Things to Do in Colorado Springs: Colorado Springs, CO Places to Go and Things to Do

Posted by Lauren Schneider on Monday, April 19th, 2021 at 1:45pm.

Things to Do in Colorado Springs

With a backdrop of picturesque mountains, Colorado Springs is undoubtedly one of the most breathtaking areas to visit in the United States. From the top of Pikes Peak to the Garden of the Gods, you can view breathtaking sandstone outcroppings from hiking trails and lookout points. With a fantastic array of things to do, Colorado Springs attracts people who want to enjoy a quality of life enjoying a city surrounded by the great outdoors.

Here are some of the top things to do in Colorado Springs.

Outdoor Adventures

Colorado Springs is known for its breathtaking sights and all the great things to do out in the wilderness. Step out of the city and try one of these fantastic destinations.

Pikes Peak

Pikes Peak Activities

  • Hiking Trails
  • Garden of the Gods
  • Pikes Peak Hill Climb
  • Cog Railway

Address: Pikes Peak Colorado 80809

Pikes Peak is the Rocky Mountains' highest summit, and reaching it is always a thrill. If climbing the 14,115-foot mountain sets the heart racing, why not opt for other ways to ascend to the top via the Manitou and Pikes Peaks Cog Railway. Alternatively, drive your vehicle to the summit via Pikes Peak Highway, famous for its annual Pikes Peak International Hill Climb and the Pikes Peak Cycling Hill Climb. The four-hour-round trip is worth the 156 turns of the Pikes Peak Highway.

Garden of The Gods

Garden of the Gods Activities

  • Rock climbing
  • Segway and Jeep tours
  • Bike and electric bike rentals
  • Guided nature walks
  • Photography
  • Hiking trails

Address: Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center 1805 N 30th St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904

Garden of the Gods, known for its red rock formations, is a public park and designated a National Natural Landmark. It is a popular destination for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and technical rock climbing, set against a backdrop rich in history.

The world-class Visitor & Nature Center and museum are located at 1805 N. 30th Street and is one of the most visited attractions near Colorado Springs. Savor the brilliant blue skies, spectacular views, and 300' towering sandstone rock formations all set against a snow-capped Pikes Peak backdrop.

Seven Falls

Seven Falls Activities

  • Inspiration Point hiking trail
  • The Seven Falls Shop
  • Soaring Adventure

Address: The Broadmoor Seven Falls 1045 Lower Gold Camp Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80905

Located on the property of the Broadmoor, a historic hotel constructed during World War 1, the Seven Falls is a series of seven cascading waterfalls reaching 181 feet in height. Visitors can climb staircases to the top of the falls where there is the Eagle's Nest viewing platform. The viewing platform can also be accessed via an elevator, for those who are unable to climb so many stairs.

The Seven Falls are also a fantastic sight to see at night. When the sun goes down, the entirety of the falls is illuminated with colored lights that make the water look like a giant rainbow. Day or night, the Seven Falls are a sight worth seeing.

Wine and Dine in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs has a variety of fantastic restaurants to check out. No matter what you're craving, there's a restaurant where you can get your fix. Here are three local favorites that are always great choices.

Mountain Shadows Restaurant

Address: Mountain Shadows Restaurant 2223 Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80904

Mountain Shadows Restaurant has been serving locals and visitors for over 30 years, bringing a blend of comfort food and mountain charm. If you are looking for top-notch service, generous portions, and good old-fashioned food in a quaint and cozy atmosphere, this is the place to dine. Open from 7 am to 2 pm daily, it's a great place to catch a hearty breakfast or lunch. A popular family haunt, the kids will love their special menu packed with all their favorite foods.

Edelweiss German Restaurant

Address: Edelweiss German Restaurant 34 E Ramona Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80905

For something a little out of the ordinary, try Edelweiss German Restaurant, a family-run restaurant in operation for over 50 years. You will delight in tasting German cuisine or participating in an authentic Biergarten during summer. If dining and music are a favorite pastime, you'll find musicians strolling throughout the restaurant on Friday and Saturday nights, or for added atmosphere, you can choose to dine in one of their unique rooms decorated with artifacts from across Europe.

The Rabbit Hole

Address: The Rabbit Hole 101 N Tejon St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

What sets The Rabbit Hole apart from other restaurants is its unique history. Instead of being set up in a building intended for a restaurant, The Rabbit Hole is located in a subterranean morgue built in the 1800s. The restaurant is decked out from floor to ceiling in Alice in Wonderland-inspired decor including murals done by local artists.

With menu choices like Bacon-Wrapped Rabbit Meatloaf, Cherry Braised Buffalo Short Ribs, and Truffle Mac & Cheese, this is a place where you can expect new flavor combinations you likely haven't tried before. Of course, they also serve classic steak and seafood dishes you can enjoy while sipping a cocktail such as a Purple Drank, Pear Martini, or the Mad Hatter. Come wine and dine in the Gothic atmosphere, savor the ambiance and discover all the delectable delights their impressive menu offers. Open seven days a week from 4 pm to 10 pm, reservations are a must, especially on the weekends.

