Indoor Attractions
3 DAYS OF EXPLORING IN COLORADO SPRINGS
day 1
Shopping and Relaxation
Hundreds of local galleries and boutiques await you in our Historic Districts.
- Old Colorado City
- Garden of the Gods Trading Post
- Miramont Castle Museum
- Historic Manitou Springs
day 2
Rich Local History
Pikes Peak or bust — learn about the colorful history of our gold rush days.
- Ghost Town Museum
- Historic Cripple Creek
- Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine
day 3
Mecca of Museums
From the world’s largest private collection of insects to the moon and beyond.
- May Natural History Museum
- Space Foundation Discovery Center
- ProRodeo Hall of Fame
- Western Museum of Mining and Industry
Shopping Day
Perfect for a great day of strolling, people watching, and treasure hunting.

Old Colorado City
- Colorado Springs
- PLAN FOR: 3-4 HOURS
Old Colorado City was one of the first areas settled in Colorado Springs and boasts a very colorful history. That charm and legacy has been beautifully preserved and celebrated, making this historic district an awesome place to spend the day. Shop for local art, unique gifts, modern treasures and raucous stories alike. With over 100 local galleries, shops and restaurants, you’re sure to find things you won’t see anywhere else.
If their history is more interesting than their retail, there’s plenty of that to be had too. It’s common to find friendly shop owners behind the counters of their stores and they’re always happy to share a story or two. If you’re looking for something a little more guided and directed, check out the tours offered regularly by their historic society.
Garden of the Gods Trading Post
- Manitou Springs
- PLAN FOR: 1-2 HOURS
The Garden of the Gods Trading Post is a hard place to put into words. On the surface, it’s a gift shop with an old pueblo-style facade. When you pass through the doors, you’ll find so much more lies beneath the surface. You’ll be immediately struck by the sheer size of the place — it’s so much bigger than you expect from the outside. Once you take in the massive volume of its interior, you’ll start to notice cool features about the store itself. Very old murals from world-famous pueblo artists adorn the walls. Antique fixtures are still in prominent use. And relics of their long history are framed and showcased in every corner of the store.
So we’ve established that the building is cool, and there’s lots of great history, but we’re no where near done. What do they offer in the store? I’ll answer that with a question: what don’t they offer? From kitschy trinkets to one of a kind art, from allowance-level budgets to call-your-banker level finds, the Trading Post literally has something for everyone. Peruse their kitchen section for the chef in your life, their library for your reader. Or check out the largest selection of t-shirts in the region for the perfect “all I got was this t-shirt” souvenir. However, our favorite is the Art Gallery, packed to the gills with locally made art, Native American crafts, and unique gifts galore.
The morale of this story: you need to experience the Trading Post for yourself!

Miramont Castle Museum
Food, drinks & more

Historic Manitou Springs
- Manitou Springs
- PLAN FOR: 3-4 HOURS
Manitou Springs was one of the first tourism destinations this side of the Mississippi, and it hasn’t lost an ounce of the magic that drew visitors way back when. This quaint little town is tucked amongst the foothills of Pikes Peak and gets its name from the multiple mineral springs throughout town. The springs are all cold drinking springs, each with a unique mineral compound and have long been believed to have health-sustaining benefits.
Manitou has a personality all its own. You can feel it the moment you pass through the Manitou arch. The people are friendlier, the architecture is fantastic in a quirky mountain way, even the side walks and street lights have an artistic flare. And as for the actual art, everywhere you look, there’s art on the street, art in the store fronts, you’re even likely to find folks painting on the street corner, or musicians jamming on the sidewalk. Take your time and smile a little more — it’s the Manitou way.
Rich Local History
"Pikes Peak or Bust"
Ghost Town Museum
- Colorado Springs
- PLAN FOR: 1-2 HOURS
When we say it’s like exploring a western movie set, we mean that quite literally. Ghost Town has played to host to many famous western actors and played the back drop in several old westerns. Enjoy sauntering the same old wooden planks as your silver-screened heroes, listening the tinkling of the player piano or the tinkering of the blacksmith. Take aim at the shootin’ gallery or spend some time window shopping at the general store.
Ghost Town is great for your history buffs and kids alike. Have your kiddos ever marveled at the novelty of a rotary phone, or asked you about that weird giant keyboard with the ribbons attached? If so, then this place is going to blow their minds!

Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine
Food, drinks & more
Mecca of Museums
We’ve got some huge, world-class museums, and we’ve got little kitschy places you won’t find anywhere else!
May Natural History Museum
Space Foundation Discovery Center
Food, drinks & more
Western Museum of Mining and Industry
ProRodeo Hall of Fame
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