Manitou Springs

Manitou Springs, Colorado, is a quaint mountain town just six miles west of downtown Colorado Springs.

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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.

Top Attractions in Manitou Springs

This idyllic mountain town offers a unique set of experiences sure to please visitors of any type.

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.

1. Pikes Peak — America's Mountain

Hike, drive, cycle or join a tour to the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak to enjoy awe-inspiring, unparalleled views.

2. Manitou Incline

Are you up for a challenge? Train like an Olympian as you gain 2,000 feet of elevation in less than 1 mile.

3. Broadmoor Manitou Pikes Peak Cog Railway

Relax on a scenic train ride through the as you climb to the summit of Pikes Peak on this 3.5 hour round trip journey.

4. Garden of the Gods

Immerse yourself in the natural splendor of this geological wonder located just northeast of downtown Manitou Springs. While there, don't forget to visit the Trading Post to shop, refuel and learn more about the park's history.

5. Manitou Cliff Dwellings

Learn of the area's original inhabitants as you explore these 800-year-old buildings in a red sandstone cliff.

6. Manitou Mineral Springs

The namesake for Manitou Springs, sample the effervescent waters that flow from eight mineral springs once believed to have healing properties.

7. Miramont Castle Museum

Step back in time in this Victorian-era National Historic Landmark, which features 33 rooms and nine different styles of architecture crafted from local greenstone.

8. Arcade Amusements (Penny Arcade)

Entertain the kids — or embrace the kid inside you — with hundreds of vintage arcade games, rides and more.

9. Adventures Out West

Soar on a zipline at the base of Pikes Peak or join one of the many other thrilling tours offered by local adventure experts, Adventures Out West.

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Manitou Springs Events & Festivals

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.

View our full events calendar

Manitou Springs Annual Events

Shopping in Manitou Springs

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.

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Manitou Springs Restaurants

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.

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Manitou Springs History

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.

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