More Recommendations for things to Do in Colorado Springs
In part one of Colorado Springs on a Budget we visited Pike's Peak, Garden of the Gods and the U.S. Air Force Academy. In Part 2 we will continue to discover some of the many attractions that are in and around this amazing city that are Free or Low Cost.
U.S. Olympic Complex (Free)
What American doesn't love the Olympics? Here is your chance to visit the place where our athletes are trained! When you arrive you will be assigned a time for your tour. The tour starts with a movie that shows some of the greatest highlights of the Olympics and shows some of the training that the athletes go through. You are then taken on a walking tour of the facility. You are welcome to take photos and your guide is informative and will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Plan on about an hour for the movie and the walking tour.The facility is open from 9 AM - 4:30 PM Monday - Saturday during the summer and from 9 AM - 4:00 PM Monday - Saturday in the Winter.
You are welcome to walk around the facility on your own to see displays and there is a gift shop. Donations are accepted but not required.
This was a really interesting visit and one that I am so glad we made. It's just not something that you see everyday! Definitely a stop to consider if your schedule allows. I would allow 2-3 hours for a visit here.
For more information visit the website at http://www.teamusa.org/about-the-usoc/training-centers-and-sites/colorado-springs/visit
Cave of the Winds (Small Fee)
The Cave of the Winds is located in Manitou Springs which is just outside of Colorado Springs. This is a great way to spend a couple hours exploring a cave. Parking is free and tours are offered throughout the day. The Discovery Tour is the most popular tour. It is a 45 minute walking tour of the cave. You get to see many of the rooms and the guides are very informative. The cost is $20.00/adult and $12.00/child (6-12) Children 5 and under are free. 
While this may not be my first choice of attractions, it was an interesting cave to explore. They do offer a photo at the end of the tour but purchase is optional.
There is also a large gift shop and clean restroom facilities.
Cave Temperature is around 54 degrees F year round so make sure you dress appropriately.
For more information and directions check out their website: http://caveofthewinds.com
For more information and directions check out their website: http://caveofthewinds.com
Royal Gorge (Free)
Royal Gorge is about an hour from Colorado Springs but is a whole different area. There are many things to do at the gorge that are free. Walking across the suspension bridge is an amazing feeling as you look down into the 1,200 foot deep canyon below you! There is no fee to walk across the bridge and you can spend as much time as you want.
If you would like more information on the gorge please visit the website at http://www.royalgorgetravel.com
Royal Gorge Route Railroad
If you would like to spend a little more money while you are in the area, there are two things that I would highly recommend. The first is to take a ride on the Royal Gorge Railroad.
Fares start at $39.00/adult and $28.00/child and go on up depending on which class of service and which tour you are taking. It is a streamliner from back in the 1950's and it takes you back in time while taking you on a 24 mile journey through the Gorge itself. The scenery is amazing and ride is memorable. It is ranked as one of the top 8 scenic railways in America.
For more information on rates, schedules and special train rides (murder mystery, special dinners, etc) please check out their website at https://www.royalgorgeroute.com
White Water Rafting
The other thing I would highly recommend if you are in this area and up for some adventure is white water rafting on the Arkansas river at the bottom of the gorge. We decided to give this a try when we were there...had never been rafting before and had one of the best adventures ever! There are many rafting outfitters in the area. We chose Arkansas River Tours and Dave, our guide was awesome. We started out choosing the 1/2 day adventure and ended up staying on for the full day adventure. They were kind enough to bring us helmets and gear for the second half of the day as that was a little more challenging than the half day adventure.
The half day adventure is good for novices and offers Class III- IV rapids. The full day continues into the gorge where you will encounter Class IV+ rapids. You definitely notice the difference when you get into the larger rapids! We were there in August so the river was not at it's deepest. For those of you who are looking for a big adventure, our guide told us to come back in May when the snowmelt causes the river to be at its highest and most rapid!
Half day trips run around $70.00/person while the full day trips are around $115.00/person. It is well worth the money and time if you are interested at all in this type of adventure!
Check out their website at http://www.arkansasrivertours.com
The Broadmoor
Colorado's 5 star resort is located in Colorado Springs! Now if you stay here it is far from free (but well worth the money) but you can stop by just to walk around the grounds, check out the shops and see how beautifully maintained this property is!
We have been lucky enough to stay at this property twice.....both in the middle of winter
Tip: Rates are much cheaper in the winter since this is golf resort!
The views from the room are amazing and the service can't be beat. The spa is pretty wonderful too! Like I said, if you can find a way to stay for a night here.....do it. Otherwise, make sure you at least drive by and take a look around!
Rumor has it that the Broadmoor has purchased the 7 Falls property also which is nearby. This property was damaged in the recent flooding in Colorado and is being repaired. This is also a great attraction in the Colorado Springs area so here's hoping that it is up and running soon!
Check out the Broadmoor website at http://www.broadmoor.com
Final Recommendations for Colorado Springs
There are just a couple more things that I would recommend if you are in the Colorado Springs area.
Food
If you are a steak lover and love to check out the local establishments, The Famous in downtown Colorado Springs is a must! The steaks are amazing, the cocktails strong, the desserts decadent and the atmosphere lively. This is a a local gathering place and the bar is in the middle of the dining room so it tends to get a bit noisy if you are there on a weekend evening. There is also live piano music and it's just a fun place to visit. The prices are bit on the steep side so make sure that you plan accordingly. Visit their website at http://www.thefamoussteakhouse.net for menu and pricing as well as directions.Inexpensive Lodging
If the Broadmoor is just a bit above your budget, no worries here are a couple of great options for lodging that won't dent your wallet and will give you a quality stay.
Hampton Inn Colorado Springs Air Force Academy and the Hilton Garden Inn at Briargate |
| Hilton Garden Inn Colorado Springs |
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| Hampton Inn Colorado Springs |
both offer excellent rates and are close to I-25 so you can easily get to all of the attractions that the city has to offer. They are close to shopping and dining options that will fit all budgets. We have stayed at both hotels and have found both to be a great place to stay affordably.
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