Bring a light jacket and hike this 54-degree cavern which offers three tours. Learn about geology and history on the Discovery Tour, or go back in time on the Lantern Tour, listening to tales from the past and using only lanterns for light. The physically challenging Explorers Trip is an adventure through undeveloped passageways and chambers. Tours range from 45 minutes to four hours. Check the website for more details.
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.
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.
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.
Explore vintage streetcars and trolleys at Pikes Peak Historic Street Railway. On display here are a number of well-preserved and restored trolleys and railcars, along with a collection of trolley equipment and other displays. Also at the museum is an old restoration shop and a roundhouse.
This beautiful public park located in downtown Manitou Springs features a spacious playground for children, a covered picnic area, and a gazebo. Explore delightful sculptures dotted around the park, and admire a water fountain filled with mineral water. Take a stroll around the park covered in tall trees and enjoy a lovely picnic with your family.
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.
The Cripple Creek District Museum delves into the past of Cripple Creek, with exhibits that chronicle the city's role in the Gold Rush and Victorian eras. The crowning glory of the museum's collection is a set of five historic buildings that include an assay office, two miner's cabins, the Midland Terminal Railway Depot, and the Colorado Trading and Transfer Co building. Browse through an astounding array of photographs, mining memorabilia, Victorian furnishings and other artifacts that highlight stories of life in Cripple Creek during the Gold Rush from the eyes of the miners. Special guided tours for groups and school field visits can be arranged by prior appointment. There is also a gift shop at the museum where you can shop for souvenirs.