Fun and inexpensive things to do in the Colorado Springs area
AIR FORCE ACADEMY: A fine museum and beautiful chapel. Maps for self-guided tours are available at the visitor's center, located west of the Chapel. Open 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Take Academy Blvd. and head north. Academy Blvd. ends at the south entrance to the Air Force Academy.
AMERICAN NUMISMATICS MUSEUM: Coin and paper money on display from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.Located at 818 N. Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs. Phone: 719-632-2646.
BEAR CREEK NATURE CENTER: They offer many nature programs and trails to hike for children and adults. Take Highway 24 (West Cimmarron) to 26th Street, then follow the signs. The Nature Center is open from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. The trails are open from dawn until dusk. Address: 245 Bear Creek Road, Colorado Springs. Phone: 719-520-6387.
BROADMOOR HOTEL: This is an old historical five-star hotel with many shops, a greenhouse, and a duck pond. Follow Circle Drive south to the Broadmoor. Address: 1 Lake Circle, Colorado Springs. Phone: 719-634-7711.
CHEYENNE CANYON:
Located in southwest Colorado Springs, take Cheyenne Boulevard from South Tejon Street and drive southwest until you meet the junction of the two canyons. The North Canyon includes Helen Hunt Falls and entry to High Drive above the city.
COLORADO SPRINGS FINE ARTS CENTER:
A large variety of arts are on display--metal, fiber, pottery, paintings and more. Viewing the gallery is free on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to noon and every first and second Tuesday evening from 5 to 7 p.m. During the Tuesday Night Live program, there are demonstrations and live music.
Address: 30 West Dale, Colorado Springs. Phone: 719-634-5581.
COLORADO SPRINGS PIONEERS MUSEUM: The building was the old court house and contains the original house front of Helen Hunt's home. The ceilings have elaborate carvings and paintings. You may view many antiques and unusual exhibits. Explore regional history for the Pikes Peak region from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. Address: 215 South Tejon Street, Colorado Springs.Phone: 719-578-6650.
COLORADO SPRINGS SYMPHONY: Attend free "Symphonies in the Park" during the summer months. New home buyers can check with the Colorado Springs Symphony to find out how to receive free concert tickets. Address: 19 North Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs. Phone: 719-633-4611.
FIGURE SKATING HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM: Antique skates, costumes and skating memorabilia. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. Address: 20First Street, Colorado Springs. Phone: 719-635-5200.
FORT CARSON MUSEUM: The Army in the West. Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. It is located on Fort Carson and is sponsored by the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment. Phone: 719-526-1368
GARDEN OF THE GODS VISITOR CENTER AND PARK: The 1,364-acre park features magnificent rock formations, including the famous Balanced Rock, Steamboat Rock, Kissing Camels and The Three Graces. The park is open daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. The visitor's center is open every day from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the summer and 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the winter.Address: 1805 North 30th Street, Colorado Springs.
MANITOU SPRINGS: Quaint and unique shops. Go west on either Colorado Avenue or Highway 24.
MONUMENT VALLEY PARK: Downtown parallel to Interstate 25. Geological column at the north end of the park. Picnicking, tennis courts, playground, bike paths and jogging trails and a swimming pool (admission fee required).
OLD COLORADO CITY: On West Colorado Avenue. Restored shops and store fronts from the late 1850s.
PALMER PARK: Beautiful scenery and a spectacular overlook of the city. Picnicking, nature, bike trails, and a ball park. Take Academy Blvd. to Maizeland and turn left.
EDWARD J. PETERSON MUSEUM: Aviation and space history. Open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is located on Peterson Air Force Base.
PROSPECT LAKE AND MEMORIAL PARK: Large lake off Union and Pikes Peak Avenue. Swimming, picnicking, boating, paddle boats, playground, and a dirt track around the lake. There is a nominal fee for some of the activities. Pets are allowed in the park.
SEVEN FALLS: Elaborate Christmas decorations in December. Free only during the winter holiday season.
STARSMORE DISCOVERY CENTER: Several guided tours on trails in the city parks and recreation area. They have children's programs and a climbing wall. Address: 2120 West Cheyenne Road,Colorado Springs.Phone: 719-578-6146.
UNITED STATES OLYMPIC TRAINING COMPLEX: Tour the facilities and watch the athletes train for the Olympics! Open Mondays through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays noon to 4 p.m. Address: 1750 Boulder Street,Colorado Springs.Phone: 719-578-4618.