Downtown is a great place to start, with plenty of options for breakfast or a cup of coffee, and the PikeRide bike-share program makes it easy to get around on two wheels. If youre looking for the best things to do in Colorado Springs, the Garden of the Gods Park is one of its top destinations. Visitors from all over flock to this free attraction for the beautiful views and world-class outdoor activities. If you prefer more air-conditioned fun, there are also plenty of indoor attractions in the form of malls, museums, theaters, art galleries and performance halls. Watch a video of the daylight hours at Strawberry Park >> Founded back in 1859, this area was once a hotbed of activity, overflowing with farmers, miners, ranchers and other settlers seeking a piece of their own Manifest Destiny. You can even read the personal papers of General William Jackson Palmer, the founder of Colorado Springs! With a mountain-view outdoor pool and two soaking tubs one indoors, adults-only and one outdoors you can choose the perfect atmosphere for your float. Try walking through a glamorous castle with your lover. Teens will appreciate the virtual reality headsets and their lifelike adventures. 81432 625 5th St, Ouray, CO 81427, USA. It stands as an icon for healing and a tribute to the American Spa of the 20th century. Home to the worlds deepest geothermal hot spring, this resort offers a variety of pools with temperatures ranging from 66 to 110F. nearTelluride Conveniently located on property at The Springs Resort and Spa, your 30-minute wagon ride venture includes a meet-and-greet with 2,000-pound draft horses, a beverage, photographing opportunities, and an unforgettable scenic ride encompassing the San Juan River, iconic hot springs, and majestic San Juan mountains. Visitors appreciate getting up close to the historic aircraft. Come make a splash As the snow melts and the rivers swell in Grand County, our thoughts turn to the simple pleasures of summer like these Is there anything better in summertime than boating on a mountain lake? Theres also the Original Colorado Springs Food Tour, the one that started it all, which offers a behind-the-scenes look at how local eateries prepare and present their food. You dont have to tip-toe through silent museums to learn about history. After you've toured the historic streets ofOld Colorado City, consider making a stop at the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum. Hot Springs pool in Glenwood Springs, Colo. Photo: Grant Ordelheide. Just a half hour's drive from the Royal Gorge in Caon City, this hot spot is a little gem that feels as if it's in the middle of nowhere which tells you something about the unfettered views. With one-of-a-kind interactive exhibits, the museum which also houses the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame is a must-visit for fans of the Olympic Games. Weather conditions can be closely tied with health-related pains and outdoor activities. Consider an Aquastretch treatment in one of the warm-water pools to soothe weary muscles. Its an interactive, hands-on type of museum that encourages discovery and creativity. Start your trip to the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center at the visitorcenter, where you'll find detailed information about the complex. Or maybe youre hoping to dust off the dirt and grime of a summer afternoon with a fresh cold beer. Especially at night, when the tower emits a golden glow from the lights within, its visible for miles around the city. Vendors come from all around Colorado to sell their goods at the market. Hike or drive to the Hot Springs Mountain Tower. Buena Vista A hot air balloon ride is also on the table. Address: 1045 Lower Gold Camp Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80905, United States. Or, if you're looking for a more authentic Wild West experience, you can reserve your spot on a guided horseback tour offered by Academy Riding Stables. A champagne toast is included with every ride. This spot 20 miles west of Craig has just recently opened to the public but has been warming the area's residents for centuries. Hot Springs National Park has a rich cultural past. Here, you'll learn what it took to make the most of the area's resources (like gold) through interactive exhibits, including a model mine drift you can walk through to experience how cramped working conditions were underground. More recently, Cave of the Winds Mountain Park has added other fun activities, including an obstacle course, zip lines, climbing wall, gemstone panning, twisty adventure slide and a 40-mph aerial ride across the canyon. 