This little village is chock-full of independent stores and rich in history. Enjoy seasonal activities like the renowned OCC Farmer’s Market and the first Friday ArtWalk. Don’t overlook their yearly celebrations like Territory Days.
A visit to Old Colorado City will be a profoundly satisfying experience, whether your plans include perusing the stores and galleries, eating in style, or attending a seasonal event. Come for the weekend or make Old Colorado City your home base to see all the amazing sights and landscapes in the Pikes Peak region. Make a day of it or plan a romantic vacation.
History of Colorado City
The neighborhood has had a physical and cultural revival as a consequence of restoration work since it was designated a National Historic District in 1982. The environment for tiny prospering stores, boutiques, fine & cultural jewelry, galleries, and restaurants serving food from all over the world is made up of beautiful ancient brick structures, picturesque passageways, and local charm. Historic Old Colorado City is a desirable destination location for getaway weekends and extended-stay vacations due to the lovely bed & breakfast inns and other good lodgings in the vicinity.
At 24th Street and Pikes Peak Avenue in the historic area, the Old Colorado History Center houses an amazing collection of items and photos as well as a written, oral, and computerized history of Old Colorado City. It is a role-model research facility that actively seeks the past and actively works to make it accessible to both the general public and history enthusiasts.
Events and Festivals of Colorado City
Old Colorado City activities are a terrific opportunity to have fun and get to know this quaint town, whether you’re searching for the ideal memento at the neighborhood street fair, admiring local artists during Art Walk, or sampling local food at the farmers market. During the First Friday ArtWalk, which takes place on the first Friday from April through December, peruse the neighborhood art galleries. The annual Territory Days, which takes place during Memorial Day Weekend, has amazing live music, delectable cuisine, shopping, and entertaining activities. The Farmer’s Market, which is held every Saturday from June through the end of October in Old Colorado City, is another popular event. These Old Colorado City activities are all open to the public at no cost.
Restaurants of Colorado
Restaurants in Old Colorado City provide a wide range of selections to suit your palate. The dining options in Old Colorado City range from superb pizzerias to bistros with seats on the sidewalk. Experience upmarket restaurants, fantastic pub scenes, and live music performances in quaint Old Colorado City.
Top Things to do in Colorado City
Curious people travel to Colorado Springs. Discover new areas while admiring the beauty of nature. Breathe in the fresh mountain air and let your problems go. In the Pikes Peak Region, there are some fun things to see and do, including exhilarating whitewater rapids, breathtaking parks and trails, museums, attractions, and a mountain zoo that is certain to provide amazing family-friendly experiences. With these Colorado City activities, you may learn what fun is in store for your upcoming trip to Colorado.
Year Round Activities
These year-round activities in Colorado City are ideal for a weekend trip at any time of year.
The Frontier Pathways Scenic Byway
Colorado City is located at the southeast end of the loop slightly over 100-mile Frontier Pathways Scenic Byway. Visitors have the option of starting their circle in either Colorado City and travelling west into Rye or in Pueblo and moving north on Interstate 25. In either case, this journey will take at least three hours, while it would be simple to set aside at least a whole day to discover this lovely region of Colorado.
The path rapidly enters the San Isabel National Forest after leaving Colorado City and heading into Rye, where the vistas of the magnificent Sangre de Cristo Mountains are guaranteed to wow. There is a ton of free scattered camping in this part of the route, however, tourists should be aware that the national forest has few to no facilities. Bishop Castle, Lake Pueblo State Park, and the historically significant town of Pueblo are some of the other sites along the route.
Thunder and Buttons Historic Bar
The Thunder and Buttons Bar, which has a fascinating past involving a boisterous guy and his two elk (called Thunder and Buttons) that dates back to 1888, is unquestionably the highlight of any vacation to Colorado City. The pub has relationships with several regional farmers and suppliers, so the food is ethically sourced and fresh.
The meal selection is extensive and includes items like fried calamari, pickles, and pork schnitzel, all of which are freshly prepared and delicious. The beverage selection is equally extensive, and the pub even has a sizable selection of beers from nearby Colorado brewers on hand.
Along with offering delicious cuisine and beverages, Thunder and Buttons host a variety of entertaining events every week. Tuesdays are Trivia Nights, Karaoke starts at 9:00 on the weekends, and there are numerous tables and a dedicated bar in the upstairs billiards area.
Summer Activities
Discover an amazing vacation with these summertime activities in Colorado City, including sky castles that are unlike anything else and tours of subterranean mines.
Bishop Castle
Jim Bishop created and is still improving the stunning stone structure known as Bishop Castle. This once-empty plot of ground has been turned by one man’s lifelong endeavor into a towering monument of stone, iron, and glass that draws visitors from all over Colorado since it began over v
sixty years ago. Bishop is still building the castle today, and according to the official website for Bishop Castle, weekends are the ideal times to get a glimpse of him at work.
Every day of the week, Bishop Castle is accessible and free to enter. Donations are gladly appreciated, and the on-site gift store helps pay for the building of this spectacular facility. Visitors are welcome to ascend the towers, wander among the numerous spaces, and see the stunning stained-glass windows. Due to the fact that it is free to enter, Bishop Castle is frequently busy in the summer; thus, for a less crowded experience, go on weekends and holidays.
Stand atop Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain
Visit the 14,115-foot Pikes Peak, America’s Mountain Summit, the source of Katharine Lee Bates’s inspiration for her novel America the Beautiful. Drive, walk or cycle to this well-known landmark to see vistas often only found in the sky.
Take On the Arkansas River’s Acclaimed Rapids
An exhilarating trip down the Arkansas River’s rapids will have your heart racing. Choose your experience when you board a raft with one of the many reputable rafting outfitters in Colorado Springs. From gentle family floats to adrenaline-pumping expert trips, we have the ideal excursion for you.
Discover your inner champion
Did you know Colorado Springs is the United States’ Olympic City? Inspiring natural training grounds like the Manitou Incline, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum, and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center are all located here.