Things to Do Near Fort Carson: Off-Base Adventures [2022]

Fort Carson, located within the city of Colorado Springs, is a large Army Post. People moving to homes for sale near Fort Carson can enjoy the best that the city has to offer. Driving from Fort Carson to Colorado Springs takes about 15 minutes along CO-115. That means all of the amenities available in Colorado Springs become accessible to those living in the best neighborhoods near Fort Carson. Keep reading to learn about the many fun things to do near Fort Carson.

Outdoor Adventures Near Fort Carson

Fort Carson and Colorado Springs boast a wide range of things to do outdoors. The area is known for its incredible scenery, from the mountains at every turn to the green landscape as far as the eye can see. Look at some of the most prominent things to do in this area.

Parks by Fort Carson

Fort Carson's Outdoor Recreation Complex is a stand-out fixture on the base. It's a multi-use facility with Army Outdoor Recreation programs. These help locals learn new activities, including:

• Rock and ice climbing
• Kayaking and rafting
• Snowboarding
• Skiing
• Mountain biking
• Snowmobiling

The location also offers disc golf, equipment rentals for those activities, and an indoor rock climbing wall.

There are numerous parks nearby as well. Fountain Creek Regional Park is a stunning 460-acre linear park with a creek-side trail, fishing spots, and multi-purpose fields. It's also home to Willow Springs Pond, Hanson Nature Park, and the Fountain Creek Nature Center. Clear Spring Ranch is a 930-acre linear park with active farming and dense ecosystems and habitats. It offers trails, a pavilion, and a picnic area.

Water Recreation by Fort Carson

For those that love the water, several options exist, including a visit to Lake Pueblo. It has over 4,600 surface acres of water with 60 miles of shoreline. It's ideal for sailing, waterskiing, river tubing, and motor-boating. Many come here for the fishing. It's easy to do because of the two full-service marinas and boat ramp. Nearby hiking, biking, and nature exploration make this a good place for a few days of camping.

Fort Carson has several outdoor and indoor pool options with set schedules for pool access. There's a lap pool, kid pool, diving boards, and a large, open pool for use. The pools are located in Building 1446.

Also, be sure to check out the swimming locations in Colorado Springs, including the Memorial Park Family Center YMCA on South Union Blvd. Other swimming destinations in Colorado Springs are a bit further from the Fort.

Hiking & Biking Trails by Fort Carson

Recognized for its parks, Colorado Springs offers something for most within a short drive of Fort Carson. Cheyenne Mountain State Park is a year-round park with 28 miles of talking and biking trails. There's a playground here, campsites for RVs and tents, and an archery range.

Consider a trip to Bluestem Prairie Open Space. It's worth the 15-minute drive to explore the 650 acres of prairie grasslands teaming with wildlife. There are no dogs allowed at this park, but it is perhaps one of the best locations for seeing Colorado's natural beauty.

For those hoping to go for a drive, Beaver Creek State Wildlife Area is about an hour's drive away. It's a popular location for hiking dove, elk, bear, and deer. Licenses are required for hunting in all seasons.

Engaging in the outdoors is one of the best ways to enjoy life in this area. This doesn't consider the numerous smaller parks and playgrounds located throughout the city.

Shopping Near Fort Carson

Most people living near Fort Carson will find several shopping options nearby, including Outlets at Castle Rock. An excellent place to find a bargain from favorite retailers, there are over 100 brands with stores at the Outlets. It's just off I-25 to make the drive-in easier to this open-air outlet center.

Broadmoor Towne Center is the ideal location just about 10 miles from Fort Carson for day-to-day shopping needs. It's a smaller open-air shopping center with several retailers and restaurants. Home Depot, Bed, Bath & Beyond, and Michael's are some options here. It's located on Southgate Road.

A short drive into the city to the Downtown Colorado Springs area offers access to some boutiques and smaller shops. It's an excellent way to spend some time walking and browsing for the latest styles while supporting small, local businesses. It's a good place to grab a bite while shopping or check out the sights.

Restaurants Near Fort Carson

Fort Carson on-base restaurants include everything from pizza to subs. The larger locations include Borriello Brothers Pizza, Korea Express, Mulligan's Grill, and Taco John's. Keep in mind that there are a few fast food options and a Starbucks located on the base.