1. Salida Primarily, the castle is a conference and event space. Twenty-nine hot springs range from luxurious and family-friendly resorts to a slice of hike-in paradise you have to work for. To reach some of Colorado's most secluded, free hot springs a trek-in is usually involved. Birding in the Park is a popular activity year-round. Thirty small pools are located right in Chalk Creek, which runs alongside the property and adds a super-natural feel to your soak. Website. There are dozens of hot springs located around the state of Colorado. Surrounded by Gunnison National Forest, this remote lodge is an ideal getaway for horseback riding, fishing and swimming in the hot-springs-fed pool. www.mtprinceton.com. Come with an appetite: In addition to the usual pub fare of burgers, chili fries and beer pretzels, there are special menu items such as lamb belly tacos and bison patty melts. Colorado Springs might not be the first place to come to mind when you think about the rodeo. Address: 11 Lake Cir, Colorado Springs, CO 80906, United States. Set between the towns of Buena Vista and Salida, and surrounded by the 14,000 plus foot peaks of the Collegiate Mountain Range, the location is a beaut. If youre pinching pennies in Colorado Springs, you should know that there are plenty of free things to do. During your stay in Hot Sulphur Springs, take time to browse the town's main street and find unique, local gems at affordable prices. Address: 2512 Airport Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80910, United States. Every inch of their 181 feet is a sight to behold. Address: 1605 E Pikes Peak Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80910, United States. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes if this is your plan. This all-inclusive resort is set in a restored ghost town, featuring private log cabins, mineral-rich hot springs and long-table dinners held in an 1800s saloon. The state-of-the-art, 60,000-square-foot facility houses 12 different galleries and dozens of interactive displays that detail Olympic and Paralympic history, showcase the athleticism required to be a world-stage competitor and tell inspiring athlete stories. One solution is to book a tour with Rocky Mountain Food Tours. There you'll find displays devoted to the park's wildlife as well as information on the myriad trails for various ability levels. Shopping During your stay in Hot Sulphur Springs, take time to browse the town's main street and find unique, local gems at affordable prices. Additionally, keep in mind the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum is 2.5 miles southwest of the training center. The 1.2-mile trail climbs 1,000 feet to a lake set in a spectacular bowl. Grab your local fishing report and explore the Gold Medal Waters of the Colorado River and Williams Fork Reservoir. See All Browns Canyon Adventure Park #7 of 29 Outdoor Activities in Buena Vista 244 reviews 23910 US Highway 285 S, Buena Vista, CO 81211-9571 4.4 miles from Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center #7 of 16 Boat Tours & Water Sports in Buena Vista 260 reviews The ancient thermal springs, mountain views, incredible geology, forested hikes, and abundant creeks all in the middle of town make Hot Springs National Park a unique and beautiful destination. Learn about what is available in each of the bathhouses today. You may not be able to go to 55 attractions in 5 days, but we did. Nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs is known for its rugged natural beauty as well as its lively tourist attractions. Visitors can also pan for gold, explore mining shafts and check out the inner workings of steam engines and other industrial-era equipment. The famous pedestrian-only suspension bridge spans across Royal Gorge, sitting more than 900 feet above the Arkansas River. Why not check out some of the best things to do in Estes Park& some of the best things to do in Breckenridge? The seven cascades, which collectively descend 180 feet, sit within a scenic 1,250-foot-wall box canyon. Its only a short skip from downtown Colorado Springs, and itll provide ample opportunities for fun without breaking the bank. Dedicated to the history of rodeo in all forms, the ProRodeo Hall of Fame is part museum and part visitors center. Its just steps from Glenwoods charming downtown; hotspringspool.com. Head north of Steamboat Springs to find this series of beautiful pools surrounded by evergreens. Others complimented the zoo's location on the side of Cheyenne Mountain, saying the views are beautiful. Play Street Museum isnt a normal museum, you see. Come with U.S. News on a tour of the Four Seasons Hotel Boston. Learn more about the birds in the Park and our annual bird count. Explore dining and accommodations in the Park. Take a drive up West and North Mountains for some scenic views of the Park. If you can only visit one, consider that Colorado Springs is smaller and more laid-back than its sibling to the north. Come with U.S. News on a tour of the InterContinental Boston. Discover waterfalls, swimming holes and other natural surprises waiting for you. Other activities include wandering the grounds and checking out videos, photographs and artifacts from the time period. Come with U.S. News on a tour of the Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street, Boston. Just make sure to pack a belt with extra wiggle room! Photo. Despite the name, cocoa isnt in everything; there are plenty of other flavors to enjoy as well, and some are quite creative. Order a Guide; Uncover Colorado | Sitemap | Advertise. Find 16 of the best things to do in Colorado >>, Unwind on Colorado's best beaches (you read that right) >>. There are four ways up America's Mountain, the most unique being the "Pikes Peak or Bust" Jeep tour with Adventures Out West, where you'll enjoy unobstructed scenery and the feeling of the wind blowing through your hair. Play Street Museum is one of the lesser-known of Colorado Springs attractions, but if youre wondering what to do on a rainy day, it can be a good way to stay warm and dry while also enjoying everything that downtown Colorado Springs has to offer. Address: 30 W Dale St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903, United States. Glenwood Hot Springs Resort. If you ask us, the answer is "no, not really." Hanging Lake Hike. Since 1881, visitors have flocked to tour the craggy caves to admire crystalized stalactites and stalagmites. In 2003, the city of Colorado Springs purchased the land and used its striking red cliffs to punctuate miles of new hiking and biking trails. 