Top 15 Activities and Attractions in Fountain, Colorado

Fountain is a small city situated in the El Paso County of central Colorado, conveniently positioned along the Interstate 25 corridor that connects Denver to the north and Pueblo to the south.

With a population exceeding 25,000, Fountain exudes a charming historic western ambiance, renowned for its natural landscapes and the proximity of several state and national parks.

Day excursions to nearby Colorado Springs serve as excellent opportunities to discover and appreciate the broader region; this city offers a diverse array of dining, lodging, and recreational options that surpass those available in Fountain.

Here are 15 attractions to explore in and around Fountain, Colorado.

1. Fountain Creek Regional Park

Covering nearly 500 acres, Fountain Creek Regional Park offers expansive spaces and a variety of recreational activities, making it a favored spot for nature enthusiasts.

The park features several nature trails that range from easy to moderately challenging, weaving through diverse ecosystems that support an array of wildlife.

Although these trails can become busy during peak periods, they tend to be less crowded during the fall and winter months.

The park’s ponds are available for fishing, and they are regularly stocked; however, visitors must possess a valid Colorado fishing license to adhere to regulations.

2. The Last Drop Coffee Shop & Café

Colorado boasts a community known for its active and sophisticated lifestyle, with a strong affinity for beer, wine, and coffee.

The Last Drop Coffee Shop & Café, located on South Santa Fe Avenue in Fountain, is a contemporary, welcoming independent coffee establishment.

Having only opened in 2018, it has since garnered a devoted clientele.

While many patrons visit for their coffee, the menu also includes delectable breakfast items such as bagels, pastries, and burritos.

For those in a hurry, a convenient drive-thru window is also available.

3. Fountain Community Theater

Community theaters are prevalent even in rural areas across the country; visitors seeking a unique experience beyond mainstream attractions will find them to be an excellent source of entertainment while supporting local talent.

Operated by a non-profit organization, the theater seeks to unite community members by providing access to various performing arts that might otherwise be unavailable.

Performances encompass a range of genres, including classic plays, musicals, and contemporary comedies, all presented by volunteer actors from the local area.

4. Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum

Colorado is steeped in a captivating pioneer history marked by gold rushes, legendary cowboys, and conflicts between federal troops and the Native American tribes that inhabited the Rocky Mountain region for generations.

The Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum is a free attraction, open Monday through Tuesday from 10 AM to 5 PM.

The museum features significant historical exhibits, showcasing weapons, Native American artifacts, vintage photographs, and personal accounts from former residents of the area.

Visitors typically allocate about an hour for exploration, often leaving with a sense of having gained valuable knowledge and enjoyment during their visit to the Fountain region.

5. North Cheyenne Cañon Park

Located merely a few miles southwest of Fountain, North Cheyenne Cañon Park encompasses over 1,500 acres featuring breathtaking cliffs, abundant wildlife, and a canyon that descends more than 900 feet.

The park offers numerous hiking trails, many of which trace the path of North Cheyenne Creek, a popular destination for swimmers during the summer months when Colorado experiences its warmest temperatures.

First-time visitors might benefit from stopping by the visitor and nature centers to familiarize themselves with the park’s layout and facilities before embarking on their adventure.

6. The Flying W Ranch

The Flying W Ranch is an operational cattle ranch located along the eastern periphery of the Rockies, providing a wide range of recreational and entertainment opportunities since the early 1950s.

Located on Chuckwagon Road in Colorado Springs, it is easily accessible for visitors staying in Fountain.

During the peak summer season, the ranch can accommodate nearly a thousand visitors daily, which may not suit those seeking solitude in nature.

For families looking for vibrant entertainment coupled with delicious cowboy-style dining, it offers a unique experience.

7. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Zoos are fantastic destinations for family outings, and while many may feel similar, they often provide memorable experiences, particularly for children.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo showcases animals of various species from around the world. Whether one is interested in fierce predators, docile herbivores, or exotic reptiles, they will likely discover a diverse range of fauna here.

There are numerous interactive activities led by staff available for children, and the pathways connecting different animal enclosures are accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.

A visit to the memorial dedicated to Will Rogers on site is also recommended before continuing on to the next adventure.

