A day trip worth the drive
By Lisa Blake
RESTING IN THE SHADOW of Pikes Peak just six miles west of Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs is an earthy village where natural mineral springs bubble up throughout downtown, Victorian-era buildings line walkable streets, and outdoor pursuits call from all directions. Here’s how to spend a memorable 12 hours exploring one of Colorado’s most whimsical destinations.
MORNING
GRAB A BITE
Start your day with freshly brewed coffee and steak and eggs or corned beef hash at Mo’s Diner, a local institution since 1947. For something a little lighter, visit the community-minded Loft for breakfast burritos and open-faced bagels like the Larry David, an iteration stacked with smoked salmon, capers, and fresh veggies.
SIP THE SPRINGS
After breakfast, grab a walking map and begin exploring Manitou Springs’ famous mineral springs. Eight naturally carbonated springs are scattered throughout downtown on an easy 2.3-mile loop, each with its own distinct mineral composition and flavor. Sampling them is a fun—and free—way to experience one of the town’s defining traditions.
STROLL AND PLAY DOWNTOWN
Manitou Avenue is packed with locally owned boutiques, bookstores, and artisan shops. Browse handcrafted jewelry, Colorado-made gifts, outdoor gear, and colorful art while chatting up shop owners who are quick to share community lore. Don’t miss the famous Penny Arcade stretching across eight buildings and featuring more than 400 coin-operated games and rides, including pinball, Skee-Ball, and a 12-horse Derby race game manufactured in England.
AFTERNOON
FUEL UP & GO
Pause for pizza at Savelli’s, juicy burgers and ice-cold beers at Manitou Brewing Company, or authentic noodle dishes at Manitou Thai & Ramen. Savor a nourishing meal while you plan your post-lunch adventure. Will it be tackling the legendary and challenging Manitou Incline’s 2,768 steps? Or perhaps walking the Garden of the Gods’ scenic trails, oohing and aahing at towering red sandstone formations and snapping Instagrammable pics of one of Colorado’s most photographed landscapes?
WITNESS ENCHANTING HISTORY AND ART
Afterward, visit the Miramont Castle Museum, an 1895 Victorian mansion showcasing period furnishings and fascinating exhibits about the region’s history. Peep downtown’s public art installations and vibrant storytelling murals and, if time allows, stop by the Manitou Art Center, where rotating exhibitions and working artist studios spotlight Manitou’s creative energy.
RELAX BEFORE DINNER
Walk along Fountain Creek and settle onto a shaded bench to enjoy the slower pace that makes Manitou Springs special. Keep an eye out for seasonal festivals and musicians performing downtown.
Slip into SunWater Spa for a soak (advance reservations recommended) in one of its cedar hot tubs. The soothing mineral-rich waters pair beautifully with the spa’s traditional sauna, cold plunges, and indoor saline pool.
If soaking isn’t your thing, take the shuttle to Rainbow Falls and watch the evening light fractal into colorful arcs within the 45-foot-tall cascade.
EVENING
DINNER WITH MOUNTAIN VIEWS
Cap off your day with dinner at one of Manitou Springs’ locally owned restaurants. Tuck away for a slow, wine-focused experience on the stone-walled patio at Swirl Restaurant & Wine Bar. Book a memorable, four-course fondue dinner at The Mona Lisa and get hands-on with the tabletop grill and rich chocolate fondue dessert course. Casual salads, burgers, and steaks are the main attraction at The Keg Lounge, while adobe-style Crystal Park Cantina is the spot for homestyle Mexican and hand-shaken margs.
As dusk settles over the valley, make one final pass through downtown Manitou Springs, taking in the historic brick and stone buildings, sparkling string lights, welling and rippling natural waters, and iconic mountain silhouettes. Slow down to feel the Manitou Springs energy and pause in gratitude for the Algonquian word—Manitou—meaning spirit and mystery.
