Things to Do in Colorado Springs

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The city of Colorado Springs is seen by most visitors as a pleasant base for outdoor adventures in the nearby Rockies. There certainly are natural attractions galore near Colorado Springs, but the city itself is a mix of touristy mountain town, lively university town, and cosmopolitan playground. The mountains are a big part of the attraction of Colorado Springs, but they are not the only reason to visit.

Here are the best activities in and around Colorado Springs:

Budget

United States Air Force Academy (I-25 Exit 156B) offers tours of its grounds, including its famous chapel and beautifully designed campus buildings. Tours are free. The scenic surroundings of the Rampart Mountain Range are as much of a reason to visit as the architecture.

May Natural History Museum (I-25 exit 140) is a unique museum with a quirky set of exhibits including an astonishingly expansive collection of large, tropical insects. For nature lovers, the $6 admission is well worth it. As far as natural history museums go, however, the offerings are not as diverse as they might be in a larger museum in a larger city.

Value

Pike's Peak is one of the most famous rock formations in the US. It is the venue for numerous events during the summer months. The Pike's Peak Marathon is a brutal race up and down the mountain. Those who want to take more time can simply trek to the top via Barr Trail. It is also possible to drive or take the Cog Rail to the peak. Some adventure companies take mountain biking groups to the pinnacle and then on a high-speed decent.

Seven Falls (West Cheyenne Blvd) is a beautiful, privately-owned park featuring, as the name suggests, seven waterfalls and a lush, natural setting. This is a worthwhile site, especially if you don't plan to go outside the city or if you want to take a break from more adventurous activities.

Splurge

Broadmoor Hotel (1 Lake Avenue) is a historic 5-star hotel that is part of one of the most luxurious resorts in the Mountain West. Even if your budget does not include a night in this pricy inn, it is possible to tour the grounds and perhaps enjoy a drink at one of the lounges or restaurants on the premises.

Cave of the Winds (outside the city on Route 24) is a series of caverns outside of Colorado Springs. Tours are offered at an entrance point near the town of Manitou Springs. The caves are known for the mountain winds that sometimes find their way into the tunnels.