Top Things to do in El Paso County
Top Hotels in El Paso County
- 1. Best Western Plus Peak Vista Inn & Suites
- 2. Best Western Plus Executive Residency Fillmore Inn
- 3. SCP Colorado Springs Hotel
- 4. Drury Inn & Suites Colorado Springs
- 5. The Academy Hotel Colorado Springs
- 6. Best Western Plus Peak Vista Inn & Suites
- 7. Glen Eyrie Castle & Conference Center
- 8. The Mining Exchange a Wyndham Grand Hotel & Spa
- 9. Cheyenne Mountain Colorado Springs, A Dolce Resort
- 10. The Cliff House at Pikes Peak
10 Specialty Museums in El Paso County That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in El Paso County, United States including Penrose Heritage Museum, Colorado Springs Military Museum, Pikes Peak Historical Street Railway, Expanding Minds Unlimited - The Colorado Springs Children's Museum, U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum, Western Museum of Mining and Industry, ProRodeo Hall of Fame, ANA Money Museum, World Figure Skating Museum & Hall of Fame, Michael Garman Museum & Gallery.
Restaurants in El Paso County
1. Penrose Heritage Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 206 reviews
(Reservations Required) Penrose Heritage Museum showcases the history and heritage of the Pikes Peak region through the personal artifact collection of Colorado Springs’ philanthropists Spencer and Julie Penrose. The museum exhibits 30 carriages, western cultural artifacts, and 15 race cars that competed in the infamous Race to the Clouds, one of the oldest motorsport events in the U.S., second only to the Indianapolis 500. Whether you are interested in the Penrose legacy, regional history, transportation, or motor sports, Penrose Heritage Museum is a cultural institution you will not want to miss when visiting Colorado.
Reviewed By babybear55
This feels like two museums in one. There’s an extensive display of horse drawn buggy’s and early horseless buggies and then a fascinating history from the Pikes Peak hill climb including many of the old and newer cars. Excellent display!
2. Colorado Springs Military Museum
3. Pikes Peak Historical Street Railway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By E2564MBbethb
I am really glad I visited Pikes Peak Historical Street Railway! Dave gave me a tour and provided great historical information on the area as well as on the restoration projects they are working on. Everyone was very friendly!
4. Expanding Minds Unlimited - The Colorado Springs Children's Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
Exciting fun for families includes art projects, live animals, science and nature exploration, history and culture. The children's and natural History Museum Museum has something for everyone.
5. U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 180 reviews
The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum is a one-of-a-kind tribute to the Olympic and Paralympic movements, with Team USA athletes at the center of the story. The 60,000-square foot building features 12 galleries following a narrative arc that takes guests through Team USA athlete's journey. Guests will experience these inspiring stories through cutting-edge technology that prioritizes accessibility and inclusivity. Connected to the USOPM is the Museum Shop and Flame Café. The Museum Shop boasts an impressive collection of Olympic and Paralympic merchandise and Flame Café offers Neapolitan-style pizza, gourmet salads, sandwiches, and much more from its seasonal menu. Visit uspom.org to plan your visit today.
Reviewed By FrequentFlier156227
It's a world-class, state-of-the-art museum with tons of interactive experiences. The staff is outstanding - very helpful and friendly. When you arrive, you register and are given an RFID badge that interacts with the displays to give you a personalized experience. The interactive sports simulators (archery, skeleton, slalom skiing, etc.) were probably our favorite part, although some of the athletes' personal memorabilia was really cool, and the Opening Ceremonies room was spectacular. The experience ends with a short movie that brought me to tears (in a good way!) We spent about 2 1/2 hours there, and barely took in everything. If my family had let me stop to read everything, I could have easily been there another hour.
6. Western Museum of Mining and Industry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 192 reviews
The museum features artifacts and research involving the region's early mining and industrial activities.
Reviewed By jgrantco - Denver, United States
Was a nice respite away from the terrible crowds at other attractions. Interesting exhibits and nice grounds to walk.
7. ProRodeo Hall of Fame
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 138 reviews
The ProRodeo Hall of Fame and Museum of the American Cowboy exists to educate the public about rodeo, its history, and its impact on Western American culture. The Hall of Fame will also provide recognition to rodeo notables of the past, present, and serve as an inspiration for the future.
Reviewed By 256richarda256
My wife and I visited while in area. Being a former Rodeo contestant, it was a must see for me. It is a beautiful facility with lots of historic photos and memorabilia. Worth the admission fee.
8. ANA Money Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 110 reviews
Reviewed By MichaelLong1963 - Colorado Springs, United States
This is a unbelievable museum of money and a must see for any coin/money collector. The collection of rare coins is so interesting and the history of money is very informative. They have displays of "error notes" that have bills that will reflect being a $5 bill on the front & $10 on the back as an example. They have many other bills that are "error notes" that are neat to see. They have the famous "Walton Specimen" that is a very interesting story in itself regarding a rare coin that was thought to be lost. The cost is very reasonable ($8 for adults but they offer a senior/military discount for $6) and it's easy to navigate through the museum. Currently they have a section about the history of money from Europe with many different coins, notes and artifacts from that area including Canada. The parking is free if you find a space in the small parking area next to the museum (it;s located next to the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center and near the Colorado College campus).
9. World Figure Skating Museum & Hall of Fame
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 67 reviews
10. Michael Garman Museum & Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 127 reviews
The Michael Garman Museum & Gallery features over 500 handmade sculptures by Michael Garman honoring American Heroes from all walks of life. Reproductions of Michael Garman's original sculptures are all hand-crafted and finished in the Production Studio located in Garman Building. We offer personalization options to help you create a portrait of the hero in your life. We also house Magic Town - Michael Garman's 3,000 sq-foot sculptural theater. Wander through this miniature city complete with hundreds of hand-sculpted characters, holograms and visual illusions which make the sculptures appear to move throughout the exhibit. Magic Town tells Michael Garman's life story with 7 decades of American History inspired by the artist's vagabond journeys throughout North & South America. All admissions include complimentary popcorn and a scavenger hunt. Guided tours and group discounts available with reservation.
Reviewed By Kaley_Daniel - Lubbock, United States
Replete with intricate artistry to the finest detail, heckling holograms, and mystifying mirror use, we all had a GREAT time spending about an hour-and-a-half on a scavenger hunt in this miniature town! We even had the opportune chance to meet Mr. Garman on our visit - he can be found at the studio frequently during the week, but a weekend appearance is a real treat!
