Colorado Springs boasts a rich history waiting to be explored.
The city’s past comes alive through its many historical sites and landmarks. These places offer a glimpse into the area’s fascinating heritage.
Visitors can step back in time at sites like the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum and the Ghost Town Museum. These attractions showcase the city’s early days and the people who shaped its growth.
From gold rush artifacts to restored buildings, there’s plenty to see and learn.
The city also features historic homes and military sites. The Glen Eyrie Castle and Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site give tourists a taste of 19th-century life.
For those interested in military history, the Peterson Air and Space Museum provides an educational experience. These spots make Colorado Springs a great destination for history buffs and curious travelers alike.
Pikes Peak Region Historical Sites
The Pikes Peak region boasts several iconic natural and historic landmarks. These sites offer visitors a glimpse into the area’s rich history and stunning landscapes.
Pikes Peak
Pikes Peak stands tall at 14,115 feet, dominating the Colorado Springs skyline. This famous mountain was named after explorer Zebulon Pike in 1806.
Visitors can reach the summit by car, cog railway, or hiking trail.
The Pikes Peak Highway spans 19 miles of scenic beauty. Along the way, travelers spot diverse wildlife and take in breathtaking views.
At the top, a new visitor center opened in 2021. It features interactive exhibits about the mountain’s history and ecosystem.
The Pikes Peak Cog Railway, built in 1891, is another popular way to ascend. This historic train climbs over 7,500 feet in just over 3 hours.
The journey offers stunning vistas of forests, canyons, and the surrounding landscape.
Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods is a natural wonder known for its towering red rock formations. These unique sandstone structures date back over 300 million years.
The park covers 1,364 acres and offers free admission to visitors.
Popular activities include hiking, rock climbing, and horseback riding. The Visitor & Nature Center provides educational exhibits about the area’s geology and wildlife.
Guided nature walks teach guests about the park’s plant and animal life.
Notable formations include:
- Balanced Rock
- Kissing Camels
- Cathedral Spires
These striking red rocks against the backdrop of Pikes Peak create a photographer’s paradise. The park’s paved trails make it accessible for visitors of all abilities.
Manitou Springs Historic District
Manitou Springs, nestled at the foot of Pikes Peak, is known for its mineral springs and charming architecture. The town was founded in 1872 as a health resort. Today, it preserves much of its Victorian-era charm.
Visitors can sample water from eight public mineral springs throughout town. Each spring has a unique mineral content and flavor.
A free walking tour map guides guests to these historic fountains.
The downtown area features:
- Art galleries
- Unique shops
- Local restaurants
Manitou Springs Cliff Dwellings, located nearby, offer a glimpse into ancient Pueblo culture. These structures were built to resemble actual cliff dwellings found in southwest Colorado.
Military Landmarks
Colorado Springs has a rich military history. The city is home to several important military sites that showcase its strategic importance and contributions to national defense.
United States Air Force Academy
The Air Force Academy is a prestigious military institution. It trains future Air Force officers.
Visitors can tour parts of the campus. The Cadet Chapel is a striking example of modern architecture. Its 17 spires reach 150 feet into the sky.
The Barry Goldwater Visitor Center offers exhibits about cadet life. Guests can watch informative films about the Academy.
The Honor Court displays sculptures of Air Force heroes. On weekdays, visitors might see cadets marching in formation.
Fort Carson
Fort Carson is a large Army post south of Colorado Springs. It covers over 137,000 acres and is home to the 4th Infantry Division.
Visitors can explore the 4th Infantry Division Museum. It has tanks, helicopters, and other military vehicles on display.
The museum tells the story of the division from World War I to today. Exhibits show uniforms, weapons, and personal items from soldiers.
A memorial garden honors fallen troops. Fort Carson also hosts special events that are open to the public throughout the year.
Peterson Air & Space Museum
This museum is located on Peterson Space Force Base. It focuses on local aviation and space history.
The museum has both indoor and outdoor exhibits. Visitors can see aircraft from different eras, including a P-47 Thunderbolt from World War II.
The museum tells the story of Peterson Field during World War II. It also covers the Cold War era and modern space operations.
Exhibits explain how the base evolved into a key space defense facility. The museum is free to visit, but guests must get a pass at the base entrance.
Cultural Institutions
Colorado Springs has two notable museums that showcase its rich history and cultural heritage. These institutions offer visitors a chance to explore the city’s past and learn about its pioneering spirit.
Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum
The Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum is in the old El Paso County Courthouse. It opened in 1903 and tells the story of the Pikes Peak region.
Visitors can see exhibits on Native American culture, early settlers, and the gold rush.
The museum has over 60,000 objects in its collection. These include photos, documents, and artifacts.
One popular exhibit is about the Ute, Cheyenne, and Arapaho peoples. Another shows what life was like for early Colorado Springs residents.
Admission to the museum is free, and it’s open Tuesday through Saturday.
Penrose Heritage Museum
The Penrose Heritage Museum focuses on transportation history. It’s named after Spencer Penrose, a key figure in Colorado Springs’ development.
The museum has a large collection of carriages and cars. Visitors can see over 30 horse-drawn carriages that show how people traveled in the past.
The museum also has vintage race cars from the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.
A highlight is the “Pikes Peak Experience” exhibit. It uses videos and artifacts to tell the story of the famous race.
The museum is on the grounds of The Broadmoor hotel. Admission is free, and it’s open daily.
Historic Architecture
Colorado Springs boasts stunning examples of 19th and early 20th century architecture. These buildings showcase the city’s rich history and unique architectural styles.
Broadmoor Hotel
The Broadmoor Hotel opened in 1918 as a luxury resort. Its pink stucco exterior and Mediterranean Revival style make it stand out.
The hotel features grand ballrooms, ornate chandeliers, and intricate woodwork. Its sprawling grounds include manicured gardens and a lake.
Famous guests like presidents and Hollywood stars have stayed at the Broadmoor. The hotel continues to operate as an upscale resort today.
McAllister House Museum
Built in 1873, the McAllister House is one of Colorado Springs’ oldest homes. It showcases Carpenter Gothic architecture popular in the late 1800s.
The house features steep gables, decorative trim, and a wrap-around porch. Inside, period furnishings and artifacts show how the McAllister family lived.
Guided tours teach visitors about early Colorado Springs history. The museum hosts special events throughout the year to bring history to life.
Old Colorado City History Center
Old Colorado City was founded in 1859 during the Pikes Peak Gold Rush. The History Center preserves the area’s historic buildings and stories.
Visitors can explore a recreated 1800s general store, schoolroom, and homes. Exhibits showcase mining equipment, pioneer artifacts, and old photographs.
The center offers walking tours of Old Colorado City’s historic district. These highlight Victorian-era buildings and share tales of the town’s colorful past.
Religious Landmarks
Colorado Springs is home to several notable religious sites. These landmarks showcase the city’s spiritual heritage and architectural beauty.
Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun
The Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun sits atop Cheyenne Mountain. It was built in 1937 to honor the famous actor and humorist Will Rogers.
The shrine is a 100-foot tall tower made of native granite. Visitors can climb to the top for panoramic views of Colorado Springs and the surrounding area.
The shrine contains murals depicting Will Rogers’ life and career.
The site also serves as the final resting place for Spencer and Julie Penrose, who built the shrine. It’s open to the public daily and offers free admission.
St. Mary’s Cathedral
St. Mary’s Cathedral is the mother church of the Diocese of Colorado Springs. It was built in 1891 and features Gothic Revival architecture.
The cathedral’s exterior is made of red sandstone. Inside, visitors can admire stained glass windows and a pipe organ dating back to 1926.
St. Mary’s hosts regular masses and is open for tours. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
The cathedral’s bell tower stands 150 feet tall and houses four bells that ring out across downtown Colorado Springs.
Notable Figures and Residents
Colorado Springs honors two key historical figures with prominent statues. These memorials celebrate the city’s founders and early benefactors.
General William Jackson Palmer Statue
A bronze statue of General William Jackson Palmer stands in downtown Colorado Springs. Palmer founded the city in 1871.
The statue shows him on horseback, looking out over the city he created. Palmer helped build Colorado’s railroad system and donated land for parks and schools.
Dedicated in 1929, the statue sits in a small park. It’s a popular spot for photos. Visitors can read about Palmer’s life on a plaque nearby.
Spencer Penrose Statue
Spencer Penrose’s statue greets visitors at The Broadmoor hotel.
Penrose was a mining tycoon who shaped Colorado Springs in the early 1900s.
The bronze statue shows Penrose standing tall. He wears a suit and holds his signature hat.
Penrose built The Broadmoor in 1918. He also created the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and the Pikes Peak Highway.
Unveiled in 2014, the statue honors Penrose’s impact on tourism and development.
It stands as a reminder of his legacy in Colorado Springs.
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