36 Fun Things To Do In Colorado Springs

Sitting at an elevation of 6,035 feet in the shadow of the gorgeous Pike’s Peak is the unique town of Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Nature lovers and adventure seekers will quickly feel right at home with all the things to do in Colorado Springs.

Colorado Springs is home to Pikes Peak, the U.S. Paralympic & Olympic Training Center, four United States military bases, some cool history, and much more!

Whether hiking through the Garden of the Gods Park, whitewater rafting, or zooming down a thrilling zipline, Colorado Springs truly has something for everyone!

When you combine this with the great restaurants and pubs, historic walking tours, and great museums throughout Colorado Springs, you genuinely have the makings for an incredible vacation.

Honestly, though, it is truly the unbeatable outdoor fun that you will find in this area of Colorado that keeps Colorado Springs as one of the best places to visit in Colorado.

Let’s dive into all the fabulous things to do in Colorado Springs, CO!

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Explore Garden of the Gods Park

The 300-million-year-old park, Garden of the Gods, is a must-visit during your time in Colorado Springs, CO.

This sprawling 1,300 National Natural Landmark sits at the base of the gorgeous Rocky Mountains, but don’t expect your typical mountainous terrain here.

Garden of the Gods comprises incredible sandstone formations that beckon visitors to explore.

Start visiting the Garden of the Gods Park at the visitor center. At the visitor center, you can learn about the park’s history and grab a map or souvenir before heading out to explore the park.

You can enjoy visiting the Garden of the Gods in several different ways.

You can do a self-guided tour by driving or hiking through the different parts of the park or opt for a guided tour.

Guided tours in Garden of the Gods are also available.

Visitors can choose from electric bike tours or rentals, jeep tours, Segway tours, guided rock climbing, and a nature walking tour.

For active people, there are over 21 miles of hiking trails throughout the Garden of the Gods.

Or, if you prefer a stroll, consider doing the 1-mile Siamese Twin Trail or the 1.5-mile Perkins Central Garden Trail.

Some popular formations in the park to look out for during your visit to Garden of the Gods include the “Kissing Camels” and the “Balanced Rock.”

Check Out This Garden of the Gods Jeep Tour!

Pro Tip: While at the Visitor Center, take in the breathtaking view from the terrace before heading out for your outdoor activities in this Colorado Springs favorite.

Visit Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site

Rock Ledge Historic Site is a living history museum in Colorado Springs, CO.

Made up of four different sites, this museum allows you to get hands-on with history.

Here, you can check out the historic houses and buildings, including a Native American teepee from the late 1700s, a log cabin and farmhouse from the 1800s, and a mansion from the 1900s.

Some costumed actors work on the site, providing stories and demonstrations for visitors to enjoy.

Go to the Summit of Pikes Peak

While visiting Colorado Springs, CO, you cannot help but notice the snow-covered Pikes Peak.

Standing over 14,000 feet, Pikes Peak is not the largest mountain summit in Colorado, but it is one of the most popular attractions, receiving over half a million visitors a year!

Inspiring the song, America the Beautiful, Pikes Peak also secured its place in history.

You have three options to reach the summit of Pikes Peak.

You can drive up Pikes Peak Highway, take the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, or hike to the top via the Barr Trail.

The 19-mile Pikes Peak Highway rewards visitors with a scenic view on their drive to the summit.

Just be ready for a mountain drive.

The Pikes Peak Cog Railway has been in operation since 1891 and is one of the highest cog railways in the world.

Riding the railway up Pikes Peak allows you to enjoy the great views while someone else does the driving.

No matter how you arrive at the summit, Pikes Peak won’t disappoint.

Take in the incredible Colorado views from the summit before visiting the Visitor Center and gift shop.

Oh, and don’t miss the donuts from the gift shop; they are fabulous!

Pro Tip: Take note that the Barr Trail is a 13-mile (one-way) hike that gains 7,400 vertical feet and takes 6-10 hours!

