Tucked away near Pikes Peak is the town of Manitou Springs, a quintessential town for tourists since back in the 1870’s. A number of the mineral springs in town are still functional today and visitors and locals alike can relax in one of the many pools located throughout town. There are also plenty of other outdoor attractions, museums, restaurants, and breweries to be enjoyed. Manitou Springs is 1.5 hours from Denver (75.9 miles via I-25 S).
Hike up the Manitou Springs Incline
The Manitou Springs Incline is regarded by many people as being “the holy grail of cardio” for both athletes and local residents. Formerly a railroad track, the incline is now made up of 2,744 steps that are made completely out of railroad ties. The total distance of the Manitou Springs Incline is about a mile, but the ascension is a 41% incline on average, with a 68% incline at the highest. It’s also an elevation climb of two thousand feet, considered to be one of the world’s highest set of stairs. The Barr Trail should be taken back down.
Take a tour of the Cave of the Winds Mountain Park
The Cave of the Winds Mountain Park offers visitors an opportunity to explore the caves near Manitou Springs through a variety of means. The Discovery Tour lasts between forty-five and sixty minutes and takes guests on a guided tour through the portion of the Cave of the Winds that is electrically lit. The walking tour includes 196 stairs, half a mile of walkways, and fifteen rooms. The Lantern Tour is led by candlelight and is about a mile in length. This is a guided, ninety-minute tour through the unimproved and mysterious Manitou Grand Caverns. Caving 101 is also offered.
Address: 100 Cave of the Winds Rd, Manitou Springs, CO 80829, Phone: 719-685-5444
See what life was like during the Victorian era at the Miramont Castle Museum
The Miramont Castle Museum is dedicated to the preservation and restoration of the Miramont Castle’s architectural integrity, as well as to providing educational resources and experiences related to the history of the town of Manitou Springs, its artifacts, and its indigenous people. Visitors are invited to come and see what life was like back during the Victorian era. Inside of Miramont Castle, guests can view thirty different rooms adorned with authentic Victoria furnishings. The Queen’s Parlour Tea Room provides a chance to eat both modern day and Victoria fare made fresh every day. The grounds also include the Castle Gardens.
Address: 9 Capitol Hill Ave, Manitou Springs CO 80829, Phone: 719-685-1011
See an exhibition at the Manitou Springs Heritage Center
The Manitou Springs Heritage Center, established in 1997, is a non-profit, educational center at the foot of Colorado’s Pikes Peak. The mission of the center is the collection, preservation, research, and interpretation of the culture and history of the Pike Peak region, and the town of Manitou Springs in particular. The Manitou Springs Heritage Center hosts numerous special events and exhibitions throughout the year, including the haunted walking tours known as “Ghost Stories of Old Manitou” during the Emma Crawford Festival each year. The center aims to educate both visitors and locals alike to raise appreciation and understanding of the local community.
Address: 517 Manitou Ave, Manitou Springs, CO 80829, Phone: 719-685-1454
Have romantic dinner at the Cliff House Hotel Dining Room
The Cliff House Hotel Dining Room is considered to be the crown jewel of the culinary crown of Manitou Springs, Colorado, seamlessly combining a sense of romance and history with a refreshing approach to cooking. The Cliff House at Pikes Peak aims to captivate guests with its award-winning cuisine within the setting of the splendor of the Rocky Mountains. It is one of the premier dining establishments in the state of Colorado, receiving the 4 Diamond Award from AAA in Fine Dining and the DiRoNA Award. The Cliff House Hotel Dining Room is where visitors can find artistic, timeless cuisine.
Address: 306 Canon Ave, Manitou Springs, CO 80829, Phone: 719-785-1000
Stop for lunch at Adam's Mountain Cafe
Adam's Mountain Cafe serves a variety of global cuisine that is based on the principles of Slow Food, which uses as much organic and local products from the region as possible. While the cafe specializes in vegan and vegetarian dishes, Adam’s Mountain Cafe also offers other dishes featuring meats, such as fresh roasted turkey, organic salmon, shrimp, and Boulder All Natural Chicken. Customers can also find a boutique wine list, craft cocktails, and an array of Colorado craft beers at the cafe. Adam’s Mountain Cafe is a unique and independent eatery in Manitou Springs with antique chairs and tables.
Address: 26 Manitou Ave, Manitou Springs, CO 80829, Phone: 719-685-1430
Taste unique brews at the Manitou Brewing Company
The Manitou Brewing Company is a 5 bbl, small brewpub situated in the historic area of Manitou Springs, Colorado. Located near the base of Colorado’s Pikes Peak, the brewery is the closest to the mountain splendor. All of the beer produced by the Manitou Brewing Company is made from the pristine waters found near the peak’s summit. The brewery, pub, and cellar are housed in what used to be the Manitou Burro Line during the latter part of the 1800’s. In addition to the beer styles made on-site by Manitou Brewing Company, the brewery also offers other craft beers.
Address: 725 Manitou Ave, Manitou Springs, CO 80829, Phone: 719-282-7709
