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City in Colorado, United States
Photo: Salim Virji, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Manitou Springs is a small resort town just west of Colorado Springs, Colorado. It was founded as a tourist destination and also became known for its mineral springs. But its greatest claim to fame is being the gateway to Pikes Peak.
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In the early 1900s these ruins were moved from southwestern Colorado to their current location.
Cheer the hero! Boo the villain! Audience participation is always encouraged as families enjoy musical comedy melodrama, sing-along and comedy revue.
Manitou Springs, unlike Colorado Springs, actually has springs! There are seven mineral springs throughout town where the drinking water runs freely throughout most of the year and is free to the public. Each spring has an interesting history and unique mineral composition and flavor. Pick up sampling cups at the Chamber of Commerce (Manitou Ave. & Mayfair) as well as a map for a refreshing self-guided tour.
Circa 1895, this restored private home showcases nine styles of architecture and includes an extensive Miniature Museum.
Upstart history museum and research center located at the start of Manitou Springs' Historic Downtown. Changing exhibits and unique "Manitou-centric" Museum Shop.
There are 9 unique natural springs drinking fountains to try around town
There are more than 8 art galleries, not counting restaurant art displays
1 mile of stairs (one way) climbing nearly 2,000 feet in less than one mile up the face of Mount Manitou. The land through which the Incline passes on its ascent is owned by three entities: the bottom portion is owned by the City of Colorado Springs, the middle section is owned by the Pikes Peak Cog Railway and the top portion is owned by the US Forest Service
A Christmas-themed amusement park located in the town of Cascade, just northwest of Manitou Springs.
A delightful little arcade with a nice amount of classic arcade games, mechanical and electronic.
Guided tours through an extensive network of caves
Tour ancient Anasazi dwellings at this museum
Tour haunted Briarhurst Manor & other ghost sites
Guided tours of downtown Manitou Springs highlight history, mineral springs. Support Manitou Springs Heritage Center.
3rd weekend of February. Thousands of people flood the town in crazy costumes
Mid July. 2 days. World-class runners race up and down Pike's Peak.
Early October. Sample micro-brews from around the country.
Weekend before Halloween. Thousands of people watch 4-man teams custom coffins on wheels.
Natural-style foods.
A Mexican restaurant. Famous margaritas.
Upscale dining in the Historic Cliff House.
A Common Ground Cafe'
Organic yerba maté drinks, sandwiches, salads, smoothies, and coffee. Open 24 hr on weekdays, from Sunday at noon until Friday at 3PM.
An upscale fondue restaurant; downstairs is a wine bar and scaled-down fondue plates.
Lounge & grill attached to the Historic Cliff House.
Best pizza in the metro.
Breakfast only.
Another local fave restaurant/lounge; good chicken sandwich.
8 taps of micro-brew beer. No hard alcohol & no food.
Mexican restaurant with a small bar & famous margaritas.
Restaurant/lounge with large patio, music, pool tables & good food.
By plane
The Colorado Springs Airport (COS) is served by eight airlines.
By car
S. Highway 24 west, and take the Manitou Springs exit. Or go west on Colorado Avenue (24 business) and you'll drive right through the center of Manitou Springs.
By bus
There is daily bus service from downtown Colorado Springs.
Manitou Springs is a great town for a walking or bicycle tour. Nearly all of the shops, galleries, bars and restaurants are on or just off the main street, which is Manitou Avenue.
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Colorado Springs · International · COS
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