Fly Through the Air on a Zipline Adventure

One of our favorite outdoor activities in Colorado Springs is ziplining.

Imagine taking in the gorgeous views of Colorado Springs as you soar through the air on a zipline!

If ziplining is on your couple’s bucket list, then Colorado Springs, CO, is a fabulous place to check it off your list.

Thanks to the growing popularity of this attraction, there are several zipline tours to choose from while visiting Colorado Springs, CO.

One of our all-time favorite ziplines is offered here from Adventures Out West.

This zipline tour is set in Manitou Springs, a charming little town about 10 minutes outside Colorado Springs.

This zipline tour allows you to run and jump off the side of the canyon as you zip through the five ziplines on the course. Each one is a different length, with the longest line measuring 650 feet.

You will also find The Cloudscraper zipline in this area.

The Cloudscraper is credited with being the highest zipline in America and will have you soaring over the gorgeous Royal Gorge.

The Cave of the Four Winds and the Broadmoor Seven Falls in Colorado Springs also have a zipline tour.

Visit History at the Manitou Cliff Dwellings

One of the historic things to do in Colorado Springs is to visit the cliff dwelling of the ancient Anasazi people.

The Anasazi people once lived in the Colorado Springs area and built their homes on the sides of the red rock cliffs.

Today, visitors can explore the Manitou Cliff Dwellings and step back hundreds of years!

This 40-room site built into the side of the cliff was transported here from its original location in the McElmo Canyon.

In addition to walking through the structure itself, you can also check out the museum on the property.

The museum at the Manitou Cliff Dwellings outlines the day-to-day life of the Native American tribe and showcases artifacts found on the dwelling site.

If you love cliff dwellings, you also want to visit Durango, Colorado, and the incredible Mesa Verde National Park.

Check Out the U.S. Olympic Training Center

Even if you aren’t a huge sports fan, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center should be on your list of things to do in Colorado Springs, CO.

This vast complex is home to more than 500 athletes and coaches and contains training facilities, dorms, cafeterias, and a museum.

As the facility is an active training complex, you cannot just wander around alone.

However, you can take a guided tour offered by the Olympic Training Center.

These tours vary in price and access and are rightfully named the “bronze”, “silver”, and “gold” tours.

The Olympic Training Center also offers an “Athlete Guided Tour,” where an actual Olympic athlete will take you on a facility tour.

Of course, you want to check their website for availability and operating hours to add this to your Colorado Springs itinerary.

Visit the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is the only zoo in the United States. What makes this Colorado Springs zoo so unique?

Well, you see, it is located on the side of a mountain at an elevation of 6,714 feet! It is also the largest private zoo in the country!

If that doesn’t make you want to visit, take note that USA Today ranks the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo as America’s fourth-best zoo in the country.

A visit to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo allows visitors to see the 750-plus animals from 170 species that call this zoo home.

Some animals you might see at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo include lions, elephants, meerkats, leopards, and even red pandas!

There is also a Skyride that lets you get a bird’s eye view of the zoo. Now, that’s one of the cool Colorado Springs things to do.

Pro Tip: Dress in layers as the weather can be unpredictable and change quickly.

Hike at Red Rock Canyon Park

The beautiful vein of sandstone rock that makes up the Garden of the Gods Park also makes up the gorgeous Red Rock Canyon Park in Colorado Springs.

Located on the west side of Colorado Springs, Red Rock Canyon encompasses nearly 800 acres.

11 marked hiking trails within Red Rock Canyon Park range from 1.7 to 5.4 miles.

These trails are a great way to take in the fantastic scenery of Colorado Springs, CO.

Explore the Historic Streets of Old Colorado City

You can’t have a list of Colorado Springs things to do and not include a visit to Old Colorado City.

Located on the southwest side of Colorado Springs, this historic neighborhood is a unique piece of Colorado Springs’s history.

Once the original capital city of the Colorado Territory, this area was booming with the Wild West industry.

