Colorado Springs is a place of natural beauty with its splendid mountains such as the over 14,000-foot-high "Peak" mountain.  The Peak is what inspired the song "America the Beautiful" by Katharine Lee Bates.  With its many natural wonders and man-made attractions, Colorado Springs is magnet for tourists who want to relax, hike, climb, ski, and anything else!

As a prominent military center, Colorado Springs is located in El Paso County as the county seat.  The city sits east of the Rocky Mountains, and is at the foot of Pike's Peak.  The area was named for nearby mineral springs.  The population was estimated at 370,448 as of 2003.  Nearby cities include Manitou Springs (CO), Stratmoor (CO), Security-Widefield (CO), Cimarron Hills (CO), and Fort Carson (CO).

Facts about Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs was discovered as a health resort for those who need relaxation or recuperation.  The area grew when the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad was constructed.  During the late 1800s and early 1900s, the economy began to boom due to gold being discovered at Cripple Creek.

During 1899, the famous Tesla Coil, which was a 12-million-volt machine that could transmit electricity without wires, was built by an inventor named Nikola Tesla of Colorado Springs.  Tesla was a pioneer in electricity and radio. Some well-known residents who have lived in Colorado Springs include actor Lon Chaney, author Helen Hunt Jackson, baseball player Goose Gossage, Olympic  medalist Tara Nott, and actress Sherry Stringfield.  The movie "The Hotel New Hampshire" was filmed here as well.  The city's sports team in minor league baseball is Sky Sox.

Discover History in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is rich in both "old west" and military history, and offers many interesting museums to those who want to learn about the area.  The Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum (http://www.cspm.org/) portrays the history of the Pikes Peak region through art, antique quilts, newspaper clippings, photos, and all sorts of unique exhibits.  There's also the Peterson Air and Space Museum, where visitors can learn all about NORAD.

There are also several special interest museums such as ProRodeo Hall of Fame, World Figure Skating Hall of Fame and Museum, ANA Money Museum, and
Ghost Town Museum.

Fun Things to Do in Colorado Springs

For the outdoors type, Colorado Springs is a haven of explorative opportunities! One can visit the Garden of the Gods to climb, hike along nature trails, and see unusual natural formations.  It's a popular park and trading post as well.

Colorado Springs also offers another “hiker's dream!”  Pikes Peak (http://www.pikespeakcolorado.com/) is probably the most famous mountain in the nation, and features a train to take visitors to the summit as well as abundant trails for hikers and climbers.

Family Attractions

For family fun and amusement, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo features animals such as the Komodo dragon, baby meerkats and more.  It's in a beautiful natural setting, giving visitors an opportunity to see great animals and gorgeous scenery all in one trip.

Another must-see is the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.  Visitors are welcome to tour the campus and see the Falcon Stadium, Academy, a chapel and a museum called Arnold Hall, which honors Air Force personnel.

Other attractions in Colorado Springs include Seven Falls, North Cheyenne Canon Park and Starsmore Discovery, Glen Eyrie Castle, and Palmer Park.

Colorado Springs offers relaxation and healing as well as fun for visitors of all ages.  To learn more about Colorado Springs, Co USA visit the Convention and Visitors Bureau website.  (http://www.cspm.org/)