The USA’s “Millennium City” was named by French explorers after a creek that flows from Pikes Peak to the Arkansas River. Fountain started in 1859 as a railroad shipping center and is now a suburb of Colorado Springs. This progressive city in the vicinity of Fort Carson, a US Army base in El Paso County. Fountain is a popular destination with a downtown strip of trendy cafes and shops. You can’t miss the city hall plaza with its numerous fountains. A fatal train crash in 1888, known as “The Blast”, is commemorated annually in July. Fountain has big-city aspirations, but its small-town charm is undeniable. It’s time to read about the best things to do in Fountain, Colorado.
1. Fill your lungs with fresh air at Fountain Creek Regional Park
Fountain Creek Regional Park is a nature center with ponds, lakes, level hikes, playgrounds, and picnic shelters. This linear park along Fountain Creek is a haven for various species of birds and waterfowl. It is home to reptiles, amphibians, and mammals including, whitetail deer. All 460 acres (186 hectares) of the park is managed by El Paso County. Aside from hiking and bird watching, Fountain Creek Regional Park is a great hangout for anglers of all ages. Lakes and ponds are teeming with largemouth bass, trout, catfish, and other warm and old species. It’s a nature center where the family can spend a refreshing day outdoors.
Fountain Creek Regional Park
Address: 2010 Duckwood Rd, Fountain, CO 80817, United States
Website: Fountain Creek Regional Park
Opening hours: 5am - 9pm (daily)
2. Get acquainted with racing at Pikes Peak International Raceway
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
After hitting the parks and trails, you’d better set aside your hiking boots for a few hours and head to Midway Ranch Road to check out Pikes Peak International Raceway (PPIR). The speedway complex sits on 1,300 acres (526 hectares) of land. There are more than 50 bonafide tourist attractions in the Colorado Springs area, but this speedway is not to be missed on your itinerary. The 1-mile (1.6-kilometer) paved racetrack has hosted amateur events. It has also presented popular NASCAR and Indy Racing League events since it opened to the public in 1997.
Pikes Peak International Raceway
Address: 16650 Midway Ranch Rd, Fountain, CO 80817, United States
Website: Pikes Peak International Raceway
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 4.30pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
3. Be inspired by the arts at Fountain Community Theater
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by FCT Community Theater on Saturday, October 12, 2019
Fountain Community Theater is a place that brings the community together through an appreciation of the arts. If you’re traveling to Fountain in August 2021, watch out for a compelling retelling by two narrators of Greek mythology. Expect obscure myths to be thrown in for good measure. In the meantime, you can visit their website or social media account for current productions. Purchase lovely souvenirs at the gift shop during your visit and help support this non-profit organization.
Fountain Community Theater
Address: 326 W Alabama Ave, Fountain, CO 80817, United States
Website: Fountain Community Theater
Price: 8 - 10 USD; Family package: 30 - 34 USD
4. Stretch your legs at Clear Spring Ranch
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Sloping foothills, biodiverse grasslands, and wide-open spaces should prove to be a breather for city dwellers cooped up at home for a while. The 970 acres (392 hectares) comprising Clear Spring Ranch are alive with various flora and fauna species and offer miles of trails. There are recreational facilities as well as picnic tables and pavilions for visitors keen to explore this area south of Fountain. Clear Spring Ranch is the perfect destination for travelers who enjoy walking a few trails.
Clear Spring Ranch
Address: Loren Lane, Fountain, CO 80817, United States
Website: Clear Spring Ranch
Opening hours: 5am - 9pm (daily)
5. Practice your throw at Jimmy Camp Disc Golf
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
If you’re into disc golf or want to experience throwing a flying disc from a tee pad while aiming a target, then spend a cool afternoon at Jimmy Camp Disc Golf in Fountain. Jimmy Camp Disc Golf is an open-air facility on fairly flat grounds offering 18 holes for beginners and intermediate players. It’s a casual course with low hazards, few obstacles, and an easy walk between holes. Since you’re on vacation, focus on the fun aspects of the game and share a few tricks of the trade with the family.
