Manitou Springs ColoradoATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Manitou Springs, Colorado.
1. Cave of the Winds Mountain Park
UNDERGROUND ADVENTURE AWAITS
Cave of the Winds Mountain Park is a premier Colorado attraction discovered in 1881 that has been drawing visitors for more than a century. Visitors can explore amazing caverns, experience total cave darkness, and marvel at the beauty of natural formations. The park combines natural wonder with adventure activities for all ages.
2. Manitou Springs Incline
CHALLENGING MOUNTAIN CLIMB
The Manitou Springs Incline is a strenuous hiking trail with parts reaching a 68% grade and railroad ties as much as 2 feet apart. This popular fitness challenge attracts outdoor enthusiasts seeking a rigorous workout with breathtaking views. The incline offers a unique hiking experience that tests endurance while rewarding climbers with panoramic vistas.
3. Miramont Castle Museum
VICTORIAN HISTORIC LANDMARK
Miramont Castle Museum is a historical residence featuring diverse exhibits and a history-rich ambiance. The 30-room Victorian castle offers self-guided tours through a Manitou National Historic Landmark. Visitors can complete their experience with lunch or high tea in the Queen's Parlour Tea Room.
4. Manitou Cliff Dwellings
ANCIENT INDIGENOUS ARCHITECTURE
Manitou Cliff Dwellings provides visitors with a glimpse into ancient indigenous architectural history. These preserved cliff dwellings allow guests to explore and learn about the lives of ancestral Puebloan people. The site combines educational exhibits with hands-on exploration opportunities in a unique historical setting.
5. Ruxton's Trading Post
NATIVE AMERICAN ARTIFACTS
Ruxton's Trading Post sells cowboy and Indian antiques, collectibles, and Native American art in downtown Manitou Springs. Located on Ruxton Avenue, this shop offers authentic pieces of Western heritage and culture. Visitors can browse unique items that celebrate the region's rich history and indigenous artistic traditions.
6. Barr Trail to Pikes Peak
SCENIC MOUNTAIN HIKE
Barr Trail to Pikes Peak offers hikers a challenging but rewarding path to one of America's most famous mountains. The trail provides spectacular views of the surrounding landscape as it winds its way up to the summit. Outdoor enthusiasts can experience the diverse ecosystems and natural beauty of the Colorado mountains along this historic route.
7. Arcade Amusements, Inc.
VINTAGE GAMING FUN
Arcade Amusements, Inc. provides visitors with a nostalgic gaming experience in the heart of Manitou Springs. The arcade features a collection of both classic and modern games suitable for all ages. Families and individuals alike can enjoy a playful atmosphere filled with the sights and sounds of traditional arcade entertainment.
8. Manitou Springs Memorial Park
PEACEFUL URBAN GREENSPACE
Manitou Springs Memorial Park offers residents and visitors a tranquil retreat within the town's bustling atmosphere. The park features open spaces, recreational facilities, and beautiful mountain views. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities, relax in natural surroundings, or attend one of the many community events hosted in this central gathering place.
9. Broadmoor Manitou Pikes Peak Cog Railway
HISTORIC MOUNTAIN RAILWAY
The Broadmoor Manitou Pikes Peak Cog Railway takes visitors on a scenic journey to the summit of Pikes Peak. This historic railway has been carrying passengers up the mountain since the late 19th century. Riders experience breathtaking views and changing ecosystems during the climb to one of Colorado's most famous peaks.
10. The Olive Tap
GOURMET OIL BOUTIQUE
The Olive Tap is a unique specialty shop in Manitou Springs offering a variety of high-quality olive oils and vinegars. Customers can sample and learn about different flavors and culinary applications of these gourmet products. The store provides a sensory shopping experience that appeals to food enthusiasts and home cooks seeking premium ingredients.
11. Garden of the Gods Trading Post
ARTISAN CRAFTS SHOP
The Garden of the Gods Trading Post features one-of-a-kind handmade items, jewelry, souvenirs, and more near Manitou Springs. This historic trading post has been serving visitors to the region for generations with its diverse selection of locally-made goods. Shoppers can find authentic Colorado crafts and mementos while enjoying the scenic setting near the famous rock formations.
12. Mona Lisa Fondue Restaurant
ROMANTIC DINING EXPERIENCE
Mona Lisa Fondue Restaurant offers a romantic dining atmosphere for couples looking for a special evening in Manitou Springs. The restaurant specializes in interactive fondue dining with multiple courses and flavor combinations. Guests enjoy a leisurely, social dining experience in an elegant setting that makes any occasion memorable.
13. The Cliff House at Pikes Peak
HISTORIC LUXURY DINING
The Cliff House at Pikes Peak houses upscale restaurants providing a refined dining experience in a historic setting. Dating back to the 19th century, this establishment combines Victorian elegance with contemporary cuisine. Diners can enjoy exceptional food while surrounded by the charm and ambiance of one of Manitou Springs' most storied buildings.
14. Iron Springs Chateau Melodrama Theater
HISTORIC ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
The Iron Springs Chateau Melodrama Theater is an established tourist attraction and historic landmark located at the base of Pikes Peak. This theater offers entertaining melodrama performances that encourage audience participation in a traditional format. Visitors can experience a unique form of theatrical entertainment that has delighted guests for generations in this charming venue.
15. Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site
LIVING HISTORY FARM
Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site is an educational, non-profit living history farm and museum near Manitou Springs. The site depicts life in the Pikes Peak region across four time periods: American Indian area in 1775, 1860's Galloway Homestead, 1880's Chambers Home and Ranch, and 1907 Edwardian Country Estate. Visitors can experience authentic historical reenactments and learn about the region's rich cultural heritage through interactive exhibits and demonstrations.