Things to do in Colorado Springs

The attractions in Colorado Springs centre around two themes: the Wild West and the incredible natural scenery. If you have any interest in America’s western frontier days, gold-mining history or cowboys, you will find plenty of things to keep you busy, as most of the city’s cultural attractions focus on these. As a nice complement to the history of the region, there are dozens of wonderful outdoor attractions involving the mountains and the red rock desert. As in most of America, the national park infrastructure is excellent, making access to these sites easy and safe; so, bring a good pair of shoes and do some exploration of your own among the gorgeous natural scenery.

Buckskin Joe Frontier Town and Railway

If you want to see what life was like in the western frontier, head along the road to this authentically recreated Old West town. Genuine 19th century buildings from across Colorado were relocated to the site to make the backdrop for a number of interesting events. Visitors can watch a gunfight in the street, pan for gold in the stream, ride horseback and see a magic show. The old-fashioned Scenic Railway takes passengers on a 30-minute ride through the rugged Royal Gorge area to the rim of this magnificent canyon. Phone: +1 719 275 5149.

Cave of the Winds

This impressive underground cavern was first discovered in 1880 and has been a tourist attraction ever since. The 45-minute Discovery Tour takes visitors through 20 well-lit subterranean chambers where they can see stalagmites, crystal flowers and other wonders. For a more adventurous experience, you can try the 90-minute Lantern Tour, which follows unpaved and unlit passageways deep into the cavern, with only a lantern to guide your way. Phone: +1 719 685 5444.

Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum

This informative museum is the best place to learn about the history of Colorado Springs. Well-developed exhibits detail the town’s rich past, from its days as a fashionable resort to the heady days of the gold rush. Artefacts from the pioneer era are accompanied by old photographs and other temporary exhibits. The museum also hosts a number of events such as lectures, concerts and cultural celebrations. Phone: +1 719 385 5990.

Cripple Creek

This old mining town on the southern slope of Pikes Peak was once considered the greatest gold camp in the world during its heyday. Today, Cripple Creek retains much of its wild atmosphere in the form of gambling. There are dozens of small casinos housed in the old historic buildings, which dates from the mining days. Other attractions include the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, which can be toured deep underground, and the Cripple Creek Museum, which is packed with mining relics and railroad memorabilia.

You’ll also likely see the famous herd of wild donkeys, which are the descendants of miners’ runaways, wandering the streets of the town. One of the highlights is a ride on the Narrow Gauge Railroad, which takes passengers on a four-mile narrated tour past abandoned mines and the ghost town of Anaconda. Located 45 miles west of Colorado Springs, Cripple Creek makes for a great daytrip.

Garden of the Gods

This 1,300 acre rock garden is one of the most unique and beautiful geological sites in America. Hundreds of spectacular red rock sandstone formations rise up from the desert floor, having been sculpted by wind and rain over thousands of years. There are a number of marked hiking trails to help you explore this area and the visitor centre has some very informative exhibits on the geology, plants and animals of the park. Phone: +1 719 634 6666.

Pikes Peak Cog Railway

If you enjoy trains and stunning mountain scenery, then you should take a ride to the very summit of Pikes Peak on this railway. The nine-mile route takes 75 minutes to reach the breathtaking 14,110 foot summit of Pikes Peak. From the top, you can see all the way to Denver to the north, New Mexico’s mountains to the south and wave after wave of the Rocky Mountains to the west. It’s an absolutely spectacular experience, and best of all, you don’t have to climb your way to the top. Trains run between 08:00 and 17:00 during the warm months. Phone: +1 719 685 5401.

ProRodeo Hall of Fame and American Cowboy Museum

If you like cowboys and rodeo stars, then this is the place for you. The museum is packed with the history of American cowboys in all their many forms. The Hall of Champions displays photos, equipment and trophies from rodeo stars, and there are two multimedia presentations about the lives of cowboys. Phone: +1 719 528 4764.

Western Museum of Mining and Industry

To learn more about the history of mining in the American West, this museum will give you the complete picture. Authentic hard-rock mining machinery and other equipment from Cripple Creek have been assembled here as part of the museum’s collection of over 4,000 pieces of mining memorabilia. A life-size display shows what life was like in a western mining town, and you can even pan for gold in a special area. A number of hands-on activities and a short movie round out the experience at this mining museum. Phone: +1 719 488 0880.