# Travel >> Destinations >> United States

Things to Do in Manitou Springs, Colorado

Four miles west of Colorado Springs is the historic town of Manitou Springs, located at the foot of Pikes Peak. Manitou Springs is host to a wide range of recreational opportunities as well as local attractions. In addition to shopping and dining in restaurants, you can spend the entire day enjoying the great outdoors and learning about the town through museums and events.

Participate in Recreational Activities
- When you visit Manitou Springs, Colorado, you can hike or bike on Barr Trail or ride horseback on trails in Garden of the Gods Park. Play golf in nearby Colorado Springs, or pan for gold or go fishing in nearby Manitou Lake and Rampart Reservoir in Woodland Park. Relax in the hot tub or swim at the Manitou Aquatics & Fitness Center. If you're looking for something more adventurous, enjoy river rafting through the 1,100-foot cliffs of the Royal Gorge.
  
  Manitou Aquatics & Fitness Center
  202 Manitou Ave.
  Manitou Springs, CO 80829
  719-685-9735
  manitoupool.com/
Visit Museums
- Visit the Ghost Town Museum in Colorado Springs, about 15 minutes from Manitou Springs. Explore this 1800s western town and view thousands of artifacts in the museum. View prehistoric Indian ruins and artifacts at the Manitou Cliff Dwellings & Museum and take a guided walking tour of the National Historic District. Miramont Castle, a national historic landmark, is a Victorian museum where you can take a self-guided tour.
  
  Ghost Town Museum
  400 South 21st St.
  Colorado Springs, CO 80904
  719-634-0696
  ghosttownmuseum.com/
  
  Manitou Cliff Dwellings & Museum
  10 Cliff Dwellings Rd.
  Manitou Springs, CO 80829
  800-354-9971
  cliffdwellingsmuseum.com/
  
  Miramont Castle
  9 Capitol Hill Ave.
  
  Manitou Springs, CO 80829
  888-685-1011
  miramontcastle.org/
Enjoy Entertainment
- In nearby Colorado Springs, enjoy a western stage show and barbecue beef or chicken suppers at the Flying W Ranch, a working mountain cattle ranch. Watch a comedy show that includes a family dinner at the Iron Springs Melodrama Dinner Theater. Audience participation is encouraged, and you can sing along and dance throughout the evening.
  
  Flying W Ranch
  3330 Chuckwagon Rd.
  Colorado Springs, CO 80919
  
  800-232-3599
  www.flyingw.com/
  
  Iron Springs Melodrama Dinner Theater
  444 Ruxton Ave.
  Manitou Springs, CO 80829
  719-685-5104
  pikes-peak.com/Attraction/15.aspx