2448 Colorado Blvd. Colorado Springs is located roughly 70 miles south of. Learn about the various ways that you can experience the thermal springs in the Park. Protect! To have a good time in Colorado Springs, check out the Springs Adventure Park. For example, did you know that theres a 250-seat theater located in the visitors center that shows films about the academy? With amenities like spectacular breakfast, a tiki bar and easy access to Jeep rentals, this is the perfect Ouray retreat. Glenwood Springs. Situated in a peaceful courtyard beneath a scenic mountainside with 360-degree views, the Box Canyon Lodge's hot-springs tubs are available only to overnight guests. Located just north of Colorado Springs, the United States Air Force Academy is where pilots and other hopefuls receive their training for the USAF. Visit the spa, where you can get the Maize Salt Glo Treatment, a massage and exfoliation with corn maize, magnesium and castor oil. Today, the inside of the fine arts center is just as impressive as the outside. When youre standing at the top of a mountain in Pike National Forest and breathing its fresh, crisp air, youll realize why. If youre wondering what to do while on a budget in Colorado Springs, the Colorado Farm and Art Market might be an option for you. Theres a reason why this franchise has taken over the mountain states, and once youve bitten into their decadently rich almond chocolate clusters, youll understand their popularity! Learn more about camping, picnicking, and swimming at Gulpha Gorge Campground. This resorts waters, which run in the town of the same name, have been flowing from seven natural springs for hundreds of years and were used for healing by the Ute people. For example, the Bronze tour will take you around the major points of interest of the campus while the Gold tour will give you a behind-the-scenes look at pools, gyms, basketball courts and weight rooms as well as lunch in the athletic dining hall. Explore! You can also get to the overlook by driving to the parking area at the Planetarium. In addition to the carriages, youll also find other fun, historical pieces of transportation at the Penrose Heritage Museum. The unique gravel-bottom pond is known for Mount Sneffels vistas and massaging waterfalls. Stroll along the Grand Promenade. The light just after sunrise and before sunset makes them especially striking and photogenic. If you like the outdoors, you might also be interested in the hiking trails that wind around the base. Recent visitors said you can spend a few hours here, as there is a lot to see and learn, while others say this is a good spot for families thanks to its kid-friendly exhibits and activities. This nonprofit, clothing-optional, off-the-grid spot is a unique way to experience the land of the Mystic San Luis Valley. How many people can say that they saw the actual swimming pool used by Michael Phelps? One of visitors' favorite things to do in Colorado is to soak in a steamy hot-springs pool year-round! Theyll take you to some of the citys top sites while also satisfying your rumbling stomach. If youre wondering what to see in Colorado Springs to get a little culture, consider the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. You dont have to spend money when you go. As Grand County's county seat, the quaint town of Hot Sulphur Springs has played an important role in the history of the area. The Springs Resort and Spa hot springs in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, Iron Mountain Hot Springs in Glenwood Springs, The Historic Wiesbaden Hot Springs Spa & Lodgings, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Hop from pool to pool to try out different temperatures and views. Redstone While some buildings arent open to tourists, there are plenty of others that you can tour to learn more about the institution and the history of flight in general. Address: 2 E Pikes Peak Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903, United States. In case that wasnt enough, theres also a series of ninja warrior obstacle courses where adventurers of all ages can test their mettle! 