Location: Manitou Springs
Top Things to do in Manitou Springs
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10 Free Things to do in Manitou Springs That You Shouldn't Miss
The city of Manitou Springs is a home rule municipality located in El Paso County, Colorado, United States. The town was founded for its scenic setting and natural mineral springs. The downtown area continues to be of interest to travelers, particularly in the summer, as the downtown area consists of many one-story, adjoining, small shops, restaurants, and pubs, as well as a creekside city park with a children's playground made from unusual materials. Among other services, shops cater to tourist interests such as clothing, candy, souvenirs, and outdoor recreation. The main road through the center of town was one of the direct paths to the base of Pikes Peak. Barr Trail, which winds its way up Pikes Peak, is accessible from town. The subdivision Crystal Hills was added to the municipality in the 1960s.
Restaurants in Manitou Springs
1. Manitou Springs Incline
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 804 reviews
Reviewed By AshBernadette88 - Colorado Springs, United States
I've hiked the Manitou Incline several times over the past decade, but this was my first time hiking it since renovation. All of the dilapidated steps have been replaced, making for a much safer ascent, and markers are located every 100 steps allowing hikers to track progress. As always, this was very physically challenging but rewarding. The views of Colorado Springs and Garden of the Gods are spectacular throughout the hike. There is plenty of room at the top for hikers to rest and have a snack. If you hike a bit further on (take a right at the fork, hike for a quarter mile), you will reach an outlook that provides unmatched views of Pikes Peak. Note that hikers who summit are discouraged from going DOWN the Incline; there is a connector trail that starts left of the summit that hooks up to Barr Trail for an easier descent. Make sure to bring water and a snack for the top, and dress in layers. If you are not fit or have an underlying health condition (i.e. asthma or diabetes), THIS HIKE IS NOT FOR YOU. For many hikers, however, the mental game provides the biggest challenge. Put away the ego, take breaks as needed, and you'll make it!
2. Christmas in Manitou
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By Long_AF1983 - Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom
This shop is well worth a visit if you're visiting Manitou Springs, and Christmas things aren't the only thing on offer either - there are plenty of other things to choose from. We found a room spray we loved, but unfortunately so did everyone else so it was completely sold out, however we were offered the tester bottle to take home free of charge which I thought was really exceptional customer service. We also found something else we liked and bought that too. Definitely worth having a look even in the summer months!
3. Barr Trail to Pikes Peak
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By dhauptli
This is the best local hike outside of Garden of the Gods, as there are less tourists and the view is incredible. Take crampons or microspikes with you, as well as walking poles if you hike in winter months; Snow and ice in spots today, but worth the venture! Wear layers and bring some gloves as it's cold when you are not hiking in the sunshine. You or your friend may slip once or twice on ice, but you'll be alright. Still, this trail is worth the hike even if you only go for an hour or two. No one needs to hike 13 hours round trip to Pikes Peak and back to enjoy this trail. - Just get out there! Park the car in Manitou and walk up to the trail head, or find the free parking with free bus from town up to the Cog Railway and walk from there to the trailhead. The Incline meets the Barr Trail up the side of the mountain about 3 miles, but doesn't need to be hiked in winter as the snow and ice make it hazardous for most folks. If you are a thrill seeker, take the Incline Trail with spikes on your shoes. Wonderful view either trail you hike. ENJOY
4. Ruxton's Trading Post
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
We are located in a historic building which is built over Ruxton Creek. Ruxton Creek begins on the slopes of Pikes Peak and travels down into Manitou Springs. Our address is 22 Ruxton Avenue which is just one half block off of Manitou Avenue (Main St) and on the way to the Cog Railway Station. The Cog Railway ascends about 7,000 vertical feet to the top of Pikes Peak. Our store is a mixture of antique and new Colorado and western goods and artifacts. Native American and western art, cowboy hats, cowhide and sheepskin rugs and many unusual things that you may not have seen before. We have hundreds of vintage license plates from 1914 on. Some items that we keep in stock are antique skis, snow shoes, gas and oil signs, Indian pottery, Navajo rugs and vintage Indian silver jewelry.
5. Manitou Springs Heritage Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By FrontierJ - Manitou Springs, United States
The Heritage Center in Manitou Springs is well worth a visit but do check to make sure they will be open when you visit. They have rotating displays by seasons and for anyone who loves history, this is a must when coming to Manitou. The staff are very informative and helpful and I hope everyone makes a donation for a group that is all volunteer. Cost is free to visit.
6. Garden of the Gods Trading Post
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 255 reviews
Reviewed By 855cherylj - Silver Cliff, United States
Large store with lots of great souvenirs to choose from. Nice sweatshirt/tee shirt selection. Fair prices.
7. The Glassblowers of Manitou
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By bballmomx2 - Dodgeville, United States
Popped in as we were just browsing through town. Lots of amazing blown glass items. Found exactly what I didn't know I wanted!
8. Commonwheel Artists Co-op
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
We are a co-operative gallery of 30+ artists who work/live within 50 miles of Manitou Springs, CO. Every time you come to Commonwheel you meet one of our artists. We host a gallery exhibit by visiting artists which changes monthly. You'll find information on our current and upcoming gallery shows on our web site.
9. Manitou Springs Visitors Bureau
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 88 reviews
Providing information, maps and directions for activities in the Manitou Springs and Pikes Peak Region.
Reviewed By amathteacher - Irving, United States
The gentleman with whom we spoke about activities we wanted to do in the area was very helpful and informative, detailing information on a map of the area and Manitou Springs. He explained about the springs for which the town is named and gave us cups for tasting the water (naturally carbonated with lots of other minerals). There were a couple of other workers in the building as well helping other people who walked in. Outside were some Adirondack-type chairs made of skis which were unusual. Glad we stopped in.
10. Rainbow Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By dwaynea3 - Parker, United States
We went before it started really getting cold. Whether you want to fish, or hike this place is amazing.
