The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Colorado Springs, Colorado (CO)

September 6, 2021 Jacquiline Darosa

A crossroads for historians, sportsmen, architects, artists and gourmands, Colorado Springs offers a delightful mix of Western charms. Sunny skies and crisp mountain air make it a perfect place for a golf outing, extreme sports or a picnic in one of the many, many well-maintained parks.
Restaurants in Colorado Springs

1. Garden of the Gods

1805 N. 30th St., Colorado Springs, CO 80904-1247 +1 719-634-6666 http://www.gardenofgods.com
Excellent
81%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 17,122 reviews

Garden of the Gods

Located at the base of Pikes Peak, this National Natural Landmark and popular park features stunning geological formations, rock climbing, nature trails and the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center.

Reviewed By BrooklynDodgers13 - Henderson, United States

This is a tourist attraction. It is a lovely natural Red rocked City Park with lots of hiking ???? trails, beautiful rock formations such as the Siamese Twins, Sentinel Spires, the Scotsman, Giant Footprints, Cathedral Spires and of course, Balanced Rock. There are many ways to explore the Park. There are Jeep ???? Tours, you can hike, climb rocks or take the 1909 Trolley ???? like we did. The driver told us a lot of interesting historical facts. The only problem was she didn’t stop for any photos so we had to take them on the go. The Gift Shop was large with lots of merchandise. I purchased Huckleberry tea!

2. Penrose Heritage Museum

11 Lake Circle, Colorado Springs, CO 80906-3618 +1 719-577-7065 [email protected] http://www.elpomar.org/About-Us/museum-and-legacy-properties/penrose-heritage-museum-1/
Excellent
83%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 206 reviews

Penrose Heritage Museum

(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!

3. National Museum of World War II Aviation

775 Aviation Way, Colorado Springs, CO 80916-2740 +1 719-637-7559 [email protected] http://www.worldwariiaviation.org/
Excellent
90%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,196 reviews

National Museum of World War II Aviation

The Museum's new 40,000 sq ft hangar is now open at 775 Aviation Way on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 4;30 PM. Face masks are requirement and reservation should be made ahead of time at worldwariiaviation.org. Visitors can walk around the museum on their own and hosts are available to answer questions .Tours for WestPac, a private WWII aircraft restoration company will be offered hourly.

Reviewed By CoryC2000

My wife and I visited this past summer and the museum volunteers were amazing at providing an interactive educational experience for us. They took time to answer questions and give us personal instruction about the various aircraft and equipment on display. One of the volunteers went the extra mile to take us into the museum restoration facility where we could see airplanes being restored to become museum displays or being restored to be flyable aircraft. Lots of great things to see. Worth your time!

4. Peterson Air & Space Museum

150 E Ent Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80914-1255 +1 719-556-4915 [email protected] http://petemuseum.org/
Excellent
71%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 155 reviews

Peterson Air & Space Museum

The Museum preserves and portrays the rich aviation and space history of Colorado Springs and Peterson Air Force Base. From our barnstormer beginnings in the Roaring Twenties, through the daring exploits of our World War II pilots and into the modern space era, our exhibits are sure to capture your attention. The museum is open to the public even though the museum is on an active Air Force installation. All that is required is for non-military ID card holders and groups to call us or submit a request on our web site a minimum of one day in advance of your visit (before noon MDT) to arrange for a pass and detailed instructions (https://petemuseum.org/visitor-information/). A State or federal issued Photo ID is required for all Non-DoD visitors over 18. Drivers will need to have proof of insurance and registration for their vehicles. Non-US Visitors: allow an additional day.

Reviewed By slikrokbel - Oceanside, United States

We arrived at the visitor center for directions to the museum and were told that it requires reservations at least 24 hours in advance! Fortunately, we were able to e-mail our information and reserve a tour the following day. We took a guided tour and our docent, Gus, was outstanding. After watching a short film, we toured the museum and then went outside for a tour of the aircraft on display. We got to go inside of the Lockheed Constellation ("Conny") and then moved into another museum building with more aircraft and all of the space displays. Gus really personalized the tour for our group and added many anecdotes and stories along the way keeping everyone engaged and even quizzing our 7-yr old aviation buff.

