Attractions

Air Force Academy

Built along the base of the majestic Rampart Range, this is one of Colorado’s most popular destinations for visitors The elite four-year military institution has a variety of areas open to the public including the Cadet Chapel, concerts at Arnold Hall, Falcon Stadium, and a visitors center. Call 333-2025 to confirm hours of operation. I-25 at Exit 156B (North Gate Blvd.), www.usafa.af.edu

Air Force Academy Planetarium

Exit 156 off I-25, North Gate entrance. Originally built in 1959, the refurbished structure now features new technology, reclining theatre seats, and an enhanced educational STEM outreach program for the community. Open to the public weekdays.

The Broadmoor

One of the country’s finest resorts, The Broadmoor was built in 1918 as a grand hotel and for years has enjoyed a Forbes 5-star and AAA 5 Diamond rating. Offers 2 golf courses, bowling, tennis, swimming, movies, numerous restaurants, fly fishing, zipline, and horseback riding. Located at One Lake Avenue, 623-5112, www.broadmoor.com.

Butte Theater Produced with the Mountain Repertory Theatre

Performances include the classic Victorian Melodrama, Shakespeare, comedies, mysteries, and musicals. 139 E. Bennett Ave., Cripple Creek. Box Office: 689-6402 • www.buttetheater.com

Catamount Institute/ Beidleman

Catamount Institute Environmental Center

Located in Sondermann Park, this field campus offers camping, educational programs, hiking, workshops, tobogganing, tracking and more. Open to all nature lovers! For more information call the center at 471-0910 or visit online at www.catamountinstitute.org.

Cave of the Winds

Travel deep into the Rocky Mountains Guided 7/8 mile tour takes you through millions of years of geological history. View stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, plus many other cave formations. Also features aerial “dive” into the canyon, tram ride and family friendly challenge course. Six miles west off Hwy 24 in Manitou Springs, 685-5444, www.caveofthewinds.com.

The Chamber Orchestra of Colorado Springs www.chamberorchestraofthesprings.org

The orchestra performs five concerts at different locations with nationally renowned professional guest artists. P.O. Box 7911, Colorado Springs 80933. Call 633-3649 for concert locations.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

As America’s only mountain zoo, ranked 4th in the U.S., the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is uniquely suited to showcase Colorado wildlife in its natural setting. The Rocky Mountain Wild exhibit complex connects visitors with the heritage of the Rocky Mountain Region. Discover more than 30 endangered animals and interact with one of the countries largest giraffe herds. Also at the Zoo is the Mountaineer Sky Ride, an open-air, chairlift that provides spectacular views of Cheyenne Mountain, Colorado Springs and the Zoo. The ride is available with or without admission to the Zoo and is only $5. Open daily. 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd., 633-9925, www.cmzoo.org.

Colorado Springs Chorale

For over 65 years, the Chorale has performed around the area. Log on for auditions, concert info and special events. P.O. Box 2304, Colorado Springs 80901. 634-3737, www.cschorale.org

Colorado Springs Philharmonic

Performs classics, pops, family and holiday concerts at Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts. Call 575-9632 with questions. www.csphilharmonic.org.

Colorado Wolf & Wildlife Center

Shelter for rescued wolves, foxes and coyotes. Public welcome for educational tours. Located off Hwy. 24 (two miles west of Divide) on Twin Rocks Road 687-9742, www.wolfeducation.org

Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad

Enjoy unobstructed views from open cars and interesting narrations about gold mines and trestles as you travel to Anaconda, a nearby deserted mining camp. Runs daily, mid May thru Labor Day, 520 E. Carr Street, Cripple Creek, Call 689-2640 for information or visit at www.cripplecreekrailroad.com.

Ent Center for the Arts

This 92,000 sq. ft. performing and visual arts complex is located on the campus of the University of Colorado - Colorado Springs. It is designed to be a multi-venue artistic hub for the community. Artists series, gallery shows and theatre productions are online at entcenterforthearts.org, 5225 N. Nevada Ave. Colorado Springs. 719-255-3232

Fine Arts Center (FAC) Theatre Company

This award winning company offers a full season of muscials, comedies and dramas on two stages. Comprehensive professional training is offered for ages 5 - adult. 30 W. Dale St., Colorado Springs. Box Office: 634-5581, www.fac.coloradocollege.edu

Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument and International Dark Sky Park

Just west of Divide, this area provides a fascinating look into the distant past. Enjoy interpretive exhibits, a Visitor’s Center and trails for summer and winter activities. Administered by the National Park Service. Admission. Open daily. 15807 Teller County Road One, 748-3253. www.nps.gov Night sky programs, dates and times are available on the NPS website.

