Colorado Springs, known as “The Springs,” is a resort-like city at the base of Pikes Peak with outdoor attractions such as white-water rafting, caves, and waterfalls. It also offers spectator events like the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb and the Colorado Balloon Classic, as well as cultural attractions like the Pioneers Museum and the ProRodeo Hall of Fame & Museum.
The city of Colorado Springs, nicknamed “The Springs” by locals, sits at the base of Pikes Peak, which is part of the Rocky Mountains. Colorado’s second-largest city has a resort-like atmosphere that attracts more visitors than any other city in the state. A large city with nearly 400,000 residents, Colorado Springs feels more “natural” than many small towns.
Most of the tourists who come to Colorado Springs are there because of Pikes Peak. The area features a wide variety of outdoor attractions, from white-water rafting to caves filled with geological formations. The Grotta dei Venti, for example, offers guided tours in their large rooms, filled with rare crystalline formations. The Manitou Cliff Dwellings, home of the late Anazazi, is one of the area’s most scenic sights. Another notable sight in Colorado Springs is Seven Falls, a group of waterfalls that can be accessed via a ladder. The Garden of the Gods, not far away, is the park’s main area for exploring the sandstone formations and rock climbing.
For those who prefer to take on the role of spectator, Colorado Springs is home to the annual Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, an auto race that scales local peaks and finishes atop Pikes Peak. The Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway, in operation since 1890, offers visitors the ability to reach the summit of Pikes Peak, at 14,110 feet (4300.7m). The Colorado Balloon Classic, held every September, is a must-see. About 100 giant hot air balloons take off in a show of colours. For those over 21, Bristol Brewing Company in Colorado Springs offers tours, tastings, and a great gift shop with related items. The United States Olympic Training Center is also located in Colorado Springs. The large three-building training facility has a visitor center and a number of exercise rooms available to those who stop by.
Colorado Springs is home to the Pioneers Museum, with a large collection of Native American artifacts, as well as an ever-growing number of exhibits ranging from antique quilts to juke boxes. The ProRodeo Hall of Fame & Museum of the American Cowboy is the only museum in the country dedicated to the original American sport. Video presentation, original costumes and rodeo gear, and an outdoor exhibit area are just a few of the museum’s highlights.
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