8. Pikes Peak

Rising nearly three miles above sea level, Pikes Peak is a towering symbol of the Colorado landscape, capturing the imaginations of visitors since the era of early settlers.

Regardless of the ages or fitness levels in your group, accessing this iconic mountain is straightforward, as it is accessible by both car and foot.

Regardless of the method chosen, visitors will be treated to some of the most breathtaking panoramic mountain vistas, with many who have taken the Cog Railway praising it as a particularly enjoyable and scenic way to absorb the natural grandeur.

9. Cliff House at Pikes Peak

For those seeking a memorable dining experience in a breathtaking location and are willing to invest in a higher price point, the Cliff House at Pikes Peak in Manitou Springs is an excellent option.

This establishment is particularly recognized for its extensive wine collection, boasting over 1,000 varieties. Its menu features both traditional and innovative dishes prepared from fresh, locally sourced ingredients during the growing season.

The restaurant and inn have received several accolades from renowned travel and culinary organizations. For those intending to stay for a night or two, numerous packages are available, including accommodations, meals, and activities such as rafting, hiking, and wine tours.

10. The Garden of the Gods

Featuring extraordinary rock formations sculpted from ancient sandstone, The Garden of the Gods is a highly recommended site for many tourists venturing to the American West due to its stunning natural beauty.

This unique destination is comprised of over 300 individual formations that are accessible year-round. First-time visitors are encouraged to visit the welcome center before embarking on the scenic exploration.

For those wishing to experience the site through a guided tour, various options are available, including trolley rides, 4-wheel drive vehicles, horseback riding, and even Segway tours.

11. Western Museum of Mining & Industry

From its inception, the mining industry has played a pivotal role in shaping Colorado’s economy.

During the gold rush era, most mining operations were small, family-run businesses, but over time, the focus has shifted to larger companies that operate with relatively low profit margins amid labor and equipment-heavy demands.

The Western Museum of Mining & Industry offers an ideal setting to gain insights into this fascinating aspect of regional history. Visitors can even engage in hands-on demonstrations of various traditional mining techniques while visiting.

While self-guided exploration is encouraged, many choose to participate in the guided tours included with the admission cost.

12. Art on the Streets

For over two decades, Colorado Springs’ Art on the Streets has been a well-regarded event made possible through the collaboration of local artists, art enthusiasts, businesses, and civic organizations.

The initiative aims to enhance the city with vibrant art installations, displayed for an entire year or until purchased.

Each June, new artwork takes the place of the previous year’s offerings, and various tours and treasure hunt-style activities provide fun ways to discover the art while also allowing visitors to connect with locals and gain insights into the city’s layout.

13. Labor Day Lift Off

Labor Day Lift Off may represent the signature event in Colorado Springs; it attracts thousands of attendees each year, taking place over the Labor Day weekend.

The highlight of the event is the impressive launch of colorful hot air balloons, numbering over 70. For those who have never witnessed a large-scale launch, it is a breathtaking spectacle that often becomes one of the most cherished experiences during their Colorado visit.

This free event spans two days at Memorial Park, featuring not only the balloon spectacle but also live entertainment, delicious food options, and engaging activities for all ages.

14. Broadmoor Pikes Peak Cog Railway

Although several options exist to experience Pikes Peak, many visitors endorse the Broadmoor Pikes Peak Cog Railway as the top choice.

Having been in operation for over a century, the railway transports passengers up to approximately the 8,000-foot level, providing incredible panoramic views of the Rockies, although it does not reach the peak’s summit at over 14,000 feet.

The incline can be steep and progress slow, but there is a certain charm associated with riding on a historical train that evokes the pioneering days when the wilderness was largely uncharted.

15. Paint Mines Interpretive Park

For those eager to spend their time wisely and maximize their travel investment, the Paint Mines Interpretive Park located in nearby Calhan should rank high on their list of must-see Colorado attractions.

The park is widely recognized for its remarkable rock formations and archaeological sites that date back nearly 10,000 years.

Extensive trails provide access to the park’s distinctive areas, complemented by informative signage along the routes, allowing visitors to gain insights into what they are observing.

Admission to the park is complimentary, but climbing on the rock formations is prohibited, so visitors are advised to remain on designated paths.