Things to Do... Places to See

No matter where you are in the Pikes Peak Region you’re sure to be close to a museum, attraction or places of interest. Be it the arts, theatre, music, history or science, indoor or outdoor, fully active or mostly passive, there is always something to do, somewhere to visit, and some place to call your favorite. PLEASE check to see if the location is open to the public and what protocols they are following to keep their staff and visitors safe. Also check hours of operations and fees before you go because they’re subject to change, especially seasonal venues. But most of all – MAKE SURE YOU GO!

Museums

Cripple Creek District Museum

Located in five historic buildings, there is much to see; two Victorian apartments, log cabins, machinery, tools, extensive mineral collection, bookstore and gift shop. 5th and Bennett Ave., 689-9540, www.cripplecreekmuseum.com

Outlaws and Lawmen Jail Museum

Visit the old Teller County Jail, with cells intact, and get a feel for the raucous outlaw days of the wild west and see how the troublemakers ended up and get a glimpse of the men in charge of keeping the peace. Located on Bennett Ave. at A Street in Cripple Creek. 689-6556. Follow on Facebook.

Dr. Lester L. Williams Fire Museum

This museum of extensive memorabilia is located in the Springs Fire Operations Center. Open weekdays 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., weekends by appointment only. 375 Printers Parkway, Colorado Springs, 719-385-5950, www.williamsfiremuseum.com

Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center

Fine Arts Center at Colorado College

One of the first facilities to house both the visual and performing arts, the Center contains two unique museum collections, a theater for performing arts, the Bemis School of Art with art classes for children and adults, library, restaurant and museum shop. Admission for non-members; entrance to gift shop is free. The shop features authentic Native American pottery, baskets and jewelry, Hispanic artwork and a selection of books and cards. At the corner of Dale and Cascade Ave., 634-5581, www.fac.coloradocollege.edu.

Galleries of Contemporary Art (GOCA)

University of Colorado-Colorado Springs. Exhibits and programs at two locations: Marie Walsh Sharpe GOCA in the Ent Center for the Arts, 5225 N. Nevada Ave., and the GOCA project space, 121 S. Tejon, Colorado Springs. 255-3504, www.gocadigital.org

Ghost Town Museum

This authentic preservation of an Old West town 100 years ago has earned many awards and national recognition. Complete with shops, blacksmith, saloon, livery stables and a chance to pan for gold! Call the museum for hours and admission fee. Located at 400 S. 21st Street, 634-0696, www.ghosttownmuseum.com

McAllister House

Placed on the National Register of Historic Places, this English cottage built in 1873 houses a museum, small gift shop, and carriage house on site. 423 N. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs, 719-635-7925, www.mcallisterhouse.org

May Natural History Museum (The “Bug” Museum)

Approximately 7,000 invertebrates from the world’s tropical climates are displayed, including unusual butterflies, 9” beetles and 16” stick insects. Located at 710 Rock Creek Canyon Rd., south of the city. Open May thru September. 576-0450. www.coloradospringsbugmuseum.com

Miramont Castle

Constructed in 1895 for a French priest, the castle features nine styles of architecture using local stone and wood. It is dedicated to preserving the Victorian heritage of the area. Closed Mondays September thru May. Open daily Memorial Day thru Labor Day. 9 Capitol Hill Ave., Manitou Springs, 685-1011, www.miramontcastle.org.

5089 Pikes Peak Hwy., Cascade 80809 719-385-7325 • www.coloradosprings.gov

38,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art center has exhibits inside and walkways and interpretive rails around the outside describing views and indentifying landscape features. Includes a snack bar where they serve donuts using the same high altitude recipe since 1916 with various toppings and trail mix bars.

