Its the kind of top 10 destinations that youll fondly remember long after you return home and make a scrapbook from your vacation days. Hot Springs, Stay on site in a Cottonwood Creek-side cabin or the lodge right in the Collegiate Peaks mountains or just come for the day. And you don't have to stray too far from Colorado Springs to get a good look at them from a hiking or biking trail. Its one of the most fun things to do in Colorado Springs for visitors of all types, so put on your spurs, prepare your lassos and get ready for a great time! This publicly operated indoor pool has room for laps, fitness classes, arthritis pool therapy, a water slide and other activities. Celebrating its 140th birthday in 2019, Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort is a long-standing favorite with Coloradans. The most popular is Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, Lodge . The Norwegians stole the show and awed the crowd with their ski jump exhibition,markingthe first-ever ski jump competition west of the Mississippi River and adding to the rich skiing heritage of Hot Sulphur Springs. 17 Best Things to Do in Colorado| Colorado.com If youre wondering what to do while in Colorado Springs, do it all with the help of Rocky Mountain Food Tours. Designated a National Natural Landmark in 1971, the gorgeous vein of red sandstone at the park is about 290 million years old, and its mountain backdrop is particularly striking. This San Luis Valley gem pulls its 140-degree artesian mineral waters from beneath the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Detailed exhibits at the National Museum of World War II Aviation trace the development of aviation as well as the role it played before and during World War II, with a particular focus on American aviation. Adults can enjoy a blast from the past with old-school vintage arcade games. When youre done taking in the show, stick around for a tour of the marionette museum, or shop for dolls, art prints and other souvenirs from the gift shop. Outdoor enthusiasts say the park is a wonderful place to spend time. See All 10 Things To Do in Colorado Springs. Open year-round, this outdoor facility features a family pool and therapy pool just 20 miles from Alamosa. Or, if you're looking for a more authentic Wild West experience, you can reserve your spot on a guided horseback tour offered by Academy Riding Stables. If youre wondering what to do while on a budget in Colorado Springs, the Colorado Farm and Art Market might be an option for you. This list is more tailored to the best things to do in Pagosa Springs during Spring, Summer, or Fall with a list of our favorite hikes, waterfalls, hot springs, lakes, and art studios to explore when visiting Pagosa Springs, CO. Planning your trip to Pagosa Springs soon? Listed as America's only zoo set on a mountain, it's as remarkable for its . Are you looking to warm up on a cold winters day? Get a free Colorado national park trip planner for inspiring itineraries and essential information. A champagne toast is included with every ride. Today, it is home to the worlds largest hot springs pool, complete with water slides, a kiddy pool, a spa and 107-room lodge. Learn More. Why not check out some of the best things to do in Boulder, CO & some of the fun things to do in Fort Collins? Have you ever ice-climbed up a frozen mountain pass that resembles a waterfall? Sitting about 4 miles northwest of downtown Colorado Springsalong Highway 24 (right before you reachManitou Springs), Red Rock Canyon has contributed to the area's scenic landscape since 7000 B.C. Additionally, 20 restored aircraft are located on-site for visitors to view, including a P-47 Thunderbolt and P-38 Lightning. Theres a reason Colorado Springs is one of the most beautiful places to go in the US. 1. Weather conditions can be closely tied with health-related pains and outdoor activities. Alternatively, you can get up close to Royal Gorge with a thrilling guided Via Ferrata excursion, where you'll climb steel rungs drilled into rock walls while harnessed and clipped into cables (inexperienced rock climbers are welcome). Its an interactive, hands-on type of museum that encourages discovery and creativity. 