Colorado Springs is the second most populated city in the state, with around 420,000 people. It sits near the base of Pikes Peak, one of America’s most iconic mountains. The town is located about an hour south of Denver.
The Springs is a big city with a small town feel. It’s often rated as one of the country’s best cities to live in. The downtown area is lined with all types of shopping, dining, entertainment and history.
History

The city was founded in 1871 by General William Palmer, a Civil War General and a surveyor with the Kansas Pacific Railroad. Many claim it was named for the springs fountain on Monument Creek, north of town (which were destroyed in a 1935 flood, in present day Monument Valley Park).
Another source says COS was actually named for the springs found in Manitou Springs. You can go on a free self-guided walking tour of the mineral water springs in Manitou , and even drink from the eight fountains.
Palmer was responsible for selecting possible railroad routes south of Denver to be strategically occupied. The stunning mountain scenery and nearby Garden of the Gods made the Pikes Peak area perfect. His intention was to create an upscale resort community along the railroad.
Colorado Springs is situated in the Pikes Peak region. The place was named after the American explorer Zebulon Pike after his group attempted to reach the Pikes Peak summit. Unfortunately, they were not able to cross the mountain because of insufficient materials and gears. Nonetheless, the region has become a lively town because of its natural resources.
Later on, in the 1890s, gold was discovered in the area. Almost overnight, the town has transformed from a cattle pasture, minor settlement area, to home of 50,000 people. Because of the success of the gold rush, the city was dubbed “the city of millionaires.”
Read about the best neighborhoods in Colorado Springs.
Main Attractions

Air Force Academy – The giant campus is situated at the base of the Rocky Mountains and can be seen from I-70, north of town. You can take self guided tours of the academy, daily from 9am to 5pm.
Broadmoor Hotel – A sprawling, five star hotel with numerous first-class restaurants, golf courses and spas. It’s centered around Cheyenne Lake. It originally opened in 1891 as a gambling casino and was transformed into a world-class hotel & resort in 1918.
Olympic Training Center – Home to current Olympians, the campus is able to provide housing, dining and training facilities for more than 500 athletes and coaches. The 35 acre complex is located within minutes from downtown. Guided tours are available year round.
Recreation

Camping:
- Cheyenne Mountain offers 51 full hook-up RV sites and 10 walk-in tent sites. It’s open year round.
Read about the camping near Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Region.
Hiking:
- Multi-use trails at Cheyenne Mountain State Park are open to hiking and biking, but no pets.
- Garden of the Gods has designated trails through the forest and jagged sand stones.
- Read our five favorite hikes in Colorado Springs .
Accommodations
- Read about the best hotels in Colorado Springs.
- Read about the luxury 4 & 5 star hotels in Colorado Springs.
- Read about the top bed and breakfast in Colorado Springs.
- Read about the cabins to rent near Colorado Springs.
The Antlers – This is a luxury 4 star Wyndham Hotel located in the heart of town. It’s walking distance to shopping, dining and attractions.
The Broadmoor – The premiere 5 star hotel in town has a long rich history in Colorado Springs. Stop by for the multiple fine dining restaurants inside.
Emerald Valley Ranch – Luxury dude ranch that’s associated with the Broadmoor. This is true upscale Old West ambiance.
Glen Eyrie Castle – Stay like royalty inside the castle walls. Choose from 17 individually decorated rooms in the historic Glen Eyrie Castle. Guided public tours of the facilities are available as well.
Dining

