Things to Do in Colorado Springs
We have put together a comprehensive list of fun activities and things to do in Colorado Springs while visiting The St. Mary’s Inn, Bed and Breakfast. Colorado Springs is a city located in central Colorado, just at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. The elevation is at 6,035 feet. For the adventurous travelers, grab hiking boots and cameras to explore natural sights like Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods. For the less adventurous travelers, enjoy the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo or the Old West Feel of Old Colorado City.
Colorado College (easy 3 block walk)
Pikes Peak (10 minutes away)
Pikes Peak, America’s Mountain, is a landmark in Pike National Forest with hiking trails, Pikes Peak Highway and the cog railway leading to its 14,110 0r 14,115 foot summit (mountains do move). Known for being the most visited mountain in the United States and the second most visited mountain in the world second only to Mt. Fuji in Japan. There are 4 events that take place on Pikes Peak during the year. The Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon, The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, The Pikes Peak Challenge and the AdAmAn Club New Year’s Fireworks display on December 31 at midnight. There are 3 main ways to get up…. drive, make sure you stop half way, Cog rail, which will stop half way to allow your red blood corpuscles to adjust, and hike up.
https://parks.coloradosprings.gov/ppam
Garden of the Gods (5 minutes away)
http://www.gardenofgods.com/
Old Colorado City (5 minutes away)
http://shopoldcoloradocity.com/
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (15 minutes away)
Olympic Training Center (2 minutes away)
The US Olympic Training Center is home to the athletes and coaches that train for the next Olympic Games including Olympic and Paralympic athletes. It is a state-of-the-art athletic complex for 14 different sports with Olympic Hall of Fame and a must take guided tours. (The Olympic Training center is just 2 minutes away). Best to go in the mornings when most work out?
https://www.teamusa.org/
Royal Gorge Bridge and Park (45 minutes away)
The Royal Gorge has one of the world’s highest suspension bridges with jaw dropping rides. You will see miles of amazing natural Colorado beauty. The Royal Gorge offers a zip line, a skycoaster, the bridge, aerial gondolas, a waterclock, photo lookout areas and a children’s playland. Please keep in mind that the attractions are weather permitting.
http://royalgorgebridge.com/
White Water Rafting (40 minutes away)
USAFA Air Force Academy (10 minutes away)
As one of our National Historic Landmarks, the Air Force Academy is open to visitors between 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The Academy is still under heightened security measures, so you must present one form of government-issued photo ID. The Visitor Center serves at the gateway to the Academy providing information on its history and cadet life. Other areas of interest are the Cadet Chapel, Arnold Hall, Honor Court, Field House, Falcon Athletic Center, Hiking, and Noon Meal Formation. The Air Force Academy is located 10 minutes away. Enter through the North Gate for easier access.
http://www.usafa.af.mil/
Cave of the Winds and Laser Canyon (10 minutes away)
Cave of the Winds is a cave located just 10 minutes away from the Bed and Breakfast. Enjoy an unforgettable Colorado Adventure with discovery tours, a lantern tour, or caving 101 trek. Their outdoor adventures include the bat-a-pult, the wind walker challenge course and Terror-Dactyl where you will be launched into the 200 foot drop of Williams Canyon at nearly 100 miles per hour. The Laser Light Show is a perfect ending to the day. The free show begins at 9pm and lights up five stories of canyon walls that surround Cave of the Winds Mountain Park weather permitting.
http://caveofthewinds.com/
The Great Escape Games (5 minutes away)
Just minutes away from the Bed and Breakfast, this is the best way to spend a fun filled afternoon or evening. This is something exhilarating and different to do with family or friends. When the door closes, you and your teammates (up to 7 other people) are locked in a professionally decorated scene depicting a real life scenario with only 60 minutes to escape. Players work together using team work and logic to solve puzzles, find clues, solve riddles and unlock locks to escape one of two different scenario rooms.
