Top 7 Tourist Attractions in Colorado Springs (2024)

Colorado Springs still has a small-town feel to it, but due to recent growth and development, it is quickly becoming one of the state’s largest urban regions. Color will be everywhere when you first see Colorado Springs because, as you may know, the Spanish word “Colorado” means “red.” And it will be clear why. There is little doubt that the stunning red rocks that emerge from the green and slate mountains offer a splash of majesty and dramatic color. One of the highest mountains in the Colorado Rockies, Pikes Peak, towers behind the city. The sandstone towers that protrude from the Garden of the Gods will also be visible. There are also a few tiny, charming mountain settlements close to the metropolis. Colorado Springs is noted for its Air Force presence in addition to its breathtaking natural beauty; the city has a rich military and Olympic past.

Top 7 Tourist Attractions in Colorado Springs

Let’s take a look at the some of the best places to visit in Colorado Springs.

1. Head Up Pike’s Peak:

The top tourist attractions in Colorado Springs are located at the foot of the magnificent Pikes Peak, which rises to a height of 14,110 feet and is said to have served as the inspiration for the song America the Beautiful. It is the world’s tallest cog railway. In June 2021, the brand-new Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center, worth $65 million, opened. It took three years to build and is regarded as the mountain’s literal crown gem. Panoramic views of the nearby peaks are seen via stunning windows. The renowned doughnuts are also offered at a recent café. Keep a keen lookout as you climb to identify local species including Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep and yellow-bellied marmots. A leisure area with three lakes and the chance to take ranger-led tours to learn about the region’s natural treasures are other things to do on the route to the summit. Visitors are shuttled the final three miles to the summit, where on a clear day view of five states, including Arizona, Kansas, New Mexico, Utah, and, of course, Colorado, may be viewed.

Timing: 9 am to 3 pm daily.

2. Explore Garden of the Gods:

The top tourist attraction in Colorado Springs, the Garden of the Gods, is a natural park featuring strangely sculpted red sandstone outcrops and old cypress trees. The red sandstone rock formations, which may be approximately 300 million years old, are the highlights. Numerous pathways for horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking weave across the park’s stunning landscape. Additionally permitted but requiring registration is rock climbing. Early in the morning or at dusk, the park is at its most stunning. The park features a circle road that you may drive to view some of the highlights if you want to breeze through fast. A museum about the area and park excursions are available at the visitors center in Colorado Springs, which is close to the park The Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site, which is situated directly outside Garden of the Gods Park’s entrance and across the street from the visitor center, is another noteworthy attraction in the region.

Timing: Open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm in the winter and from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm in the summer.

3. Visit the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun and the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo:

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs, a Top tourist attraction in Colorado Springs which is home to a broad range of species, including both domestic and exotic animals, is one of the greatest locations to visit, especially for families. A chairlift that travels above the zoo offers stunning vistas of the park and its surroundings. There are a number of activities available, including the chance to hand-feed giraffes, an activity that never fails to amuse youngsters and kids-at-heart, and encounters with other well-liked inhabitants. Only through the zoo is it possible to reach the magnificent Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun, a historic structure that towers over the zoo and looks down over Colorado Springs.

Timing: Daily 9:00am to 5:00pm

4. The Sights of North Cheyenne Canon Park:

At the border of the foothills and the plains, North Cheyenne Canon Park is renowned for the variety of its plant and animal life. Black bears, mountain lions, mule deer, and a huge diversity of both local and migratory birds are just a few of the residents. Helen Hunt Falls, the breathtaking rock formations, and the Starsmore Discovery Center are just a few of the park’s highlights. Visitors may access stunning locations, such as Silver Cascade Falls, via hiking paths that range in length from less than a mile to four miles. Visit the visitor center if you want to take one of the longer routes or if you want more details on the park.

Timing: Summer: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day, Tuesday through Saturday, 9am to 3pm in the spring, fall, and winter.

5. Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum:

The former El Paso County Courthouse, which was constructed in 1903, is where the Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum is situated. You may discover displays about the town’s past here, as well as information on Pikes Peak and the neighborhood. A park with lovely grass, flowers, trees, a granite fountain, and outdoor sculptures surrounds the museum. Its vast collection, which includes tens of thousands of artifacts, is most renowned for its variety of quilts and Van Briggle art ceramics. The museum also houses a sizable collection of local artworks. Important pieces from the Ute, Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes are among the Native American artifacts. The Stars more Center for Local History is a separate entity from the museum. The institution houses the regional archive documenting the past of the town and its environs. Public access is given to priceless manuscripts, antiquated newspapers, and historical records.

Timing: Every day at 8:00 am to 4: 00 pm

6. Peterson Air and Space Museum:

The Peterson Air and Space Museum, the oldest aviation museum in the nation, is located in historic World War II-era airfield buildings. One of the numerous free activities in Colorado Springs, it is packed with intriguing antiques and features an airpark in addition to the Medal of Honor Park. Visitors should be ready for security checks given that it is situated inside a functioning military installation. Please take note that you must submit your online pass request at least one day in advance. The top tourist attraction in Colorado Springs has the National Museum of WWII Aviation, which has exhibitions with historical documents and more than 3,000 objects linked to the war and the function of air support, which will appeal to both aviation and history enthusiasts. The museum has a sizable collection of aircraft, which ranges from ambulance and freight planes to bombers like the B-25, fighter planes like the F6F Hellcat, and amphibious planes like the HU16 Albatross. Several restored ground vehicles, including an airfield crash truck, are also included in the collections.

Timing: Tuesday through Friday, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

7. Cheyenne Mountain State Park:

There are many activities and chances to enjoy Colorado’s natural splendor at Cheyenne Mountain State Park. The park offers a number of day-use amenities, attractions, and activities in addition to campsites. Numerous isolated picnic sites with grills are among the amenities, along with a playground and restrooms. There are additional camping options, including 10 more basic walk-in sites and 51 full-service sites. For those looking to come in touch with nature, the park has more than 21 miles of trails. Hikers frequently catch a glimpse of local species such as turkeys, deer, and prairie dogs. Junior Ranger programs, informative nature hikes, and special events like the “Family Mystery Hike” are just a few of the park-run activities. A nominal charge can be paid to use the nearby archery range, and the visitor center also lends GPS devices for geocaching excursions inside the park. The tourist center contains a store, informative personnel, and educational exhibits.

Timing: Every day 9:00 am to 3: 00 pm

There are a variety of things to see and do in Colorado Springs, including stunning natural landscapes to the west and north of the city, as well as cultural sites dotted throughout the downtown area. When visiting places like Garden of the Gods National Monument, Pikes Peak, or North Cheyenne Canyon Park, visitors may wish to book accommodations outside of the city center.