This Wild West history is apparent when you see Colorado Ave, lined with 19th-century historic homes and buildings.

Walking through Old Colorado City gives you a glimpse into the early days of Colorado Springs, thanks to Victorian homes and century-old buildings.

Of course, you will also find some boutique shops, art galleries, coffee shops, restaurants, and bars in this part of Colorado Springs.

Stand In Awe of the Royal Gorge

A visit to the Royal Gorge Bridge will have you perched almost one thousand feet above the flowing Arkansas River.

The Royal Gorge Bridge is a solid steel suspension bridge that defies Mother Nature and gravity.

Granted, this tourist attraction is located about an hour outside Colorado Springs in Canon City.

It is close enough to be on your list, especially if you are an adrenaline junkie.

While visiting the Royal Gorge Bridge, you can also check out the Cloudscraper Zipline mentioned above.

If you still don’t have your adrenaline fix, ride the Royal Rush Skycoaster or partake in some whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River.

Those scared of heights might not want to include this on your list of things to do in Colorado Springs.

Check Out the US Air Force Academy

The US Air Force Academy Visitors Center in Colorado Springs welcomes guests to come and learn all about life at the Air Force Academy.

Visitors can look around the base and see what life is like for the Air Force Academy cadets who call the Colorado Springs Air Force Academy home.

You can learn the history and background of the Air Force Academy and visit the Cadet Chapel.

The Air Force Academy also offers a guided-driven tour of the facility if you are interested.

See The Broadmoor Seven Falls

Yes, the name on this one gives it away.

Seven Falls is a tourist attraction in Colorado Springs, consisting of seven gorgeous waterfalls.

Located in a natural box canyon, the falls are truly spectacular and well worth including on your list of things to do in Colorado Springs.

Privately owned and operated since their inception in 1872, you must pay a fee to see the falls.

The seven waterfalls at Seven Falls are named Bridal Veil, Feather, Hill, Hull, Ramona, Shorty, and Weimer.

The falls have a total height of 181 feet, and the entry to the falls has been named the “Grandest mile of scenery in Colorado.”

You can hike the 224 steps to the top or take the elevator up the 14 stories to arrive at the Eagles Nest Lookout.

While on the property, take advantage of the hiking trails throughout the canyon.

There is also a gift shop, café, children’s toy shop, and a rock/mineral shop on the property.

Pro Tip: Visit during the evening hours to see the falls lit with different colored lights. It’s a truly beautiful sight to behold on your visit to Colorado Springs!

Learn Rodeo History at the ProRodeo Hall of Fame

The ProRodeo Hall of Fame is dedicated to teaching and preserving rodeo history.

Home to a thriving rodeo scene, it makes sense that Colorado Springs would house such an attraction.

The ProRodeo Hall of Fame exhibits contain everything from famous livestock to rodeo clowns. I

f it has to do with rodeo, you will find it here.

This complex is also home to the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.

The ProRodeo Hall of Fame is also one of the things to do in Colorado Springs that allows you to give back, as the proceeds from the Hall of Fame go toward preserving and promoting rodeo activities.

Spend the Night In a Castle

Yes, you read that correctly. You can spend the night (or two or three) in a castle during your visit to Colorado Springs, CO.

The Glen Eyrie Castle in Colorado Springs is an English Tudor-style castle that should be sitting on a hillside in Europe.

Designed by the first governor of Colorado, General William Jackson Palmer, the castle is a luxury hotel and conference center for guests to enjoy here in Colorado Springs!

If staying the night here is out of your budget, don’t worry.

You can still visit the Glen Eyrie Castle, enjoy a tour, or partake in their afternoon tea service!

Visit the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum

The Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum is housed in the former El Paso County Courthouse in Colorado Springs.

Showcasing the city’s history, the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum allows you to glimpse into the past thanks to its numerous exhibits.

The exhibits include information and artifacts from the city’s original Native American inhabitants.

Here, you can view pottery, paintings, and quilts from the early days of Colorado Springs, CO.

