A- Overview:
Colorado Springs is located at the foot of Pike’s Peak, and the landscape is so amazing that it actually inspired the writing of “America the Beautiful.” Colorado Springs is full of history with lots of museums and attractions based on its pioneer heritage. It is located in the middle of some of the most beautiful land in America, and this is what really draws so many visitors to the city each year.
Pike’s Peak towers some 11,000 feet above sea level, and from its summit visitors can see all the way into the Great Plains. The Cave of Winds and the Garden of Gods are two of the most beautiful and spectacular natural attractions in the country. Skiing, hiking, fishing, and just sightseeing are always favorite activities here. The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and natural history museums in the city are filled with exhibits about this amazing environment.
Colorado Springs was once a pioneer town, which is reflected in its history. Museums and historic homes abound. Some of them focus on particular aspects of the history, such as one family, while others are more general. In addition to the numerous museums, the city has plentiful theme parks based on the pioneer life. These are both fun to see, and educational to enjoy. Colorado Springs has a fine arts center and various other galleries and art museums.
Visitors should plan to spend at least a few days exploring the beauties of Pike’s Peak, its ski resorts, hiking trails, and wildlife preserves. At the same time, they shouldn’t hesitate to take advantage of the great museums and theme parks that fill out the city below. Colorado Springs lives up to its reputation as a very popular destination because of its amazing mix of city life and natural beauty.
B- City Information:
Population: 360,890
Elevation: 6008 feet
County: El Paso
Land area: 185.7 square miles
Time Zone: Mountain Time zone: (When it is 11:00am in New York City; it is 9:00am in Colorado Springs.) Daylight saving time is observed from late April- late October)
Average weather in Colorado Springs, Colorado
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Average temp. (°F)
24.7
27.6
33.2
40.5
49.9
59.5
64.5
62.6
55.2
44.9
32.5
25.7
High temperature (°F)
38.5
41.7
47.0
54.2
63.6
74.6
79.6
77.0
70.0
59.6
46.2
39.5
Low temperature (°F)
10.9
13.5
19.3
26.8
36.2
44.4
49.4
48.2
40.4
30.1
18.8
11.9
Precipitation (in)
0.4
0.4
1.2
1.9
2.4
2.3
3.1
3.5
1.3
0.9
0.6
0.5
Normal climate around Colorado Springs, Colorado
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Days with precipitation
5
5
7
8
10
10
13
12
7
5
4
4
Wind speed (mph)
9.4
10.0
11.1
11.6
11.2
10.4
9.3
8.9
9.4
9.6
9.5
9.4
Morning humidity (%)
58
59
62
63
68
67
69
71
67
59
61
57
Afternoon humidity (%)
46
40
39
35
37
35
39
43
38
37
46
49
Sunshine (%)
75
74
74
74
73
78
79
78
80
79
72
71
Days clear of clouds
12
9
9
8
7
10
9
10
14
15
12
12
Partly cloudy days
8
8
9
10
12
12
15
13
8
8
8
8
Cloudy days
11
11
13
12
12
8
7
8
7
8
10
11
Snowfall (in)
5.2
4.8
9.3
6.7
1.5
0.0
0.0
0.0
1.0
3.4
5.4
5.1
National Holidays:
New Year’s Day Jan. 1
Martin Luther King, Jr., Day 3rd Mon. in Jan.
President’s Day 3rd Mon. in Feb.
Memorial Day last Mon. in May
Independence Day July 4
Labor Day 1st Mon. in Sept.
Thanksgiving Day 4th Thurs. in Nov.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Dec. 24 and 25
New Year’s Eve Dec. 31
Getting to Colorado Springs:
Arriving by Plane
Colorado Springs Airport, located north of Drennan Road and east of Powers Boulevard in the southeastern part of the city : 719/550-1972. Major airlines offer some 100 flights a day to and from this airport.
Arriving by Car
Visitors arriving on I-70 from the east can take exit 359 at Limon and follow U.S. 24 into the Springs. Arriving on I-70 from the west, the most direct route is exit 201 at Frisco, then Colo. 9 through Breckenridge 53 miles to U.S. 24 (at Hartsel), and then east 66 miles to the Springs. This route is mountainous, so check road conditions in winter.
