Colorado Springs is located at the base of Pikes Peak, and is surrounded by a number of attractions for anyone on any budget. The city is also the home of the U.S. Olympic Committee.
1. Begin your visit to Colorado Springs, by spending a day at the Garden of the Gods Park, which offers free admission. There you will experience an excellent view of Pike’s Peak through the towering vertical red rock formations. While in the park, be sure to stop by the Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site. The site includes a living history museum, free presentations on wildlife, geology and the cultural history of the 1300 acre park. Plus, a mere $6 admission will allow you to visit the 1860’s Galloway Homestead, the 1880’s Chambers Farm and the 1907 Orchard House, all located on the Ranch.
2. Next, if you enjoy museums, take time to visit the Pioneer Museum. Admission is free, and it is surrounded by a park, a fountain and lots of green lawn for a picnic lunch. Or perhaps you would prefer to see the Dr. Lester L. Williams Fire Museum, the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, or the Old Colorado History Center and Museum, which also offer free admission.
Other museums with reasonable admission fees include: the American Numismatic Assn. Money Museum - admission $5; Pike’s Peak Ghost Town Wild West Museum - $6.50; the World Figure Skating Museum - $5; and the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame & Museum of the American Cowboy - $6.
3. Then take a drive to North Cheyenne Canon Park. This 1600 acre park begins at the Stratton Reservoir on Mt. Almagre (also known as Mt. Baldy). Or drive to the Royal Gorge Bridge which has been named one of the 5 scariest bridges in the world.
4. Finally, spend a day at Historic Manitou Springs. The small town is only 4 miles from Colorado Springs and offers a number of attractions. Visit the Manitou Cliff Dwellings and spend the whole day experiencing the life of the Anasazi, dating back to 1200BC.
