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 92 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
Amusement parks
Cave of the Winds Mountain Park is a geological attraction located in the Williams Canyon near Manitou Springs, featurin...
3
Places of interest
Pikes Peak is a 14,115-foot summit in the Southern Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. It is accessible via the 19-mile...
4
Natural attractions
Red Rock Canyon Open Space features 1,474 acres of public land characterized by dramatic Fountain Formation sandstone ho...
5
Parks
Palmer Park is a 730-acre regional park situated on a prominent mesa that provides a 360-degree view of Colorado Springs...
6
Places of interest
The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway is the highest cog railway in North America, reaching the 14,115-foot s...
7
Amusement parks
North Pole Colorado Santa’s Workshop is a vintage Christmas-themed amusement park situated at an elevation of 7,500 feet...
8
Places of interest
Balanced Rock is a massive 700-ton sandstone formation precariously perched on a narrow base within Garden of the Gods P...
9
Parks
Memorial Park is the largest municipal park in Colorado Springs, anchored by Prospect Lake. The park features a variety...
10
Zoos
The Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center is a nonprofit refuge dedicated to the conservation of wolves, foxes, and coyotes...
11
Venues
The Broadmoor World Arena is a multi-purpose indoor venue in Colorado Springs capable of hosting up to 8,000 spectators...
12
Natural attractions
The Manitou Incline is a steep hiking trail consisting of 2,768 steps constructed from salvaged railroad ties. It ascend...
13
Parks
Cheyenne Mountain State Park features over 28 miles of hiking and biking trails spanning 2,701 acres of distinct ecologi...
14
Parks
Bear Creek Regional Park East serves as a primary outdoor hub in Colorado Springs, featuring a specialized public archer...
15
Parks
John Venezia Community Park is a 105-acre recreational facility in northern Colorado Springs featuring extensive multi-u...
16
Museums
The National Museum of World War II Aviation is a specialized facility focused on the restoration and exhibition of oper...
17
Museums
The Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center is a paleontological museum featuring a large collection of marine reptiles,...
18
Parks
Cottonwood Creek Park is a expansive community facility in Northeast Colorado Springs that integrates extensive outdoor...
19
Parks
Fox Run Regional Park is a 431-acre forested expanse in Northern El Paso County, Colorado. The park features a dense can...
20
Parks
Quail Lake Park is a community park in southwest Colorado Springs centered around a 22-acre lake. The park features a fl...
21
Museums
The Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum is housed in the historic 1903 El Paso County Courthouse, a neo-classical building...
22
Places of interest
The Flying W Ranch is a heritage site in Colorado Springs specializing in authentic chuckwagon-style dining and traditio...
23
Museums
The Ghost Town Museum in Colorado Springs preserves authentic artifacts from the Pikes Peak region’s gold mining era wit...
24
Parks
Mueller State Park spans 5,112 acres of subalpine forest, meadows, and granite rock formations located on the western sl...
25
Parks
Nancy Lewis Park is a 7.5-acre neighborhood park in Colorado Springs known for its varied landscape and accessible recre...
26
Parks
Fountain Creek Regional Park is a 460-acre riparian corridor located along the Fountain Creek waterway in El Paso County...
27
Places of interest
Gold Mine Tours Inc. offers guided underground excursions into the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, a historic site that opera...
28
Parks
Monument Valley Park is a 153-acre urban park situated along Monument Creek in central Colorado Springs. The park serves...
29
Museums
Miramont Castle is a 14,000-square-foot Victorian mansion built in 1895 for Father Jean Baptiste Francolon. The structur...
30
Venues
Falcon Stadium is the home field for the United States Air Force Academy Falcons football team, situated at an elevation...
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Colorado Springs, Colorado on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
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 92 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 45 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Bayonne, New Jersey, Downtown Los Angeles, Washington, D.C..
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