Colorado SpringsOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

Founding a Planned City

Colorado Springs was established in 1871 by General William Jackson Palmer, a Civil War veteran and railroad entrepreneur. He planned a resort city at the base of Pikes Peak, distinct from the mining towns of the era. Palmer acquired 10,500 acres east of the existing gold miner's supply camp, Colorado City (now Old Colorado City), to control its development. He prohibited saloons, gambling, and alcohol, intending to attract affluent visitors and those seeking health benefits from the dry climate and mineral springs. The city became known as "Little London" due to the number of English visitors it drew. Palmer’s influence is present in the city's design; he laid out wide avenues and established parks, planting trees to landscape the new city.

Architectural Development and Growth

The city's architecture reflects its early period and subsequent expansion. Victorian-style buildings, with their detailed facades, were common in the late 19th century, particularly in the Old North End. In 1883, Palmer opened the first Antlers Hotel, a facility with modern features like a hydraulic elevator and central steam heat. This original Antlers Hotel burned down in 1898. A replacement, built in Italian Renaissance style with fireproof walls and mosaic floors, opened in 1901. By 1900, Colorado Springs was a vacation and health destination. Later, in 1918, The Broadmoor Hotel, an Italian Renaissance-style resort, further established the city's reputation for luxury.

• —Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum — This museum is in the original 1903 El Paso County Courthouse, a Classical Revival building with granite columns and a clock tower. It displays exhibits on Native American cultures, early settlers, and regional art.
• —The Antlers Hotel — The current hotel, opened in 1967, stands on the site of two previous hotels built by city founder General William Jackson Palmer. Its location at the western end of Pikes Peak Avenue provides a view of Pikes Peak.
• —Acacia Park — This downtown park is a central gathering area and hosts events like the Colorado Springs Sunday Market from May through October.
• —General William J. Palmer Park — This large park offers views of the city and the surrounding mountains.
• —Garden of the Gods Park — This natural area features red rock formations. Visitors can use its paved trails and go to the Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center for exhibits.
• —U.S. Air Force Academy - Cadet Chapel Exterior — Completed in 1962, this modernist chapel has 17 spires designed to suggest jet aircraft in flight.
• —National Museum of World War II Aviation (Exterior) — This museum focuses on preserving and exhibiting World War II aircraft and artifacts.
• —Veterans Memorial Park — This park serves as a tribute to military veterans.

The best times to visit Colorado Springs are spring (March to May) and fall (September to early October) for comfortable temperatures and fewer people. In spring, temperatures are typically 45-65°F, suitable for outdoor activities, and wildflowers appear. Fall brings golden aspen foliage and comfortable daytime temperatures. September offers a balance of pleasant weather and smaller crowds than summer.

Summer (June to August) is the busiest, with warm days averaging in the mid-70s to low 80s°F and cooler evenings. All attractions are open, but expect larger crowds and plan outdoor activities for early mornings to avoid afternoon thunderstorms and parking issues. Winter (November to February) is the coldest, with average lows around 20°F in January and highs around 44°F in December. Many outdoor trails may be snow-covered, and some attractions might have reduced hours.

Colorado Springs Airport (COS) is 6 miles southeast of downtown. It is the second-largest commercial airport in Colorado. From Denver, Colorado Springs is accessible by bus in about 1 hour and 30 minutes, with fares from $11 to $60. Driving from Denver takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Within Colorado Springs, Mountain Metropolitan Transit (MMT) provides bus service across the metropolitan area, including to Manitou Springs. There are over 40 bus routes, and a free downtown shuttle, "the Zeb," connects Colorado College to the south end of downtown. Bus fares are around $1.75 per ride, including transfers for a two-hour period. Google Maps is useful for bus times and routes. Some routes run less frequently, especially on weekends.

Farmers' markets operate from May or June through October. The Old Colorado City Farmers Market in Bancroft Park is a Saturday market, and the Colorado Springs Sunday Market is at Acacia Park downtown.