Fun Child-Friendly Activities

When planning a day with kids, there are a lot of options for entertainment in Colorado Springs. These are some of the best the city has to offer.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Exhibits

  • Water's Edge: Africa
  • Encounter Africa
  • Asian Highlands
  • Australian Walkabout
  • My Big Backyard
  • Rocky Mountain Wild
  • Scutes Family Gallery
  • African Rift Valley

Address: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906

Who doesn't like going to the zoo? When you visit the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, you can't help but fall in love with the animals. The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo has the world's largest giraffe herd, and you can even feed some animals such as the giraffes, elephants, and even a rhino. This is known as one of the top zoos in the country, and with more than 700 animals to see and learn about, it's no wonder why. Make a day of it where you enjoy a range of fun events, get to explore innovative exhibits, and find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained.

Wild West Ghost Town Museum

Wild West Ghost Town Museum Activities

  • Panning for gold
  • Preserved buildings and artifacts
  • Gift shop
  • Antique games
  • Shooting gallery

Address: Wild West Ghost Town Museum 400 S 21st St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904

No, there aren't any real ghosts here, but you will be amazed at the many authentic items you will find at the Wild West Ghost Town Museum. This is a western experience you won't want to miss with a focus on preserving the authentic artifacts rescued from the Pikes Peak region and the original buildings. Try your hand at panning for gold, crank a butter churn, play antique arcade games, and even try out the shooting gallery—there's plenty of activities for all ages. Why not mosey on over to the museum and bask in a piece of Colorado's Wild West heritage?

Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center

Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center Exhibits

  • Learning Center
  • Dinosaurs
  • Mammals
  • Marine Reptiles
  • Other Reptiles
  • Prehistoric Fish

Address: Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center 201 S Fairview St, Woodland Park, CO 80863

Remember to visit the RMDRC when in the area to explore the marvelous world of dinosaurs. Discover the pterosaurs and prehistoric marine reptiles on display, supplemented with life-restoration sculptures and vibrant graphics. The interactive children's area is popular, and kids can brush off fossils in the museum's dig box.

Local History

Colorado is rich in local history, and many of the things to do in Colorado Springs involves delving into the past. Here are some of the best ways to learn about the land you walk on.

Rock Ledge Ranch

Rock Ledge Ranch Activities

  • History of the Ute Tribe
  • Reconstructed pre-railroad cabins
  • Farm animals
  • Victorian games

Address: Rock Ledge Ranch 3105 Gateway Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80904

Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site is a living history museum located on 230 acres at Garden of the Gods. You will be greeted with historical interpreters dressed in authentic clothing appropriate to the era. The ranch offers demonstrations, hands-on learning activities, and tours where you get to experience the lives of the people who lived and worked the ranch. Learn how they herded, hunted, and raised families on the land at Rock Ledge Ranch.

Museum of Colorado Prisons

Museum of Colorado Prisons Exhibits

  • Photographs of prison life
  • Federal Bureau of Prisons display
  • Inmate Arts & Crafts
  • Confiscated weapons and contraband

Address: Museum of Colorado Prisons 201 N 1st St, Cañon City, CO 81212

The Museum of Colorado Prisons shares an armed tower and stone wall with an operational prison originally built in 1871. Relive the prison history as the exhibits and artifacts depict inmates' and guards' lives through the decades, spanning for more than 140 years. Each cell tells a story of life behind walls and bars and provides a poignant experience.

Miramont Castle Museum

Miramont Castle Museum Exhibits

  • Manitou Springs Volunteer Fire Department
  • Nurnberg Exhibit
  • Spoils of War
  • The Sawyer & Garstin Map Collection
  • Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Display

Address: Miramont Castle Museum 9 Capitol Hill Ave, Manitou Springs, CO 80829

Take a tour of the Miramont Castle Museum to cap off an incredible adventure in Colorado Springs. This 14,000 square foot Victorian home was built in 1895 and has 30 rooms spread over four stories and beautiful gardens and grounds to explore. Displaying a colorful array of local history, you will discover exhibits of vintage artifacts, a superb local art collection, war, and firefighter memorabilia. Unlike any other, the Miramont Castle Museum is a treasure you won't want to miss.

It's Easy to Spend a Day in Colorado Springs

With so many fascinating things to do in Colorado Springs, why not make this area your next adventure? Unparalleled in its splendor, the stunning Garden of the Gods is a sight to be seen. As you explore the local shopping destinations and restaurants and bars' special menus, visit The Rabbit hole and indulge in their unique delights. Spend a night at the historic Broadmoor before hitting the trail to Pikes Peak. For a touch of history, take a detour to the Wild West Ghost town and Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Park. With so many options, there are always sights to see and places to go no matter where you live in Colorado Springs, be it a cozy downtown townhome or a secluded luxury home in the mountains.

If you're inspired by the opportunities in Colorado Springs, 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 Colorado Springs home for you today.

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