Manitou Springs, CO: See why it is and always has been a destination!

February 2024: We have visited Manitou Springs, CO (pop. 4,858) many times, most recently in winter 2024. It is part of the Colorado Springs metro area, an easy drive as you head west on I24 toward the Rocky Mountains. Located at the base of the beautiful Pike’s Peak Mountain, it has so much to do and see in the area! we consider it as one of the ‘must experience’ places we bring guests when they visit. Keep reading to see why!

Manitou Springs accessible from I24 and from the western most edge of the Garden of the Gods Park (another local ‘must see!’). It is located in El Paso County.

Manitou Springs – A Brief History

Located in a forested box canyon at the base of Pikes Peak, the area now known as Manitou Springs was considered sacred by the Native Americans. Utes, Cheyenne, Arapahoe and other Plains tribes all benefited from the soothing effects of the natural Mineral Springs. You might say that the area has always been a “tourist” destination!

Health Tourism

General William Jackson Palmer (Military man and Railroad tycoon) and Dr. William Abraham Bell (English physician and Photographer of the American West) founded Manitou Springs, intending from its conception to be a “scenic health resort”. The mineral springs attracted tuberculosis sufferers in the early years. Then in 1881 the railroad arrived from Colorado Springs, bringing more health tourism. The town was incorporated in January 1888. By the 1890s, the resort town boasted of seven grand hotels, many of which still stand today.

Natural Beauty inspired Tourism

The natural beauty of the area inspired many attractions over the years, such as a COG Railway, Rainbow Falls, Garden of the Gods, Cave of the Winds.

The Era of Auto Tourism

The advent of the automobile changed the type of visitor, and Motor hotels became popular, many of which still exist today. Auto accessible attractions include the Mt. Manitou Incline, the Crystal Park Auto Tour and the Manitou Cliff Dwellings.

Tourism Economy looks back into History

In the 1970s, Manitou reinvented itself based on its original strengths. The Manitou Springs Historic District encouraged restoration and art. The mineral springs were revived through the creation of the Mineral Springs Foundation in 1987.

Example: Emma Crawford Coffin Race

A popular annual event today is a unique example of leaning into Manitou Springs history. In 1890 a young woman seeking the mineral springs “cure” from tuberculosis sadly passed away. Her dying wish was honored – to be buried on top of Red Mountain. Unfortunately, several years of rain and harsh weather took its toll on her casket, and her remains slid down the mountain into the canyon below where two boys found the name plate and silver handles from her casket. Since 1995, Manitou Springs has commemorated her race down the mountainside with the humorous Emma Crawford Coffin Race held every October!

From its beginnings, Manitou Springs has been a destination. As such, the town relies heavily on its tourism industry. The reasons to visit continue to evolve over time, but in ways that continue to lean into its history and natural beauty.

5 Reasons why we consider Manitou Springs is a “Must See” Destination

1. Major local attractions

Manitou Springs and the surrounding area has both natural beauty and amazing historic attractions. Our favorites include:

• Garden of the Gods – Google Maps – Bordering the east side of Manitou Springs – this park is a “Must See” city gem
• Cave of the Winds Mountain Park – Google Maps – east side of Manitou Springs, natural cave tours!
• Manitou Cliff Dwellings – Google Maps – most interesting in the context of National Park history; the featured cliff dwellings moved to this site in 1907 to help ensure its preservation before Mesa Verde became a National Park.
• The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway – Google Maps – COG train to the top of Pike’s Peak is accessible from the west side of Manitour Springs
• Miramont Castle Museum and The Queen’s Parlour Tea Room – Google Maps – historic home; tours and tea time available
• Historic Mineral Springs – The town has several mineral springs, called manitou for the “breath of the Great Spirit Manitou” believed to have created the bubbles, or “effervescence”, in the spring water.

2. Dining as an Event

There are multiple historic venues that serve amazing meals in some pretty interesting spaces.