http://thegreatestescapegames.com/
Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame and Museum of the American Cowboy (5 minutes away)
The Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame for everything cowboy is dedicated to the preservation of rodeo artifacts and everything related to the rodeo sport. Enjoy the colorful history and legends of professional rodeo. The museum includes exhibits on rodeo history, cowboy greats, plus a gallery of western art and an arena.
http://www.prorodeohalloffame.com/
Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (3 block walk)
Historic cultural center with renowned American art collection with a large performance theater and classes. The art will draw you into the conversation, world class performances of musicals, comedies, and dramas, and classes that are tailored to any age, skill level and medium. The Colorado Springs Fine Art Center is home of the Taylor Museum of Art, Bemis School of Art and SaGaJi Theater with traveling and permanent exhibitions.
http://www.csfineartscenter.org/
Rocky Mountain Women’s Film Institute (quick 2 minute walk)
The Women’s Film Festival is the longest running women’s film festival in North America. Showcasing documentaries, narrative short and animated films. Located at the Fine Arts Center in Colorado Springs. Book your accommodation well in advance. Lot’s of women go together and stay at The St. Mary’s Inn and have lots of fun and discussion!
http://rmwfilminstitute.org/festival
Cliff Dwelling Museum (10 minutes away)
Make sure to include a visit to Manitou Cliff Dwellings where you can explore fascinating architecture of the ancient Anasazi, and browse 2 museums featuring cultural displays. Experience Native American Dancers that reveal secret rites and ceremonies that have been passed down for hundreds of years.
http://www.cliffdwellingsmuseum.com/
Seven Falls (5 minutes away)
One of Colorado’s greatest sightseeing experiences that you really shouldn’t miss. It is owned by The Broadmoor Hotel and they have a special if you take the Cog rail as well. Go to The Broadmoor and catch a shuttle from there. Explore beautiful scenery and take the 224 steps up a magnificent series of waterfalls in a 1,250 ft. canyon. The waterfall is a 181 ft. drop. Once you reach the top you can enjoy hiking trails and glistening streams.
http://www.sevenfalls.com/
Patty Jewett Golf Course (2 minutes away)
Patty Jewett Golf Course is the nation’s oldest public owned golf course. It was built in 1898. The clubhouse and bequest rooms were built in 1910. It is a wonderful place to enjoy lunch on the veranda and have a stunning view of Pikes’ Peak. Golf is available for public play.
This is Colorado Springs most beautiful and challenging golf course with stunning views and premier location with 18 challenging holes.
http://www.pattyjewettgolfshop.com/
Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center (25 minutes away)
Located in beautiful Woodland Park Colorado, at the Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center you will find a whole new species of fun. You will see awe inspiring dinosaurs including the T-Rex, raptors, giant flying and marine reptiles, carnivorous fish and see an actual fossil preparation lab.
http://www.rmdrc.com/
Van Briggle Pottery and Tile (see the Fire Places at The St. Mary’s Inn)
A tradition in American Art Pottery since 1899, the artistic legacy has continued through history and is alive today. Each day the Van Briggle studios produce the early designs of their founders, Artus and Anne Van Briggle, as well as pieces that complement their celebrated style in both historic and contemporary fashions. The themes are timeless and endless, interpreted through creative minds and skilled hands.
http://www.vanbriggle.com/
Ghost Town and Wild West Museum (5 minutes away)
The Ghost Town in a preservation of Colorado’s western past. Take a fun and historic look back at an old west town during the late 1800’s. The town includes a boardwalk connecting the Blacksmith’s shop, saloon, general and merchants of main street, livery stable, Victorian home, each filled with fascinating artifacts.
http://www.ghosttownmuseum.com/
American Numismatic Association and Money Museum (walk 3 blocks)
Headquarters in Colorado Springs. Experience an amazing display of money from over 2,000 years. Learn how money played a central role in the war between the states with A House Divided Money of the Civil War. Attend the Florence Schook School of Numismatics or one of their Technical Series Seminars. Every year we fill up with numismatists who tout coins and loads of interesting history… absolutely fascinating. They have Summer Seminars every year! Where the best get to be better. A great hobby for retirement?
https://www.money.org