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 Things to do Good for Couples
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. Adventures Out West
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 109 reviews
Reviewed By E7934GMmariec
This High Country Jeep Tour exceeded my expectations with Big D from Adventures Out West in beautiful Colorado Springs. Highly recommend him as a tour guide. What an amazing way to see the Rocky Mountains up close and personal. Bring a sweater it's chilly!
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. 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.
5. 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
6. 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.
7. Iron Springs Chateau Melodrama Dinner Theater
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 111 reviews
DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC THE IRON SPRINGS CHATEAU WILL NOT OPEN FOR THE SUMMER SEASON 2020. WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THIS FALL! A fun filled night of musical comedy! Boo the Villain and Cheer the Hero! Come join us for an evening that begins with our three course meal and the Melodrama immediately following (audience participation is strongly encouraged). After the melodrama, a foot-stomping sing-along and vaudeville style olio full of song, dance and comedy continues the fun throughout the evening!
Reviewed By Scenic70291
Fabulous evening with a group of ten friends. We had a nice dinner with choices of Chicken, Pot Roast and Salmon; Pot Roast was the favorite! But the evening is all about the show which involves abundant audience participation and is uproariously funny. This was a very pleasant and enjoyable evening.
8. Downtown Manitou Springs
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 502 reviews
Reviewed By amygV1127RB - Amarillo, United States
We loved downtown Manitou! Such a cute and vibrant place. Lots of shops, dining, entertainment, and views! Wish we could have spent more time here.
9. SunWater Spa
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 95 reviews
Mineral water soaking and treatments, spa therapies, massage, watsu, meditation path, vapor cave, yoga store, and personal events are only a click away.
Reviewed By sunlion1959 - Aurora, United States
This place is a must do when in Manitu Springs the out side hot tubs are Fantastic!!! the staff is Great the facilitiy is very clean
