Entertainment Guide to Colorado Springs

Too often, perceptions of entertainment in Colorado are limited solely to the category of outdoor recreation. Home to magnificent Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs sits in the shadow of the mountain in more ways than one. But, in fact, the city is home to much more than great scenery and rugged adventure. Become a modern-day frontier explorer, and discover all the cultural treasures Colorado Springs has to offer.

Performing Arts

Maybe due to the inspiration provided by beautiful natural landscapes, Colorado Springs has cultivated a variety of artistic venues—establishments that explore the range of human creativity. Lovers of the classics will want to reserve a seat at the Colorado Springs Symphony Orchestra, the city's professional music group. Timeless productions can be found with the Star Bar Players, a theater troupe, which stages live shows throughout the year. For entertainment a bit more local in flavor, the Colorado Springs Dance Theater and Rocky Mountain Cloggers kick up their heels in high-energy performances. If high art is more your style, visit the Colorado Springs Fine Art Center, or for a more off-beat bent try the Smokebrush Center for the Arts. Lastly, regardless of when you visit, you are sure to find something scheduled at the World Arena, a popular venue for sporting events and a stop for many national tours.

Museums and Attractions

Although Colorado Springs is a relatively small, but growing, city, it is bursting with attractions famous the world over. At more than 14,000 feet, the imposing and impressive Pikes Peak is the most well-known draw. Whether you choose to drive up on the highway, travel to the top on the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, or merely marvel from the mountain's base in Mueller State Park, this is one sight that cannot be missed. Visitors can also catch a glimpse of Colorado Springs during its boom days in two historical neighborhoods: Ghost Town with its Ghost Town Museum and Old Colorado City. Other notable sites include the Air Force Academy, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and the US Olympic Complex.

Local History

For a western city founded just over a century ago in 1871, Colorado Springs is rich with history. This legacy is captured in the city's many notable museums. The preeminent stop for local history is the Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site which features characters in period costumes and turn-of-the-century buildings. Local scientist, inventor and hero, Nikola Tesla, also has a museum devoted to his revolutionary works. The Peterson Air & Space Museum at Peterson Air Force Base is the perfect place for the aviation buff. Some institutions cover the world beyond the borders of Colorado, like the John May Natural History Museum, the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame and the World Figure Skating Museum.