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$127 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
S$127
20 Jul - 21 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! (721 reviews)
"Wonderful little motel next to many attractions. We would stay there again."

Reviewed on 7 Jul, 2025

Garden of the Gods Motel
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$140 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
S$140
4 Aug - 5 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! (1,336 reviews)
"Great stay and the manager made sure we had the right room for our family. Good breakfast and fairly quiet."

Reviewed on 7 Jul, 2025

Quality Inn and Suites Garden of the Gods
The Academy Hotel Colorado Springs
The Academy Hotel Colorado Springs
3.5 out of 5
8110 N Academy Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$176 per night from 30 Jul to 31 Jul
S$176
30 Jul - 31 Jul
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! (3,523 reviews)
"I loved the fireplace, pool and fitness center, it was unique but classy and I miss it already, we hope to be back, the staff were amazing and kind!"

Reviewed on 5 Jul, 2025

The Academy Hotel Colorado Springs
Hotel Polaris
Hotel Polaris
4.5 out of 5
8989 N Gate Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO
The price is S$313 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
S$313
20 Jul - 21 Jul
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! (232 reviews)
"This was a perfect getaway."

Reviewed on 8 Jul, 2025

Hotel Polaris
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 27 Jul to 28 Jul
S$107
27 Jul - 28 Jul
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! (1,012 reviews)
"Location was most important to us and this fit our needs perfectly. Easy access to freeway and major highway. Would have liked a coffee maker in the room but not a deal breaker."

Reviewed on 7 Jul, 2025

Spark by Hilton Colorado Springs I 25 Central
Best Western Plus Fillmore Inn & Suites
Best Western Plus Fillmore Inn & Suites
3 out of 5
3150 N Chestnut St, Colorado Springs, CO
The price is S$228 per night from 14 Jul to 15 Jul
S$228
14 Jul - 15 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! (1,146 reviews)
"Staff was kind and very helpful. Room was great and well stocked. Breakfast had many options but no flavor. Hotel's location is perfect."

Reviewed on 5 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

Default Image

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 which includes 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
Default Image

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 showing signage and a statue or sculpture

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 which includes heritage architecture, château or palace and a park

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
Default Image

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