For those looking for more options, a visit to the Old Colorado City neighborhood offers several restaurant choices. Some of the fun options in this area include Front Range Barbecue, Pizzeria Rustica, Sherpa Garden Restaurant, and The Mason Jar. There's also a Starbucks in the area. Colorado City Creamery is perhaps a must for those who love a cold treat.

Yet another good area with ample choices is the Security-Widefield area. Many options exist here, including Breakman's Burgers with fun burgers and shakes, Joe's Crab Shack for fresh seafood, Mackenzie's Chop House for fine dining steaks, and Red Gravy for authentic Italian.

Arts & Culture Near Fort Carson

Colorado Springs has a rich culture and long history. Much of that is evident in the architecture of the area. Yet, there are a few local establishments worth visiting for those who want to enjoy the fine arts or a good night out on the town. Here are some examples on the base and nearby to it.

Museums by Fort Carson

Fort Carson has several museums to explore. That includes Cheyenne Nuclear Bunker, which offers public tours that are sure to be fascinating. Peterson Air and Space Museum, an amenity of the homes near Peterson AFB, has limited access to civilians, but for military personnel, access is available. It has some spectacular military aircraft located in it. The 4^th Infantry Division Museum is an excellent visit for those who want to see historically significant artifacts from this local division.

Western Museum of Mining and Industry is an exceptional location for those that want to learn about the Gold Rush era and is more of a tourist hotspot. Other options include the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum and the World Figure Staking Hall of Fame.

Art Galleries by Fort Carson

There are several notable art galleries located in Colorado Springs. The Cottonwood Center for the Arts is a good starting place that is ideal for finding local artists. It's home to 80 studios for artists to rent, too. The Kreuser Gallery was founded by a local photographer and displayed many of her early works. It also displays local artists with rotating shows each month.

The G44 Gallery is more of a contemporary exhibition location. Much of the work here is from artists within the Pikes Peak region. It's a beautiful space. For a hands-on approach, visit Art 111 Gallery and Art Supply. It has an art gallery itself and all of the supplies needed to take that inspiration and run with it. The pieces on display rotate each month, with numerous local artists on display.

Dance & Theatre by Fort Carson

For those looking for performance art, Colorado Springs offers several options. Be sure to capture the events happening at The Colorado Springs Philharmonic. It's home to several event venues, including the Pikes Peak Center. Numerous musicals, plays, and orchestra events occur here throughout the year. Some are touring, while others are local. This modern entertainment and cultural center are at the heart of the downtown area. The Ent Center for the Arts is a second events center under this umbrella. It's home to some of the more technologically advanced events in the area.

For more locally based productions, visit the Opera Theatre of the Rockies. It's a professional opera that attracts national and international performers through numerous events throughout the year.

Each of these experiences is unique and offers a rotating schedule of things to do and see. From holiday events to touring shows (even some from Broadway), it's always good to keep an eye on the ever-changing events at these locations.

Nightlife Near Fort Carson

Finding things to do on the weekend or catching a local show is easy to do in Colorado Springs. There's just so much to offer. When it comes to nightclubs near Fort Carson, a few of the best include the Cowboys Night Club, Fritzy's, and Club La Casota. Each of these locations offers live music (though not every day). El Huracan West Club is another option for drinks and live music. For dancing, some of the best venues include Bar-K and El Huracan. For jazz, check out Jazz-Funk Connection.

There are several to check out for those who love a good craft brew when it comes to breweries. Cork and Cask are one of them. It has an extensive list of 200 whiskeys ready to be served year-round. Most of the time, Red Leg Brewing Co. is a veteran-owned location with some fun craft brews on the menu.

Explore the Riches of Colorado Springs Near Fort Carson

Finding a place to call home that offers these amenities and experiences isn't always easy as it is near Fort Carson. When moving to Colorado Springs, and more specifically the Fort Carson area, there's much to appreciate about the entire area. Whether buying one of the luxury homes or Colorado Springs condos, be sure to take into close consideration all of the options this region has to offer.

If you're inspired by the opportunities near Fort Carson, contact The Military Home Search Team of eXp Realty at (719) 338-7294 to get in touch with a local real estate agent and find the ideal Fort Carson home for you today.