Things to do in Manitou Springs -

One of my favorite Colorado small towns is Manitou Springs. You can easily make a day trip from Denver and it is also short drive from Colorado Springs. Located at the foot of Pikes Peak, there are a lot of fun things to do in Manitou Springs. You can easily spend an entire day here.

If you like scenic detours, sipping mineral water straight from the source, exploring caves, cliff dwellings, or wandering through a cute downtown, then this small Colorado town is a must see.

Manitou Springs is a fun stop in your road trip or the perfect day trip from Denver or Colorado Springs.

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Things to do in Manitou Springs

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Cave of the Winds

You could spend all day at the Cave of the Winds the various activities. The name comes from the constant cool wind 54 degrees. This was a really cool limestone cave to visit. I went with my son and daughter. Our tour guide was very engaging.

The cave was an easy .5 mile walk, but there were a couple hundred stairs within the 45 min tour. Some of my favorite shots in the dark.

You can expect to see stalactites, stalagmites and flowstone in this cave.

Cave of the Winds in Colorado Manitou Springs things to do

The views from the parking lot were beautiful as well.

Tip: For the most up to date information please visit the official site → Cliff Dwelling Museum.

Manitou Cliff Dwellings

This was one of those things that I really didn’t expect that much from and it ended up being a hit with the kids. This place is really cool. Not the average here are some ruins take some pictures and leave. The kids liked being able to actually get inside of Manitou Cliff Dwellings and explore.

Tucked under a glowing red sandstone overhang, these Ancestral Puebloan (Anasazi) dwellings were reconstructed in the early 1900’s from a ruin found in Southwestern Colorado. The really cool part is that you’re allowed to step inside the recreated living spaces. Climb the narrow stairs.

Duck through tiny doorways. Run your hands along ancient stone walls and imagine what life might’ve felt like when families actually lived here, cooking meals, gathering water, and sharing stories under the same Colorado sky.

And while the cliff dwellings are the star of the show, there’s more to discover here too. The on-site museum shares artifacts and insights into the daily lives of the Ancestral Puebloans, offering a look at their culture and traditions.

It’s small but packed with stories, making it a great place to cool off and learn a thing or two between exploring. There’s also a gift shop and picnic benches if you want to bring a lunch and soak in the scenery.

The whole place is surrounded by sweeping views of pine-covered hills and red rock formations. Picture-perfect for road trip selfies or just sitting back and enjoying the peaceful vibe.

Directions: At the foot of Pikes Peak

Tip: For the most up to date information please visit the official site → Cliff Dwelling Museum.

Downtown Manitou Springs & Natural Mineral Springs

Strolling through downtown Manitou Springs you’ll find shops, restaurants, an outdoor arcade area for the kids and something truly special: eight natural mineral springs, each bubbling with history, minerals, and a bit of legend.

Years ago people would travel here for hundreds of miles to be healed from theses waters. Each spring is said to have their own natural healing properties. The mineral waters have high levels of calcium, magnesium, copper and potassium.

Bring a water bottle and try the water from the different springs.

Each spring has its own personality, from the slightly fizzy to the boldly mineral-rich. The water comes out cold and crisp, naturally carbonated, and full of good-for-you minerals like calcium, magnesium, copper, and potassium.

It’s a bit of a treasure hunt. You can grab a free walking map from the visitor center or just wander through the downtown. Every few blocks you’ll spot a historic-looking spout or a decorative sculpture quietly bubbling away.

Some are nestled right along the sidewalk, others are tucked near pocket parks or tucked beside a statue. Don’t forget to bring your water bottle or you can cup your hands and take a sip straight from the source.

It’s kind of fun and a totally free way to connect with the town’s roots. However, I didn’t particularly care for any of the spring water taste.

The Downtown has two main streets: Manitou Avenue and Canon Avenue.

So whether you’re tasting spring water, browsing some quirky shops or people-watching from a shady bench, downtown Manitou Springs is a fun town to walk around in.

While we were walking around town a pizza place caught our eye. We like New York style pizza and Ruffrano’s Hell’s Kitchen Pizza Manitou Springs delivered.