The Garden of the Gods is a public park and United States National Natural Landmark that was deemed a "fit place for the gods to assemble" by Rufus Cable, one of the two surveyors tasked with identifying a site for Colorado City in 1859. With its towering spires of red sandstone pitted against the incongruous greenery of its surrounds, Cable's inspired choice of name is an apt summary of the wonders that it contains. The jagged pinnacles, mammoth needles, and precariously balanced rocks strewn across the landscape are glorious monuments thrust upward, sideways and slanted by tectonic undercurrents, subsequently whipped by the wind into curious shapes. From the biological perspective, the Garden of the Gods is a remarkable merger of the vegetation typical of both highlands and lowlands creating a kind of chronicle of the evolution of planet earth. The land was bequeathed to the City of Colorado Springs by the children of Charles Elliott Perkins who originally owned this parcel of land. The only stipulation was that it must remain “free to the entire world.” Riddled with nature trails and hiking paths, the Garden of the Gods is a popular spot for outdoor activities like horseback riding, rock climbing and hiking that is always free, in keeping with Perkins' wishes.
Anyone with an interest in mechanical things that leave the ground will enjoy this museum. It is located in the original art deco-styled Colorado Springs Passenger Terminal Building. With its military setting, it looks exactly like one of those buildings used in 1950s sci-fi movies when horrible, giant ants terrorized man. The focus of the museum is on early aviation history, with an emphasis on World War II. Since it is inside Peterson Air Force base, you will need identification to enter and access is restricted. Entry to the museum is free.
Towering 14,110 feet (4,300 meters) above Colorado Springs, this mountain serves as one of the nation's most famous landmarks. Believed to be the sacred home of the Ute people, this summit vaults wondrously above mosaicked landscapes, and can be seen at its majestic best from the Garden of the Gods balcony. The Barr Trail, a 13-mile (20.9-kilometer) path meanders itself along precarious slopes, providing an arduous yet rewarding way to reach the summit. The Pike's Peak Cog Railway, and the Pikes Peak Highway, alternate paths that lead to the summit, wind through stands of pine and aspen before cresting above treeline. A soul-stirring experience for many, Pike's Peak is best known for having inspired Katherine Lee Bates to pen the utterly patriotic America the Beautiful.
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 literally eat from your hand, and zoo crackers can be purchased at the entrance. Mountain weather changes rapidly, so bring a light jacket.
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.
This intimate theater can house up to 550 people, all with perfect views of the stage. The theater is home to a diverse range of musical and theatrical performances, encompassing everything from stand-up comedy to bluegrass and jazz performances. The theater is also a perfect venue for large private and corporate events; call for more details.
Founded in 1871, the First United Methodist Church is the city's largest and most active church. The main focus is on practicing and following the teachings of Jesus Christ. The church is available for weddings, for both members as well as non-members. There are regular choir recitals and concerts like the Chancel Choir Spring Concert taking place in the church and also classes for learning the spiritual path of life and the teachings of Jesus, for adults as well as youth. Sunday classes are specially conducted for children.
Located in the bustling downtown district, The Modbo is an art gallery and event venue wrapped in one package. The gallery is host to art exhibitions showcasing the up-and-coming artists of the city. However, art shows are not all that this place has to offer. Poetry readings, live music gigs, cabaret performances are also hosted here on a regular basis. For those interested in learning different art forms, the art classes which are held here are of a special interest.
This white hulk of a building, with its "Classic Revival" architecture, looks like it should belong in Washington DC rather than Colorado. Built in 1923 for the amazingly low sum of just over $424,000, it, over the years, has brought entertainment to the masses. With a seating capacity of over 8,000, it still attracts concerts, lectures, boxing matches and auctions. Dining options during the day can be found in the City Auditorium Cafe (7am-2pm Tue-Sun).
The fact that one must ring a doorbell and wait for a guide to answer the front door aptly underscores the quaintness of this museum. Built in 1873, this little cottage of history offers a rare peep at life during the Victorian era. Its rooms are meticulously filled with ornate chairs, high-back sofas, rose-colored drapery and "wow-look-at-that" marble fireplaces. There is even a children's room filled with small furniture and antique dolls which have those creepy, staring looks.