The best part is that the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum is free to enjoy.

Check Out The Shrine of the Sun

You will find the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun behind the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs.

The Shrine of the Sun is a large tower sitting at an elevation of 8136 feet on Cheyenne Mountain and is a tribute to Will Rogers from his friend Spenser Pemrose.

While the Shrine of the Sun is a unique building, people come here for the incredible views of Colorado Springs, CO.

During your visit, look for the plaques that point out popular Colorado Springs tourist attractions.

Learn About Space at the Peterson Air and Space Museum

Situated within the Peterson Air Force Base, the Peterson Air and Space Museum is one of the free things to do in Colorado Springs.

Registered on the National Register of Historic Places, the Peterson Air and Space Museum is one of the Colorado Springs attractions that history buffs will love.

This museum is housed in three original airfield structures built during World War II.

This museum is a great place to spend the day and contains an air park, a Medal of Honor Park, and numerous artifacts from World War II and aviation in general.

If you are into historic airplanes, don’t miss the National Museum of World War II Aviation.

The National Museum of World War II Aviation is home to over 3,000 historic artifacts and documents related to World War II.

In addition to these artifacts, the National Museum of World War II Aviation also houses fighter planes, an F6F Hellcat, a B-25 bomber, and several restored ground vehicles.

Pro Tip: You must request a pass online at least 24 hours in advance since the museum is on an active military base.

Spend Time at the Penrose Heritage Museum

Adding the Penrose Heritage Museum to your list of things to do in Colorado Springs, CO will give you a glimpse into the heritage of the Pikes Peak region.

The Penrose Heritage Museum is home to the personal artifact collection of Colorado Springs philanthropists Julie and Spencer Penrose.

Julie and Spencer Penrose contributed to and assisted in the construction of numerous Colorado Springs attractions.

These attractions in the Pikes Peak region include the zoo, The Broadmoor, the Pikes Peak Highway, the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun, and the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center.

The Penrose Museum contains several rooms for you to explore. Exhibits include 30 carriages, 15 cars that competed in the Race for the Clouds race up Pikes Peak, and historic photos and video footage of Mr. and Mrs. Penrose.

Shop and Play at Manitou Springs

As we mentioned above, the charming town of Manitou Springs is located about 10 minutes west of downtown Colorado Springs.

People first started visiting Manitou Springs to enjoy the healing mineral spring waters in the town.

Manitou Springs is a mecca for outdoor activities and fabulous shops and restaurants for visitors to enjoy in Colorado Springs, CO.

One of this area’s most popular hiking trails is the Manitou Incline.

Gaining nearly 1,000 feet of elevation over the less than 1-mile hike means this isn’t for the faint of heart.

There are eight hot springs that you can visit to ease those sore hiking muscles as well.

You can stop at the Visitor Center to grab a map of the hot springs.

One of our favorite things to do in Manitou is to explore the many boutique shops and restaurants that line Manitou Avenue.

Enjoy a Live Performance

The Pikes Peak Center for Performing Arts is the place to go if you want to add a live performance to your list of things to do in Colorado Springs, CO.

The Performing Arts Center opened its doors to visitors in 1982 and has continued to be the city’s venue for live performances.

Hosting everything from comedy shows to concerts, there is always something on stage at the Performing Arts Center.

In addition to enjoying a show, you can also grab dinner at the on-site restaurant.

Tour the Cave of the Winds

The Cave of the Winds has welcomed visitors since its founding in 1881.

Known to be one of the highest caves in the United States at 7,000 feet, the Cave of the Winds is worth adding to your list of things to do in Colorado Springs.

Several guided tours of the cave are offered, each allowing visitors to see the majestic rock formations.

The adventurous explorers will want to check out the Lantern Tour!

Visit Helen Hunt Falls

Helen Hunt Falls is located in North Cheyenne Canon Park and has attracted visitors for years.

The .1-mile trail is easily attainable for all skill levels.