15 Best Things to Do in Colorado - The Crazy Tourist Birding in the Park is a popular activity year-round. Roof-top tubs, five indoor pools and one completely private tub give you options for any weather or occasion. Planning to explore other parts of Colorado? Strawberry Park Hot Springs in Steamboat Springs, Colo. Photo courtesy of Iron Mountain Hot Springs, On of the pools at Joyful Journey Hot Springs, Creekside at Mount Princeton Hot Springs, Colorado, Raft the Arkansas, Colorado & Gunnison Rivers in Colorado, 10 Best Things to Do at Dinosaur National Monument, Rafting the Desert Wests Best River Stretches with OARS. There are dozens of hot springs located around the state of Colorado. However, the sandstone pillars are, in fact, the work of geological activity and erosion over millennia. You're welcome to visit the property on your own, but some travelers recommend tagging along on a tour. One of the few sulfur-free mineral pools in Colorado, Ouray Hot Springs is well worth a visit. Another must see element of the museum is its collection of authentic vintage artifacts dating back to the 19th century. See a list of your local health and activity forecasts and recommendations. The pools range in temperature from 87F to 114F, and there is also a mineral water lap pool for guests who would like to get some exercise. Named for the hot springs that line the canyon along this stretch of the upper Colorado River, the area was first visited by passing Ute and Arapaho hunting parties who called the area "big medicine." When you don't feel like driving 140 miles to Rocky Mountain National Park, Mueller State Park offers a convenient alternative. You can even sign up for things like avalanche and rock rescue if youre into emergency preparedness! This lodge is perfect for the entire family, boasting the worlds largest hot-springs pool with relaxation areas, a splash/aquatic park, swimming lanes and a diving board. Idaho Springs. If you're like us, you want a bigger, wilder experience. From its awesome architectural style to its treasure trove of texts, objects and artifacts, this museum will let you explore history in incredible ways. Families will find fun here, too, thanks to the on-site playground. Additionally, keep in mind the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum is 2.5 miles southwest of the training center. U.S. News Insider Tip: Since the park is free to enter, consider exploring Garden of the Gods multiple times during your stay to see the rock formations at different times of day. Address: 7075 Austin Bluffs Pkwy, Colorado Springs, CO 80923, United States. The only bad thing about the bunker is that visitors arent allowed inside. Visit the spa, where you can get the Maize Salt Glo Treatment, a massage and exfoliation with corn maize, magnesium and castor oil. You can book your tickets as early as 365 days in advance, so whether youre headed to Colorado Springs this weekend or next year, put the museum on your itinerary! Theres a teepee for the Native Americans of the 1770s, a log cabin for the European settlers of the 1860s, a farmhouse for the residents of the 1880s, and a mansion for the estate holders of the early 1900s. The Wiesbaden Hot Springs and Vapor Caves are in Ouray, Colorado. Want to receive a printed insiders guide to Colorados four national parks including Rocky Mountain National Park? Going on a road trip around Colorado? Bridal Veil falls tumble off a mossy ledge into the clear lake waters below. Situated in a peaceful courtyard beneath a scenic mountainside with 360-degree views, the Box Canyon Lodge's hot-springs tubs are available only to overnight guests. Just make sure to pack a belt with extra wiggle room! Pioneer Park offers a 1.7 mile loop trail that is good for all hiking skill levels. May Natural History Museum. If you prefer more air-conditioned fun, there are also plenty of indoor attractions in the form of malls, museums, theaters, art galleries and performance halls. Located a few miles north of Colorado Springs, the Western Museum of Mining and Industry is dedicated to mines, coal, steam engines, locomotion and other life-saving advancements from the industrial revolution. Another nice thing about the falls: Theres an elevator for wheelchair access! This family-friendly ranch also includes kid-appropriate activities like hayrides, horseshoes, fishing and more. Get a little romantic tonight at the Florissant Fossil Beds. Things To Do - Hot Springs National Park (U.S. National Park Service) The trail is usually free of snow by the beginning of July. Theres even indoor rock climbing and trampoline jumping! To give you an idea of just how big it is, there are 24 fireplaces alone! Colorado Springs is located roughly 70 miles south of. Recent visitors said you can spend a few hours here, as there is a lot to see and learn, while others say this is a good spot for families thanks to its kid-friendly exhibits and activities. Things to Do in Hot Sulphur Springs - Tripadvisor The founder of Colorado Springs, General William Jackson Palmer, built a huge house for his family in the late 1800s and later remodeled the structure to become the castle it is today. Whether you like