Manitou Springs
Tucked into the base of Pikes Peak, Manitou Springs has been the quintessential tourist town since the 1870s, when visitors discovered the healing waters the Ute Indians had been drinking for years.
Today, the town is known for marching to the beat of its own drummer and attracting eclectic folks looking for something just a bit different.
From its historic architecture and thriving arts district to its diverse shops and family-friendly arcade, downtown Manitou Springs is home to many artists, galleries, street performers, creek-side restaurants, and boutiques. There are also monthly art walks featuring a wide range of artwork, while free shuttles run daily to take you around town.
Schryver Park is a great place to fish with kids. It also offers shade on a hot day, a picnic area, and an indoor pool. Soda Springs Park draws lots of visitors too, especially when it hosts free concerts.
Manitou Springs is home to a thriving health and wellness scene. Visitors can choose from classes, mineral water soaking tubs, enlightening meditation retreats, and more.
Outdoor enthusiasts can hike the trails behind the town and enjoy panoramic views of the Pikes Peak region. For those who want a true challenge, the Manitou Springs Incline offers a climb that ascends 2,000 feet in elevation using a mile of railroad ties.
Annual events fill the town’s calendar. The Emma Crawford Memorial coffin Races is perhaps the most popular, with participants racing decorative coffins down the main drag to the cheers of onlookers in October.