Old Colorado City Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Photo by Mike K
Shops, restaurants, galleries and historic buildings attract crowds to this former gold rush town near the center of modern-day Colorado Springs.

Browse shops, specialty boutiques and learn about the history of Colorado Springs when you visit its oldest district, Old Colorado City. The historic area was founded in 1859, the first settlement in the Pikes Peak region.

A good place to start your exploration is at Old Colorado City History Center Museum. Study artifacts and photographs that tell the story of the early years of Colorado City, the former name of this historic district.

As you make your way along the streets, look for some of the old buildings. Go to Bancroft Park for the Garvin Cabin which was constructed in the year Colorado City was founded. See an example of Victorian architecture in the building that used to be Jacob Schmidt's Saloon and Beer Hall. Visit the 1891 Templeton Building that was once the location of a gentleman’s club. Stop by the Old Colorado City Library. It operates out of a 1904 Carnegie Library, built with money donated by the philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.

See the neighborhood in miniature at the Michael Garman Museum and Gallery. There are scale models of 18 buildings and hundreds of handmade sculptures that honor American heroes. Watch and listen to holograms of residents telling stories of life in the city.

Many visitors come to the old city for its shops. The streets are lined with independent stores and boutiques selling unique gifts, souvenirs, jewelry and antiques. Buy fresh local produce at the farmer’s market, held on Saturday mornings between June and October. If you want to take home an original piece of art, there are lots of art galleries to explore.

Embark on an art walk, which takes place on the first Friday of every month from April to December. The self-guided tour features several streets of galleries and artist studios.

If you are here on the Memorial Day weekend, join in with the annual celebrations of the city's founding.

Old Colorado City is approximately 2 miles (3 kilometers) to the west of the center of Colorado Springs. Drivers will find free parking in some of the side streets.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Old Colorado City Hotel Deals

Quality Inn and Suites Garden of the Gods
Quality Inn and Suites Garden of the Gods
2.5 out of 5
555 W Garden Of Gods Rd, Colorado Springs, CO
The price is AU$125 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
AU$125
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Colorado Springs. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,008 reviews)
"So nice!"

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2024

Quality Inn and Suites Garden of the Gods
Cheyenne Mountain Resort, A Dolce by Wyndham
Cheyenne Mountain Resort, A Dolce by Wyndham
4 out of 5
3225 Broadmoor Valley Road, Colorado Springs, CO
The price is AU$201 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
AU$201
per night
30 Mar - 31 Mar
Stay at this beach resort in Colorado Springs. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,148 reviews)
Wonderful Time
"Had a beautiful view from our room and a private balcony. Beds were comfortable and room was very clean. Enjoyed our stay."

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2024

Cheyenne Mountain Resort, A Dolce by Wyndham
The Academy Hotel Colorado Springs
The Academy Hotel Colorado Springs
3.5 out of 5
8110 N Academy Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$151 per night from 17 Apr to 18 Apr
AU$151
per night
17 Apr - 18 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Colorado Springs. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,958 reviews)
"This location was great! Fairly priced, great hospitality and the vibe was on point. A"

Reviewed on 28 Mar. 2024

The Academy Hotel Colorado Springs
Radisson Hotel Colorado Springs Airport
Radisson Hotel Colorado Springs Airport
3.5 out of 5
1645 N Newport Rd, Colorado Springs, CO
The price is AU$178 per night from 28 Apr to 29 Apr
AU$178
per night
28 Apr - 29 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Colorado Springs. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,008 reviews)
"Would definitely recommend!"

Reviewed on 28 Mar. 2024

Radisson Hotel Colorado Springs Airport
SCP Hotel Colorado Springs
SCP Hotel Colorado Springs
3.5 out of 5
2850 South Circle Drive, Colorado Springs, CO
The price is AU$144 per night from 16 Apr to 17 Apr
AU$144
per night
16 Apr - 17 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Colorado Springs. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,018 reviews)
Great spot
"This is a really nice and affordable stop. Very pet friendly. Wet eco-conscious. It’s stripped down to the basics to keep it cheap, but it’s clean and comfortable and affordable. My only complaint is a lack of any trash can in the room (only recycle bin), so you have to have a bag or something you ..."

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2024

SCP Hotel Colorado Springs
Hyatt Place Colorado Springs Downtown
Hyatt Place Colorado Springs Downtown
3 out of 5
201 East Kiowa Ave, Colorado Springs, CO
The price is AU$189 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
AU$189
per night
30 Mar - 31 Mar
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Colorado Springs. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (560 reviews)
"Great place and good value."

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2024

Hyatt Place Colorado Springs Downtown
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Old Colorado City

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Gold Hill Mesa

While there might not be top attractions in Gold Hill Mesa, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Norris Penrose Event Center and Ghost Town Museum.

Gold Hill Mesa
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Midland

When in Midland, you can plan a visit to Red Rock Canyon and Ghost Town Museum, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Midland
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Westside

When in Westside, you can plan a visit to Monument Valley Park and America the Beautiful Park, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Westside
Downtown Colorado Springs showing signage and a statue or sculpture

Downtown Colorado Springs

Downtown Colorado Springs is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Pikes Peak Center and Monument Valley Park while you're in town.

Downtown Colorado Springs
Glen Eyrie Castle which includes heritage architecture, château or palace and a park

West Colorado Springs

While visiting West Colorado Springs, you might make a stop by sights like Garden of the Gods and Glen Eyrie Castle.

West Colorado Springs
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Skyway

If you're spending some time in Skyway, Chloey's and Bella's Dog Beach and Bear Creek Nature Center are top sights worth seeing.

Skyway

Old Colorado City Travel Guide

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