wining, dining, hiking, climbing, shopping or bar-hopping, youll find plenty of activities here for families, couples and solo travelers alike. Hooper The Garden of the Gods public park is an absolute must-see for visitors to Colorado Springs. With a mountain-view outdoor pool and two soaking tubs one indoors, adults-only and one outdoors you can choose the perfect atmosphere for your float. Ouray (303) 567 2693. You can just people-watch if youre shy, but natives and tourists alike are usually more than happy to strike up a conversation with friendly strangers. Visit one of their local restaurants or cafs. Recent visitors praise Red Rock Canyon Open Space's stunning rock formations and appreciate that the trails are much less crowded than popular Garden of the Gods. At night, its adults only at the hot springs; strawberryhotsprings.com. Watch a video of the daylight hours at Strawberry Park >> 71901, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. While you can visit the museum on your own, museumgoers highly recommend paying extra for a guided tour led by passionate and knowledgeable WWII aviation experts. There are also a number of libraries and archives with historical documents dating all of the way back to the 1800s. Its an indoor recreation center that offers everything from trampolines to arcade games to keep your whole brood entertained! Another staple in Colorado Springs is the unbeatable Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Downtown is a great place to start, with plenty of options for breakfast or a cup of coffee, and the PikeRide bike-share program makes it easy to get around on two wheels. Things to Do in Colorado Springs - Tripadvisor The paved Chapel Trail which is worth taking for views of the cadets' living quarters and classroom area is short, but some past guests note that it can feel strenuous at the high altitude. Stay in a private log cabin overlooking the Rocky Mountains and enjoy 24-hour access to three secluded hot-springs pools. Royal Gorge Bridge and Park hosts numerous activities for viewing the impressive natural landmark. On the other hand, the Cheyenne Mountain Nuclear Bunker is a real place with real, day-to-day operations. Theres also the Original Colorado Springs Food Tour, the one that started it all, which offers a behind-the-scenes look at how local eateries prepare and present their food. Courtesy of CL_Reflections/Getty Images/iStockphoto, This attractions guide was updated by Kara Williams, a Colorado-based travel writer, in collaboration with U.S. News & World Report editors. In addition to standard dessert fare, there are also novelty treats like cheesecake-flavored or Oreo-covered caramel apples. Variety rules with geo-thermal caves, private baths, outdoor hot tubs and a mineral water pool, not to mention lodging options that range from campsites to resort rooms. Shopping During your stay in Hot Sulphur Springs, take time to browse the town's main street and find unique, local gems at affordable prices. Address: 2431 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80904, United States. However, tours are available every day, and theyre divided into Bronze, Silver and Gold tiers with varying levels of access to the complex. Sensory bags (which include noise canceling headphones and fidget toys) are available as well. Its a great sightseeing destination at any time, but its especially wondrous at night when the sky transforms into a glittering, star-studded canopy. nearTelluride Come with U.S. News on a tour of the Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street, Boston. Though these limestone caverns began forming 70 million years ago when ancient seas receded, they only became a tourist attraction in the late 19th century after two intrepid brothers investigated wind blowing from a rocky crevice in Williams Canyon (just north of Manitou Springs). Head north of Steamboat Springs to find this series of beautiful pools surrounded by evergreens. Address: 3820 N 30th St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904, United States. Although the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo houses a variety of animals, the giraffes are by far a visitor favorite. If youre looking for cool places to visit near Colorado Springs, try the Western Museum of Mining and Industry. As you might expect from the city that hosts the United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs is very proud of its aviation, and one of the best places to visit for aviation interests is the National Museum of World War II Aviation. Orvis Hot Springs is located just one mile south of Ridgway and offers seven soaking areas, a sauna and natural landscaping to give you the ultimate relaxation experience. Get back to nature by going au naturel the hot springs become clothing optional after dark. The fine art guarantee is right there in the name! Colorado Springs has plenty of nearby outdoor attractions like Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods, but if you're looking for something further afield, you can't go wrong with Royal Gorge. Why not check out some of the best things to do in Denver? 