• Cliff House Dining Room – Google Maps and Cliff House Bar and Grill – whether fine dining on the veranda, dining room or the less formal bar and grill, get a wonderful dinner at a historical gem Hotel
• Briarhurst Manor Estate – Google Maps – The stately Victorian Manor House was build in 1876 by the founder of Manitou Springs, Dr. William Bell, of London, England. Today it offers a fine dining restaurant.
• Mona Lisa Fondue Restaurant – Google Maps – one of the Pike’s Peak region’s most unique and intimate fine dining experiences, The Mona Lisa Fondue Restaurant in historic Manitou Springs welcomes you to enjoy a relaxed fondue dining experience.
• The Loop – Google Maps – The Loop was built in 1903. Originally, wild game was served here. Shot in the surrounding mountains; bear, elk, deer, and many other kinds of game were barbecued out back for the patrons. The barbecue is still out back but is not in use today. Many gold and silver barons dined at The Loop in the early days. The name The Loop was coined because of the trolley went around the building and back to Colorado Springs. Today The Loop serves Mexican food. They are also known for serving the world’s largest margarita. ENJOY!
• The Queen’s Parlour Tea Room – Google Maps – Tea packages and lunch menu are offered in this beautiful historic home (reservations required)
• Manitou Springs Penny Arcade – Google Maps – maybe not the healthiest dinner, but certainly its carnival food is an event in itself!

Note that these are just a few of the restaurant options in Manitou Springs – there are so many more!

3. Good snack and refreshment options

Below are a couple of favorites, but there are many more!

• Red Dog Coffee – Google Maps
• Rocky Mountain Beignets – Google Maps
• Loft Espresso – Google Maps
• Manitou Brewing Company – Google Maps – terrific food, craft beer, outdoor seating – great over-all vibe!
• Townhouse Sports Grill – Google Maps – nice big outdoor shaded patio!
• Manitou Winery – Google Maps – wine tasting, make-your-own bottles, outdoor seating

Note that these are just a few snack and beverage options in Manitou Springs – there are so many more!

4. Shop ’til you drop

Manitou is home to some of the most unique and fun shops you can imagine! Here are just a few…

5.Walk the streets and enjoy the mineral springs, the architecture, the art, the people… the vibe!

• Take the Cure – self-guided map of public mineral springs. Bring a cup for sampling!
• Pollinator Garden Walking tour – self guided map of various gardens!
• Public art – so much! everywhere! see link for a self-guided ‘Art on the Avenue’ walking tour app

More to Explore

I did some online research and found So many events! There is almost always something going on in Manitou Springs. There are annual “Signature” events almost every month!

• January: The Great Fruitcake Toss
• February: Mumbo Jumbo Gumbo Cookoff, Carnivale, Carnivale Parade and CarniBall
• March/April: Easter activities
• June: Wine Festival, Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, Pride Fest
• July: Ice Cream Social & Pie Baking Contest
• August: ManiPalooza, Heritage Brew Festival, Water Festival
• September: Commonwheel Arts & Crafts Festival, Clayfest, Pikes Peak Ascent & Marathon
• October: Emma Crawford Coffin Races & Parade, Halloween High Tea, Ghost Tour
• November: Victorian Christmas at Miramont Castle
• December: Santa at Town Clock, Adaman Fireworks
• Seasonal Events: Summer concert series (June-Aug), Library Lawn Concerts (June-July), First Friday Art Walk (Apr-Dec) and Moonlight Market (July-Sept)

A little more online research indicates that Manitou Springs has a LOT going to support community vitality!

• CRANE – Creative Alliance Manitou Springs – Lifting Artistic & Economic Vitality through various programs, such as:
  • Art on the Avenue – the longest-running public art program in the region! download walking tour maps from their website.
  • Manitou Made – highlights the vivacious community of local makers, bakers, artists, designers, and entrepreneurs.
  • Pollination Station planters – multi-purpose streetscape enhancements that provide pollinator-friendly plants through important public and private partnerships.
  • Takeout Tables – additional outdoor seating for people supporting local restaurants and cafes downtown
  • Note: Manitou Springs Creative District (MSCD) – designation earned in 2017 through the Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade – Colorado Creative Industries
• Historic Preservation
  • Manitou Springs Historic District – Wikipedia
    • Map of Historic Plaques

Visitor Guidance available online

• Visitors Guide – request information, download a digital version and/or view in electronic form!
• Maps and Directions – driving, bus, bicycle, shuttles – all sorts of options!
• Historic Downtown walking e-map – so many options!
• Map of Mineral Springs – so many places to try spring water!
• Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce – Google Maps

Map of Manitou Springs