Garden of the Gods Park

Natural park of 1,300 acres containing massive formations of red sandstone, including Gateway Rocks, Balanced Rock, and the Cathedral Spires. There are nature walks, foot and horse trails, and picnicking. Visitors Center features exhibits, gift and coffee shops. Open daily. 1805 N. 30th St. (at Gateway Road), 634-6666, www.gardenofgods.com.

Iron Springs Chateau Melodrama Dinner Theatre 444 Ruxton Ave. in Manitou Springs. Call 685-5104 for hours & ticket prices.www.ironspringschateau.com

Millibou Art Theatre (MAT)

Award winning community theatre for everyone from 3 to 93. Classes and camps available. 1626 S. Tejon Street in Colorado Springs. Call 465-6321 (tickets) www.themat.org

Manitou Cliff Dwellings

First opened to the public in 1906 and built more than 700 years ago, these authentic Anasazi dwellings allow you to roam inside the architectural marvels of the American Indians that inhabited the southwest from 1200 B.C.-1300 A.D. A pueblo-style building houses the museum and gift shop. Open seven days a week, call for seasonal hours. 10 Cliff Dwellings Rd. Located five miles west of I-25 off Hwy. 24 in Manitou Springs. 685-5242 • www.cliffdwellingsmuseum.com

Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine

The United States’ only 1,000 foot vertical shaft gold mine tour complete with viewing areas, air powered tram-air locomotive and mineral display. Discovered in 1891, it is maintained as a mineable property. Continual updates are being made including crosscut tunnels to enhance the experience. Admission fee. Open May - September, call for specifics. Group tours available year round. 9388 Hwy. 67 in Cripple Creek. 689-2466, www.goldminetours.com.

North Cheyenne Canon Park

The oldest city park in Colorado Springs, located on N. Cheyenne Canon Road, it is cut 1,000 feet deep into 1.5 billion year old granite. Outstanding plant and animal life abound. Guided hike and general trail information, including lengths and descriptions of each terrain is available on the website. www.cheyennecanon.org

Helen Hunt Falls Visitor Center is located at 3440 N. Cheyenne Canon Rd. with exhibits, hiking trail maps, books, etc. Seasonal hours. Call 633-5701. Starsmore Discovery Center is located at 2120 S. Cheyenne Canon Rd. and offers dioramas, nature exhibits, bird watching, climbing wall, books and maps. Seasonal hours, 385-6086.

North Pole & Santa’s Workshop

Twenty-five acres of family fun visiting Santa. Featuring a host of friendly animals, artisans, and more than two dozen amusement rides. Open mid-May-Christmas, call for specific information. 5050 Pikes Peak Hwy., Cascade, 684-9432, www.northpolecolorado.com

Old Colorado City

Old Colorado City Historic District is an extraordinary blend of heritage and architecture. In the historic buildings there are restaurants, art galleries, studios, and specialty shops. W. Colorado Ave. between 24th and 28th. 344-8537, www.shopoldcoloradocity.com

Pikes Peak Jazz & Swing (PPJASS)

Summer Jazz in the Park series, monthly concerts, special events and scholarship awards. P.O. Box 6802, Colorado Springs 80934. Log on to Facebook for complete calendar (Pikes Peak Jazz & Swing Society)

Pikes Peak & Pikes Peak Highway

Drive to the 14,110 ft. summit of the peak that inspired the song “America the Beautiful” in the comfort of your car. Open daily year round, weather permitting. There is a road toll charge. West on Hwy. 24 in Cascade, 385-7325, www.coloradosprings.gov

Royal Gorge Route Railroad

Provides a variety of services from a 2-hour ride in an open air car to gourmet breakfast, lunch and dinner trains! Seasonal schedules, please check website for current offerings. 330-B Royal Gorge Blvd., Canon City 81212 • 719-276-4000, www.royalgorgeroute.com

Royal Gorge Bridge and Park Up In The Sky

The bridge suspends over one of the deepest gorges in Colorado and the Arkansas River. The Visitors Center is located at the edge of the rim. The park features a miniature train, skycoaster, zipline, and aerial gondolas for a variety of views. Log on for full calendar, hours and special events. 4218 County Rd. 3A, Canon City, 275-7507, www.royalgorgebridge.com

Seven Falls Park & Restaurant 1858 (The Broadmoor)

The Falls cascade down a steep box canyon in seven distinct steps. Wide open vistas of valleys and striking rock formations are on view as you climb 224 steps to the hiking trails and 181 foot drop of falling water. Log online for tickets. 855-923-7272. www.broadmoor.com

