The Museums of Colorado Springs
Step back in
time and explore the Wild West, enjoy the arts, culture and heritage of Colorado
Springs and the many technological innovations in mining, agriculture
and industry by visiting the museums of the Pikes Peak Region.
The Fine Arts
Center, established in 1936, is home to world-class art galleries,
Broadway-worthy live theatre, and an art school for all ages. Experience the
art of gourmet at Taste with amazing patio views of Pikes Peak and browse the
local art.
The Pioneers Museum is located downtown in the beautifully
restored 1903 El Paso County Courthouse. The museum preserves the history and
culture of the Pikes Peak region, and features permanent exhibits on the
history of the area and changing exhibits on topics of broad interest. Also, a
nationally significant collections of quilts, art pottery and the finest
regional landscape art collection in Colorado. Other collections relate to
Native American influences in the region, the founding of the City, the area's
mining and agricultural history, its early prominence as a health resort, and
its more recent significance as a center for military training and operations.
The Cripple Creek Visitors Center a 11,600 square foot
facility with hands-on exhibits improved by audio and video techniques. Immerse
yourself in the old days of the World's Best Gold camp.
The Ghost Town Museum As a true preservation of Colorado’s western
past, the Ghost Town Museum is a fun and historic look back at an old west town
during the late 19th and early 20th Centuries. Lots of
hands-on activities for all ages.
The Manitou
Springs Heritage Center the
Incline Exhibit relates the story of how the installation of a pipeline for a
hydro-electric plant became a famous tourist amusement for 81 years and then
was reincarnated into an even more famous location for people seeking an
extreme physical challenge.
The Western Museum of Mining and Industry preserves and
interprets the rich mining history of Colorado and the American West. A
collection of over 4,000 artifacts is on display at the 27-acre indoor/outdoor
exhibit site, including: a ten-stamp ore mill, a multi-purpose center with
exhibits, a theater and a 5,000-volume research library. An exciting and
exceptional tool for learning about Colorado history, mining and industrial
technology, geology, and the environment.
Rock Ledge Ranch The history of the West comes to life at
Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site. You are invited to explore lifestyles and homes
of the Pikes Peak Region's early inhabitants. Knowledgeable interpreters will
assist you on your journey through one of America’s premier historic sites.
The Rocky Mountain Motorcycle Museum for nearly two
decades, the museum has been actively involved in the Colorado community and
the preservation of classic and antique motorcycles and their history from around
the world with a focus not only on the mechanical works of art we call
motorcycles, but also on the people that have been such a huge part of the
history. The names and faces of the pioneers of motorcycling and their
contributions are captured in photographs and biographies throughout the
museum. The display of this memorabilia ensures that everyone has the
opportunity to enjoy the history of early American two-wheeled ingenuity and
preserve its legacy.
The Pikes Peak Historical Street Railway Foundation Colorado Springs’
first streetcar service was powered by horses. Initiated in 1887, the Colorado
Springs & Manitou Street Railway Company line ran from Colorado College to
the Central Business District. By 1888, a second line to the west was completed
from the Santa Fe depot to 8th Street, and by 1889, the line along Tejon was
extended north to Fontanero. At its peak, a total of 10 horse-drawn trolley
cars operated in the city. In 1890, the Colorado Springs Rapid Transit Railway began
the process of replacing the horse car lines with electric power, a system that
numbered 44 electric cars by 1900; at its peak, the system covered 41 miles. In
1931, buses began replacing streetcars. Streetcar service ended shortly
thereafter.
The Peterson Air and Space Museum was contained in one
small building—the original airport passenger terminal for the City of Colorado
Springs and now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. That same
year, Colorado designated those buildings as a state historic district. Today,
the museum is located right in the center of that 8.3 acre historic district on
Peterson Air Force Base. The original Passenger Terminal, City Hangar and
Broad- moor Hangar all have exhibits inside and anchor the award winning
airpark.
Museum Travel
Itineraries in Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Region
with Knowledge Tourism
travel@arezza.net Knowledge Tourism