-use recreational area situated in the northern reaches of El Paso County,...
29
Parks
Eastridge Dog Park is a multi-acre fenced outdoor facility in Colorado Springs designed for off-leash canine exercise. T...
30
Temples
New Life Church is a prominent non-denominational megachurch located in the northern region of Colorado Springs. Founded...
Around Colorado Springs, Colorado
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Colorado Springs, Colorado on the map
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Plan your visit to Colorado Springs, Colorado
Late May to September, when mountain passes are snow-free and weather conditions are optimal for outdoor hiking.
3-4 days, allowing time for both city-based museums and nearby mountain exploration.
A car is essential for navigating the spread-out geography, though downtown areas are walkable.
Stay in Downtown for proximity to the Pioneers Museum and dining, or in the Broadmoor area for upscale resort access near outdoor trailheads.
Mid-range; lodging costs vary significantly by season and proximity to major tourist landmarks.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 82 curated attractions in and around Colorado Springs, Colorado, ranked by traveller ratings.
Garden of the Gods is the highest-rated place to visit in Colorado Springs, Colorado right now.
The largest category is parks, with 49 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Boston.
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