Old Colorado City

Colorado Springs

Photo provided by VisitCOS.com
Photo by Mike K
Photo by Raisa Wells
Photo by Born To Roam
Photo by Born To Roam

Shops, restaurants, galleries and historic buildings attract crowds to this former gold rush town near the centre of modern-day Colorado Springs.

Browse shops, specialty boutiques and learn about the history of Colorado Springs when you visit its oldest district, Old Colorado City. The historic area was founded in 1859, the first settlement in the Pikes Peak region.

A good place to start your exploration is at Old Colorado City History Centre Museum. Study artifacts and photographs that tell the story of the early years of Colorado City, the former name of this historic district.

As you make your way along the streets, look for some of the old buildings.  Go to Bancroft Park for the Garvin Cabin which was constructed in the year Colorado City was founded. See an example of Victorian architecture in the building that used to be Jacob Schmidt's Saloon and Beer Hall. Visit the 1891 Templeton Building that was once the location of a gentleman’s club. Stop by the Old Colorado City Library. It operates out of a 1904 Carnegie Library, built with money donated by the philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.

See the neighbourhood in miniature at the Michael Garman Museum and Gallery. There are scale models of 18 buildings and hundreds of handmade sculptures that honour American heroes. Watch and listen to holograms of residents telling stories of life in the city.

Many visitors come to the old city for its shops. The streets are lined with independent stores and boutiques selling unique gifts, souvenirs, jewellery and antiques. Buy fresh local produce at the farmer’s market, held on Saturday mornings between June and October. If you want to take home an original piece of art, there are lots of art galleries to explore.

Embark on an art walk, which takes place on the first Friday of every month from  April to December. The self-guided tour features several streets of galleries and artist studios.

If you are here on the Memorial Day weekend, join in with the annual celebrations of the city's founding.

Old Colorado City is approximately 2 miles (3 kilometres) to the west of the centre of Colorado Springs. Drivers will find free parking in some of the side streets.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Old Colorado City

Garden of the Gods Motel

Garden of the Gods Motel

2 out of 5
2922 West Colorado Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO
The price is S$133 per night from 23 Jul to 24 Jul
S$133
23 Jul - 24 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Colorado Springs. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (726 reviews)
"Owners serve you at this family run motel. Very nice."

Reviewed on 19 Jul, 2025

Garden of the Gods Motel
Spark by Hilton Colorado Springs I 25 Central

Spark by Hilton Colorado Springs I 25 Central

2.5 out of 5
7245 Commerce Center Dr, Colorado Springs, CO
The price is S$107 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
S$107
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Colorado Springs. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
"This place is currently a renovation in progress. But the beds were comfy and the breakfast was decent. It could use a deep clean from whatever hotel it used to be. Some of the corners of the bathroom were a little dirty. But overall not too bad"

Reviewed on 20 Jul, 2025

Spark by Hilton Colorado Springs I 25 Central
Quality Inn and Suites Garden of the Gods

Quality Inn and Suites Garden of the Gods

2.5 out of 5
555 W Garden Of Gods Rd, Colorado Springs, CO
The price is S$126 per night from 18 Aug to 19 Aug
S$126
18 Aug - 19 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Colorado Springs. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,353 reviews)
"The hotel was very clean & beds were comfortable. But it definitely needs some updating. Also, some had a dog which barked a lot. We couldn't decide if it was left in the room aline or what. The location is the best part. Right down the road from Garden of the Gods & near several restaurants."

Reviewed on 20 Jul, 2025

Quality Inn and Suites Garden of the Gods
Hotel Polaris

Hotel Polaris

4.5 out of 5
8989 N Gate Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO
The price is S$227 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
S$227
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Colorado Springs. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Western Museum of Mining and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (268 reviews)
"Great hotel!! Amazing staff. Restaurants are world class- Pamela’s and The Aviator. We had a Mountain View room, very nice."

Reviewed on 17 Jul, 2025

Hotel Polaris
The Academy Hotel Colorado Springs

The Academy Hotel Colorado Springs

3.5 out of 5
8110 N Academy Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO
The price is S$164 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
S$164
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Colorado Springs. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,510 reviews)
"Restaurant and bar staff were very friendly"

Reviewed on 17 Jul, 2025

The Academy Hotel Colorado Springs
Best Western Plus Fillmore Inn & Suites

Best Western Plus Fillmore Inn & Suites

3 out of 5
3150 N Chestnut St, Colorado Springs, CO
Fully refundable
The price is S$229 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
S$229
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Colorado Springs. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,166 reviews)
"Rooms were very spacious and clean. The breakfast was good, could have had non pork options on the hot items that were served by staff."

Reviewed on 18 Jul, 2025

Best Western Plus Fillmore Inn & Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Old Colorado City

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Gold Hill Mesa

While there might not be top attractions in Gold Hill Mesa, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Norris Penrose Event Center and Ghost Town Museum.

Gold Hill Mesa
Ghost Town Museum showing signage as well as a family

Midland

While visiting Midland, you might make a stop by sights like Red Rock Canyon Open Space and Ghost Town Museum.

Midland
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Westside

When in Westside, you can plan a visit to Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center and Ghost Town Museum, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Westside
Downtown Colorado Springs which includes a statue or sculpture and signage

Downtown Colorado Springs

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

Downtown Colorado Springs is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Pikes Peak Center and Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum while you're in town.

Downtown Colorado Springs
Glen Eyrie Castle showing heritage architecture, a park and a castle

West Colorado Springs

While visiting West Colorado Springs, you might make a stop by sights like Garden of the Gods and Glen Eyrie Castle.

West Colorado Springs
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Skyway

If you're spending some time in Skyway, Bear Creek Nature Center and Chloey's and Bella's Dog Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Skyway

Old Colorado City