1. The National Museum of World War II Aviation is a must see destination for anyone interested in flight and flight history. Website. Several all-natural soaking ponds are found along wilderness trails, while a hot tub and sauna are heated geothermically and hydroelectrically. 7 Best Hot Springs in Colorado Where You Can Soak In Nature Ouray Hot Springs in Ouray, Colorado. Address: 15807 Co Rd 1, Florissant, CO 80816, United States. Web Visit website. Theyll take you to some of the citys top sites while also satisfying your rumbling stomach. Redstone The Springs Resort and Spa hot springs in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, Iron Mountain Hot Springs in Glenwood Springs, The Historic Wiesbaden Hot Springs Spa & Lodgings, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. If youre just looking for unique things to do, however, feel free to drive by and take pictures of the iconic tunnel! Enjoy the soaking pool inside the restored 19th-century bathhouse or venture to Colorados only geyser, which is located nearby. There's also an indoor adults-only greenhouse with a variety of pools, plans and adult beverages. Some visitors lamented the lack of free parking; metered spots and a paid lot are available nearby. Here are just a few amazing things to do in Colorado Springs that will prove it! Consider parking outside of town at the Fields Lot and taking the free shuttle into town. Mackenzie Roche|Amanda NorcrossJune 30, 2023, Katie Hearsum|Timothy J. ForsterJune 28, 2023, Natural Wonders, Free, Parks and Gardens, Hiking, Natural Wonders, Parks and Gardens, Sports, Hiking, Recreation, Sightseeing, Free, Parks and Gardens, Recreation, Sightseeing, Natural Wonders, Free, Hiking, Sightseeing, Natural Wonders, Parks and Gardens, Hiking, Sightseeing, Recreation, Historic Homes/Mansions, Tours, Sightseeing, Natural Wonders, Parks and Gardens, Recreation, Tours, Sightseeing, U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center. Learn more about the educational opportunities at the park - planning a field trip, curriculum resources, and suggested reading. You dont have to tip-toe through silent museums to learn about history. Address: 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906, United States. Since its a place where people really live and work, you cant just wander onto the grounds and start taking pictures. You're still welcome to visit. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. Past visitors say they appreciated the lack of an admission fee for the park. Youll learn a lot from both the informative displays and the hands-on touring and viewing experiences. Thirty small pools are located right in Chalk Creek, which runs alongside the property and adds a super-natural feel to your soak. Pools are gravity-fed and cooled to a comfortable and relaxing 98 to 110 degrees. U.S. News Insider Tip: On-street metered parking spots and paid lots in Manitou Springs can fill up quickly, especially on weekends from late April through September. This pastoral 36-acre ranch also features hiking trails, a stocked fishing pond and private riverfront access. Top things to do in Manitou Springs, CO - Uncover Colorado 25 Best Things to Do in Pagosa Springs, Colorado - VacationIdea.com Glenwood Springs is home to several hot springs resorts; just pick your preferred style of soak and go! More recently, Cave of the Winds Mountain Park has added other fun activities, including an obstacle course, zip lines, climbing wall, gemstone panning, twisty adventure slide and a 40-mph aerial ride across the canyon. Thissmall town just east of Kremmling is home to one of the finest resorts in Colorado, the appropriately named Hot Sulphur Springs Resort. Recent visitors point out this tourist destination is a good place to shop for locally made art and souvenirs. How can anything else compete with such divine sights? Learn about the many opportunities to take great pictures in the Park. Use your first day in Colorado Springs to explore all that the city has to offer. 