5. United States Air Force Academy

4102 Pinion Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80840-2502 +1 719-333-2025 http://www.academyadmissions.com/visit-the-academy/
Excellent
72%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,957 reviews

United States Air Force Academy

Visitors can tour this modern sprawling campus that includes the Academy, Falcon Stadium, a chapel and Arnold Hall, a museum honoring Air Force personnel.

Reviewed By hikinguniversity - Colorado Springs, United States

The historic United States Air Force Academy has so many things to offer, it really does need to be at the top of "to visit" list. *Hiking / mountain biking *Historical driving tour *Planetarium *Amazing Cemetery *Historic buildings These pictures are of the Cadet Chapel and Arnold Hall at night. The red tips on the Chapel are from a bonfire below in the courtyard. This was a rare night where 500 drones were used to make different designs in the sky.

6. Western Museum of Mining and Industry

225 N Gate Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80921-3004 +1 719-488-0880 [email protected] http://www.wmmi.org/
Excellent
57%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 192 reviews

Western Museum of Mining and Industry

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. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906-5755 +1 719-633-9925 [email protected] http://www.cmzoo.org
Excellent
76%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4,707 reviews

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Colorado Springs is home to America’s mountain zoo. Located at 6,714 feet above sea level, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo offers breathtaking views of the city and of its 750 animals. The unique design of the Zoo’s animal exhibits gets guests closer than ever before. Hand-feed one of the largest reticulated giraffe herds in the world, watch grizzlies swim with trout, hop next to red-necked wallabies and get hands on with some of the Zoo’s smaller residents in The Loft. Have a WILD adventure at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo – see the animals, ride an antique carousel, eat a gourmet lunch at the Grizzly Grill and ride the Mountaineer Sky Ride to the Zoo’s summit. Visit 365 days a year for family fun at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.

Reviewed By cubie2017 - El Paso, United States

Went there after the hail storm and you can still see the damage. Loved the ski lift ride that takes you over the zoo and you get beautiful views of the city. Feeding g the giraffes was a treat and the elephant show was fun. Highly recommend it!

8. Olympic Training Center

1 Olympic Plz, Colorado Springs, CO 80909-5780 +1 719-866-4618 [email protected] http://www.teamusa.org/about-the-usopc/olympic-paralympic-training-centers/csoptc/about
Excellent
57%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,409 reviews

Olympic Training Center

The Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center is home to Olympic hopefuls in various sport disciplines. Take the guided walking tour and see the facilities in which athletes train as the aspire to be part of Team USA in the upcoming Olympic Games!

Reviewed By SendMeSomewhere - Cincinnati, United States

This tour was awesome, got to visit so many sections of US Olympic training facilities, including the shooting range, cooking class kitchen, sports medicine, track and field, basketball, and gymnastics areas. Taylor was an excellent guide - clearly has a passion for the Olympics and everything it stands for. He pointed out several Paralympic and Olympic athletes as we toured the grounds. We learned so much and my 9- and 6- year old really enjoyed it all, too. Thanks for a great visit!!

9. ProRodeo Hall of Fame

101 Pro Rodeo Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80919-2396 +1 719-528-4764 [email protected] http://www.prorodeohalloffame.com
Excellent
46%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 138 reviews

ProRodeo Hall of Fame

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.

10. Will Rogers Memorial Shrine of the Sun

4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906-5728 +1 719-578-5367 http://www.cmzoo.org/index.php/about-the-zoo/history/will-rogers-shrine/
Excellent
60%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 310 reviews

Will Rogers Memorial Shrine of the Sun

Reviewed By ZihuaScott - Phoenix, United States

Study the history of Mr. Penrose's role in the history and evolution of Colorado Springs before you go. But if you don't, you'll still get the best view of the city from this height. Awkwardly, you have to go to the Zoo, get in line, get your ticket and pay the Zoo price, then drive through the Zoo pedestrians to get onto the winding road to the top of Cheyenne Mountain. (If you just want to see the shrine, you still have to go through the process of attending the Zoo.)

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