Quick Summary:

  • Q: What is Colorado Springs known for?
  • A: Colorado Springs and the surrounding Pikes Peak region are known for their beautiful mountain scenery and red rock formations.
  • Q: What types of activities can visitors enjoy in Colorado Springs?
  • A: There are a wide variety of free and affordable things to do, including great parks, nature centers, museums, kid-friendly attractions, and festivals.
  • Q: What is the famous Manitou Incline?
  • A: The famous Manitou Incline is one of the most challenging hikes in existence, attracting adventurous visitors.
  • Q: Are there any free attractions in Colorado Springs?
  • A: Some attractions are free only on certain days, so please check before you go.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
  • Please support our journalism through affiliate links. Affiliate Disclosure
  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Free Museum Day ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Museums & Culture
Free Museum Day | The Ultimate Free & Cheap Guide to Colorado Springs
© Courtesy of Kit Leong - Fotolia.com

2. The Penrose Heritage Museum ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Museums & Culture
The Penrose Heritage Museum | The Ultimate Free & Cheap Guide to Colorado Springs
© The Penrose Heritage Museum

3. The Rocky Mountain Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame

Category: Activities
The Rocky Mountain Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame | The Ultimate Free & Cheap Guide to Colorado Springs
© The Rocky Mountain Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame

4. Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center

Category: Activities
Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center | The Ultimate Free & Cheap Guide to Colorado Springs
© Courtesy of doncon402 - Fotolia.com

5. History of Money Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
History of Money Museum | The Ultimate Free & Cheap Guide to Colorado Springs
© History of Money Museum

6. America the Beautiful Park

Category: Activities
America the Beautiful Park | The Ultimate Free & Cheap Guide to Colorado Springs
© America the Beautiful Park

7. Bear Creek Regional Park and Nature Center

Category: Activities
Bear Creek Regional Park and Nature Center | The Ultimate Free & Cheap Guide to Colorado Springs
© Bear Creek Regional Park and Nature Center

8. Cripple Creek Heritage Center

Category: Activities
Cripple Creek Heritage Center | The Ultimate Free & Cheap Guide to Colorado Springs
© Cripple Creek Heritage Center

9. Dr. Lester L Williams Fire Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
Dr. Lester L Williams Fire Museum | The Ultimate Free & Cheap Guide to Colorado Springs
© Dr. Lester L Williams Fire Museum

10. Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center

Category: Activities
Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center | The Ultimate Free & Cheap Guide to Colorado Springs
© Courtesy of Brian - Fotolia.com

11. Pioneers Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
Pioneers Museum | The Ultimate Free & Cheap Guide to Colorado Springs
© Courtesy of Kit Leong - Fotolia.com

12. Red Rock Canyon

Red Rock Canyon | The Ultimate Free & Cheap Guide to Colorado Springs
© Courtesy of Pearl - Fotolia.com

13. Emma Crawford Coffin Races and Festival

Category: Entertainment
Emma Crawford Coffin Races and Festival | The Ultimate Free & Cheap Guide to Colorado Springs
© Courtesy of fabioderby - Fotolia.com

14. Fountain Creek Nature Center

Category: Activities
Fountain Creek Nature Center | The Ultimate Free & Cheap Guide to Colorado Springs
© Courtesy of Mb_creation - Fotolia.com

15. Manitou Springs Heritage Center

Category: Activities
Manitou Springs Heritage Center | The Ultimate Free & Cheap Guide to Colorado Springs
© Manitou Springs Heritage Center

16. Old Colorado City Farmer’s Market

Category: Shopping
Old Colorado City Farmer’s Market | The Ultimate Free & Cheap Guide to Colorado Springs
© Courtesy of Maria Sbytova - Fotolia.com

17. Peterson Air & Space Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
Peterson Air & Space Museum | The Ultimate Free & Cheap Guide to Colorado Springs
© Peterson Air & Space Museum

18. Pikes Peak Birding & Nature Festival

Category: Entertainment
Pikes Peak Birding & Nature Festival | The Ultimate Free & Cheap Guide to Colorado Springs
© Courtesy of Evdoha - Fotolia.com

19. Self Guided Tours Air Force Academy

Tours
Self Guided Tours Air Force Academy | The Ultimate Free & Cheap Guide to Colorado Springs
© Courtesy of McCarthys_PhotoWorks - Fotolia.com

20. Territory Days in Colorado Springs

Category: Activities
Territory Days in Colorado Springs | The Ultimate Free & Cheap Guide to Colorado Springs
© Courtesy of Dmytro - Fotolia.com

21. The Manitou Springs Incline

Category: Activities
The Manitou Springs Incline | The Ultimate Free & Cheap Guide to Colorado Springs
© Courtesy of yobab - Fotolia.com

22. Walking Tour Mineral Springs

Tours
Walking Tour Mineral Springs | The Ultimate Free & Cheap Guide to Colorado Springs
© Courtesy of ablokhin - Fotolia.com

23. Ute Pass Trail

Category: Activities
Ute Pass Trail | The Ultimate Free & Cheap Guide to Colorado Springs
© Courtesy of blas - Fotolia.com

24. Artwalks Old Colorado City

Category: Museums & Culture
Artwalks Old Colorado City | The Ultimate Free & Cheap Guide to Colorado Springs
© Courtesy of Shelley - Fotolia.com

Plan Your Trip

Get Ready to Go!

Need some more help?


Go to travel reservations.