“Manitou” Springs, which is taken from the Native American language meaning “spirit” is a beautiful mountain town with mineral springs all around the area, which are fed by the run-off from Pikes Peak. A sacred location to the Cheyenne, Ute and other tribes, this small city is still thought of as special by residents and visitors. The town rests between Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak and is home to the Manitou Railway which climbs up Pikes Peak to an elevation of 14,115 ft. You’ll find so many attractions in the surrounding area, you may want to extend your vacation plans.
More Town Facts
| Region: South Central | County: El Paso | |
| Latitude: 38.856667 | Longitude: -104.91 | Elevation: 6,412 ft (1,938 m) |
Although nearby Colorado Springs is sometimes called “the Springs”, some residents of Manitou or of westside Colorado Springs refer to both cities together as “The Springs”. There are two dozen mineral springs situated throughout the area, and if you are interested in tasting the different waters, many have spigots that you may drink from. The mineral content at each location changes the flavor of the local water. As long ago as the turn of the last century, people have come to healing waters in Manitou Springs to seek curative treatments for health problems. The clean mountain air and the mineral water was a boon to the economy in the early 1900’s.
What’s there to do in Manitou?
Some of the things people enjoy while visiting Manitou Springs include the many art galleries, and art shows. If you like sightseeing, there are spectacular views from Pikes Peak, deep and mysterious caverns in Cave of the Winds, a look back into time at Miramont Castle, a taste of ancient Native American life at the Cliff Dwellings Museum, and a wild western adventure at the Flying “W” Ranch and Chuck Wagon. If you love rock formations, Garden of the Gods will delight you, as will Helen Hunt Falls in the famous Seven Falls.
You want more attractions near Manitou?
- The Iron Springs Chateau Melodrama - For more than 48 years, the Iron Springs Melodrama Dinner Theater has provided the Pikes Peak Region with an evening of hilarious comedy and quality entertainment. The evening begins with a family-style dinner with the melodrama immediately following (audience participation is strongly encouraged). After the melodrama, a foot-stomping sing-along and vaudeville olio full of song, dance and comedy continues the fun throughout the evening. For more information Call 719-685-5104
- The Ghost Town Museum – will bring you back more than 100 years to an old west town from the 1800’s. As a true preservation of Colorado’s western past, Ghost Town Museum is a fun and historic look back at kind of old west town that used to dot this region during the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Explore the boardwalk connecting the Blacksmith’s shop, Saloon, General and Merchants of main street, with the Livery Stable, and Victorian Home. Each is filled with thousands of fascinating artifacts. Ghost Town Museum delights young and old with lots of hands on activities, including old time arcades, panning for real gold, and much, much, more. For more information call 719-634-0696
- The North Pole & Santa’s Workshop – A family amusement park with the Christmas theme
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo – While you’re there – visit Will Roger’s Shrine which is also a great place to see the entire area (it’s got altitude!)- Seven Falls – Open year round for the family to enjoy – kids under 5 are free
- Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center – in nearby Woodland Park
- Colorado Wolf & Wildlife Center – education, preservation and conservation is the focus of this nature center
- The Air Force Academy
- Manitou Cliff Dwellings & Museum – A rare historical treasure. Preserved under a protective red sandstone overhang, authentic Anasazi cliff dwellings, built more than 700 years ago, await you here. There are no “Do Not Touch” signs. You are free to touch and even go inside these fascinating architectural remnants of an American Indian culture that roamed the Four Corners area of the Southwest from 1200 B.C. to A.D. 1300. For more information call 719-685-5242.
- Briarhurst Manor – Also known as William A. Bell House , is a finely grained pink Victorian and Tudor style, sandstone manor house in Manitou Springs, Colorado. Built in 1886, as the home of Dr. William Bell Briarhurst Manor is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Fountain Creek passes through the estate and the home is in the shadow of Pikes Peak. A full service restaurant serving the finest Colorado Cuisine in an amazing atmosphere with spectacular views of Pike’s Peak. For more information call 719-685-1864
- Manitou & Pike’s Peak Railway – Entertaining visitors since 1891, the Manitou Springs and Pike’s Peak Cog Railway has a rich and colorful history of providing safe, comfortable and relaxing tours of majestic Pike’s Peak. During your own trip the conductor will entertain you with the history and facts of the mountain, the region and the engineering feat that is the Manitou & Pike’s Peak Railway. For more information call 719-685-5401
| Of course there are lots of other things to do and see in the area! Click on any of the links below to find more activities. |
Manitou Springs Photo Gallery
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