21 Top-Rated Things to Do in Glenwood Springs This Summer Dedicated to the history of rodeo in all forms, the ProRodeo Hall of Fame is part museum and part visitors center. Sweets include everything from fudges and truffles to meltaways and cream-filled chocolates. With its large sandstone bluffs and great size, the park feels like a wilderness area and not in the middle of a city. If youre wondering what to see in Colorado Springs to get a little culture, consider the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. Pikes Peak Alpine School is an outdoor adventure guide for all kinds of mountain-based activities, including hiking, climbing, skiing and more. You cant miss the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum. You dont have to spend money when you go. Theres even a library and an old-school laboratory! View Dining Options Shopping Meanwhile, especially family-friendly attractions are the Cheyenne Mountain Zooand Cave of the Winds. The grand architecture of our nine historic bathhouses is equally matched by the natural curiosities that have been drawing people here for hundreds of years. Visiting other areas of Colorado? 1. From the official park store to downtown Hot Springs, there are plenty of opportunities to find the perfect gift or souvenir. Conveniently located on the banks of the San Juan River in downtown Pagosa Springs, the Springs Resort & Spa offers 23 soaking pools fed by the deepest geothermal hot spring in the world. Why not check out some of the best things to do in Durango, CO? Ridgway There is also camping accomodations with cabins, RV sites and tent sites. Explore! In terms of sheer novelty, however, how can you beat a one-man puppet show? We hope that you enjoy your time at Hot Springs National Park! The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum opened in 2020. In 1917, Colorado City was annexed by a fast-growing new settlement: Colorado Springs. It may be small, but this attraction wins visitors (particularly history buffs) over with its informative displays. The unique gravel-bottom pond is known for Mount Sneffels vistas and massaging waterfalls. Colorados mountains have plenty of activities to get your heart racing, but theyre also perfect for kicking back. Theres a reason why this franchise has taken over the mountain states, and once youve bitten into their decadently rich almond chocolate clusters, youll understand their popularity! 1. The complex houses practice facilities for a variety of competitive sports including fencing, gymnastics, wrestling, shooting, swimming, track cycling and boxing for the thousands of Olympic athletes who train here annually. A spa offers massages, herbal wraps and mud masks; hotsulphursprings.com. Seven pools in this San Juan Mountain paradise range from 98 degrees to the very steamy and appropriately named Lobster Pot, which can get up to 114 degrees. Its bounties can just be seen, smelled and sampled by the thrifty. Sopris. Short on time? One of these locales is Florissant Fossil Beds, a national outdoor monument located a short drive from Colorado Springs. Its a great destination for everything from honeymoons to corporate work retreats. 10 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Colorado Springs In the 1800s, the desert landscape was used to refine the ore that came from the gold mines in nearby Cripple Creek. If youre thinking about what to do in downtown Colorado Springs, let your taste buds lead you to the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. As a visitor, you can take self-guided tours through the exhibits and galleries at any time. Though the downtown shop is a lot smaller than some of the older, grander franchise locations in neighboring cities, it can still pack a sugary-sweet punch. Its proximity to Monarch Mountain and Ski Cooper ski areas makes a perfect aprs-ski muscle relaxant. With one-of-a-kind interactive exhibits, the museum which also houses the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame is a must-visit for fans of the Olympic Games. Teens will appreciate the virtual reality headsets and their lifelike adventures. In 2003, the city of Colorado Springs purchased the land and used its striking red cliffs to punctuate miles of new hiking and biking trails. Most of its amenities are free, and there are a number of free and low-cost activities such as summertime swim lessons in its indoor and outdoor pools. For starters, you can see all kinds of critters. Massages are available. If youre the outdoorsy type, youll go wild for the scenery. The third floor is home to the kitchen and bar. Although it is no longer its own town, the Old Colorado City Historic District maintains its 19th-century Wild West feel with a few modifications: the area's buildings now house locally owned art galleries, quaint shops and mom and pop restaurants. Theres one right in Colorado Springs named the Glen Eyrie. There are also tours available for places like the Cadet Chapel and the