Top Ten Non-Tourist Spots in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is known for Pikes Peak, an historic mountain in the Rockies that became famous during the Colorado Gold Rush. Today tourists rush to this beautiful city to view the colorful rock formations, hike in city's many trails and parks and to learn pioneer history. With a little exploring of your own you can stay off the beaten path and find unique museums and sites. Here are ten non-tourist spots to stake your claim.

The American Numismatic and Money Museum is all about the study of the collection of currency and having fun with money. If you're not a coin collector, the museum also features exhibits in three galleries that tell the history of the United States through the use of money. Back in the day, mining was money and the Western Museum of Mining and Industry shows us why. Here you can see working machines and geological exhibits that bring the mining history to life.

Colorado Springs is home to the U.S. Olympic Committee and the Colorado Spring Olympic Training Center. Housed in at a former Air Force base, the facility hosts many teams throughout the year, as well as visitors from all over the world. Free tours given throughout the day give you a chance to see athletic training facilities and the Olympic Hall of Fame. Other athletic museums in Colorado Springs include the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame and Museum, where you can see costumes and memorabilia from world-class skaters and the Prorodeo Hall of Fame and Museum, dedicated to the cowboy in all of us.

If transportation's your thing, than a stop at the Rocky Mountain Motorcycle Museum is a must. Crammed into a small building next to a Harley Davidson store are a myriad of bikes and information on the inspiration behind them. For a look at things that fly a little higher, visit the Peterson Air & Space Museum. On exhibit are missiles, aircraft and rockets, as well as the Medal of Honor Park.

If your trip to Colorado Springs includes a day at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, don't miss the Will Rogers Memorial Shrine of the Sun. A visit here is included in your zoo admission price. It's a mile and a half drive from the zoo, but well worth the trip. The shrine has an elevation of 8,136 feet, making for breathtaking views of Colorado Springs and Pikes Peak. It was built in honor of the famous wordsmith who died in a plane crash in 1935.

Most cities have a hidden gem of an art museum and Colorado Springs is no exception. The Taylor Museum at the Colorado Springs Fine Art Center has a permanent collection featuring American, Native American, and Hispanic art as well as revolving exhibits, movie screening and lectures. Other notable art venues include the Gallery of Contemporary Art at the University of Colorado Springs and the Cottonwood Center for the Arts that provides individual artists with studio and gallery space.