Local Guidebook
Our hand-picked recommendations for things to see, do, and eat around Cascade and Colorado Springs.
Area Overview
Things to See & Do / Places to Eat
Garden of the Gods
A registered National Natural Landmark featuring dramatic red rock formations against a backdrop of snow-capped Pikes Peak. This 1,300-acre park offers hiking, rock climbing, and scenic drives through stunning geological formations.
Cave of the Winds Mountain Park
A show cave discovered in 1880 featuring guided tours through spectacular limestone chambers with stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and other formations. Adventure tours include spelunking and lantern-lit explorations.
Pikes Peak - America's Mountain
One of Colorado's 14,000-foot peaks and the most visited mountain in North America. Accessible via the Pikes Peak Highway or cog railway, offering breathtaking panoramic views from the summit.
Seven Falls
Known as the 'Grandest Mile of Scenery in Colorado,' this series of seven cascading waterfalls drops 181 feet through a narrow box canyon. Features hiking trails, an elevator to the top, and spectacular nighttime lighting.
Old Colorado City
Historic district founded in 1859 featuring charming Victorian buildings housing art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. Once the capital of the Colorado Territory, it now offers a delightful glimpse into the Old West.
Manitou Springs Penny Arcade
A nostalgic arcade featuring over 400 vintage and modern games, from classic pinball machines to skee-ball and old-school video games. Perfect for all ages with games ranging from penny to quarter play.
The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway
The world's highest cog railway, climbing 14,115 feet to the summit of Pikes Peak since 1891. This historic train ride offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys through alpine forests and rocky tundra.
Miramont Castle Museum
A 19th-century Victorian castle built in 1895 featuring 30 rooms filled with period furnishings and artifacts. Built by a French priest, it showcases multiple architectural styles and offers afternoon tea service.
Heizer Trailhead
A local hiking trail offering a challenging ascent to spectacular overlooks of Cascade and the Pikes Peak region. Popular with locals for its scenic views and peaceful escape from crowded tourist trails.
Green Mountain Falls
A serene mountain lake in a charming small town setting, surrounded by hiking trails and mountain views. Features tennis courts, a swimming pool, and a picturesque gazebo in the center of the pond.
Glen Eyrie Castle
A Tudor-style castle built in 1871 by General William Jackson Palmer, founder of Colorado Springs. Nestled in a dramatic box canyon, it features English-style gardens and offers guided tours and special events.
Red Rock Canyon Open Space
A free city park featuring stunning red rock formations similar to Garden of the Gods but with fewer crowds. Offers miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, rock climbing, and panoramic views of Pikes Peak.
Santa's Workshop
A Christmas-themed amusement park at 7,500 feet elevation featuring over two dozen rides, shows, and attractions for children. Open seasonally with Santa visits, crafts, and festive holiday atmosphere.
Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum
Housed in the beautifully restored 1903 El Paso County Courthouse, this free museum showcases the rich history of the Pikes Peak region through exhibits on local culture, Native American heritage, and early settlers.
Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center
A sanctuary dedicated to rescuing wolves, wolf-dogs, and other canids. Offers educational tours where visitors can observe wolves in their natural habitat and even have a chance to take photos with the animals.
Helen Hunt Falls
A picturesque 35-foot waterfall in North Cheyenne Cañon Park, easily accessible via a short paved trail. Named after the poet and Indian rights activist, it's surrounded by stunning canyon scenery.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
America's only mountain zoo, perched at 6,800 feet elevation. Known for its giraffe herd and feeding experience, the zoo features over 750 animals from around the world with stunning mountain views.
Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site
A living history farm and museum on the National Register of Historic Places depicting life in the Pikes Peak region across four time periods: American Indian area (1775), 1860s Galloway Homestead, 1880s Chambers Ranch, and 1907 Edwardian Orchard House built by General William Jackson Palmer.
United States Air Force Academy
One of five U.S. military service academies set on 18,500 acres at the base of the Front Range. Features stunning mid-century modern architecture including the iconic Cadet Chapel (under renovation through 2028), Division I athletic facilities, and breathtaking mountain panoramas.
Weidner Field
An 8,000-seat soccer-specific stadium located in downtown Colorado Springs at 6,035 feet elevation—the highest professional soccer stadium in the U.S. Opened in 2021, it's home to the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (USL Championship).
Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College
Founded in 1936 and on the National Register of Historic Places, this 132,000+ square-foot facility houses world-class art galleries, a Broadway-worthy theatre, and an art school. Features rotating exhibitions from its significant permanent collection.
US Olympic & Paralympic Museum
A state-of-the-art 60,000-square-foot museum in downtown Colorado Springs celebrating Olympic and Paralympic history. Features interactive exhibits, a 360-degree theater, and the stories of Team USA athletes.
Cascade Community Park
A local community park in Cascade offering playground equipment, picnic areas, open green space, and mountain views along a creek. A peaceful spot to relax close to the property.
Holy Rosary Chapel
A charming stone chapel built in 1930 nestled in Cascade, featuring stunning stained glass windows from Germany, a newly restored grotto, and a peaceful rosary walk through the wooded grounds. A serene place for quiet reflection with beautiful mountain views.
Catamount Recreation Area
Part of the North Slope Recreation Area on Pikes Peak at over 9,200 feet elevation. Features three cold-water reservoirs (South Catamount, North Catamount, and Crystal Creek) stocked with trout for fishing.
Catamount Trailhead
A moderate hiking trail that climbs from Green Mountain Falls up to South Catamount Reservoir. Offers scenic forest views, waterfall sightings, and access to the larger Catamount Recreation Area.
Adventures Out West Pikes Peak Ziplines
Colorado's premier zipline experience offering advanced-rated natural terrain zipline tours at the foot of Pikes Peak. Family-owned and operating since 1973, featuring all-natural cliffs and forests—no towers or ladders.
Magic Town at Michael Garman Museum & Gallery
A unique sculptural theater in Old Colorado City featuring 'Magic Town'—a 1:6th scale miniature city depicting the gritty neighborhoods of artist Michael Garman's past. Includes hundreds of original characters in detailed buildings with holograms and mirrored illusions.
Wines of Colorado
A scenic restaurant and wine bar featuring Colorado-made wines and locally sourced cuisine. Located right next to the property, it offers a relaxed atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the creek.
The Pantry
A beloved local eatery in Green Mountain Falls serving scratch-made breakfast and lunch. Known for their hearty portions, friendly service, and classic American comfort food in a cozy mountain setting.
The Cliff House at Pikes Peak
A historic Victorian-era hotel and fine dining restaurant in Manitou Springs. Built in 1874, it offers elegant American cuisine in a romantic atmosphere with period furnishings and modern culinary excellence.
Thunder and Buttons II
A lively tavern in historic Old Colorado City serving American pub fare with Colorado flair. Known for their elk burgers, local craft beers, and friendly atmosphere in a converted Victorian building.
Skirted Heifer
A popular local burger joint in downtown Colorado Springs known for grass-fed beef burgers and creative toppings. Their 'skirted' burgers feature a unique presentation with toppings cascading over the sides.
Rudy's "Country Store" and Bar-B-Q
A Texas-style barbecue chain serving brisket, ribs, and sausage smoked over oak. Features a country store atmosphere where you can pick up meats by the pound, sides, and their famous cream corn.
Flying W Ranch
A working cattle ranch and dinner theater offering an authentic Western chuckwagon supper and cowboy music show. Features BBQ brisket, baked beans, applesauce, and biscuits in an Old West setting.
Base Camp Restaurant
A farm-to-table restaurant focusing on locally sourced, whole-food ingredients served family-style. Offers a seasonal menu of healthy, shareable dishes perfect for groups and families.
Cantina Verde
A local favorite for Mexican and American cuisine in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere. Known for generous portions, fresh ingredients, and excellent margaritas. Reservations recommended.
503W
A trendy craft cocktail bar and restaurant with an industrial-chic vibe. Specializes in creative drinks, gourmet appetizers, and a modern menu perfect for date nights or catching up with friends.
Dozo Sushi and Bar
A modern sushi restaurant offering fresh fish, creative rolls, and Japanese cuisine in an upscale casual setting. Features a full bar with sake and cocktails in a contemporary atmosphere.
Mausam Indian Flavors
A modern Indian restaurant in downtown Colorado Springs led by a Michelin-awarded chef. Blends India's rich culinary heritage with contemporary creativity, featuring reimagined street food, curries, and tandoori classics in a stylish space with an open kitchen.
Fortune Dragon
A beloved Chinese restaurant in Woodland Park offering authentic flavors in a warm, inviting atmosphere. Known for consistently delicious food, generous portions, friendly service, and great value.