Town of Cripple Creek, Colorado
There is plenty of family and adult fun in this historic landmark district. From the Narrow Gauge Railway, to fascinating local museums, from fine restaurants and ice cream parlors to arcades and casinos, there is something for everyone in Cripple Creek. View gold mining…from the old to the new "state of the art" gold mine, located between Cripple Creek and Victor.
Town of Victor, Colorado
An authentic old gold mining community only 7 miles from the campground boasts gift and antique shops, eating establishments and amazing scenery. The American Eagle Overlook, in Victor, has beautiful views of Pikes Peak and a historic view of the old and the new gold mining operation. Trails through several old gold mines are great for hiking and biking. Victor is also the home of Lowell Thomas, famous journalist and broadcaster.
Lowell Thomas Museum
Enjoy Victor's famous son's museum, with outstanding mining exhibits, artifacts of the golden age of radio, and of Victor.
Melodrama at the Historic Butte Theater
This year, the cast and crew of the Cripple Creek Players are working to make the 2003 production bigger and better than ever. Remember the good ole' days at the Melodrama from June 15 to Sept. 1, 2003. Ask the Cripple Creek staff to make your reservations.
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
A lesson in history, these famous fossil beds are set in the one time shadow of the Guffey Volcano, which erupted millions of years ago, creating fossils and filling the valley with petrified trees. The park offers hiking and interpretive programs.
Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine
Visit the mine that takes you 1,000- ft underground, while you learn, from knowledgeable tour guides, about this old mining operation. This tour is designed for people of all ages. No steps, ladders or climbing. Open daily at 9am.
Pikes Peak Heritage Center at Cripple Creek
Scheduled to open Fall 2007.
Royal Gorge Attractions
Royal Gorge Route Train
The Royal Gorge Route follows the most famous portion of the old Denver & Rio Grand Western train line, 24 miles round-trip, from Canon City to Parkdale and return. The two hour train ride takes passengers through the "Grand Canyon of the Arkansas" on an unforgettable journey over the famous Hanging Bridge, which clings precariously to the steep granite walls of the Royal Gorge, towering over 1,200 feet above. Ask the Cripple Creek staff to make your reservations.
Royal Gorge Bridge
Colorado is known for its spectacular scenery. And there's no place more spectacular than the famous Royal Gorge...where the world's highest suspension bridge soars 1,053 feet above the Arkansas River. A thrilling aerial tram and incline railway adds to the experience. In fact, an entire park has grown up around the bridge, combining quality entertainment with unparalleled natural beauty.
Buckskin Joe Park and Scenic Railway
Step back in time in this Old West theme park - an authentically restored 1860's mining town. There's horse and pony rides, street shows daily, food, drinks and souvenirs, western entertainment, horse-drawn wagon rides, friendly farm animals, gold panning. Over 40 things to see and do. Board the Royal Gorge Scenic Railway for a 3 mile, 30 minute ride to the rim of the Royal Gorge. Sometimes, a friendly deer or chipmunk'll greet you as you wind your way through pinions and pines toward a breathtaking view.
Fun Country Amusement Park
Find this family amusement center off US 50, 1/2 mile south on the road to the Royal Gorge. There are go-karts, a giant slide and miniature golf. It is open from 11 am - 9 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day and on Saturdays and Sundays in May and September.
Dinosaur Depot
The Dinosaur Depot is an educational facility located in downtown Canon City, the county seat of Fremont County, which has long been known as the home of Garden Park, location of the largest Jurrasic graveyard in the world! Housed in an historic 1930's fire station, it includes a visitor center, a gift shop, and a working preparatory lab, with interpretive display. There are regularly scheduled dinosaur programs for the entire family and tours of the internationally significant Garden Park Fossil area, just north of Cannon City.
White water Rafting
There are several rafting companies to choose from. An exciting day's adventure on the Arkansas River, is only an hour away! Ask the Cripple Creek staff to make your reservations.
Colorado Springs Attractions
Pikes Peak Highway
The Road to a new adventure. Open daily to uphill traffic. December thru March open at 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday thru Sunday. April-May opens 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. seven days a week. Memorial Day Weekend open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. June thru Labor Day open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week. September thru November open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. seven days a week. (The weather may effect the opening and closing times.)
Cog Railway
Sit back and relax as the world's highest cog railway takes you to the top of America's best-known mountain, Pikes Peak, 14,110 feet! Depart seven days a week. The round trip takes three hours and ten minutes. Operates from late April through late October (weather permitting). Advance reservations are highly recommended. Ask the Cripple Creek staff to make your reservations.
