This Is Colorado's Quirkiest Little Town
Manitou Springs, Colorado has been a cherished resort destination since its founding in 1872. General William Jackson Palmer and Doctor William Abraham Bell established it as a health retreat, quickly attracting both affluent tourists and those suffering from tuberculosis. As it turns out, they were onto something: The tuberculosis pathogen Mycobacterium does not thrive at higher altitudes. Today, the town remains a hub for health and wellness, known for its eight natural spring taps offering fresh mineral water. In addition to savoring the water from all eight springs, visitors can partake in a variety of activities like cave exploration, fruitcake tosses, ghost tours, and sipping a drink while enjoying a live performance at a local bar. If you are ready to break out of your routine, you’ll love the quirky town of Manitou Springs.
Unique Festivals
A large part of Manitou Springs’ character is represented in its quirky festivals that take place throughout the year. One of the strangest is the Emma Crawford Coffin Races that occur annually on the Saturday after Halloween. The Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce has been hosting this event since 1995 in honor of a beloved local resident, making it the country's oldest coffin race tradition. During the race, four team members push a self-designed "coffin" vehicle while one member drives, all racing to cross the finish line first!
The Great Fruitcake Toss is just as quirky as the coffin races, starting back in 1996 when locals gathered to have fun tossing fruitcakes in the park. Over the years, this delightful tradition has continued, and now each January, both residents and visitors come together to enjoy various fruitcake-throwing challenges like aiming, distance, accuracy, and balance. Plus, there's a fun fruitcake bakeoff where talented local bakers compete for the special title of Fruitcake Queen or King. It’s a wonderful celebration full of laughter, skill, and community spirit!
Thrilling Outdoor Adventures
From exploring underground caverns to extreme hikes, Manitou Springs offers plenty of ways to get your adrenaline fix. The Cave of the Winds has been a beloved attraction in Manitou Springs for over a century, which visitors can explore via two different tours. The Discovery Tour is the best option for families and beginner cavers, passing through 15 rooms, 196 stairs, and half a mile of walkways.
After exploring the caverns, don't miss out on taking a scenic ride on the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway. As the highest cog railway in the world, it offers you nine miles of breathtaking panoramic views and reaches an impressive altitude of 14,115 feet as you ascend through the scenic countryside. Feeling adventurous? You might want to try hiking the Manitou Incline, which is known as one of the most challenging hikes in town. Although it's just about a mile long, it includes a 2,020-foot elevation gain and 2,744 stairs, making it a steep but rewarding climb. Those who make it to the top are treated to spectacular vistas of Manitou Springs from above.
Historic Attractions
Even if history is not your thing, Manitou Springs offers all kinds of fascinating ways to experience its past. Miramont Castle should be on every traveler’s itinerary as a 14,000-square-foot historic landmark that features nine distinct architectural styles. Built in 1895 and listed as a National Historic Landmark, it includes influences ranging from Byzantine to English Tudor. Inside, visitors can admire numerous historic exhibits and authentic Victorian-era artifacts.
Travel back in time and discover the fascinating Manitou Cliff Dwellings, a special site with ancient Puebloan ruins dating from 800 to 1,000 years ago. Feel free to step inside the dwellings and explore two engaging museums filled with cultural artifacts from the indigenous peoples who once called this place home. If you're curious about the town's spooky side, why not join a fun tour with Haunted Manitou Ghost Tours? It takes you through downtown to uncover some of the town's intriguing mysteries and supernatural stories.
Local Culinary Scene
With so much to explore in and around Manitou Springs, chances are you will have worked up an appetite by the end of the day. Luckily, the restaurants offer just as much of a cultural experience as the festivals and historic landmarks do. In the downtown district, travelers will find Swirl Restaurant & Wine Bar, an eclectic, locally owned restaurant that features colorful umbrellas hanging from the ceiling and several cozy outdoor seating areas. Some of the entrees to try include chicken pot pie, veggie goat pizza, and house-made grilled cheese.
If you're looking for a cozy spot to enjoy a homemade meal, Adam’s Mountain Cafe is a wonderful choice. It’s a local favorite that prides itself on making almost everything in-house, from their chai tea and soups to desserts, sauces, and syrups, giving you that warm, homemade feel. For those who love live music, a visit to Armadillo Ranch is sure to brighten your evening. This lively bar and restaurant often features exciting live music events, and during March and April on Thursdays, they're hosting their fun and energetic Battle of the Bands every week!
Final Thoughts
While this article highlights some of the most interesting spots in Manitou Springs, there's always more to explore beyond what we've shared here. Throughout the year, the town comes alive with art festivals, wine celebrations, Mardi Gras carnivals, and free summer concerts, giving visitors plenty of reasons to come back any time of year. Besides the famous Manitou Incline, there are lots of great hiking options, like Mueller State Park, just a half-hour drive away. No matter what you enjoy, you’ll find that Manitou Springs has a special charm that makes you want to visit again and again.