Once you arrive at the falls, you can enjoy the view from where you are or hike to the top to enjoy the views!

Explore Downtown Colorado Springs

Downtown Colorado Springs is a great place to add to your list of things to do in Colorado Springs.

The downtown area contains shops, restaurants, art galleries, parks, and more for visitors.

You will also notice several sculptures and murals in downtown Colorado Springs.

These art installations are crafted by local artists, making downtown Colorado Springs a Certified Creative District.

Play All Day at Memorial Park

A visit to Memorial Park is much more than your traditional neighborhood park.

Memorial Park is Colorado Springs’s largest public park, with numerous things to do.

The park’s lake is a popular place for boating in the summer and ice skating in the winter.

In addition to the lake, Memorial Park is home to gyms, athletic courts, picnic areas, pavilions, activity centers, and even skate parks!

The best part is that most of the amenities at Memorial Park are free!

Memorial Park should be one of the Colorado Springs things to do for outdoor lovers.

Visit the Pike National Forest

One of the best things to do in Colorado Springs for outdoor lovers is visit the Pike National Forest in Colorado Springs, CO.

This forest encompasses a staggering 1.1 million acres, so don’t worry about covering it all!

Pike National Forest allows you to enjoy just about any outdoor mountainous activity you can think of.

There are mountain biking trails, hiking trails, and campsites.

You can also get out on the water and try your hand at some fishing or spend a day boating when you visit this Colorado Springs natural area.

You can even go skiing in the Pike National Forest in the winter!

This should be on your list of things to do in Colorado Springs!

Pikes Peak Alpine School

A visit to Pikes Peak Alpine School is exactly what the doctor ordered to feed your adrenaline while in Colorado Springs, CO.

The Pikes Peak Alpine School is an outdoor adventure guide that provides guides for all sorts of outdoor activities.

These activities can range from a simple hiking excursion to an extreme ice climbing activity.

Don’t worry, though; they have classes for all skill levels, so you are sure to find one that you can join in on.

In addition to the classes, the Pikes Peak Alpine School also rents all the necessary equipment.

North Cheyenne Canon Park

You will find North Cheyenne Canon Park, about 5 miles southwest of Colorado Springs, CO.

In the summer, North Cheyenne Canon is the perfect place to go and spend the day.

Here, you can enjoy hiking and take in all the beautiful nature of the Colorado Springs area.

Containing 1,600 acres and home to a 1,000-foot-deep canyon, North Cheyenne Park has a distinct and unique landscape.

This landscape is a welcoming home for many species of Colorado wildlife.

Look for deer, mountain lions, bighorn sheep, and black bears during your visit!

Western Museum of Mining and Industry

The Gold Rush history of Colorado Springs is preserved at the Western Museum of Mining and Industry.

The Western Museum of Mining and Industry showcased some of the equipment used in the mining industry.

Important documents also outline the rules and laws that helped protect the area’s land from being overly mined during the Gold Rush period.

You can explore the museum on your own or take a guided tour.

Before leaving the museum, don’t miss the opportunity to try your hand at panning for gold!

Get Up Close With Wolves

The Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center allows visitors to Colorado Springs to get up close and personal with wolves.

Even though this attraction is located about an hour outside Colorado Springs, it should still be on your list of things to do.

This rehabilitation center teaches visitors about wolves and coyotes to help preserve the species.

If you want to get up close and personal with the wolves, this does require an additional fee.

Have a Beer at Phantom Canyon Brewing Company

The Phantom Canyon Brewing Company is housed in a historic 100-year-old building in Colorado Springs, CO, and is a great place to add to your itinerary.

The three-story Cheyenne Building is listed on the US National Register of Historic Places, which makes the Phantom Canyon Brewing Company worth a visit.

The second floor contains fun billiard tables, a jukebox, televisions, and more.

The third floor is dedicated to a banquet space with a kitchen and bar.

The true magic happens on the first floor, where Phantom Canyon brews the beer.

Producing 10-12 varieties of beer at a time, you can find something you like here.

