Looking for exciting and unique things to do in Colorado Springs? If so, you’ve come to the right place!
Colorado Springs is one of my favorite towns to visit in the country. The first time I went to Colorado Springs in 2012 I spent time hiking, picnicking in the park, and trying out new restaurants.
But there is much more to this charming town besides its sheer natural beauty that I’ve discovered on later trips. Ancient ruins, museums, scenic drives, zoos, Colorado Springs has it all.
To help you plan a memorable and fun trip, here’s my list of 20 unique things to do in Colorado Springs.
20 Unique Things To Do In Colorado Springs
1. Visit The Garden Of The Gods
The Garden Of The Gods is a 1,350 acre city park that’s a must-see place for anyone visiting Colorado Springs. This park has many spectacular red sandstone formations, and excellent hiking trails.
Some unique rock formations you’ll get to see are the signature Kissing Camels, Siamese Twins, Sleeping Giant, and more. You can explore the natural park for free on your own, or go on a guided jeep or segway tour.
It’s also home to the oldest gift shop in Colorado! The gift shop sells food, unique souvenirs, art, and gives out free park maps for directions.
1805 N. 30th Street Colorado Springs, CO. The Garden Of The Gods is open daily from 5am to 9pm. Admission is free.
Unique Things To Do In Colorado Springs
2. Go On A Segway Tour of Cheyenne Cañon Park
Just a few minutes from downtown Colorado Springs, North Cheyenne Cañon Park is a stunning natural park. This 1,600 acre park has waterfalls, creeks, and plenty of amazing hiking trails.
You can visit on your own, or go on a segway tour as a fun way to explore the park. You’ll get to spot wildlife and learn all about the Pikes Peak region on this 2 hour tour.
2120 S Cheyenne Canyon Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906. Visitor center open 5am to 10pm. Free to the public. Camping is not permitted.
Unique Things To Do In Colorado Springs
3. Zipline Over The Broadmoor Seven Falls
Located in a 1,250 feet canyon, the Broadmoor Seven Falls are seven breathtaking waterfalls. It’s a short hike to reach the waterfalls, and there are many amazing hiking trails to explore the canyon. At the parking lot, you’ll need to take a shuttle to the park.
If you’re up for an adventure, you can zipline through the canyon! This 1,800 feet ziplining course has suspension bridges, and a 180 foot rappel where you’ll descend into the canyon.
No parking at Seven Falls. Visitors must park at 1045 Lower Gold Camp Rd located at the Norris Penrose Event Center. Open Mon-Sat 10 am to 8pm, Sun 10am to 6pm. Shuttles cost $17 per adult to reach the park, and $2 to reach the bottom of the canyon.
Unique Things To Do In Colorado Springs
4. Visit The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is one of the first places I visited during my stay, and was the highlight of my trip! This 140 acre zoo has over 700 animals, with everything from grizzly bears to elephants, and pandas.
There are many interactive animal exhibits including giraffe feeding centers where you’ll get to pet and feed giraffes lettuce. Plus, this zoo is nestled in the mountains so you’ll get breathtaking views of the city as you stroll around. If you’re visiting with kids, you’ll definitely want to spend a few hours at this zoo.
4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906. Costs $34.75 for adults and $29.75 for children. Open 365 days a year, from 9am to 5pm.
Unique Things To Do In Colorado Springs
5. Tour Cave Of The Winds Mountain Park
Located in Pikes Peak, Cave Of The Winds Mountain Park is a cave park with a museum, gift shop, and amusement rides. You’ll get to explore fascinating caves on a guided tour through the caves.
This park was constructed back in the 1880’s by a stonecutter who discovered the cave and excavated passages to create the park. After you’re done with a tour, go on the famous “Terror-Dactyl” ride 200 feet into the canyon at nearly 100 miles per hour.
If you’re traveling with kids, you won’t want to miss visiting this place. The park’s near Manitou Springs, around 15 minutes from downtown.
100 Cave of the Winds Rd, Manitou Springs, CO 80829. Open 10am to 5pm. Costs $27 for adults (13+), $18 for children (4+).
