Pikes Peak for the Culture Crowd

Total Number Of Days/Nights: Three

Itinerary Summary: The Pikes Peak region is defined by the iconic mountain that inspired Katharine Lee Bates to pen “America the Beautiful.” Her indelible words represent just one stroke of inspiration provided by the area; explore the other cultural interests that have emerged from this area.

Destinations Include
Van Briggle Art Pottery Studio
Miramont Castle
Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center
American Numismatic Assocation Money Museum
Flying W Ranch
U.S. Air Force Academy
Western Museum of Mining and Industry
Iron Springs Chateau Melodrama Dinner Theatre
Garden of The Gods Visitor Center
Manitou Cliff Dwellings Museum
Seven Falls
Cave of the Winds

Day One
Start your morning with a tour of Van Briggle Art Pottery Studio, and make sure to stop by the gift shop. A short drive downtown will take you to Miramont Castle, a museum dedicated to preserving the Victorian heritage of Manitou Springs and the Pikes Peak region. After a stop for lunch at one of Manitou Springs many cafes, head to the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, where you can experience the rich cultures of the Southwest in an award-winning, art-deco styled pueblo. From there, head next door and visit the American Numismatic Association Money Museum, which has a world-class collection of coins, paper money and medals. End the day at the Flying W Ranch, where you can dine on a chuckwagon barbecue dinner and experience western entertainment designed for all ages.

Day Two
An early morning drive will take you to the U.S. Air Force Academy, where you can enjoy an informative exhibit about cadet life in the spacious Visitor Center and gift shop. A short walk along a nature trail will lead you to the famous Cadet Chapel. End your visit with a self-guided driving tour of the academy, which includes a large wildlife sanctuary. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Western Museum of Mining and Industry, where you can explore Colorado's rich and colorful mining past. You'll even see the actual operation of reconstructed multi-ton steam engines, drills and locomotives. Relax with an evening of entertainment at the Iron Springs Chateau Melodrama Dinner Theatre.

Day Three
A short drive to the Garden of The Gods Visitor Center offers a spectacular and unique view of the regions often-photographed red rock formations. Make sure not to miss the excellent 12-minute film about this amazing location. A drive through the Garden of the Gods State Park will lead you to the Garden of the Gods Trading Post, Colorado's largest trading post. In the afternoon, visit the Manitou Cliff Dwellings Museum where you can learn of the history of the Ancestral Pueblo Indians, dating from 1100 to 1300 A.D. If you're more adventuresome, include a visit to Seven Falls for the light spectacular—the entire canyon is illuminated with lights reflecting off the granite walls and seven waterfalls. Or, enjoy a brilliant laser light show of colorful, animated figures dancing on the cliff walls of the Cave of the Winds.

For more information, contact the Colorado Spring Convention & Visitors Bureau, 515 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80903, (877) PIKESPEAK or visit http://VisitCOS.com.