The Penrose Heritage Museum was established in the year 1941 by Julie Penrose. The museum is known for its antique firearms, carriages, Indian artifacts, native artifacts, 1928 Cadillac limousine, three Pikes Peak Auto race cars, a 1906 Renault, other vintage vehicles and a couple of presidential carriages. A must visit place for every one in the vicinity, especially car enthusiasts.
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.
The National Museum of World War II Aviation exhibits artifacts relating to the technology, pilots, and other personnel that made American aviation what it was during this tumultuous era. You'll be able to see photographs, memorabilia from individual soldiers, planes, and other equipment. A deeper understanding of history can be gained, and you can see some incredible restored aircraft.
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.
Located in the foothills just west of the The Broadmoor, this park is the perfect locale to visit if time is limited and you want to get a sense of some mountain hiking. It offers hiking trails through mountain canyons, many of which offer great views of the Rockies to the west. The canyons are also popular with climbers. There are plenty of picnic shelters, and for wildlife and fauna information visit the Starsmore Discovery Center inside the park.
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.
This alpine school redefines the term of "higher" learning, and, unlike this bad pun, receives strong praise. Well-trained guides can teach you the skills and techniques needed to scale cliffs of ice, ski the back country and mountain climb. Rock climbing lessons, its most popular offering, usually take place on the rocks at Garden of the Gods and are open to all skill levels. Private lessons are given and all equipment is provided. Also popular are guided technical and non-technical Pikes Peak climbs.
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.
This mountain bike tour company is different in that it requires very little uphill climbing. Vehicles transport you to the top of your tour's starting point so all you do is glide downhill. Tours vary in length and ability. The self-guided Easy Rider Tour is perfect for families and allows you to ride at your own pace. Advanced riders love the Single Track Mania Tour which features 25 miles of guided single track riding. All tours use state-of-the-art Kona bikes.