Free Things to Do in Colorado Springs

The United States Air Force Academy is open to the public 8AM - 6PM daily. The Barry Goldwater Visitors Center and the Cadet Chapel are open 9AM - 5PM.

The Academy is easily accessed via either the North or South gate, both of which are just off Interstate 25 north of downtown Colorado Springs. Be aware, this is a military installation, proper ID is required and all vehicles are subject to search. Access may be restricted at times based on current Alert Levels. Access is always free.

The Visitors Center provides information on the Academy's history and cadet life as well as souvenirs and gifts.

The Chapel is an amazing, inspiring structure serving all faiths. Catholic and Protestant services are open to the public. Take a self guided tour or guided tours are provided periodically, Monday through Friday.

There are several historic aircraft mounted on pedestals about the Academy grounds.

For more information go to www.usafa.af.mil.

Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial

The IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial is located in Memorial Park on Pikes Peak Ave.

Towering twenty feet above the park, the centerpiece of the memorial is a bronze likeness of a fire fighter descending a ladder cradling an infant. Behind this are granite walls bearing the names of every IAFF fire fighter who has given his life in the line of duty protecting our homes and families. The names date back to 1976, the first year the Federal Government began tracking these line-of-duty deaths. The IAFF has plans to add the names of all members who have given their life since 1918, the year the organization was founded.

Each year in September, a nationally recognized ceremony is held to pay tribute to the new names added to the wall, as well as the sacrifice of past fire fighters.

For more information on this year's ceremony and history got to www.iaff.org.

Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods Park is a registered National Natural Landmark. A dramatic geological wonder of 300 foot sandstone rock formations included Balanced Rock and Kissing Camels. Admission is free for you to take a self guided tour on the roads which wind around and through the formation with many parking areas to stop and marvel at the photo opportunities. For the more active there are fifteen miles of hiking trails and designated rock climbing areas. For lunch and gift souvenir shopping check out the Visitor & Nature center at the north end of the park and the Trading Post at the south, Manitou Springs, entrance. These shops have been voted "The Best of Colorado Springs"

For more information go to www.gardenofgods.com.

Manitou Springs

Located at the base of Pikes Peak, Manitou Springs is a beautiful historic mountain community which has changed little over the decades. Quaint little artisan shops, nationally famous restaurants, art galleries, and Victorian style homes and businesses provide plenty to see and do as you stroll through the parks and shops. The local inhabitants also provide eclectic and eccentric views on how to go about your daily life.

Manitou gets its name (which means spirit) from the ten natural mineral springs scattered about town. These springs come from deep within the mountain and each has its own signature qualities. Some are naturally carbonated; all are loaded with healthy minerals and flavors ranging from sweet to salty.

While some of the springs are privately owned; all are free to the public. Many locals and tourists come to fill up a healthy cup or bring their recycled gallon jugs to fill up and take home. Some are touted to be the perfect water for lemonade or make a carbonated Kool-Aid or just a completely natural alternative to bottled mineral water.

Also, don't miss the historic Penny-Arcade. This open air arcade provides a mix of classic, vintage arcade games and new games.

Get more information at www.manitousprings.org.

Art on the Streets

Take a downtown walking tour of Colorado Springs and be amazed by the many traditional and eclectic sculptures scattered about the street corners. Constructed from materials ranging from bronze to iron to steel, limestone to concrete, recycled wood and glass; you name it, it has probably been used.

You may come face-to-face with Humpty Dumpty or characters from Alice in Wonderland. Marvel at free-flowing forms open to interpretation or simply giant paper clips.

New artwork is displayed every summer during the Art on the Streets festival, typically June through July. All new work is for sale to the serious collector. Some of the pieces are owned by the city. Since Art on the Streets was started in 1999, more than 150 pieces have adorned the downtown streets.

For more information go to www.downtown80903.com.

Uncle Wilber Fountain

Located in Acacia Park, corner of Bijou and Tejon Streets in downtown Colorado Springs. At first sight you only see a blue giant bubble.

But then, the water starts to pulse and the bubble begins to open. Out comes Uncle Wilbur, perched on a stool, playing the silly-Sousaphone. The water dances to the music for a 6-8 minute performance every half hour daily, May through August.

For more information go to www.unclewilber.org