Good Morning Travel Bugs!
Although Colorado consists of lots of hiking, there are plenty of things to do in Colorado and Colorado Springs specifically that are not up in the mountains on a long hike. These things may appeal to you if you are not an avid hiker or are just looking for a way to relax after your long hike in the morning.
Here are some of my favorite activities throughout Colorado Springs!
1. Manitou Springs
This is a great area with multiple souvenir shops, good restaurants, and lots of places to fuel your sweet tooth with some fudge. The area is not too large and is a great place to walk around and even just window shop. This is also the best place in all of Colorado Springs for souvenirs if you are visiting and looking for a sweatshirt, keychain, or mug.
2. Penny Arcade
This is in the Manitou Springs area and is so much for not only for the kiddos but for adults to channel their inner child as well.
3. Cliff Dwellings
This is also in the Manitou area and is a great outdoor activity that doesn’t require too much incline hiking. There is a hefty entrance fee though so not the best activity if you are on a budget or looking for something cheap.
4. Pike’s Peak
This is a 14er as those who are from Colorado call them. For those unaware, this means that the peak of the mountain has an elevation of 14,000 feet! If that isn’t crazy enough there are 58 in Colorado and many people seek out to hike to the top of all of them! This one is pretty cool though because, for those who aren’t able to hike or just simply don’t want to but would love the on top of the world feeling, you can drive to the top! There is a fee to drive to the top and oftentimes you aren’t able to drive to the tip-top due to high winds, so make sure that you call ahead of time and see if the road is open and what the weather conditions are.
5. Garden of Gods
This park is quite famous for Colorado Springs and is for sure a must-see! The park is completely free to park and walk around. While this requires some walking there are lots of places you can walk for a minute and have the most amazing views. It is also quite flat so it is more of a walk than a hike. You are also able to drive through and around the park but I highly recommend getting out and exploring.
6. Old Colorado City
This is another part of town that is great for shopping and dining. While Manitou Springs has plenty of souvenir shops Old Colorado City has more small boutiques and clothing stores.
7. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Not only is this zoo amazing for the animals, but it is on top of a mountain and you will have a great view of the city from the entire zoo. After the zoo, you are also able to drive to the Shrine of the Sun which has an amazing view of the mountains and the entire city.
8. Air Force Academy
Colorado in general has a strong military presence, but Colorado Springs is home to the Air Force Academy. This is a military school that is worth giving a peak. They offer tours and informational videos of life as a Cadet. Not to mention the stunning chapel and view of the mountains. It is mind-blowing to see and truly appreciate those who serve our country at such a young age.
9. Glen Erie Castle
This breathtaking castle is a great place for a picnic in the park and a tour of history. Surrounded by the mountains you simply can’t go wrong.
10. US Olympic and Paralympic Museum
This is a great museum if you need something to do indoors. It is super interactive and you can test out your own skills to see if you have any hidden talents that will be getting you to the Olympics in the next few years. There are a lot of digital activities to really engage in the different aspects of being an olympian. There are also tons of really cool relics and old Olympic metals throughout the years.
I hope that you have a wonderful time in the Springs and let me know if I missed anything that piqued your interest while visiting!
See You Soon
xoxo Gina
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