Top 15 Attractions in Downtown Colorado Springs

Downtown Colorado Springs, situated close to Pikes Peak and the Rocky Mountains, serves as an excellent launching point for outdoor pursuits. Given the district’s elevation of over six thousand feet, it is advisable to acclimate at a measured pace upon arrival due to the significant altitude.

Despite the remarkable natural landscape, Downtown Colorado Springs presents a compelling urban experience characterized by artistic flair. Notably, it has been designated as a Colorado Creative District, boasting extraordinary public artworks across nearly every street.

Visitors can explore the array of artistic installations, venture underground to discover impressive caverns of Pikes Peak, observe Olympic athletes in training, embark on horseback riding adventures through the picturesque mountains, or learn about the area’s history at a museum dedicated to the first settlers. The myriad options available in Downtown Colorado Springs create an exhilarating experience, ensuring a memorable and well-rounded visit through the fifteen best activities offered in this vibrant district.

1. Downtown Art Walk

Ease into the high elevation by leisurely strolling through Downtown Colorado Springs on a Downtown Art Walk, which showcases fifty impressive pieces of public artwork displayed permanently.

Utilize an app available on the official Colorado Springs website to navigate the sculptures and plan your route while enjoying the art and the district at a comfortable pace.

Throughout the year, Downtown Colorado Springs also features temporary sculptures as part of the Art On The Streets initiative. Guided tours of these pieces are available during the summer months.

2. Sunrise Balloon Flight

Experience convenience as you are picked up from Downtown Colorado Springs and transported to a nearby launch site. Following a brief orientation, ascend into the gondola of a hot air balloon for a majestic flight above the stunning Aspen and Snowmass scenery.

Witnessing the Colorado landscape from the air is breathtaking, with opportunities to spot wild bears, deer, elk, and raptors, making binoculars a recommended accessory.

The duration of balloon flights is approximately one hour, contingent upon weather conditions. Participants will enjoy a celebratory brunch with champagne and receive a commemorative certificate post-flight.

3. Pioneers Museum

Located on South Tejon Street, the Pioneers Museum is dedicated to preserving the historical narrative of both the district and the state of Colorado.

This museum features captivating collections comprising over sixty thousand artifacts that illuminate the city’s history and the impact of the early settlers on its development.

An on-site shop offers light snacks and merchandise that resonates with the exhibitions of the museum.

4. Colorado Farm & Art Market

The Colorado Farm and Art Market is a vibrant marketplace for local produce and handicrafts, situated on the grounds of the Pioneers Museum in Downtown Colorado Springs.

At this weekly market, visitors will discover an array of products ranging from freshly baked bread to artisanal pottery and delectable Italian ice cream. Additionally, various pop-up food stalls offer a selection of tamales and other regular snacks.

5. Pikes Peak Highway Tour

Embark on a Gray Line bus from the Pikes Peak Gift Shop located on South Sierra Street in Downtown Colorado Springs for a guided excursion to the summit of Pikes Peak.

The tour traverses a breathtaking route through Ute Pass and alongside Crystal Reservoir before ascending to the observation area at the mountain’s peak, showcasing incredible panoramic vistas of Colorado.

This four-hour tour spans sixty miles, reaching an impressive elevation of over fourteen thousand feet.

6. US Olympic Training Center

Schedule a visit to the US Olympic Training Center while in Downtown Colorado Springs to gain insight into the rigorous training regimes of athletes striving for excellence in their sports.

Located just five minutes from downtown in Olympic Plaza, this facility provides both residential and recreational amenities for over five hundred athletes.

Upon arrival, visitors are shown a brief film presentation before embarking on a forty-five-minute guided tour around the complex. Key highlights include the US Olympic Hall Of Fame Rotunda and a chance to shop at the US Olympic store.

7. Garden of the Gods Horse Ride

Transform your experience in Downtown Colorado Springs by opting for a horseback ride through the breathtaking Garden of the Gods National Park instead of traditional motorized transport.

Academy Riding Stables, located on El Paso Drive, is merely a short drive from Downtown. Upon your arrival, you will meet an experienced cowboy guide, become acquainted with your horse, and venture onto the park’s scenic trails showcasing stunning rock formations.

No prior horseback riding experience is required for the one- or two-hour guided rides.

