Manitou Springs, Colorado, is a quaint mountain town just six miles west of downtown Colorado Springs.
The Historic Downtown Manitou Springs is an artist’s enclave featuring time-honored art galleries, street performers, creek-side restaurants and boutique stores. Enjoy a free concert at the town’s central Soda Springs Park, or take the kids fishing at Schryver Park, a shady oasis with an indoor pool, picnic area and stocked pond. Located at the base of Pikes Peak - America's Mountain, Manitou Springs is abundant with fun attractions and activities. Ride a zip line over a canyon, watch a hilarious show while enjoying a tasty dinner or shop in Colorado's largest art gallery.
***For an alternative route during summer construction, take Colorado Avenue - 1 block north and parallel to Highway 24.
Historic Manitou Springs, Colorado was considered sacred by the Cheyenne, Mountain Ute and Arapaho tribes who settled in this area at the base of Pikes Peak.
There are numerous natural mineral springs dotted throughout Historic Manitou Springs and are still available to the public. The native tribes considered the eruption of bubbles in the mineral water the breath of the Great Spirit “Manitou.”
The first westerner to discover the healing waters was Dr. Edwin James. He was also the first American to conquer the elusive Pikes Peak. Stories of the mountain and the healing mineral springs inspired General William J. Palmer and Dr. William A. Bell to visit the area in 1868. They decided that the Pikes Peak region would be a great resort area and began carrying out this vision.
In the early 1890s, the town’s mineral springs and clean mountain air established the area as a health resort, attracting large numbers of tubercular patients, medical professionals, celebrities and tourists to Historic Manitou Springs. Throughout the following years, the town struggled with challenges of ever changing tourism patterns. The formation of a National Historic District in the 1980s initiated the renovation and revitalization of many of the town’s beloved buildings and traditions, reminding residents and visitors of the charm Historic Manitou Springs has always offered. The mineral springs were renewed by the creation of the Mineral Springs Foundation in 1987. Today, Historic Manitou Springs is a charming town that is full of high-caliber artists, galleries, unique shops and restaurants.
This idyllic mountain town offers a unique set of experiences sure to please visitors of any type. Adventure-seekers can summit Pikes Peak by way of the challenging Manitou Incline hiking path or on a scenic train ride along the Broadmoor Manitou Pikes Peak Cog Railway. History buffs can learn about the region's original inhabitants by visiting the Manitou Cliff Dwellings and sample the effervescent waters of the eight mineral springs around the area, once rumored to possess healing properties. Find fun for the whole family at Cave of the Winds Mountain Park and play vintage arcade games at the always-popular Manitou Springs Penny Arcade.
Looking for even more adventure? Colorado Springs is home to more than 55 attractions and exciting things to do, and is host to a number of can't miss annual events throughout the year.
Manitou Springs is well-known for their quirky and unique events that are fun for the entire family and are a great way to have fun and experience this unique mountain town. From the world renowned Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, where drivers race to the summit of Pikes Peak, and the unique Emma Crawford Coffin Race, come enjoy the entertainment that Manitou Springs' festivals have to offer.
October 28, 2023
The Emma Crawford Coffin Races in Manitou Springs are an entire day of spooky fun.
January 2024 TBD
Watch hated holiday treats fly at this quirky local event.
February 2024 TBD
Fill your bellies, warm your bones and cheer on competitors
June 25, 2023
Brave drivers have been racing to the top of Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain since 1916.
June 3, 2023
Calling all wine enthusiasts! Spend a day in Manitou Springs enjoying generous tastings from 30 Colorado wineries.
September 16–17, 2023
The Pikes Peak Marathon is arguably the most elevating marathon in the world.
Manitou Springs is full of boutiques and delicious local eateries.
Shopping in Manitou Springs ranges from art galleries to unique specialty shops like The Olive Tap. Find one-of-a-kind handmade items at the The Garden of the Gods Trading Post, as well as jewelry, souvenirs and more. You can spend all day in Manitou Springs browsing the boutiques and filling up at one of the region's tasty restaurants.
Looking for other nearby shopping? Check out other Colorado Springs retail stores and art galleries.
Manitou Springs is a foodie's favorite. It offers a variety of flavors including true Colorado cuisine, fondu, gluten-free bakeries and much more. Can't decide? Try a food tour that will take you to a number of the Manitou Springs restaurants while giving you a historic overview of the quaint mountain town.
The restaurants in Manitou Springs provide unique atmospheres and delicious cuisines. Spend a romantic evening with your significant other at the Mona Lisa Fondue Restaurant or the restaurants inside The Cliff House at Pikes Peak. Taste outside your comfort zone by trying authentic Colorado cuisine such as elk steaks, or the world-famous buffalo burgers available at The Balanced Rock Café. Many of the restaurants have outdoor patios where you can enjoy live music performances and beautiful mountain views. Whatever your taste or style, these Manitou Springs restaurants are the perfect place to have fun and eat well.
