Colorado Springs, home to Senior Lifestyle’s Liberty Heights community, is filled with natural wonders and beautiful sights to see. Seniors and people of all ages find a wide variety of activities if you’re looking for what to do in Colorado Springs.
The area was first populated by the Arapaho, Cheyenne and Ute tribes, but they eventually yielded to the French, Spanish and Americans. The first permanent settlement was established in 1859, and as the railroads arrived in 1871, the city became a popular tourism location.
From Pikes Peak to the Garden of the Gods and places in between, there are hikes, museums, attractions and more fun things to do in Colorado Springs.
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12 Best Things To Do in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs and the surrounding area are loaded with things to do. Here are the top 12 Colorado Springs tourist attractions.
1. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Recently named the 4th Best Zoo in North America by USA Today, this zoo is the highest in the nation, at 6,714 feet above sea level.
Along with exhibits of Asian, African, Australian and Rocky Mountain animals, “America’s Mountain Zoo” offers special experiences with meeting and feeding animals, connecting with keepers, and much more.
2. Edward C. Rochette Money Museum
This museum is the largest in the United States devoted to coin collecting. It’s named after a long-time collector and officer of the American Numismatic Association.
The museum’s three galleries explore the art, history and science of money. Money rarities and a history of the United States through its currency are featured exhibits at this museum.
3. Flying W Ranch
The Flying W began as a cattle ranch in 1947 and continues to embody the spirit of the Old West with experiences for visitors.
The ranch features Old West demonstrations with horse shoeing, Navajo rug weaving and silversmithing. Surrounding the ranch are rock formations, hiking trails and ranch animals. Finish the day with a real-life chuckwagon dinner followed by a stage show by the Flying W Wranglers.
4. Garden of the Gods
Dramatic sandstone formations reaching 300 feet mark the Garden of the Gods Park, a registered National Natural Landmark. The park and its accompanying visitor center and museum is the most visited attraction in the region.
Nature walks, photography tours, horseback riding, biking and other activities are available for tourists. The museum features exhibits on the local geology, plants and animals of the area, and the people and history of the Garden of the Gods.
5. Manitou Cliff Dwellings
The stunning abodes of ancient cliff dwellers and two museums covering the history of the area comprise the Manitou Cliff Dwellings in nearby Manitou Springs.
These pueblo ruins, which date back from 800 to 1,000 years old, are fully explorable by visitors, a hands-on experience connecting to the past Native American culture of the Pikes Peak area.
6. Manitou Mineral Springs
Eight mineral springs are open to the public in Manitou Springs, each with its own unique water experience. Native Americans in the area believed in the spiritual powers of the mineral springs and their healing medicinal waters.
Walking tours of the springs are available every Saturday throughout the summer, and detailed maps and sampling cups for water tasting are supplied.
7. Miramont Castle
The Miramont Castle, with unusual architecture and hidden passageways, is supposedly haunted. Rooms are set up with exhibits featuring works of art, war memorabilia and firefighting artifacts.
The former residence in Manitou Springs is now open to visitors and features a museum. A tea room serves High Tea, a multi-course Victorian Era tea, and lunches.
8. National Museum of World War II Aviation
This museum tells the role of military aviation in the emergence of the United States as a world power in World War II.
The museum features 28 fully restored flying aircraft and 4,000 exhibits in a 40,000-square-foot hangar. Self-guided and docent-led tours are available to visitors.
9. Old Colorado City
Colorado City was the state’s original capital, and its Old West tradition is continued with art galleries, boutiques and restaurants in a tree-lined downtown.
A self-guided walking tour of the old town is available both on the Shop Colorado City website or through an app that you can download to your phone.
10. Pikes Peak
This site, known as America’s Mountain, offers a clear view of five states (Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico and Utah) from the summit’s viewing areas.
A historic railway is one way to visit the area, along with a 19-mile road to the top. Biking, fishing and hiking are available nearby, as are shopping opportunities and scenic photographic stops.
11. U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center
This training center for Olympic athletes of all abilities gives tours of the complex. The center is available for events and offers sport camps in basketball, volleyball, swimming and more for all ages.
A Team USA shop on the campus features a variety of Olympic, Paralympic and sport-specific merchandise.
12. United States Air Force Academy
Outside the edge of Colorado Springs lies the United States Air Force Academy. The academy offers tours to visitors, with stops at Falcon Stadium, a planetarium and the famous Cadet Chapel.
The academy’s Barry Goldwater Visitor Center features exhibits about cadet life and a film about the U.S. Air Force Academy experience and a gift shop.
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Experience Leisurely Mountain Living at Liberty Heights
The cool mountain air and crisp, clean skies welcome you to Liberty Heights in Colorado Springs. You’ll find an active, beautiful life in this breathtaking mountain town.
Choose independent living, assisted living or memory care as you live a life free of everyday cares in the Colorado mountains. Find out more about Liberty Heights or schedule a tour today.