8. The Rabbit Hole

For a unique dining experience in Downtown Colorado Springs, locate the street-level entrance before descending the stairs into the Rabbit Hole.

This subterranean restaurant on North Tejon Street, inspired by Lewis Carroll’s ‘Alice in Wonderland,’ offers a straightforward yet well-prepared menu. Noteworthy dishes include rabbit pie, maple-glazed Brussels sprouts, and cherry-braised buffalo ribs.

Be sure to save room for dessert, as the delectable German chocolate cake and the Moon Pie are truly exceptional.

9. Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center

Though the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center may seem unremarkable from the outside, this perception quickly shifts once inside.

Within its walls are numerous galleries that host approximately twenty thousand pieces of American art spanning various genres, a theater with a capacity of over four hundred seats, and a performing arts venue that stages dramas, comedies, and musicals.

The Deco Lounge serves as the in-house cocktail bar, while the Taste restaurant offers splendid views of Pikes Peak, perfect for pre-show dinners. Visitors can also find art-related gifts and memorabilia at the museum shop.

10. Phantom Canyon Brewing Company

Explore the craft beer scene in Downtown Colorado Springs by visiting the Phantom Canyon Brewing Company situated on East Pikes Avenue.

This brewery-restaurant-bar occupies three stories within the historic Cheyenne Building, characterized by dark wood and traditional pub-style decor.

The Phantom Canyon Brewing Company presents a vibrant atmosphere to unwind, featuring twenty craft beers on tap. Patrons can also enjoy billiards or soak in the mountain views from the terraces while savoring a delicious Phantom burger or pork mole tacos.

11. 4×4 Adventure Out West

Venture into the surrounding hills for an exhilarating on- and off-road experience in an open-top jeep. The 4×4 tour commences with pick-up from Downtown Colorado Springs, transporting you into the Colorado wilderness to explore the Garden of the Gods, Cheyenne Canyon, and Manitou Springs.

These jeep excursions generally last around two and a half hours. For those seeking additional adventure, the drive can be combined with a horseback ride or, for the more intrepid, white-water rafting in Phantom Canyon.

12. Ghost Town Museum

Uncover the historical significance of Colorado Springs’s gold mining past at the Ghost Town Museum. The museum includes well-preserved remnants of a bygone Wild West town, featuring original timber structures filled with equipment and artifacts from the era of gold mining and frontier living.

Located on South 21st Street, the museum offers several interactive exhibits, including opportunities to pan for real gold and experience a rifle shooting range. To truly immerse yourself in historical nostalgia, be sure to try a refreshing sarsaparilla drink at the saloon bar.

13. Pikes Peak Greenway Trail

Take a leisurely walk or bike ride along the picturesque Pikes Peak Greenway Trail for a refreshing outdoor experience in Downtown Colorado Springs.

This paved trail meanders through the picturesque Monument Valley Park, encompassing one hundred and fifty acres alongside Monument Creek.

Bicycles can be rented through the PikeRide cycle share program, which features over twenty bike hubs for convenient pick-up and drop-off points throughout the downtown area.

14. Gasoline Alley

For an exciting night out in Downtown Colorado Springs, Gasoline Alley on North Tejon Street is a prime destination.

This trendy bar features beer taps resembling miniature gasoline pumps and showcases a classic brick-and-wood decor, complemented by numerous TVs.

Boasting live music from local artists nightly, Gasoline Alley also offers a rock and roll-themed snack menu, making it a vibrant social hub.

15. Cave Of The Winds Mountain Park

For a combination of outdoor exploration above and below ground, the Cave Of The Winds Mountain Park is an essential experience when visiting Downtown Colorado Springs. The park features both natural attractions and engaging amusements.

Consider taking a Discovery Tour into the underground caverns, which are adorned with stunning stalagmites and stalactites, or opt for a Lantern Tour filled with eerie folklore tales—both offerings are excellent for novice cavers.

Above ground, thrill-seekers can ride the Bat-a-Pult, a zip line exceeding one kilometer in length, or attempt the Wind Walker Challenge, which involves crossing a maze of beams six hundred feet in the air. For an ultimate adrenaline rush, feel the rush of the Terror-dactyl canyon swing, which plummets two hundred feet at a hundred miles per hour. It’s an exhilarating experience, truly emblematic of Downtown Colorado Springs.