Of course, you need something to soak up the alcohol from the beer to enjoy a bite to eat during your visit.

They offer traditional pub-style food, including burgers, ribs, and chicken wings.

Check Out the World Figure Skating Museum & Hall of Fame

The World Figure Skating Museum & Hall of Fame can be found on 1st Street in Colorado Springs.

Dedicated to preserving the history of figure skating, the World Figure Skating Museum & Hall of Fame is an excellent addition to your Colorado Spring itinerary.

Exhibits at this museum include figure skating costumes, trophies, art, memorabilia, and more.

Go Prehistoric at the Dinosaur Experience

The Royal Gorge area also allows guests to see actual dinosaur fossils discovered in the Colorado Springs area.

You can enjoy seeing the fossils and walking through a simulated prehistoric habitat when you visit the Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience.

Go Whitewater Rafting

Another activity for my outdoor lovers is whitewater rafting.

One of the best places for whitewater rafting near Colorado Springs, CO, is the Royal Gorge.

There is just something about the thrill of rolling along in a boat on the rapids of the Arkansas River. Of course, the gorgeous Colorado scenery never hurt, either.

Be sure to check the river conditions before booking a rafting trip to ensure that the people participating have the right amount of experience for the class of rapids you will encounter.

Have Fun Mountain Biking

Mountain biking is a popular activity in Colorado Springs. It makes sense since there are so many excellent outdoor areas to enjoy.

There are numerous places in Colorado Springs, CO, to enjoy mountain biking.

You can go biking at the trails on the Broadmoor property, Red Rock Canyon, Palmer City Park, and Cheyenne Mountain State Park, to name a few!

Try Horseback Riding

What better way to see the Colorado Springs countryside than while horseback riding?

Several areas around Colorado Springs offer guided horseback riding for all skill levels.

You can enjoy riding at the Broadmoor Resort trails, the Garden of the Gods, Cheyenne Mountain State Park, and Red Rock Canyon, to name a few places.

Get Back to Nature at Mueller State Park

A visit to Mueller State Park will allow you another opportunity to connect with nature in one of the most pristine settings in Colorado.

Mueller is home to over 5,000 acres of gorgeous Colorado terrain. Located 40 minutes from downtown, it is a bit of a commitment but well worth it once you arrive.

Here, you can enjoy over 50 miles of scenic trails.

These trails are perfect for hiking, biking, and even horseback riding!

If you want to make your visit to this state park a weekend getaway, you can also do that, thanks to the campsites offered at Mueller.

In the winter months, you will see people snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and sledding in this fun state park.

Getting to Colorado Springs

Getting to Colorado Springs, CO, is relatively easy. You can fly into the Colorado Springs Municipal Airport, known as the Colorado Springs Airport, from many major cities in the United States.

Suppose you are visiting Colorado Springs from outside of the United States.

In that case, you can book a connecting flight from one of the cities servicing the airport or fly into the Denver International Airport and rent a car.

The drive from Denver International to Colorado Springs is about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

A shuttle service is also available that runs from Denver International Airport to Colorado Springs.

I would recommend getting a car no matter which airport you fly into, as you will need transportation to see most of the sites we have mentioned in this article.

Where to Stay in Colorado Springs

There are numerous hotels, Airbnbs, and bed and breakfasts in Colorado Springs to choose from. Here are a few of our recommendations:

If you want a luxury hotel/resort stay during your visit to Colorado Springs, you will definitely want to consider the Broadmoor (mentioned above).

For a lovely stay at a friendlier price, consider the Garden of the Gods Resort & Club, the Lodge at Flying Horse, or the Cheyenne Mountain Resort.

If you are traveling with a family, then Great Wolf Lodge in Colorado Springs might be perfect!

For a hotel that covers all of the basic amenities at an affordable price, check out the Cliff House at Pikes Peak, the Mining Exchange, The Antlers by Wyndham, or the Colorado Springs Marriott.

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