Looking for things to do in Manitou Springs?
We’ve got you covered. Manitou Springs is a small Colorado town just outside of Colorado Springs near Garden of the Gods. We spent some time there discovering things to do in Manitou Springs.
Manitou Springs, Colorado, is an easy drive from Denver or anywhere along Colorado’s Front Range. This makes it a popular destination for day and weekend trips. Being the gateway to Pike’s Peak also makes it a popular destination for people all over the country and the world.
7 Things To Do In Manitou Springs
1. Manitou Cliff Dwellings
The Manitou Cliff Dwellings was originally located near McElmo Canyon, which is in the southwest corner of Colorado near Mesa Verde and Dolores, were a group of ancient Native American homes that were built into the cliffs. The dwellings were relocated to Manitou Springs in 1907.
These dwellings were constructed by the Anasazi people, who were skilled at building structures out of natural materials. The cliff dwellings were used as homes and for storage, and were built between the 12th and 13th centuries.
The cliff dwellings were built in a strategic location, perched high on the cliffs and providing a good view of the surrounding area. This made it easier for the Anasazi people to spot potential threats and defend themselves. The dwellings were also built near a natural spring, which provided a reliable source of water.
The cliff dwellings at Manitou Springs were abandoned by the Anasazi people around the 14th century, for reasons that are not entirely clear. It is believed that they may have been forced to move due to drought or other environmental factors, or because of conflicts with other Native American tribes.
Today, the Manitou Cliff Dwellings are a popular tourist attraction, with visitors able to explore the ancient homes and learn about the culture of the Anasazi people. The site is managed by the Manitou Cliff Dwellings Museum, which offers educational programs and activities for visitors.
2. Hike the Manitou Incline
The Manitou Incline is a popular hiking trail known for its steep incline, with an average grade of 68% and a maximum grade of over 90%. It is one of the steepest hiking trails in the United States.
The Manitou Incline was originally built as a funicular railway in 1907 to carry materials to the top of Pikes Peak. When the railway was decommissioned in 1990, the tracks were removed and the trail was converted into a hiking trail.
The trail is just over one mile long, but the steep incline makes it a challenging hike. It gains over 2,000 feet in elevation in just over a mile, making it a popular workout spot for local residents and a challenging hike for visitors. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding area and is a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
3. Visit Garden of the Gods
The Garden of the Gods is a public park in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The park is known for its stunning rock formations and red sandstone cliffs, which have been naturally carved over millions of years by wind and water.
The park was designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1971 and covers over 1,300 acres. It is a popular destination for hikers, rock climbers, and outdoor enthusiasts, who come to explore the park’s many trails and stunning scenery.
The Garden of the Gods is also home to a number of important cultural and historical sites, including the ancient Native American rock art found on the park’s cliffs. The park offers educational programs and activities for visitors, as well as guided tours and other special events.
4. Ride the Pikes Peak Cog Railway
The Pikes Peak Cog Railway is a train that takes passengers to the summit of Pikes Peak. The train was built in 1891 and is the highest cog railway in the world, reaching an altitude of 14,115 feet above sea level.
The railway is a popular tourist attraction, with visitors able to take a round trip on the train to the summit of Pikes Peak. The trip takes about three hours, with the train climbing the mountain at a steady pace. The train offers stunning views of the surrounding area, including the Garden of the Gods and the city of Colorado Springs.
The Pikes Peak Cog Railway is a unique and historic attraction and operates all year round.
5. Visit the Penny Arcade
The penny arcade in downtown Manitou Springs is a popular tourist attraction. The arcade is located on historic Manitou Avenue, and offers a variety of vintage games and coin-operated machines.
The arcade is a fun and nostalgic destination for visitors, with a wide range of games and activities to choose from. Some of the games and machines that can be found in the arcade include old-fashioned pinball machines, skee-ball, and classic arcade games.
In addition to the games, the penny arcade also offers a variety of other attractions, such as a fortune teller machine, skee-ball, and a penny press. Visitors can collect commemorative pennies featuring the arcade and Manitou Springs. The arcade is a popular destination for families and children, and is a fun and affordable way to spend an afternoon in Manitou Springs.
6. Drink from the Mineral Springs of Manitou
The town is home to several mineral spring fountains, which offer visitors the opportunity to taste the naturally-occurring mineral water and experience the unique history of the area.
The mineral spring fountains in Manitou Springs are located throughout the town, and are easily accessible to visitors. The water from the springs is naturally carbonated, and is said to have healing properties. The fountains offer visitors a chance to taste the water and experience the unique flavors of the various springs.
In addition to the natural mineral water, the spring fountains in Manitou Springs also offer a glimpse into the town’s history. The springs were a major draw for early settlers, who believed that the water had healing properties. Today, the fountains are a popular destination for tourists, who come to experience the history and taste the unique water of Manitou Springs.
Visiting the mineral spring fountains in Manitou Springs is a must-do activity for anyone visiting the area. The fountains are a fun and affordable way to experience the history and natural beauty of the town, and offer a unique taste of the local mineral water.
7. Check out Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls is a popular hiking destination located just outside of town, and are accessible via a short but steep hiking trail. The trail is just under a mile long, and leads hikers to the base of the falls, where they can see the water cascading down the rocks.
The falls get their name from the rainbow-colored mist that can often be seen surrounding the falls, which is created by the sunlight reflecting off of the water. The falls are a beautiful and serene spot, and are a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers.
Visitors to Rainbow Falls can enjoy the falls from the base, or can continue hiking up the trail to the top of the falls. The trail to the top is steep and challenging, but offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
Overall, Rainbow Falls is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Manitou Springs. The falls are a beautiful and serene spot, and are easily accessible via a short hiking trail. The falls are a great spot to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.
8. Sip A Fresh Beer At Manitou Brewing Company (BONUS!)
Manitou Brewing Company is a popular craft brewery located in Manitou Springs, Colorado. The brewery is known for its unique and delicious beer, which is made using locally-sourced ingredients.
The brewery offers a variety of different beers, including a wide range of seasonal and specialty brews. Some of the popular beers that can be found at Manitou Brewing Company include their flagship IPA, a dark and malty stout, and a refreshing wheat beer.
In addition to their tasty beer, Manitou Brewing Company also offers a cozy and welcoming taproom, where visitors can relax and enjoy a cold brew. The taproom is a great spot to unwind after a day of hiking or exploring the area, and offers a friendly and laid-back atmosphere.
Overall, Manitou Brewing Company is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves craft beer and is visiting Manitou Springs. The brewery offers a wide range of tasty brews and a welcoming taproom, making it a great spot to relax and enjoy a cold beer.
We hope this article helps you plan your visit to Manitou Springs!