1. Stay in a private log cabin overlooking the Rocky Mountains and enjoy 24-hour access to three secluded hot-springs pools. AR Its waters contain 24 beneficial minerals only two others in the world can boast of this richness. Why not check out some of the best things to do in Boulder, CO & some of the fun things to do in Fort Collins? Experience traditional family fun and the romance of the Rockies. Others say the simulated exhibits such asracing against track star Jesse Owens or riding a skeleton down an icy course are especially fun. Ouray Summer Activities Top 9 Colorado Hot Springs Soaking Spots Colorado boasts many hot springs fed by naturally-heated mineral waters. Uncover Colorado | Sitemap | Advertise. Fifty miles north of Alamosa in Moffat, Colo., soak away the dust from the road in three small, beautiful hot springs-fed pools at Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa. Housed in what was once the early 20th-century El Paso County Courthouse, this museum is filled with old photographs and artifacts that recount the city's story. Enjoy the soaking pool inside the restored 19th-century bathhouse or venture to Colorados only geyser, which is located nearby. Theres only one USAF academy in the entire world, so you cant see it anywhere else but Colorado Springs. Hot Sulphur Springs offers down-home meals in a quaint mountain town. Today, the Navigators, a Christian group, own and operate the property. Planning to explore other parts of Colorado? Visitors of all types can escape the city for awhile and get in touch with nature. Alamosa Theres even indoor rock climbing and trampoline jumping! Taste the water. With a name like Garden of the Gods, youd expect this park to be something spectacular, and youd be right. You can just people-watch if youre shy, but natives and tourists alike are usually more than happy to strike up a conversation with friendly strangers. The property runs 90-minute guided tours that trace the history of the castle itself, the Navigators and the surrounding landscape. Day 1: Downtown Colorado Springs & Beyond. You dont have to be a bull wrestler to appreciate the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. In addition to gyms, pools, pavilions, athletic courts, picnic areas, skate parks and activity centers, theres also a lake for boating in the summer and ice skating in the winter. Hidden beyond a kitschy giant beetle is this remarkably sprawling collection of preserved insects. Kara Williams. Luxury meets sustainability at these unique ecolodges. Located about 30 miles west of Colorado Springs, its roughly 5,000 acres host jagged mountain peaks, verdant aspen forests and more than 50 miles of trails for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing and more. Pagosa Springs Instead, Manitou Springs now a National Historic District remains a charming hippie-era haven filled with art galleries, funky boutiques and outdoor cafes. Bathhouse Row is home to the Park's historic bathhouses. Toddlers can crawl across inflatable bouncy floors. Alternatively, you can walk up 185 steps or take an elevator to the Eagle's Nest platform. The Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is one of the best Colorado Springs attractions for folks with a sweet tooth. Families will find fun here, too, thanks to the on-site playground. There are thousands of pieces of artwork that range from watercolor portraits to glass chandeliers to metallic art deco installations. Travelers suggest picking up the map of key sites and walking trails at the visitor center before setting out on your own. Located more than 6,700 feet above sea level, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is the highest zoo in the United States, and its one of the only ones in the world to be built into a mountain. A highlight for many recent visitors is that tours are often conducted by athletes currently training at the center. Adventures Out West is a recreational company that offers all kinds of outdoor thrills in the Colorado area. You dont have to travel to Europe to see Tudor-style castles. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. Throughout the year, thousands of people grab their hiking boots and cameras to explore natural sights likeawe-inspiring Pikes Peak, Royal Gorge, Seven Fallsand Garden of the Godsor they'll take to the skies for a zip line tour. Equipment can be rented from the school, and guides will teach you everything that you need to know. Come with U.S. News on a tour of The Langham, Boston. Adventure and wonder in every season. Idaho Springs. Colorado Springs beckons all types of travelers, but if you're a nature lover and adventurer, you'll especially love visiting the Pikes Peak region of Colorado. There are also a number of libraries and archives with historical documents dating all of the way back to the 1800s. 2. Meanwhile, especially family-friendly attractions are the Cheyenne Mountain Zooand Cave of the Winds. Take a Dip in the Hot Springs. The fine art guarantee is right there in the name! One of the few sulfur-free mineral pools in Colorado, Ouray Hot Springs is well worth a visit. Address: 2431 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80904, United States. Tucked into the base of a mountain canyon, the Glen Eyrie is a gigantic mansion with everything from ballrooms and great halls to tea rooms and bedroom suites. Ouray Hot Springs in Ouray, Colorado. If youre looking for cool places to visit near Colorado Springs, try the Western Museum of Mining and Industry. Theres a teepee for the Native Americans of the 1770s, a log cabin for the European settlers of the 1860s, a farmhouse for the residents of the 1880s, and a mansion for the estate holders of the early 1900s. While its blocky, no-nonsense granite building has the nondescript look of the courthouse that it originally was, it also boasts a tall, European-style clock tower that looms over everything below.