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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Dating back to 1100 CE, these well-preserved Anasazi cliff dwellings are a must visit for anyone interested in history and ancient cultures. The dwellings feature over 40 rooms, including a revered ceremonial kiva. All the tours are self-guided and require some ladder and stair climbing to enter the structures. Two on-site museums, which feature Anasazi artifacts, offer sharp insight on the how, where, when and why of this cliff-dwelling culture. Visit from June to August and witness traditional Indian dancers.
This 1895 castle looks like the work of a restless architect with decision problems. It boasts nine distinct architectural styles, including English Tudor and Byzantine. Built as a home for a wealthy priest, it features 46 rooms, including an eight-sided chapel, and the famed Drawing Room that features a gold ceiling and a massive 200-ton sandstone fireplace. Another remarkable feature is its walls, which are two-feet thick. The Tearoom offers a modest menu. Visit in December and be awed by the outdoor Christmas lights. Guided group tours need to be reserved in advance.
For what it is worth, this massive shop wears the arcane throne of being Colorado's largest trading post. It caters to both souvenir hounds and art buyers. The souvenir section sells all the usual items including T-shirts, mugs, caps and postcards, and the store's Southwest Gallery serves as a monument to the creative genius of Native American artists. Shelves are filled with Navajo rugs and weavings, sand paintings, jewelry, Taos drums, decorative and functional gourds, baskets and Cosanti windbells.
A heavy indicator that this historical center offers an authentic experience can be gauged by the simple fact that it offers sarsaparilla as a beverage. While most such attractions focus on Colorado's "Wild West" days, this center, which is listed on the National Register of Historical Places, underscores the state's homesteading past with renovated buildings, including a Blacksmith shop, and characters in period clothing. Lectures, military re-enactments and a live 1880s baseball game are some of its educational features.