The Ultimate Free & Cheap Guide to Colorado Springs

Every September, the Smithsonian Institution partners with the numerous national museums to provide people with a day of free admission to the museums. This day provides people throughout the country with a fun and frugal way to explore a favorite museum or one that they have never stepped foot in before. There are six museum in the Colorado Springs area that visitors and locals alike can visit for free on Free Museum Day. These museums are the Western Museum of Mining & Industry, Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, Museum of Colorado Prisons, ProRodeo Hall of Fame, Victor Lowell Thomas Museum, and John May Natural History Museum.

The Penrose Heritage Museum is home to an extensive collection of thirteen motorized vehicles and thirty-one horse-drawn carriages. A large number of the carriages on display belonged to Spencer and Julie Penrose. The collection includes a 1906 Renault, a 1928 Cadillac limousine, and three 1920’s cars from the Pike Peak Auto Hill Climb race. Among the several exhibits at the museum are two of the presidential carriages used by William Henry Harrison and Chester A. Arthur. Exhibits at the Penrose Heritage Museum also include Native American artifacts; vintage riding saddles, stirrups, and harnesses; and antique firearms.

11 Lake Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80906, Phone: 719-577-7065

The Rocky Mountain Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame features a collection of more than seventy-five fully-restored, original examples of antique and vintage Triumph, Panther, Cushman, Honda, BSA, Mustang, Ariel, Excelsior, Harley-Davidson, and Indians, dating all the way back to 1913 up to 1983. The educational and non-profit museum was established in 1992, focusing on people rather than companies and brands, and is run entirely by volunteers. Biographies and photographs within the museum capture the contributions, faces, and names of motorcycling pioneers. The memorabilia displays allow visitors to explore the history of motorcycling in America.

19 N Tejon St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903, Phone: 719-487-8005

The Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center lets visitors explore the paradise of Colorado Springs in just one stop. The Garden of the Gods Park is listed as a National Natural Landmark. The park features sandstone rock formations towering three hundred feet tall, dramatic views, and a backdrop of bright blue skies and the snow-capped Pikes Peak. The Visitors and Nature Center houses interactive exhibits, a terrace that overlooks the park, and a glass-enclosed eatery. Both the Garden of the Gods park and the Visitors Center are open to visitors free of charge.

1805 N. 30th St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904, Phone: 719-634-6666

The History of Money Museum in Colorado Springs offers visitors and locals a chance to discover more about the history and other topics about the money they use, and is the largest museum in the United States dedicated to money, numismatics. The Money Museum explores the science, history, art, and more around money and promotes the diverse nature of currency and other related items. There are three main exhibit galleries in the museum that display the history of money in America and other parts of the world, as well as fascinating rarities. Free admission is offered on the third Saturday of the month.

818 N. Cascade Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903, Phone: 719-482-9834

America the Beautiful Park Fantasy Playground features spinner bowls, hammocks, and turntables, offering fun for everyone. “Quirks,” which are are the interactive pieces of art on the property, are situated one on side of this interesting playground. Nearly one hundred students from local schools created the Quirks. Amenities at America the Beautiful Park include the playground, restrooms, a picnic pavilion, walking paths, and access to the Pikes Peak Greenway Trail and the Midland Trail. The Julie Penrose Fountain, designed by Bill Burgess and David Barber, is representative of water’s movement between the earth and the atmosphere.

126 Cimino Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80903, Phone: 719-385-2489

At the Bear Creek Regional Park and Nature Center, visitors can explore Bear Creek, try to catch a glimpse of mule deer and other wildlife, hike through the foothills, and more. Media presentations, self-guided and guided tours, special events, and interpretive programs are offered at the nature center and park throughout the year. Nature trails in the park do not allow pets and are only meant for foot traffic. Regional trails are open to horseback riding, leashed pets, and hiking.

245 Bear Creek Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80906, Phone: 719-520-6387

The Cripple Creek Heritage Center explores the story of the fortune seekers during the latter part of the 1800’s who journeyed out to the area of Pikes Peak during the Gold Rush. Over a hundred years later, visitors can make discoveries of their own at the informational resource and travel center. The Heritage Center overlooks Cripple Creek, offering a great view of the town below. Several interactive exhibits let guests immerse themselves in the heyday of the “Greatest Gold Camp in the World.” Other exhibits display fauna and flora, geology, and recreation opportunities in the Cripple Creek area.

9283 CO-67, Cripple Creek, CO 80813, Phone: 719-689-3315

The Dr. Lester L Williams Fire Museum is housed within the Fire Operations Training Center in Colorado Springs. Artifacts and equipment from throughout the history of firefighting are on display in the museum, open to visitors from Monday to Friday. There is no cost for admission and the museum is open beginning at 8:00am until 5:00pm. Among the various items on display in the Dr. Lester L Williams Fire Museum is a combination hose wagon from 1896, an Ahrens-Fox Pumper vehicle from 1926, and numerous historic documents and photographs. The museum also features rotating exhibits.

375 Printers Pkwy, Colorado Springs, CO 80910, Phone: 719-385-5950

The Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center has been a beloved local landmark of the residents of Colorado Springs for several years. The stone structure was formerly the residence of the area’s Starsmore family. The house was moved in 1992 to its current location after being bought by the city. The visitor center provides a great introduction to the Cheyenne Cañon, along with its rock formations, beautiful waterfalls, wildlife, and wildflowers. The Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center offers a window for birdwatching, free maps of Cheyenne Cañon, information about the region, interactive nature exhibit, interesting dioramas, and more.

2120 North Cheyenne Cañon Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906, Phone: 719-385-6086