Value City Rating: $$$
The US Air Force Academy: The Air Force Academy is Colorado’s most frequently visited man made attraction. Highlights of your visit will include touring the Visitor’s Center, the Planetarium, the Cadet Field House, and the beautiful Cadet Chapel near where cadets march in their inspiring Noon Formation. At a lovely scenic overlook off North Gate Road you’ll view Diamond Lil, the B52 Bomber.
Garden of the Gods: One of the most photographed sites in the United States. Located in area northwest of Colorado Springs previously occupied by the Pueblo and Navajo Indians. Garden of the Gods is a 1,300 acre park is a Registered Natural Landmark. Here, where the Great Plains meet the Rockies you will find fantastic red rock formations that tell a unique geological tale and an abundance of wildlife, flora and fauna. The Visitor’s Center Museum and Trading Post is worth the trip. Don’t miss this attraction.
Royal Gorge Bridge and Park: The Royal Gorge some 60 miles south of Colorado Springs is one of America’s most spectacular attractions and is home to the world’s highest suspension bridge, spanning the Arkansas River at a height of 1,053 feet. You can also go to the bottom of the gorge on the world’s steepest incline railway, or glide across the gorge on an aerial tramway.
Pike’s Peak: Ride to the clouds! Board the Cog Railway for a trip you’ll never forget. The Cog Railway is nine miles long and climbs to 14,110 feet passing through a panorama of breath-taking scenery. The train emerges from a sea of quaking aspens at the 11,578 foot level into the barren stretches of timberline. From the top you can see the red rocks of the Garden of the Gods miles below. On a clear day you can see Denver, some 75 miles to the north. This is the one thing in Colorado that you don’t want to miss! If you have heart or respiratory problems check with your physician before making the assent.
Flying W Ranch: If you’ve ever dreamed about cowboys and Indians, covered wagons and chuckwagon suppers, this is the place for you. The Flying W offers its famous hospitality and entertainment in a romantic mountain setting. Enjoy a stroll through the authentic western town before supper. It’s like going back to the 1800’s. After a delicious meal sit back and be entertained by the Flying W Wranglers. This is a great Friday evening activity.
Cripple Creek: What’s left of the Old West. An authentic old west town that has kept itself alive by tradition and casinos. The most famous building in Cripple Creek is the old “House of Commercial Affection”, no longer in business. For an evening of games and entertainment and spectacular mountain scenery along the way, this is a great evening trip.
Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine: Step back 100 years and discover “The Richest Gold Camp on Earth” by touring two historic gold mine treasures of the “World’s Greatest Gold Camp” in Cripple Creek. Witness gold mining history. Tour the only vertical shaft gold mine tour in the United States, 1,000 feet underground. A perfect addition to a Cripple Creek gaming trip.
The Olympic Complex, former home of ENT Air Force Base and the headquarters of the North American Defense Command, officially became USOC administrative headquarters in July 1978. In October 1996 and April 1997, the USOC officially dedicated and opened its new $23.8 million, Phase II facilities-a state-of-the-art sports medicine and sport science center, an athlete center, which includes a dining hall and two residence halls. The USOC is able to provide housing, dining, recreational facilities and other services for up to 557 coaches and athletes at one time on the complex. The Olympic Visitor Center is the primary support facility serving the general public and providing information about the USOC, U.S. Olympic Training Centers and the Olympic Movement. The $8 million building includes the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame, and indoor reception area, and Olympic retail store and a 225-seat auditorium.
Free public tours are conducted daily on a year-round basis by the USOC Tour Program staff and the U.S. Olympic Spirit Store offers Olympic sports merchandise and gift items unavailable elsewhere. The tour includes a walk a long the Irwin Belk Olympic Path and visits to the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame rotunda and roof-top terrace with an Olympic flame display, which offers panoramic views of the entire complex and beautiful Colorado Springs.
Seven Falls: Called the “Grandest Mile of Scenery in Colorado.” Seven Falls, located in south Cheyenne Canyon highlights seven separate falls as they splash and tumble 181 feet down a sheer granite cliff. Alongside the falls a 224 step stairway leads to a nature train and a panoramic overlook. A mountain elevator transports visitors to the Eagle’s Nest observation platform.
Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame: To some, rodeo is a sport; to others, a business. Either way it is the only major competitive sport to evolve from a working lifestyle. This is the only museum in the world devoted to this sport. Live rodeo animals, the Hall of Fame Gallery, two multi-media shows and art exhibits await the visitor.
Manitou Springs: Hidden between the Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak, America’s most famous mountain, lies the magical town of Manitou Springs. "Manitou," a Native American word for "spirit," describes this beautiful mountain community. Nine named mineral springs throughout town are fed by the snows of Pikes Peak. Long before white men traveled here, the Ute, Cheyenne and many other natives considered this area sacred. Seems like every few blocks there is an awful tasting spring - a glass full will cure whatever ails you!
Western Museum of Mining and Industry: Explore Colorado’s rich and colorful mining past. Find out what’s happening in mining today,. How does it compare to yesteryear? The museum’s 27-acre site includes four exhibit buildings. You can learn to pan for gold here and see how turn-of-the-century miners timbered, drilled, blasted, mucked and moved ore from the mine to the stamp mill where the ore was crushed and processed. This is a must see for old west fans.
One hundred twenty years have passed since John and George Pickett of Colorado Springs squeezed through a dusty hole to discover a pristine cavern full of mystery and adventure. Using candles to illuminate their way, the Pickett boys and their Boys Exploring Association were the first to see the wonders of inner Cave of the Winds, today one of the most popular privately owned commercial caves in the United States.
An easy, relaxing walk, the Discovery Tour is offered year round. Whatever the temperature outside, it's always a comfortable 54 degrees inside Cave of the Winds.