Manitou Springs, CO Road Trips

Cliff Dwellings Museum. In the early 1900s these ruins were moved from southwestern Colorado to their current location. Iron Springs Melodrama Dinner Theatre. Cheer the hero! Boo the villain! Audience participation is always encouraged as families enjoy musical comedy melodrama, sing-along and comedy revue. Mineral Springs. Manitou Springs, unlike Colorado Springs, actually has springs! There are seven mineral springs throughout town where the drinking water runs freely throughout most of the year and is free to the public. Each spring has an interesting history and unique mineral composition and flavor. Pick up sampling cups at the Chamber of Commerce (Manitou Ave. & Mayfair) as well as a map for a refreshing self-guided tour. 1 Miramont Castle, 9 Capitol Hill Ave, toll-free: +1-888-685-1011. Circa 1895, this restored private home showcases nine styles of architecture and includes an extensive Miniature Museum. (updated Nov 2020)

Walking is an excellent way to see Manitou. The town is also close to many great hiking/running/biking trails. Garden of the Gods abuts Manitou on the northwest side and has many hiking trails. Barr Trail is the longest trail, although it is virtually straight up (and down). The Intemann Trail skirts Manitou's south side, running from the Iron Springs (near the Cog Railway)ending at the old cemetery. Red Rock Canyon (on the east side of Manitou) is similar to Garden of the Gods (it is a geological extension with similar sandstone slabs) and has a well-designed trail system that has become quite popular since opening in 2006. Waldo Canyon is a nice loop about 2 miles west of Manitou along Highway 24. Manitou Springs Heritage Center, 517 Manitou Ave (on main street just two blocks west of Chamber of Commerce), ☏ +1 719 685-1454. vary by season. Upstart history museum and research center located at the start of Manitou Springs' Historic Downtown. Changing exhibits and unique "Manitou-centric" Museum Shop. Free. Taste the Springs. There are 9 unique natural springs drinking fountains to try around town Art Walk. There are more than 8 art galleries, not counting restaurant art displays Hike the Incline. 1 mile of stairs (one way) climbing nearly 2,000 feet in less than one mile up the face of Mount Manitou.

Manitou has many restaurants from ranging in style from funky to fancy. A few are: Adams Mountain Cafe. Natural-style foods. Amanda's Fonda. A Mexican restaurant. Famous margaritas. Cliff House Restaurant. Upscale dining in the Historic Cliff House. Mate' Factor Cafe' (A Common Ground Cafe'). Organic yerba maté drinks, sandwiches, salads, smoothies, and coffee. Open 24 hr on weekdays, from Sunday at noon until Friday at 3PM. Mona Lisa's. An upscale fondue restaurant; downstairs is a wine bar and scaled-down fondue plates. Red Mountain Bar & Grill. Lounge & grill attached to the Historic Cliff House. Savelli's Pizza. Best pizza in the metro. Uncle Sams Pancake House. Breakfast only.

There are many taverns and local hang-outs. A few are: The Keg. Another local fave restaurant/lounge; good chicken sandwich. Kinfolks, 950 Manitou Ave, ☏ +1 719 685-4433. 8 taps of micro-brew beer. No hard alcohol & no food. The Loop, 965 Manitou Ave, ☏ +1 719 685-9344. Mexican restaurant with a small bar & famous margaritas. The Townhouse, 907 Manitou Ave, ☏ +1 719 685-1085. Restaurant/lounge with large patio, music, pool tables & good food.

Accommodations range from small mom-and-pop motels to national chains to the Cliff House, an historic grand hotel that has been restored to her former beauty.

Manitou Springs is about 4 miles west of Colorado Springs by way of U.S. Highway 24. The Colorado Springs Airport (COS IATA) is served by eight airlines. From downtown Colorado Springs or I-25, take U.S. Highway 24 west, and take the Manitou Springs exit. Or go west on Colorado Avenue (24 business) and you'll drive right through the center of Manitou Springs. There is daily bus service from downtown Colorado Springs.

Manitou Springs is a great town for a walking or bicycle tour. Nearly all of the shops, galleries, bars and restaurants are on or just off the main street, which is Manitou Avenue. Stop by the Chamber of Commerce at the east end of town (Manitou Avenue and Mayfair) to pick up walking tour maps.