Getting Around the Area
It is easy to get around central Colorado Springs, which is laid out on a classic grid pattern.
City street addresses are divided by Pikes Peak Avenue into north and south; by Nevada Avenue into east and west.
C- Attractions/Things To Do:
Royal Gorge Bridge
PO Box 549
Canon City, CO
719-275-7507
This is the world’s highest suspension bridge, built in 1929. Many choose to ride the trams along the top of the bridge, more than 2500 feet above the Arkansas River.
Seven Falls
PO Box 118
719-632-0765
Called the “Greatest Mile of Scenery in Colorado,” these falls include seven separate falls that splash down over 181 feet. A mile-long trail and a platform offer spectacular views of the falls.
Pike’s Peak Cog Railway
515 Ruxton Ave
Manitou Springs, CO
719-685-5401
This is the world’s highest cog railroad, bringing passengers up to 14,110 feet for more than 100 years. The scenery is breathtaking and was the inspiration for the song “America the Beautiful.”
Ghost Town Museum
400 S. 21st St.
719-634-0696
Visitors can relive the Wild West in this completely authentic town. Visit a sheriff’s office, jail, saloon, trading post and blacksmith shop.
Pike’s Peak
719-684-9383
Discovered in 1806, this mountain is one of the most beautiful and well-known places in the nation. Families can get to the top by cog rail, car or foot.
Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center
30 West Dale
719-634-5581
Constructed in 1936, the center is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Features include 19th and 20th century art, particularly southwestern and pioneer art.
Santa’s Workshop
Foot of Pike’s Peak
719-684-9432
Santa’s Workshop has been open since 1956 and guess what — it’s always Christmas here! The entire amusement park centers on the joys of Christmas, and there’s plenty to do for all ages.
Starsmore Discovery Center
2120 S. Cheyenne Canon Road
719-578-6146
This center was once a private mansion, but it is now an amazing hands-on center for kids. Dioramas, natural exhibits, bird watching and hand-on exhibits abound!
Mcallister House Museum
423 North Cascade Ave.
719-635-7925
This is one of the oldest homes in Colorado Springs, built in 1873. The house and its furnishings are filled with history, and the carriage house and gardens are especially recommended.
Western Museum of Mining and Industry
1025 North Gate Rd.
719-488-0880
This museum includes four buildings, and occupies more than 15,000 square feet. Featured exhibits include working steam pumps, engines, drills and mining equipment.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd
719-633-9925
The highest zoo in the United States, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo houses an incredibly diverse collection of more than 500 animals. It’s home to two of only 75 Mexican wolves alive today, as well as an incredible Primate World.
May Natural History Museum
710 Rock Creek Canyon
719-576-0450
This museum offers world-acclaimed displays, including one on insects and another on space exploration.
Cave of the Winds – Laser Canyon
PO Box 826
719-685-5444
The Cave of Winds tours are among the most amazing and beautiful cave tours in the world. Visitors can choose among a variety of tours, some lasting 45 minutes and others lasting for several hours.
United States Air Force Academy
HQ USAFA/PACV 2346 Academy Dr.
(719) 333-7746
The visitors’ center offers tours of the premier school for training members of the United States Air Force. Campus tours of the campus and various historical attractions about the Air Force are available.
World Figure Skating Museum
20 First St
719-635-5200
This museum is dedicated to the sport of figure skating, since Colorado Springs is one of the premier training centers for skating in the world. Exhibits focus on US and international skaters of distinction as well as the development of the sport.
Children’s Museum of Colorado Springs
750 Citadel Drive East, Suite 3116
719-574-0077
The Children’s Museum features exhibits and programs, including Small Wonders and “Health & Wellness”. Education and fun go hand in hand here.
D- Family Fun Attractions:
Royal Gorge Bridge
PO Box 549
Canon City, CO
719-275-7507
This is the world’s highest suspension bridge, built in 1929. Many choose to ride the trams along the top of the bridge, more than 2500 feet above the Arkansas River.
Seven Falls
PO Box 118
719-632-0765
Called the “Greatest Mile of Scenery in Colorado,” these falls include seven separate falls that splash down over 181 feet. A mile-long trail and a platform offer spectacular views of the falls.
