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 Center 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 neighborhood in miniature at the Michael Garman Museum and Gallery. There are scale models of 18 buildings and hundreds of handmade sculptures that honor 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, jewelry 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 kilometers) to the west of the center 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 €92 per night from 15 Aug to 16 Aug
€92
15 Aug - 16 Aug
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (738 reviews)
"Great place to stay. Owner is so nice and helpful. Bed was comfortable, room very clean and neat. Will definitely stay again when back in this area."

Reviewed on 10 Aug 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 €63 per night from 20 Aug to 21 Aug
€63
20 Aug - 21 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! (1,000 reviews)
"I would stay here again, location is good property is clean. My room qas excellent but there was some blood on my pillow. They brought me a case. Overall pretty good. Breakfast was ok but could be better."

Reviewed on 13 Aug 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 €65 per night from 14 Sept to 15 Sept
€65
14 Sept - 15 Sept
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! (1,409 reviews)
"Clean room good service. Quiet and very nice"

Reviewed on 11 Aug 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 €243 per night from 28 Aug to 29 Aug
€243
28 Aug - 29 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! (337 reviews)
Thank You Hotel Polaris
"What started off rocky was able to be smoothed out. Initially, my Hotels VIP status was not recognized by the hotel due to miscommunication however Brittany (Front Desk) went out of her way to correct the wrong even though it was not her fault. I really appreciated her sincere effort and because ..."

Reviewed on 12 Aug 2025

Hotel Polaris
Hyatt Place Colorado Springs Downtown

Hyatt Place Colorado Springs Downtown

3 out of 5
201 East Kiowa Ave, Colorado Springs, CO
The price is €112 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€112
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Colorado Springs. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,068 reviews)
"Great place to stay in downtown . Wish they had parking too.. good breakfast spread . Ideal location"

Reviewed on 10 Aug 2025

Hyatt Place Colorado Springs Downtown
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 €109 per night from 20 Aug to 21 Aug
€109
20 Aug - 21 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! (3,494 reviews)
"Breakfast was wonderful and staff was incredibly friendly- every single staff member we interacted with was pleasant and helpful."

Reviewed on 11 Aug 2025

The Academy Hotel Colorado Springs
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 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
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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 signage and a statue or sculpture

Downtown Colorado Springs

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 featuring a garden, château or palace and heritage architecture

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 North Cheyenne Cañon Park are top sights worth seeing.

Skyway

Old Colorado City

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