Jimmy Camp Disc Golf
Address: 9614 Jimmy Camp Rd, Fountain, CO 80817, United States
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
6. Surprise your taste buds at Black Bear Diner
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
We’ve got our minds on breakfast and breakfast on our minds…. #FeedYourInnerBear #Breakfast #nom : @lx3lllee
Posted by Black Bear Diner on Saturday, December 15, 2018
Black Bear Diner is a prime destination in Fountain. It’s a must-visit local attraction for those who enjoy comfort food in a woodsy setting. You’ll realize it’s the best spot in town for a cozy meal with family and friends. The menu offers several flavorful selections for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and there is a separate heading for dessert! The Cubs list is worth checking out whether you are dining in or ordering online or for carryout.
Black Bear Diner
Address: 6715 Mesa Ridge Pkwy, Fountain, CO 80817, United States
Website: Black Bear Diner
Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)
Nearby attractions and activities
7. Interact with giraffes at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Feed a pair of giraffes at the highest zoo in America. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is situated at an elevation of 6,800 feet (2,073 meters) and is open all year. More than 200 species are represented in the zoo which was founded in 1926 by Spencer Penrose, an American philanthropist and entrepreneur. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is a unique space where you can enjoy nature amid the company of the animals that call it their home. If you plan to spend time there, it’s best to book online because advance e-tickets are required at the entrance.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Address: 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906, United States/
Website: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
8. Study local culture at Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum
Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum is the best place to deepen your knowledge of Colorado Springs culture and understand the history of the Pikes Peak region. Aside from remarkable archival collections and fine arts pieces, the museum proudly showcases innovative exhibits to pique the interest of museum enthusiasts. Admission is free for all. Fun events for the family and special activities for the kids may be available on your visit, so check out their calendar and health protocols when planning to drop by the museum.
Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum
Address: 215 S Tejon St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903, United States
Website: Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
9. Blaze a new trail at Mt. Muscoco
What do you say to a relatively easy summit and a panoramic view of Colorado Springs at the top? Drive to the foothills and go for a 3.76-mile (6-kilometer) roundtrip hike to the summit of Mt. Muscoco and back. From the trailhead, which joins the Mt. Cutler trail, there is a clear route to follow. Bring light gear, wear the right shoes, and don’t worry about getting lost in the woods. Some parts of the hike are steep, but if you are ready to test your stamina and spend a quiet time in the mountains, then Mt. Muscoco should be on top of your itinerary.
Mt. Muscoco
Address: 3440 N Cheyenne Canyon Rd Colorado Springs, CO 80906
Website: Mt. Muscoco
10. Witness natural wonders at Broadmoor Seven Falls
You won’t have to imagine seven cascading waterfalls if you can find your way to The Broadmoor Seven Falls. To explore all 181 feet (55 meters) of this fantastic segment of South Cheyenne Creek, allot about 2 to 3 hours. Since 1880, this venue has been a wonderful diversion from the usual city attractions. There are trails as well, and you’d be glad to dare to take one from the top, near the headwaters. The Eagle’s Nest viewing platform lets you enjoy the cascading grandeur of Seven Falls without getting your feet wet. Be advised that only a shuttle service brings visitors to and from the site because parking space is unavailable.
Broadmoor Seven Falls
Address: 1045 Lower Gold Camp Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80905, United States
Website: Broadmoor Seven Falls
Opening hours: Fri - Mon: 10am - 6pm (closed from Tue - Thu)
Price: 16.50 USD (Adults); 13.75 (Seniors and military); 10.50 (Children)
11. Experience awe at Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center
Front range climbing, an electric bike tour, an open-air jeep tour–are any of these on your bucket list? You can check one or all of them when you visit the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center. If you’re staying in the Fountain area for a time, you can even sign up for an adventure program! The park is a National Natural Landmark characterized by stunning red sandstone formations. This postcard-perfect location features some of the most recognizable photos of the Pikes Peak region. There are places to dine as well as interactive exhibits. Admission is free, so make time for the mesmerizing landscape of the American Southwest.
Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center
Address: 1805 N 30th St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904, United States
Website: Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center
Opening hours: 8am - 7pm (daily)
12. Meet the ancient Anasazi at Manitou Cliff Dwellings
Established in 1907, the Manitou Cliff Dwellings on Manitou Springs, Colorado are relocated ancient dwellings of the Taos Pueblo Indians of New Mexico. The site is about 20 minutes by car from the center of Fountain. The ancient Anasazi peoples lived in the Four Corners area during their time. The dwellings are now on permanent exhibit in Manitou. Visitors are encouraged to enter the ancient buildings and examine them up close. Get a a glimpse of the daily life of ancient peoples that lived between 1200 BC to AD 1300. It takes about an hour to cover the area, and tickets should be pre-purchased from the website. Souvenir items are available from the gift shop on site.
Manitou Cliff Dwellings
Address: 10 Cliff Dwellings Rd, Manitou Springs, CO 80829, United States
Website: Manitou Cliff Dwellings
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 12 USD (Adult); 7.5 USD (Children); 9 USD (Seniors)
13. Look for hidden beauty at Rainbow Falls
It’s a short hike to Rainbow Falls, known as Graffiti Falls for the robust graffiti on the rock walls. The natural cascade is a solid drop of 45 feet (14 meters) and tucked away under the Manitou Avenue overpass. The entire Rainbow Falls Recreation Area had been revitalized, and there is an ongoing effort to preserve and protect its natural beauty. Avid hikers should try for the trailhead and explore the canyon on foot. Take note that swimming and overnight camping are not allowed.
Rainbow Falls
Address: US-24, Cascade, CO 80809, United States
Website: Rainbow Falls
14. Behold spacious skies at Pikes Peak - America's Mountain
It’s a 19-mile (30.5-kilometer) drive to the summit of Pikes Peak - America’s Mountain, and yes, you can reach the top on the family car. The peak that inspired “America The Beautiful” is one of the top tourists draws of Colorado Springs. It’s less than 30 minutes to the base of the mountain if you’re driving from Fountain. The scenic road up offers many majestic views and photo opportunities. There are lakes full of trout if you’d like to go fishing and trails to hike if you’d prefer to go on foot. Surprises await at the top of America’s Mountain, so go for it! Allot two to three hours for a road trip to the summit.
Pikes Peak - America's Mountain
Address: 5069 Pikes Peak Hwy, Cascade, CO 80809, United States
Website: Pikes Peak - America’s Mountain
Opening hours: 7:30am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 16 USD
15. Dance with wolves at Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Orenda, Isha, and the other wolves and foxes want you to come visit! We are open Tuesday through Sunday with a variety...
Posted by Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center on Wednesday, February 19, 2020
This non-profit organizations aims to educate the public about the importance of foxes, coyotes, and wolves while campaigning for the conservation of their habitats. The Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center is a one-of-a-kind sanctuary, and it entertains visitors and benefactors alike. Go for a visit and learn about their current programs for Mexican gray wolves and swift foxes. They offer standard tours, feeding tours, and interactive tours. Founder Darlene Kobobel dedicates her life to the rescue of unwanted animals and acts as CEO of The Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center.
Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center
Address: 4729 Twin Rocks Rd, Divide, CO 80814, United States
Website: Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 8am - 6pm (closed on Mon)
Replenish your energy in Fountain, Colorado
There are many places you can drive to for a change in pace. How about making a beeline for a small town with so much in store for the whole family? Mark the City of Fountain, Colorado on the map, and expect many energizing places and activities in town and nearby cities for a weekend of replenishment.
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