“O beautiful, for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain . . .”
Welcome to Colorado Springs, the second-largest city in Colorado and the inspiration for one of the most beloved songs in America. Katharine Lee Bates, a visiting professor at Colorado College in 1893, wrote these words that later became the song “America the Beautiful.” Though the poem (and song) address the beauty and spirit of the nation as a whole, it was written after she took in the vast views of Colorado, as seen from the summit of Pikes Peak.
In its inception, the city was situated on a barren prairie at the base of Pikes Peak, bisected by a creek that flowed from the north to the south and another that came in from the west and joined it. But the city’s founder, Gen. William J. Palmer, soon saw to it that trees were planted and neat plats laid out for homes, with broad streets bearing regional names like Wahsatch or Cache la Poudre. Trees grew, houses were built, and a downtown began to emerge with hotels, theaters, and public buildings. A city was born.
What drew many people to Colorado Springs initially was not only the natural beauty, but the climate—it was healthful and it felt good. Those things still draw new residents, as well as visitors, every year. It wasn’t a gold camp or a Wild West town, despite the fact that it was ringed by ranches, farms, and mining towns, but instead it was an oasis of refinement and culture in a sea of roughness.
Many military men and women have been stationed here over the years, and many decided to make this their home when they retired. The city also has had a long history of clean industry, particularly micro-technology, bringing workers from other states here. A number of sports organizations and Christian ministries have their corporate headquarters here, too. It’s an outdoorsy kind of town, with lots of natural diversions. It has good schools and a clean environment and a low crime rate, which makes it a great place to raise a family. So it has many ways to appeal to many groups of people, and they merge here, at the base of America’s mountain, to pursue the quality of life we all want.
You can’t really say you’ve visited the Pikes Peak region without ascending Pikes Peak! And no one should miss the stunning red sandstone spires and formations of Garden of the Gods, a city park at the foot of the mountain. The city also is home to the nation’s only mountain zoological park, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, where you can hop on a Sky Ride that overlooks the zoo and the city below.
The US Olympic Training Center also is here, with world-class athletes in a variety of sports practicing year round. The ProRodeo Hall of Fame honors athletes of the Western kind. The US Air Force Academy also draws hordes of visitors each year to its visitor center and architecturally famous Cadet Chapel.
Nearby towns also offer a grand variety of attractions. Manitou Springs has one of the nation’s oldest amusement arcades (got a nickel?), and Cripple Creek, west of Pikes Peak, recalls the area’s rich mining history with museums and mine tours. It’s also home to the resurrected pastime of legalized gambling (and you’ll need more than a nickel).
Cañon City, about an hour southwest of Colorado Springs, has many attractions, including a scenic railroad and the Royal Gorge with its world-famous suspension bridge.
You can see wild animals, or take a wild ride on a river. Hike, bike, and climb to your heart’s content. Learn local history and explore a cave. Outdoors stuff rules here, but there are indoor amusements, too.
There truly is something for everyone.
Tourists love the Pikes Peak region for the scenery and attractions, and that makes it easy for parents. Any time of year, there is more to choose from than the usual suspects when talking activities for kids.
First, Colorado Springs has more than its fair share of arcades, from laser tag to bumper cars. There are also great attractions, including a world-class zoo, cave exploring, visits to Santa, and trips on a narrow-gauge railroad.
The natural world is a big draw here, too, with a number of terrific nature centers catering to programs and activities for kids. Whether it’s about bugs, butterflies, or dinosaurs, kids can really get into it in Colorado Springs. For those who’d rather do than see, there also are places to get your hands dirty picking apples or discovering urban farming.
For the artsy types, singing, dance, and art programs are available throughout the region. Or for those who’d rather expend muscle energy, kids can ski in the winter, run in the many parks in the summer, or skate on just about any surface any time of year. There’s something for every kid, every budget, and every season. So whether you’ve lived here for a lifetime or are just visiting for a quick weekend, pack up the kids and head out on a treasure hunt of great things to do in Colorado Springs and beyond.
Colorado is truly an amazing place. No matter which direction you go from the Pikes Peak region, the scenery is stunning, food tends to be excellent, and there are more activities to choose from than can be done in a day or weekend. From world-class skiing to relaxing in a vapor cave to boutique shopping, Colorado has it all. It is a tourist destination extraordinaire, and almost every corner of the state is set up to pamper and entertain anyone who visits.
New Mexico is a short jaunt away, and many choose to drive south for something with a little more Southwest flair. Both Taos and Santa Fe can be reached in a half day’s drive, and each is a unique, refreshing dose of the land of enchantment.
Colorado is probably best known for the ski areas, but travelers can get as much (or more) satisfaction around the state in summer and fall. Spring tends to be unsettled: snow, sun, flowers, more snow . . . But no matter what time of year, Colorado and the surrounding area is the perfect travel choice.