Arcade Amusements900 Block Manitou Ave
Manitou Springs, Colorado 80829
Authentic Bed & Breakfast Inns & Cottages of the Pikes Peak RegionContact member inns for locations and more information
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80904
Barr Trail (Pikes Peak)515 Ruxton Ave.
Manitou Springs, Colorado 80829
The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway515 Ruxton Ave
Manitou Springs, Colorado 80829
The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway515 Ruxton Ave.
Manitou Springs, Colorado 80829
Cascade Escapes - Zeb's Cabin4935 Pike Rd
Cascade, Colorado 80809
Cave of the Winds Mountain Park100 Cave of the Winds Rd
Manitou Springs, Colorado 80829
The Cliff House at Pikes Peak306 Canon Ave
Manitou Springs, Colorado 80829
Colorado Ski Furniture419 Manitou Ave
Manitou Springs, Colorado 80829
Crystal Park Cantina178 Crystal Park Rd
Manitou Springs, Colorado 80829
E-Bike Tours & Rental Manitou Springs906 Manitou Ave
Manitou Springs, Colorado 80829
Garden of the Gods Trading Post324 Beckers Ln
Manitou Springs, Colorado 80829
Lone Duck Campground & Cabins8855 W Hwy 24
Cascade, Colorado 80809
Manitou Cliff Dwellings10 Cliff Dwellings Rd, US Hwy 24 West
Manitou Springs, Colorado 80829
Manitou InclineRuxton Avenue
Manitou Springs, Colorado 80829
Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce354 Manitou Ave
Manitou Springs, Colorado 80829
Midland TrailColorado Springs, Colorado
Miramont Castle Museum - Manitou Springs Historical Society9 Capitol Hill Ave
Manitou Springs, Colorado 80829
Mona Lisa Fondue Restaurant733 Manitou Ave
Manitou Springs, Colorado 80829
North Pole - Santa's Workshop5050 Pikes Peak Hwy
Cascade, Colorado 80809
Olive Tap, The906 Manitou Ave, Ste 103
Manitou Springs, Colorado 80829
The Outlook Lodge6975 Howard St
Green Mountain Falls, Colorado 80819
Pikes Peak - America's Mountain5069 Pikes Peak Hwy
Cascade, Colorado 80809
Pikes Peak Inn626 Manitou Ave
Manitou Springs, Colorado 80829
Queen's Parlour Tea Room (Miramont Castle)9 Capitol Hill Ave
Manitou Springs, Colorado 80829
Red Wing Motel56 El Paso Blvd
Manitou Springs, Colorado 80829
Rockhound ATV Rentals8825 W Highway 24
Cascade, Colorado 80909
Rockhound ATV Tours8825 W Hwy 24
Cascade, Colorado 80809
SunWater Spa514 El Paso Blvd
Manitou Springs, Colorado 80829
Town-N-Country Cottages123 Crystal Park Rd.
Manitou Springs, Colorado 80829
Ute PassManitou, Colorado
The Wines of Colorado8045 W Hwy 24
Cascade, Colorado 80809
Adam's Mountain Cafe'26 Manitou Avenue
Manitou Springs, Colorado 80829
Balanced Rock Cafe (Garden of the Gods Trading Post)324 Beckers Ln
Manitou Springs, Colorado 80829
Colorado Ghost Tours104 Canon Ave. #1
Manitou Springs, Colorado 80829
European Café935 Manitou Ave.
Manitou Springs, Colorado 80829
Gigi's - The Animal Lovers' Gift Shop728 Manitou Ave.
Manitou Springs, Colorado 80829
Goldminers Nuts & Candy110 Canon Ave
#B
Manitou Springs, Colorado 80829
Loop, The965 Manitou Avenue
Manitou Springs, Colorado 80829
Magnuson Hotel Manitou Springs311 Manitou Ave.
Manitou Springs, Colorado 80829
Manitou Art Center513 Manitou Ave.
Manitou Springs, Colorado 80829
Manitou Brewing Company725 Manitou Ave.
Manitou Springs, Colorado 80829
Manitou Springs Heritage Center517 Manitou Ave
Manitou Springs, Colorado 80829
Mountain High Gallery and Gifts11 Arcade
Manitou Springs, Colorado 80829
Salus906 Manitou Avenue, Suite 105
Manitou Springs, Colorado 80829
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Manitou Springs, CO was the "original" spa destination attracting tuberculosis patients from all over the world who sought the healing…
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