Falcon Athletic Center.. Why not check out some of the best things to do in Estes Park& some of the best things to do in Breckenridge? If youre tired of boring, hush-hush museums, try the living history version instead. There you'll find displays devoted to the park's wildlife as well as information on the myriad trails for various ability levels. Breweries Luxury & Special Occasions Air, Helicopter & Balloon Tours Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours Multi-day & Extended Tours Weddings & Honeymoons Special Offers Ways to tour Colorado Springs Book these experiences for a close-up look at Colorado Springs. Consider stopping here before or after a visit to Garden of the Gods or Red Rock Canyon as it's along the way. Multiple open spaces and state parks (Mueller State Park is a favorite) in the area provide plenty of opportunity to get up close and personal with nature. Just a half hour's drive from the Royal Gorge in Caon City, this hot spot is a little gem that feels as if it's in the middle of nowhere which tells you something about the unfettered views. It covers a staggering 1,100,000 acres, and youll have unlimited opportunities to camp, climb, hike, fish, boat and more. Garden of the Gods is one of Colorado's registered National Natural Landmarks located near Manitou Springs and Colorado Springs. Address: Colorado Springs, CO 80903, United States. This park is home to plenty of wildlife, including elk, eagles and bears. Nathrop Rich with history and truly unique natural attractions, Hot Sulphur Springs is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Whether youre peering into a cave to see the bears or riding high on the ski lift to marvel at the tigers below, youll be just as impressed with the sights as the animals. Are you looking for free things to do while visiting Colorado Springs? The state-of-the-art, 60,000-square-foot facility houses 12 different galleries and dozens of interactive displays that detail Olympic and Paralympic history, showcase the athleticism required to be a world-stage competitor and tell inspiring athlete stories. 719-256-4328; joyfuljourneyhotsprings.com, This Rocky Mountain resort has multiple soaking springs. Frequent guests recommend taking in a San Juan Mountains sunrise on the lodge's bench swings. Sitting 50 miles southwest of Colorado Springs, Royal Gorge is 10 miles long and 1,200 feet deep, carved into the landscape by the Arkansas River. Over one hundred years ago on December 30, 1911, two Norwegians, Carl Howelsen and Angell Schmidt, arrived in Hot Sulphur Springs after a 44-mile ski expedition. Its waters contain 24 beneficial minerals only two others in the world can boast of this richness. SOAK IN SOME HOT SPRINGS. Several pools range in temperature from 94 to 110 degrees and spa services are available, as are the sounds of the creek rushing by. Other activities include wandering the grounds and checking out videos, photographs and artifacts from the time period. What to Do in Idaho Springs, CO | This IS Idaho Springs Exhibits include everything from working pneumatic machines to scale models of mills and mines. Relax and renew at The Springs Resort - hot springs capital of Colorado, with 25 natural geothermal soaking pools . With a name like Garden of the Gods, youd expect this park to be something spectacular, and youd be right. Hot Sulphur Springs State Wildelife Area and Kemp - Breeze State Wildlife Area are celebrated features of this Rocky Mountain retreat. Buena Vista This facility is the flagship training center of the U.S. Olympic team and the active headquarters of the U.S. Olympic Committee. Hot Springs in Colorado | Colorado.com 18 Fun Things to Do in Colorado Springs | U.S. News Travel View Hot Springs from atop the Mountain Tower. Take a Dip in the Hot Springs. This nonprofit, clothing-optional, off-the-grid spot is a unique way to experience the land of the Mystic San Luis Valley. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to go mountaineering up the rocky edge of a thousand-year-old cliff? The visitor center, a 31,600-square-foot facility, is a key stop for all guests. read more top attractions Williams Fork River Visitors can also pan for gold, explore mining shafts and check out the inner workings of steam engines and other industrial-era equipment. Hidden beyond a kitschy giant beetle is this remarkably sprawling collection of preserved insects. The seven cascades, which collectively descend 180 feet, sit within a scenic 1,250-foot-wall box canyon. Pagosa Springs Your little ones will be able to run, dig, climb, color, build and more. Watch a video of thedaylight hours at Strawberry Park >>.

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