Pike’s Peak Cog Railway
515 Ruxton Ave
Manitou Springs, CO
719-685-5401
This is the world’s highest cog railroad, bringing passengers up to 14,110 feet for more than 100 years. The scenery is breathtaking and was the inspiration for the song “America the Beautiful.”
Ghost Town Museum
400 S. 21st St.
719-634-0696
Visitors can relive the Wild West in this completely authentic town. Visit a sheriff’s office, jail, saloon, trading post and blacksmith shop.
Pike’s Peak
719-684-9383
Discovered in 1806, this mountain is one of the most beautiful and well-known places in the nation. Families can get to the top by cog rail, car or foot.
Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center
30 West Dale
719-634-5581
Constructed in 1936, the center is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Features include 19th and 20th century art, particularly southwestern and pioneer art.
Santa’s Workshop
Foot of Pike’s Peak
719-684-9432
Santa’s Workshop has been open since 1956 and guess what — it’s always Christmas here! The entire amusement park centers on the joys of Christmas, and there’s plenty to do for all ages.
Starsmore Discovery Center
2120 S. Cheyenne Canon Road
719-578-6146
This center was once a private mansion, but it is now an amazing hands-on center for kids. Dioramas, natural exhibits, bird watching and hand-on exhibits abound!
Mcallister House Museum
423 North Cascade Ave.
719-635-7925
This is one of the oldest homes in Colorado Springs, built in 1873. The house and its furnishings are filled with history, and the carriage house and gardens are especially recommended.
Western Museum of Mining and Industry
1025 North Gate Rd.
719-488-0880
This museum includes four buildings, and occupies more than 15,000 square feet. Featured exhibits include working steam pumps, engines, drills and mining equipment.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd
719-633-9925
The highest zoo in the United States, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo houses an incredibly diverse collection of more than 500 animals. It’s home to two of only 75 Mexican wolves alive today, as well as an incredible Primate World.
May Natural History Museum
710 Rock Creek Canyon
719-576-0450
This museum offers world-acclaimed displays, including one on insects and another on space exploration.
Cave of the Winds – Laser Canyon
PO Box 826
719-685-5444
The Cave of Winds tours are among the most amazing and beautiful cave tours in the world. Visitors can choose among a variety of tours, some lasting 45 minutes and others lasting for several hours.
United States Air Force Academy
HQ USAFA/PACV 2346 Academy Dr.
(719) 333-7746
The visitors’ center offers tours of the premier school for training members of the United States Air Force. Campus tours of the campus and various historical attractions about the Air Force are available.
World Figure Skating Museum
20 First St
719-635-5200
This museum is dedicated to the sport of figure skating, since Colorado Springs is one of the premier training centers for skating in the world. Exhibits focus on US and international skaters of distinction as well as the development of the sport.
Children’s Museum of Colorado Springs
750 Citadel Drive East, Suite 3116
719-574-0077
The Children’s Museum features exhibits and programs, including Small Wonders and “Health & Wellness”. Education and fun go hand in hand here.
E- Events & Entertainment:
January
February
Thursday, February 14 Valentine’s Day in Colorado Springs. This is the perfect day for a visit to the Garden of the Gods and for a romantic dinner at one of the area’s many fine restaurants.
May
First Weekend in May: Territory Days
Memorial Day in Colorado Springs: Special events for the whole family
June
First Weekend in June: Colorado Wine Festival
July
July 4 Annual Fireworks on Red Mountain in Aspen at Manitou Springs.
Third weekend in July: Pridefest
August
September
Labor Day Weekend : Colorado Balloon Classic at Memorial Park off Pikes Peak Avenue in Colorado Springs. Balloon spectacular with accompanying entertainment and concessions. Family event. Free admission.
October
Columbus Day Weekend in Colorado Springs
November
Thanksgiving in Colorado Springs. Enjoy opera, great food, and early Christmas shopping
December
First weekend in December: Festival of Lights Parade in Colorado Springs
First weekend in December: Electric Safari at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Second weekend in December: Holiday Parade in Manitou Springs
New Year’s Eve in Colorado Springs.