Attractions Colorado Springs05 Mar
Colorado Springs is the home of Pike’s Peak and has many attractions. It is a very cultural centered community. It was founded in 1871 by General William Jackson Palmer and he wanted to build a high quality resort. In the beginning Colorado Springs was called “Little “London” because so many English tourists came to the area. You can visit the 18th century castle, the Glen Eyrie, which was General Palmer’s original home.
Colorado Springs developed into a major city because of the major gold rush in nearby Cripple Creek. Spencer Penrose who struck it rich at Cripple Creek went on to finance the Broadmoor Hotel, the Pikes Peak Highway and the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.
The US Olympic Training Center is located in Colorado Springs and is the headquarters for US Olympic Committee. There are free tours given daily that give visitors an opportunity to view where the US Olympic athletes train. There is also a sculpture garden and an Olympic Flame display.
If you would like to take a scenic tour of the surrounding area you can take a historic two hour tour on the Royal Gorge Route Railroad. You will be able to see the Royal Gorge Bridge and the Rio Grande. This is a great way to take in the natural beauty surrounding Colorado Springs.
There are many natural wonders to see around Colorado Springs. You can visit the Cave of the Winds. These caves have been there for thousands of years and remain a constant 54 degrees. You can choose how you would like to explore the caves. You can take a leisurely walking tour or you can have an adventure and go deep within the caves with a helmet and headlamp.
At the Garden of the Gods you can experience this amazing area by horseback, hiking or driving. There are over 1,300 acres of awe inspiring red rock formation, wildlife, and unusual plants. It is said that this area was once inhabited by Indians who named the formations and the rocks for spiritual and social reasons.
You can experience the culture of the Anasazi Indians who lived here between 1100 and 1300 AD at the Manitou Cliff Dwellings. There is a three story Pueblo structure that is built right into the cliffs. You can also walk through exhibits showing the life of this tribe. In the summer months you can also see Native American dances.
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo was founded in 1926 and started out as a private collection of exotic animals. In 1938 it was given to the people of Colorado Springs. There are over 650 animals which includes 30 species that are endangered. They have a world renowned giraffe herd that can be seen in the African Rift Valley Exhibit. There are many rare and exotic animals to see here and will be enjoyed by all.
Colorado Springs is a beautiful place to come to relax and enjoy the magnificent surroundings. There are many outdoors activities as well as indoor attractions to visit. You will fall in love with this area and will want to return again and again.