A Travel Guide to Colorado Springs Attractions with No Admission Charge - Page 3

Waldo Canyon

     Waldo Canyon is located northwest of Colorado Springs up Ute Pass on Highway 24. This is a very popular hiking trail that is 7 miles long. There is no drinking water available on this trail, so bring you own. Also, remember the weather changes quickly in Colorado and especially in the mountains so be prepared for thunderstorms. For more information click here.

Old Colorado City

     Old Colorado City is an area of specialty shops and eateries located on Colorado Avenue between Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs. This National Historic District was the first capital of Colorado Territory. Check out the website at http://www.shopoldcoloradocity.com. The Michael Garman Museum is located in Old Colorado City. The museum has displays of sculptor Michael Garman's works and his Magic Town with sculptures and holograms used to create a miniature city. Admission is charged. Check out Michael Garman's website at http://www.michaelgarman.com/.

Cripple Creek Heritage Center

     Cripple Creek has some of the most colorful history of any Colorado town. A good place to learn about it is at The Cripple Creek Heritage Center in Cripple Creek. This is a museum with both traditional and interactive exhibits of this gold mining area of Colorado. Exhibits cover everything from minerals to railroads. Summer hours are from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. daily except holidays. The address is 9283 South Highway 67 in Cripple Creek and the phone number is 877.858.4653. Visit Cripple Creek's website at http://www.visitcripplecreek.com/CrippleCreekHeritageCenter.aspx for more information.

America the Beautiful Park

Julie Penrose Fountain at America the Beautiful Park

     America the Beautiful Park (formerly known as Confluence Park) is a city park located in Colorado Springs at 126 Cimino Drive just off of Colorado Avenue west of downtown. It has a playground, the Julie Penrose Fountain, and great views of the mountains. One of the mountains you can see from the park is Pikes Peak. Katharine Lee Bates penned the poem America the Beautiful after going up Pikes Peak. To get to the top of the mountain she rode in a prairie wagon, on a mule and hiked. She was so inspired by the beauty she saw at the top of Pikes Peak, that she wrote the poem America the Beautiful which is also the lyrics to the song of the same name. For more information and pictures of America the Beautiful Park go to http://www.springsgov.com/Page.aspx?NavID=2015.

Pioneers Museum

     Learn about the history of the Pikes Peak region at Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum. Find out about the history of Native Americans in the Pikes Peak region and how the explorers such as Zebulon Pike influenced the area. Located downtown in the old El Paso County Courthouse, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, at Pioneers Museum you can learn how gold mining affected the area and how Colorado Springs area became a health resort. The museum has a research library and a collection of Helen Hunt Jackson items. Gain an understanding of how Colorado Springs became a military area. Then, visit the restored courtroom on the museum's upper floor. Several episodes of the Perry Mason television show were filmed at the museum. Phone 719.385.5990. Hours: Tuesday - Saturday from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. The museum is closed on Sunday and Monday and holidays (check their website for other dates they are closed, as they are closed on some Tuesdays after Monday holidays). Located at 215 South Tejon Street in Colorado Springs. http://www.cspm.org for more information.

Uncle Wilber Fountain

     The Uncle Wilber Fountain is downtown in Acacia Park located at 115 East Platte Avenue. From the end of May to the beginning of September, the Uncle Wilber Fountain awaits children of all ages who want to cool off under the fountains dancing waters. The fountain opened in 2001.

Patsy's Candies

     Patsy's Candies is located at 1540 South 21st Street. Known for its salt water taffy, peanut brittle and almond toffee, it has provided gourmet candy since 1903. In the summer you can tour the factory in the summer on Monday - Friday at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., but call (719)633-7215 for an appointment. If you just want to go to the store without the tour, it is open from 9 a.m - 6:00 p.m from Monday - Friday, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. on Saturdays. It is now open Sundays from noon - 4:00 p.m. For more information on the Patsy's Candies go to http://www.patsyscandies.com.

Glen Eyrie Castle

     Glen Eyrie Castle is located at 3820 North 30th Street in northwest Colorado Springs.   The Glen Eyrie Castle was originally built by Colorado Springs founder General William Jackson Palmer for his residence.   It is now a Christian Conference Center run by The Navigators.   You can take a tour of Glen Eyrie or attend a tea on the property by making reservations in advance.   For more information on Glen Eyrie click http://www.gleneyrie.org/.   Glen Eyrie is a private Christian conference center.   Hiking is currently not allowed as a result of the Waldo Canyon Fire, but check their website for updates on hiking at Glen Eyrie.

American Classics Marketplace Antique Mall

     The American Classics Marketplace is located at 1815 North Academy Boulevard in Colorado Springs.   Its hours are 10:a.m. - 6:00 p.m. daily.   There are over 400 dealers in the antique mall and they say they are the largest antique mall in Colorado.   Their phone number is 719.596.8585.   The antique mall is located in a building that used to house a furniture store, so it is a large building.   The antiques are neatly presented and you can spend a bit of time looking for that perfect piece.   There is no charge to get in, only if you want to buy an antique will you need to open your pocketbook. For more information click here.