This scenic pine filled campus with a Rocky Mountain backdrop is home to America's future Air Force officers. Enter Colorado's third most popular attraction at the North Gate for a glimpse of a B-52 bomber. Travel six miles to the visitor center, chock-full of exhibits, short films and a gift shop. Tour the stunning Cadet Chapel with 17 magnificent spires reaching 150 feet into the sky. Or check out Falcon Stadium where the Air Force Falcons Football team plays, and keep an eye above where the skies are colored with cadets practicing parachuting and flying Thunderbird jets.
Spread across a whopping area of 789 acres (31929 hectares), the Red Rock Canyon Open Space is a popular city park that was converted from a landfill. The park is known for its spectacular canyons and rock formations. There are several trails leading to these natural formations and hikers often explore these well marked trails. Mountain biking is another activity that is enjoyed by many visitors at the Red Rock Canyon Open Space. Rock climbing can also be enjoyed at the park, but a prior permit is required.
Spend a day at America's only mountainside zoo. The zoo features endangered species in mountain exhibits that resemble their natural habitat. You can walk the hilly terrain or catch the tram at one of seven stops. Hands-on contact with animals is permitted in front of the Aquatics building - giraffes will eat from your hand, and zoo crackers can be purchased at the entrance. Mountain weather changes rapidly, so bring a light jacket.
This three-block historic district of restored brick buildings once served as Colorado's original capitol back in 1861. Today it is both a shopping and dining magnet. Old brick buildings and thick towering trees hem both sides of Colorado Avenue to create a visually appealing feel. The district is replete with numerous shops, galleries and restaurants. Special events such as Territory Days draw big crowds.
A famous tourist spot in Downtown Colorado Springs, the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum has collection of over 40,000 objects portraying the history and culture of the region. The museum's upper floor houses a courtroom which is a venue for music concerts and plays. It is a beautiful hall with wooden furniture. Apart from these events there are also local community events conducted in this courtroom.
After a day at the The Broadmoor, take a scenic 1.4-mile drive up the narrow mountain road for a self-guided tour of this popular shrine. Built in the 1930s in honor of the American actor, writer and humorist Will Rogers, the shrine is full of historic information and colorful artwork painted on the walls, taking you back in time. Climb several winding flights of stairs to the top floor of the shrine, located at an elevation of 8136 feet, for a breathtaking view of the city and the surrounding mountains. Admission is included with zoo ticket purchase.