Unique Things To Do In Colorado Springs
6. Go On A Food Tour In Downtown
Colorado Springs has a diverse culinary scene, and many instagrammable spots worth checking out. Go on a 3 hour food tour to sample some of downtown Colorado Springs’s best restaurants. On this tour, you’ll get to try 4 entrees and dessert while learning about the history from a local tour guide.
Tour meets in downtown Colorado Springs. Costs $79.00 per person. Includes 4 entrees and dessert. Can sample cocktails and craft beer at an additional cost.
Unique Things To Do In Colorado Springs
7. Explore The Manitou Cliff Dwellings
The Manitou Cliff Dwellings are impressive ancient cliff dwellings dating back to 1200. You’ll get to explore a unique ancient pueblo made of sandstone with ladders, passageways, and 40 rooms. It has a prehistoric Native American museum and a large gift shop on site.
The Manitou Cliff Dwellings are right near Caves Of The Winds Mountain Park, around 15 minutes from downtown.
10 Cliff Rd, Manitou Springs, CO 80829. Costs $12 for adults, $7.50 for kids. Open 9am to 4pm.
Unique Things To Do In Colorado Springs
8. Hike Red Rock Canyon Open Space Park
Red Rock Canyon Open Space Park is a beautiful red sandstone park near Manitou Springs. This 1,474 acre park has incredible hiking trails, a picnic pavilion, off-leash dog park, and easy parking. You’ll get to spot wildlife and get amazing views of the red canyons and mountains.
Red Rock Canyon State Park is right by Old Colorado City, around 10 minutes from downtown.
3550 W High St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904. Open from 5am to 11pm. Free admission.
Unique Things To Do In Colorado Springs
9. Visit The Pioneer Museum
If you’re only going to visit one museum in Colorado Springs, the Pioneer Museum is the place to go. This interesting museum is filled with artifacts, antiques, and informative exhibits.
You’ll get to explore old courtrooms, ride in an antique elevator, and learn about the city’s history from friendly staff. It’s located in downtown Colorado Springs, and is completely free to enter.
215 S Tejon St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903. Free Admission. Open Mon. to Fri. 8:30am-5pm, Sat. to Sun. 10am-2pm.
Unique Things To Do In Colorado Springs
10. Visit The Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
The Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument is a park nestled in the rockies with excellent hiking trails, and preserved fossil beds.
The Florissant Fossil Beds are preserved fossil beds with different plant and animal species from 34 million years ago! This park also has a picnic area, friendly park rangers, and a visitor’s center. It’s around an hour drive from Colorado Springs, located 35 miles west.
15807 Co Rd 1, Florissant, CO 80816. Costs $10 per adult (16+) for a 7 day pass.
Unique Things To Do In Colorado Springs
11. Sip On Coffee & Play Chess At Jives Coffee Lounge
Jives Coffee Lounge is a unique cafe in Old Colorado City that serves some of the best coffee in Colorado. This laid-back cafe has mural walls, chess boards, books, and live music many days. From spicy mochas to croissant sandwiches, you won’t want to miss trying out this place for breakfast.
16 Colbrunn Ct, Colorado Springs, CO 80904. Open Thurs. to Tues. 7am-9pm, Wed. 7am-10pm. Open mic Wednesday nights.
Unique Things To Do In Colorado Springs
12. Try Oatmeal Cookie Ice Cream From Josh & John’s
Josh & John’s is one of Colorado Springs most popular ice cream shops that have many unique flavor options.
Their oatmeal cookie ice cream is some of the best ice cream I’ve ever tasted! From purple mountain majesty (taro ice cream with raspberry dark chocolate truffles) to almond joy flavored ice cream, you won’t want to miss stopping by after dinner.
329 N Tejon St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903. Open Sun. to Thurs. 12-10pm, Fri. to Sat. 12-11pm.
Unique Things To Do In Colorado Springs
13. Hike The Seven Bridges Trail
The Seven Bridges trail is one of the most scenic hiking trails in the Springs.
This beautiful trail leads you through 7 wood bridges in the mountains, and has over 200 steps. You’ll get to see cascading waterfalls and get unbeatable views of the city as you hike to the top.
This trail is minutes away from the Seven Falls in North Cheyenne Cañon, around 20 minutes from downtown.
N Cheyenne Canyon Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906. Open 24hrs. Free to the public.
