Top 10 Colorado Springs Traveler
Top 10 Attractions in Colorado Springs
10. Western Museum
This little nugget of a museum will make you feel like you’ve struck gold! Situated on 27 acres, the indoor/outdoor exhibit houses over 4,000 artifacts relating to the rich mining heritage of the west. Head to the hills to experience this award-winning museum. It is one of Top 10 Colorado Springs true gems! Be sure to meet the mascot burros, Nugget and Chism. No need to rush; the museum is open Mon-Sat, 9 A.M. – 4 P.M. with daily tours at 10 A.M. and 1 P.M.
9. Miramont Castle
This historic 4-story castle catapults its way onto our Top 10 Colorado Springs attractions. You will be hard-pressed to find a room with 4 square corners - but 8-sided rooms, a 16-sided room, underground tunnels, escape routes, and hidden compartments within fireplaces make this a royal keep worth visiting! Nine different architectural styles were used when building this crown jewel of a museum. Reservations required for High Tea, Light Victorian Tea, or Lunch. Summer hours (Memorial Day – Labor Day) 9 A.M. – 5 P.M. daily. Winter hours Tues – Sun 10 A.M. – 4 P.M.
8. Seven Falls
Included on National Geographic’s List of Natural Wonders, this series of 7 waterfalls cascading down 181 feet of granite will leave you breathless. Choose to ride the in-mountain elevator 140 feet up to the Eagle’s Nest Platform - or walk up the 224 steps alongside the tumbling water – then wet your whistle at “1858”, the rustic-style restaurant near the thundering falls. Just drop in at the Broadmoor to catch the shuttle to a refreshingly cool, roaring Top 10 Colorado Springs attraction. Open daily, hours vary by season and can be found on their website.
7. Manitou Cliff Dwellings
Looking for your daily dose of culture? In the Springs, you can find it inside of a 700-year-old structure carved into the mountainside. Experience the absolutely fascinating architecture of an ancient people, the Anasazi, and learn about their daily life. See the rooms where they made cornmeal or summoned the ancient spirits, then head into the museum to see all the fun collected artifacts. While you’re there, look for the tree with the face…we won’t tell his secrets. Open daily 9 AM – 6 PM.
6. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Perched atop 140 acres rising 6,800 feet above sea level, this is America’s only mountain zoo. Leading the pack in conservation, captive breeding, and animal care, this family-friendly, non-profit Top 10 Colorado Springs landmark will leave you howling for more. With more than 950 animals, (including the largest herd of giraffes at any zoo), exhibits, rides, historical attractions, hands-on experiences (like feeding the giraffes!), and the Will Rogers Shrine at the very top, you’re sure to have a wild time! Open daily 9 AM – 5 PM, last admission at 4 PM.
5. Cave of the Winds
Spelunking anyone? This historic natural Top 10 Colorado Springs landmark is one of Colorado’s original visitor attractions… folks have been digging it since 1881. The daily tours throughout the caves will blow your mind! Caverns stay around 54° - appropriate clothing and shoes with tread are recommended. Not into the underground? Don’t bellow about it! Be cool and soar through the air on one of the daring thrill rides. With something for everyone, visiting is a breeze! Open daily 9 AM – 9 PM (June – August) and 10 AM – 5 PM (September thru May).
4. Olympic Training Center
The next Top 10 Colorado Springs attraction is the OTC Visitor Center. Nothing competes with the behind-the-scenes glimpse into the lives of more than 500 athletes and coaches who live and train onsite. Choose your tour package – Gold, Silver, or Bronze – and let the games begin with a video presentation, followed by a walking tour of the complex. Proceeds from purchases in the gift shop support Team USA. WINNING! Open Mon – Sat, 9 AM – 4:30 PM (June 1 – Aug 15) and Mon – Sat, 9 AM – 4 PM (Aug 16 – May 31).
3. Air Force Academy
This National Historic Landmark is one of Colorado’s largest tourist attractions. Aircraft memorials, statues, exhibits, concerts, trails (including 6 miles of the New Santa Fe Regional Trail), the Cadet Chapel (one of CNNs “Most Epic Churches in America”), and the chance to see the noon meal formation (M-F, 11:35 AM), are just a few reasons why the AFA landed on our Top 10 Colorado Springs attractions. Maps available for self-guided tours. Entry at the North Gate only, a government-issued photo ID is required. Open daily, 9 AM – 5 PM. Closed major holidays.
2. Garden of the Gods
Travelers, this place seriously rocks. Designated as a national landmark in 1971, the Garden of the Gods historic park will make you “ooo” and “ahh” to no end. Come meander through the breathtaking red rock formations at your own pace—make sure to look for Kissing Camels rock, but watch out: they spit! You can also go rock climbing, but that’s for the travelers who are a bit boulder. This Top 10 Colorado Springs landmark is free to the public and open daily 8 AM – 7 PM.
1. Pikes Peak
Earning the number one spot on our Top Ten Colorado Springs landmark (mostly because it’s the tallest) is Pikes Peak: America’s Mountain! Drive up the Pikes Peak Memorial Highway, hike the Barr Trail, or just stand at the bottom and look up—no matter what, you won’t want to miss this iconic Colorado Springs landmark. Soaring above the city at 14,114 feet, you really can’t miss it unless you try (but don’t).