Money Museum

The largest collection in the U.S. dedicated to the art, history and science of money. Exhibits of gold and silver coins, tokens, medals and paper money from ancient to modern times. 818 N. Cascade, on the campus of Colorado College. 800-3679723, www.money.org

Museum of Colorado Prisons

32 cells filled with exhibits including life size models; explores the history of Colorado corrections. 201 N. 1st Street, Canon City, 719-2693015, www.prisonmuseum.org

Museums (continued)

Pikes Peak Trolley Museum and Restoration Shop

Dedicated to the local history of the regions trains and trolley cars featuring an 1888 Rock Island Roundhouse, Log on to see current projects, original street cars and rides. 2333 Steel Drive, Colorado Springs, 719-475-9508 www.coloradospringstrolleys.com

Old Colorado City Historical Society and History Center

A church built in the 1890’s houses artifacts, photos, research library and gift shop that tell the story of the people and businesses that founded early El Paso County. Programs and tours are offered. Located at 1 S. 24th St. Call for hours. 636-1225, www.occhs.org

Old Homestead House Museum

Owned by Pearl DeVere, this was the most expensive brothel in town; rumor has it she charged $250.00 a night and got it! Guided tour of nine historic rooms - open daily May - October. 353 Meyers Ave., Cripple Creek, 689-9090, www.oldhomesteadhouse.com

Penrose Heritage Museum

8,500 sq. ft., adjacent to Broadmoor Hall, houses numerous carriages, 1920’s racecars, a 1928 Cadillac limousine, and a 1906 Renault, along with many antiques and artifacts. Closed Mondays. No admission charge. 11 Lake Circle, Colorado Springs, 719-577-7065, www.elpomar.org

Pioneers Museum

Built in 1903 as the El Paso County Courthouse, the neoclassical building is the principal museum of the history and culture of the Pikes Peak region. 215 S.Tejon St. No charge. Tues - Sat 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 385-5990. Visit our website at www.cspm.org

Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame & Museum of the American Cowboy Depicts the history of the cowboy who created rodeo, America‘s original sport. Self-guided tours include tracing the evolution of modern rodeo; Wild West Show exhibit; rodeo sculptures & artwork; and the main Hall of Champions, displaying trophies and winnings of rodeo’s world champions. Hours vary seasonally, call or visit online for current hours of operation. I-25 at Exit 103. 101 Pro Rodeo Drive, 528-4764 www.prorodeohalloffame.com

Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center

Housed in a great building, it’s all about education, science, exhibits and even a “dino” store. Located at 201 S. Fairview St., Woodland Park, 686-1820, www.rmdrc.com

The Rocky Mountain Motorcycle Museum

A large collection of Harley-Davidsons (1913 thru 1983) Excelsior, Indian, Japanese and military cycles and other memorabilia. 19 N. Tejon., Colorado Springs. 719-487-8005, www.themotorcyclemuseum.com

United States Olympic and Paralympic Museum

200 S. Sierra Madre Street, Colorado Springs, 80903 719-497-1234 • www.usopm.org

Museum dedicated to telling the stories of our country’s greatest athletics through artifacts and use of media and technology. Has 12 galleries of interactive exhibits accessible to everyone. Also includes a restaurant and gift shop. Tickets can be purchased online.

Victor Lowell Thomas Museum

Housed in an original building circa 1899, two floors of exhibits depict the city from its beginning to the heydays of gold mining. The tour includes panning for real gold. Open daily Memorial Day through Labor Day (call for off-season hours). Gift shop. Third and Victor Streets, Victor, 689-5509, www.victormuseum.com

Western Museum of Mining & Industry

Guided tours of gold and silver mining. Learn to pan for gold. Exhibits include machinery used in early hard rock mining with demonstrations. Open MondaySaturday. 225 North Gate Blvd., I-25 at Exit 156A, across from U.S. Air Force Academy. Call 488-0880, www.wmmi.org

World Figure Skating Hall of Fame & Museum

Honors national and international skaters and features artifacts, costumes, national and international medals and trophies. Call for hours. 20 First Street, 635-5200, www.worldskatingmuseum.org