Location: Manitou Springs
Top Things to do in Manitou Springs
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What to do and see in Manitou Springs, Colorado (CO): The Best Budget-friendly Things to do
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. 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
3. Cave of the Winds Mountain Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,949 reviews
Discovered in 1881, Cave of the Winds has been a premier Colorado attraction for more than a century. Explore amazing caverns, experience total cave darkness, and marvel at the beauty of formations hundreds of thousands of years old. Then step outside and walk on the wind on the Wind Walker Challenge Course, fly like a bat on the Bat-a-Pult, and dive into Williams Canyon on the one of a kind aerial dive ride, the TERROR-Dactyl. Lots of family fun, amazing views and memories to last a lifetime!
Reviewed By jmosesee - Cahuita, Costa Rica
We had a great time. Matt and Wesley were kind and patient as our guides on the Via Ferrata Tour, Carissa was funny and authoritative as our guide for the Lantern Tour, and the Wind Walker playground is also amazing.
4. Arcade Amusements, Inc
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 708 reviews
Family fun for ages 8 to 88!! Arcade Amusements is one city block of games, antique to current, located in beautiful downtown Manitou Springs. Skee-ball, pinball, derby and more! Come down and play with history today!
Reviewed By amyhC3125OE
A great place for everyone of all ages to enjoy even at my age now I still enjoy seeing these places and visiting these places sp much to do and so many games for all ages I had a great time
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. 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.
8. 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.
9. Manitou Cliff Dwellings
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,905 reviews
May admission hours 9:00am to 5:00pm, weather permitting. Park closes at 5:30PM. We are following state and health department guidelines, in an effort to combat COVID, in order to operate. This includes social distancing, hand sanitation stations and frequent high touch surface disinfecting for your safety. Face masks are required indoors by way of state mandate.
Reviewed By traveling_smiles - Longmont, United States
The gift shop is a bit much and with covid-19 requiring people follow the same path we were forced to see all three floors of it. I would have much preferred our visit without that. The first part of the museum is before the shopping but a second bit is snuck in along the gift shop route so people aren't even sure when to pay or that there is more gift shop coming up. My review is based on being able to enter the dwellings and even though they aren't in their original location the experience of being inside them gives history a real feel. We also appreciated the contrast of being in these dwellings compared to the tipi outside.
10. Miramont Castle Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 420 reviews
Miramont Castle is a local museum, rich with history. Construction of Miramont Castle began in 1895 as a private residence for Fr. Jean Baptiste Francolon and his mother. Miramont has four floors, and over 30 rooms to view, covering 14,000 sq. feet. The building features 9 styles of architecture. Self-guided tours allow guests to take as much or as little time discovering each area of the Castle at their liking. Enjoy our popular multi-course Teas in the Queen's Parlour Tea Room.
Reviewed By reddinglg
We went to the Victorian lunch. The lunch and service was excellent. Because it is high tea they provide hats for the ladies to wear, the decor is elegant and the china dishes and tea pots are lovely. After lunch we took the self guided tour which is very interesting. The castle is very unique. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable.