Garden of the Gods Trading Post and Visitor Center
A free city park, a park for all seasons. Enjoy features like theater presentations, educational exhibits, bus/walking tours, nature talks, dining and refreshments, information on the region and souvenirs and gifts. Hours are summer 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and winter 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Days.
Cave of the Winds
There are three tours to choose from. They are Discovery Tour (stroll through a world millions of years old), Explorer's Trip (spend a day in the dark), Laser Canyon (we're a magic mountain after dark), and Lantern Tour (experience the past, today). Open year round. Cave tours are conducted Labor Day weekend thru Memorial Day weekend 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last tour at 5 p.m.) and Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (last tour at 8 p.m.). Laser Canyon Shows are conducted Friday, Saturday in May at 9 p.m. and Memorial Day thru Labor Day 9 p.m. nightly.
Flying W Ranch
The Flying W Ranch, located in Colorado Springs is a working mountain cattle ranch that has specialized in western food and entertainment since 1953. They have beautiful natural surroundings, an authentic old western town and mouth-watering BBQ beef or chicken suppers. When the Flying W Wranglers top the evening off with their outstanding western stage show they have an offering unsurpassed in Colorado. Supper and show are held outdoors underneath the picturesque Colorado sky if the weather is nice or inside and heated if necessary. Their summer operation is open 7 night a week from the Friday before Memorial Day till the first of October. Reservations are required. Call 719-598-4000 or toll free 1-800-232-3599.
North Pole/Santa's Workshop
" Once upon a time" is alive with Christmas excitement today at the North Pole, home to Santa's Workshop. The legend of Santa Claus and his enchanted northern home comes to life as never before in this extraordinary amusement park. The North Pole recreates the most vivid images of the magic of Christmas; complete with elves, animal friends, magic shows, rides for all ages, and an entire village of colorful cottages brimming with gifts and toys. Best of all, the North Pole has its own post office where all outgoing mail is stamped with the official, North Pole, Colorado postmark.
Located at the foot of Pikes Peak and just ten miles west of Colorado Springs on Highway 24, the North Pole/Santa's Workshop is open from mid-May through Christmas Eve.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, the highest zoo in the country at 6,800', is world famous for its diverse and exotic collection of more than 500 animals. The Zoo features natural settings for many animals including Wolf Woods, home to 2 of the 75 Mexican wolfs alive today; and, Primate World -- an indoor/outdoor complex for great apes and monkeys. Included with the admission to the zoo is the Will Rogers Shrine featuring stunning murals, breathtaking views, and granite tower. The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is located at 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Road, just west of Colorado Springs. For information on admission call: 719-633-9925.
United States Air Force Academy
At the foot of the majestic Rocky Mountains, the United States Air Force Academy is Colorado's most frequently visited man-made attraction. The Visitors Center features informative exhibits on cadet life and Academy history, a 250-seat theater and free, self-guided driving tour maps. One-third mile from the Visitors Center, a hilly nature trail leads to the cadet Chapel.
The Visitors Center is open seven days a week from 9am to 5pm (Labor Day through Memorial Day) and during the summer months from 9am to 6pm. All attractions are free and open to the public. For more information call 719-333-2025. The Academy may be reached by taking exit 156B (North Gate entrance) off of Interstate 25.
Seven Falls
Often called the "Grandest Mile of Scenery in Colorado", Seven Falls cascades 181' down a solid cliff of Pikes Peak granite. Located just ten minutes from downtown Colorado Springs, this unique scenic masterpiece is easily accessible. See breathtaking views and abundant wildlife. Take the mountain elevator to Eagle's Nest where the most spectacular view of Seven Falls is experienced. Although open everyday, summer nights come alive as the entire canyon is illuminated in a brilliant display of color.
Focus on the Family
Since its opening in June 1994, the Welcome Center has had more than a million guests walk through its doors. Families can enjoy a 170-seat theater ,a kids' play area with a three-story slide, Whit's End Soda Fountain dining area, birthday party room, G. Harvey Art Gallery, Solid Grounds coffee shoppe and 10,000 sq. ft. gift shop and bookstore. In 2001, the Discovery Emporium was added, complete with a puppet stage, reading area and Kids' Radio Studio. Focus on the Family is ready to welcome you in your next visit! For information on tours, reservations and broadcast tapings, call our 24-hour visitor hotline at (719) 531-3328.