Unique Things To Do In Colorado Springs
14. Shop Antiques At American Classics Marketplace
American Classics Marketplace is a large antique store with tons of interesting and unique items. With over 300 individual vendors, this is the largest antique mall in Colorado.
They sell everything from vintage collectibles to clothing, furniture, and home decor. It’s right near Palmer Park, just a 10 minute drive from downtown Colorado Springs.
1815 N Academy Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80909. Open 10am to 6pm.
Unique Things To Do In Colorado Springs
15. Visit The National Museum Of World War II Aviation
The National Museum of World War II Aviation is a fascinating museum with collections of WWII aircrafts, informative exhibits, and a flight simulator.
If you’re interested in history, this is a must-see place. It also has a gift shop, and many knowledgeable staff members to give you a tour of the place.
775 Aviation Way, Colorado Springs, CO 80916. Open Sun. to Wed. 10am-5pm. Closed Mon. and Tues. Tours start at 10:30am, 11:30am, and 1:30pm, and last 2 hours. Cost $17 for adults, $12 for children. Get Tickets Here
Unique Things To Do In Colorado Springs
16. Have A Tea Party At The Miramont Castle
The Miramont Castle is an old Victorian home from 1895 with historical artifacts and a tea room. This 14,000 square foot mansion has over 30 rooms that you can explore on a self-guided tour. You can also make reservations to have a tea party in the Queen’s Parlor Tea Room for a unique experience!
It’s located in Manitou Springs, a 15 minute drive from downtown Colorado Springs.
9 Capitol Hill Ave, Manitou Springs CO 80829. Guided tours cost $14 for adults (13+), $10 for children. Open Tues. to Sun. from 10am-3:30pm. Free parking. Cost $45 per person to have tea in Queen’s Parlor Tea Room. Call (719) 685-1011 to make reservations to visit the tea room.
Unique Things To Do In Colorado Springs
17. Drive Through Pikes Peak Highway
Pikes Peak Highway is a scenic 19 mile highway that reaches a summit at an elevation of over 14,000 feet.
You’ll get breathtaking mountain views, and there are plenty of scenic vantage points to stop along the way. It’s just 15 minutes west of Colorado Springs on highway 24. At the top of the summit, there’s a visitor’s center with a gift shop, and cafe.
5089 Pikes Peak Hwy, Cascade CO. Summit Visitor Center open 9am to 3pm.
Unique Things To Do In Colorado Springs
18. Stroll Around Old Colorado City
Old Colorado City is a charming downtown area with over 100 shops, restaurants, breweries, and more. Make sure to stop by the Creamery for a chicago style hot dog and unique ice cream flavors.
And if you’re a fan of old western history, visit Ghost Town Museum. This is a wild west museum with artifacts, gold panning stations, and a gift shop.
Colorado Springs, CO 80904. Ghost Town Museum costs $8.50 for adults (16+), $5.50 for children. Open daily 10am-5pm.
Unique Things To Do In Colorado Springs
19. Visit The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum
The U.S Olympic & Paralympic Museum is a must visit for anyone who love sports. This is a 60,000 square foot museum with interactive sports exhibits, historical artifacts, and lots of informative plaques.
With over 12 different galleries and several floors, this is a great museum to stroll around for a few hours. It’s located in downtown Colorado Springs, across the street from the America the Beautiful Park.
200 S Sierra Madre St, Colorado Springs, CO. Cost $19.95 for adults (13+), $11.95 for children (5+). Open daily 10am to 5pm. Parking cost $7.50 per day.
Unique Things To Do In Colorado Springs
20. Rock Climb At The Garden Of The Gods
With sweeping mountain vistas and beautiful rock formations, Colorado Springs is the perfect city for rock climbing.
At The Garden Of The Gods, you can go on a private 4 hour tour to climb spectacular red rock formations. You’ll get to learn the basics of rock climbing, while getting priceless views of the Garden Of The Gods.
Tours start at 8am, and last 4 hours.
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Summary
Whether you’re looking to visit interesting museums or go canyoning at national parks, Colorado Springs has many unique activities to offer.
Colorado Springs remains one of my favorite cities to visit till this day, because of its sheer natural beauty.
If you’re a fan of history and outdoor activities, there’s no doubt in my mind you’ll love it too!