Bars and restaurants:
- The Airplane Restaurant – An iconic dining experience inside an intact Boeing KC-97. It’s located near the Colorado Springs Airport, and open daily for lunch and dinner.
- Read about the Fine Dining Restaurants around Colorado Springs.
- Read about the 10 Best Steakhouses in Colorado Springs.
- Read where to Imbibe at the Best Craft Breweries in Colorado Springs.
- Read about the Best Cheap Eats in Colorado Springs.
Special Events
Feb – CSCCI Chinese New Year Festival – Annual celebration of the Chinese New Year and the twelve animal zodiacs, held in early February.
Jul – Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo – Historic four day championship rodeo event held annually since 1950 in mid July.
Jul – Springs Beer Fest – Afternoon of craft beer, food vendors and live music in America The Beautiful Park, held in mid July.
Aug – Steers and Beers Whiskey and Beer Festival – Annual summer Saturday of whiskey and craft beer since 2016, held in mid August.
Nov – All Colorado Beer Festival – Mid fall festival celebrating Colorado’s mission to be the best beer making state in the nation. Some proceeds go to charity.
Nov – Colorado Country Christmas Gift Show – This annual event is held over two weekends, the second of which is at the Colorado Springs Event Center in mid November. Explore the more than 250 booths of arts, crafts and gifts from local vendors.
Activities near Colorado Springs
Amusement:
Casinos:
- Cripple Creek (45mi)
Dining:
Escape Rooms:
Federal Lands:
Hiking:
Hot Springs:
- SunWater Spa (6mi)
Ice Skating:
Landmarks:
- Air Force Academy
- Garden Of The Gods
- Glen Eyrie Castle
- Miramont Castle Museum (6mi)
- Olympic Training Center
- Peterson Air Force Base
- Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun
Made in Colorado:
Museums:
- ANA Money Museum
- Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center
- Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum
- Dinosaur Resource Center (19mi)
- Dragon Man’s Military Museum
- Ghost Town Musuem (3mi)
- Manitou Cliff Dwellings (6mi)
- May Natural History Museum
- Miramont Castle Museum
- National Museum of World War II Aviation
- Old Colorado City History Center
- Penrose Heritage Museum
- Peterson Air & Space Museum (8mi)
- Pikes Peak Museum (18mi)
- Pikes Peak Trolley Museum
- Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame
- Play Street Museum
- Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center (16m)
- Rocky Mountain Motorcycle Museum
- US Olympic & Paralympic Museum
- Western Museum of Mining
- World Figure Skating Museum
Paintball:
Performing Arts:
- The Black Sheep Rocks
- Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center
- Cottonwood Center for the Arts
- Flying W Ranch (7mi)
- Loonees Comedy Club
- Stargazers Theater
Public Parks:
- Acacia Park
- America the Beautiful Park
- Bear Creek Regional Park
- Crystal Creek Reservoir (16mi)
- Memorial Park
- North Cheyenne Canon Park
- North Slope Recreation Area (16mi)
- Paint Mines Interpretive Park (37mi)
- Palmer Park
- Quail Lake Park (4mi)
- Red Rock Canyon Open Space
- Ute Valley Park
Railroads:
- Pikes Peak Cog Railway (7mi)
Rock Climbing:
Scenic Drives:
Shopping:
- Broadmoor Towne Center
- Chapel Hills Mall
- Cheyenne Mountain Shopping Center
- The Citadel Mall
- First and Main Town Center
- University Village Colorado
Speedways:
State Parks:
State Wildlife Areas:
- Beaver Creek SWA (24mi)
- Penrose-Rosemont Reservoir (16mi)
Towns:
- Calhan (34mi)
- Cañon City (46mi)
- Cascade (10mi)
- Castle Rock (40mi)
- Cripple Creek (45mi)
- Denver (68mi)
- Divide (26mi)
- Florissant (34mi)
- Fountain (13mi)
- Green Mountain Falls (15mi)
- Hartsel (64mi)
- Lake George (38mi)
- Larkspur (32mi)
- Manitou Springs (6mi)
- Monument (20mi)
- Old Colorado City (2mi)
- Palmer Lake (23mi)
- Penrose (33mi)
- Pueblo (43mi)
- Security-Widefield (8mi)
- Woodland Park (19mi)
Transportation:
Waterfalls:
- Helen Hunt Falls (7mi)
- Rainbow Falls (5mi)
- Seven Falls (4mi)
Wildlife:
- Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (5mi)
Latest in Colorado Springs

Best Cheap Eats in Colorado Springs
Dining out in Colorado Springs is always a treat, but restaurant prices can be hard on…

10 Best Steakhouses in Colorado Springs
Now and then most of us have a craving to get our hands on a nice…

Wondrous Winter Road Trips In Colorado
Road tripping is an American pastime, and road tripping in Colorado should be too. Year round…

Best Cabins to Rent by Colorado Springs
Resting in the shadows of Pikes Peak, the Southern Rockies most popular mountain peak, Colorado Springs…

The Coolest Murals in Colorado Springs
The art scene in Colorado Springs has flourished over the last few years, spurred on in…

Top 9 Blissful B&Bs in Colorado Springs
Quaint and charming are two words often used to describe Colorado Springs, and bed and breakfast…

Deck the Halls at these Colorado Springs Holiday Events
Cheerful tidings! The holidays in Colorado are always a wonderful experience, and visiting Colorado Springs during…
Deck the Halls at these Colorado Springs Holiday EventsRead More

9 Fishing Spots near Colorado Springs
If you find yourself in the Colorado Springs area with an uncompromising desire to fish nearby,…

10 Touristy Colorado Springs Area Attractions
Colorado Springs sprawls over two hundred square miles in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains, the…

5 Spectacular State Parks near Colorado Springs
No matter how you like to take in the great outdoors, from conquering a mountain to…

Colorado’s Front Range––Much More Than Big Cities
Spend any amount of time in Colorado, and you’re likely to come across the term “Front…

5 Dazzling Hikes by Colorado Springs
The natural beauty of Colorado Springs invited explorers to the base of Pike’s Peak in the…

6 Incredible Day Hikes Close to Denver
Imagine an incredible adventure hiking in the Rockies with the brilliant blue sky, whispers of wildflowers,…

4th of July Firework Shows in Colorado
Celebrate the 244th anniversary of our nation’s birthday with these 4th-of-July firework displays in Colorado by…

5 Historical Figures That Transformed Colorado and Beyond
From personalities that continue to inspire to those who met tragically predictable ends, Colorado has been…
5 Historical Figures That Transformed Colorado and BeyondRead More

Camping near Colorado Springs and Fountain, around the Pikes Peak Region
With all of the major tourist attractions around Colorado Springs, it’s probably wise spending a night…
Camping near Colorado Springs and Fountain, around the Pikes Peak RegionRead More

Relish these 7 Public Parks of Colorado Springs
Experience the wide open spaces and amazing views of Pikes Peak as you explore the impressive…

5 Wondrous Waterfalls by The Springs
If you’re looking for a fabulous waterfall hike, there are several in the Colorado Springs area…

Top 4 & 5 Star Hotels in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs is a fascinating city to visit anytime of year, with loads of notorious tourist…

The Best Free Activities All Year ‘Round Colorado Springs
If you’re on a budget, Colorado Springs is a prime place to travel. There are a…
The Best Free Activities All Year ‘Round Colorado SpringsRead More