Space Foundation Discovery Center

A space, science, and technology attraction featuring an education center, a “science on a sphere” full-motion projection system, exhibits and space artifacts. Closed Sunday and Monday. Admission charge. Located at 4425 Arrowswest Drive in Colorado Springs. 576-8000, www.discoverspace.org

Theatreworks

Professional theatre and student performances in the Ent Center for the Arts. 5225 N. Nevada Ave., Colorado Springs. 719-255-3232, www.entcenterforthearts.org

The Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway

Newly refurbished and placed back into service in 2021 (yes, it’s still the highest railway in the USA) the cog railway takes visitors on an unforgettable panoramic trip to the 14,110 ft summit of America’s Mountain – Pikes Peak! Though the railway runs year round, the schedule is seasonal. So please check their website or call the box office to get up-to-date information on when the trains run. Advanced purchase of tickets is recommended.515 Ruxton Ave, Manitou Springs 80829 (719) 685-5401 www.cograilway.com.

Tri Lakes Center for the Arts

Located in the historic Kaiser-Frazer building, this organization has classes, demonstrations, exhibitions, resident artists and a gift gallery. 304 Hwy. 105 in Palmer Lake. 481-0475 www.trilakesarts.org.

U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center

This mega-complex houses the Olympic Hall of Fame and Rotunda, retail stores and restaurants. Free tour hours are posted online. One Olympic Plaza. 866-4618, www.teamusa.org.

Van Briggle Pottery and Tile

See history’s oldest art form, “throwing on the Potter’s Wheel”, and other phases of pottery-making on a tour of this unique facility. Free admission. Closed Sunday. 1024 S. Tejon St., Call 633-7729 for tour information. www.vanbriggle.com.

Water World

Listed as one of the best waterparks by the Travel Channel. Open Memorial Day - Labor Day, weather permitting. 149 attractions from wave pools to speed slides. Lockers, food service, picnic areas, day or season passes. 88th and Pecos, Denver. 303-427-SURF www.waterworldcolorado.com.

Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun

Built by Spencer Penrose in memory of his friend, the great American humorist Will Rogers, the shrine towers 100-feet high on Cheyenne Mountain. Shrine admission also includes admission to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Features Westminster Chimes which strike every 15 minutes. Open daily. 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd., 578-5367, www.cmzoo.org.

A “Colorado Creative District”certifies a community contributes economically through creativity, culture and the arts for a five year period.

Some of the areas that qualify:

• Downtown Colorado Springs

• Manitou Springs

• Pueblo Creative Corridor

• Denver’s Art District on Santa Fe and “The Golden Triangle”

What is a Colorado Creative District?

Military Places of Interest

Barry Goldwater Air Force Academy Visitors Center at Gateway of the Academy

719-333-2025 • www.usafa.edu

Open daily 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. A short walk from the Visitors Center is the Air Force Academy Chapel. Its unique architecture and stain glass windows are a must see when visiting.

Dragonmans Military Museum

1200 Dragonman Dr. • Colorado Springs 80929

719-683-2200 • www.dragonmans.com. Open April thru November.

Over 85 vintage military vehicles on display and shooting range. Call for tour.

4th Infantry Division Museum

6013 Nelson Blvd., Ft. Carson, www.history.army.mil

Exhibits and interprets the history from 1917 to present. Closed Sundays.

National Museum of World War II Aviation

755 Aviation Way • 719-637-7559, www.worldwariiaviation.org

Open daily, this museum is home to 28 fully restored aircraft and often has others on the premises as they fly to shows and events. Photos of the permanant collection can be viewed. There is a representative sample of other military vehicles used by soldiers and marines used to defend the air base as well. Tours of the Westpac restoration facility are also available every hour on the half hour. For hours, accessibility, and tickets, call or log on to the website.

Peterson Air & Space Museum

150 E. Ent Ave. 719-556-4915 www.petemuseum.org

The museum portrays the aviation and space history of Colorado Springs and the base itself. The museum's Airpark includes numerous aircraft and missiles Hours for viewing 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Tuesday thru Friday and by appt. on Saturday. Due to security conditions, access could be restricted. Call ahead.

Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum (at the Memorial Airport)

31001 Magnuson Ave. • Pueblo 81001 • 719-948-9219 • www.pwam.org

One hundred years of military and aviation history in two hangers. Open daily. Log on to see aircraft that are on display.

Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum

7711 E. Academy Blvd. • Denver 80230 • 303-360-5360 • www.wingsmuseum.org

Features interactive exhibits and displays approximately 50 aircraft and space vehicles. There are advanced flight simulators for a variety of aircraft including the F-4 Phantom, Prowler, Starfighters, and Sabres. Summer camps for 8-17 year olds.

Venues