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History Buff

3 DAYS OF WESTERN HISTORY
day 1

Gold in Them Hills!

Experience the town that inspired “Pikes Peak or Bust!”

day 2

Castles & Mineral Springs

Explore the natural mineral springs both Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs are named for!

day 3

Pikes Peak or Bust

You can’t come to the Pikes Peak Region and not visit Pikes Peak!

Day 1

Gold in Them Hills!

Experience the town that inspired “Pikes Peak or Bust!”

Historic Cripple Creek

In its heyday, Cripple Creek saw many fortunes won and lost — the former in the gold mines, and the latter in the saloons. Somehow, this little mountain town has retained its character after all these years. Start your visit at their heritage center, high on the hill over looking the city. Admission is always free and their volunteers will be able to direct you to many other historic museums in town.

Ghost Town Museum

Mosey the creakity boardwalk, peeking in the storefronts with their merchandise of old.  Take aim at the shootin’ gallery or test your luck gold panning (summer only).  Find vintage treats in their gift shop, and enjoy the tinkling of the player piano.  Ghost Town will sweep you back in time!

iron springs 60th show guy and girl

Iron Springs Chateau

This melodrama theater is housed in one of the oldest buildings in Manitou Springs, an historians delight in and of itself.  Couple that with a the oohing and boohing of heroes and villains and you have yourself one old-timey night of fun!  Start the night with their family-style dinner for a full night on the town.

Food, drinks & more

Great places to take a break, grab a bite, or extend your day.
Day 2

Castles & Mineral Springs

Explore the natural mineral springs both Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs are named for!

Historic Manitou Springs

Start your visit at the Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce. Their friendly volunteers will help you curate the perfect day in this charming little berg. Full of art galleries, boutiques, restaurants and character — both the town and it’s people! As one of the very first tourist destinations west of the Mississippi, history blooms from every nook and cranny.

manitou springs
Miramont Castle Front

Miramont Castle Museum

A spectacular example of Victorian architecture, nine distinct styles in fact, Miramont Castle Museum showcases life in the late 1800’s.  Owned and operated by the Historical Society of Manitou Springs, the museum also houses World War II artifacts, a collection from the Nuremberg Trials, and an extensive collection of  Pikes Peak Hill Climb paraphernalia. Be sure to reserve a spot in the tea room for a High Victorian Tea.

Manitou Cliff Dwellings

Originally moved to Manitou Springs in the early 1900’s, the Manitou Cliff Dwellings has served as a hands-on educational museum for well over 100 years. Climb inside the dwellings and imagine life as an ancient Pueblo Indian, try your hand at grinding corn, and soak in the cool feeling of the sandstone. There are no “Do Not Touch” signs here!

manitou cliff dwellings summer 2021

Food, drinks & more

Great places to take a break, grab a bite, or extend your day.
Day 3

Pikes Peak or Bust

You can't come to the Pikes Peak Region and not visit Pikes Peak!
pikes peak highway road

Pikes Peak - America's Mountain

Few places in the world this grand in scale are accessible with this level of ease.  Grab your favorite traveling companions and your trustiest four wheels and head up to the view that inspired America the Beautiful.  Those Purple Mountains Majesty and Amber Waves of Grain aren’t going to admire themselves!

Pikes Peak Tour by Gray Line

You know you need to see the summit of Pikes Peak, but if making that drive makes you nervous, trust your journey to a local icon of transportation.  The folks at Gray Line drive thousands of visitors to this apex of adventure every year.  Their drivers act as tour guides, regaling you with local legends and historic tales.

Gray Line bus driving down the Pikes Peak Highway
Historic photo of the Garden of the Gods Trading Post

Garden of the Gods Trading Post

One of the oldest gift shops in Colorado, the Trading Post is bursting with a fascinating history as evidenced in its original murals and fixtures.  But the store has also grown and changed over the last century, making it one of the largest locally owned stores in the state.  Whether you’re in to history, art, shopping, or grabbing a coffee on a beautiful patio, the Trading Post is a special hidden gem you’ll be glad you discovered.

ProRodeo Hall of Fame

Did you know the first rodeo was held in Deer Trail Colorado? We sure claim it (along with 2 other states). Regardless of our ranking, rodeo has always been an important part of our heritage and keeps the spirit of the west alive through the celebration of the American cowboy.  ProRodeo Hall of Fame honors that history and the sport that keeps it alive.

prorodeo hall of fame

Food, drinks & more

Great places to take a break, grab a bite, or extend your day.

More ways to enjoy your days

Miramont Castle Windows
Indoor Winter Activities

The Pikes Peak Region puts the wonder in Winter Wonderland with this spectacular four-day adventure in and around Colorado Springs.

Path in Garden of the Gods
48 hours in Colorado Springs

2 days in Colorado Springs! Get a taste for all that’s shaking in our neck of the woods, you might just get inspired to come back.

western mining museum barn
Indoor Attractions

From museums that celebrate our western heritage to places that explore space for our future pioneers, there’s something for everyone!

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