subject: History and attractions of Colorado Springs, CO [print this page] It all started in August of 1871 when General William Palmer laid out the city at the base of majestic Pikes Peak, with Acacia Park at its center, the only high quality resort town between Mississippi River and California.Palmer set in motion the aspiration that would create the unique place, jewel of the West, called Colorado Springs. In July 2006, Money magazine ranked Colorado Springs the best place to live in the big city category, which includes cities with 300,000 or more people. Colorado Springs population now is around 450,000 people, and close to 560,000 to include the suburbs. The city is located just east of the geographic center of the State and 61 miles (98km) south of theColorado State Capitol in Denver. At 6,040 feet (1840 meters) Colorado Springs sits over one mile above sea level, though some areas of the city are significantly higher. At the end of 19th century town was nicknamed "Little London" because of many English tourists who came. Within two yearsColorado Springsattracted many U.S. and international health-savvy tourists seeking the high altitude and dry climate. There are many town names in Colorado with second word "Springs". You probably heard them - Colorado Springs, Idaho Springs, Glenwood Springs, Manitou Springs...Oftenfirst time visitorsask "Why there's word "springs" in the name?" And they wonder where the "springs" are. In Colorado Springs case you actually have to visit the adjoining to the westtown of Manitou Springs and surrounding area to experience cold drinking springs which were used by native Indians for ages before the white men came here. In fact Ute, Cheyenne, Navajo, Arapaho, and other Indian tribes have not had anyfightsin this sacred area as well as in the Garden of the Gods, an area filled with breathtaking natural red sandstone rock formations. In a last couple of decades several of the original springs in Manitou have been restored and the waters are available for free public consumption. Colorado Springs averages 300 days of sunshine annually. Isn't it perfect and one of the main conditions for great outdoor vacation? At least if you're not speleologist. Though if you are, there is a beautiful Cave of the Winds, a natural cave system that offers everything from easy walking tours to muddy, spelunking adventures. But to get back to great sunny weather, it makes outdoor activities very enjoyable. Skiing, hiking, mountain climbing, fishing, golfing,bird watching, kayaking, river rafting, etc. More than 300,000 people float Colorado's rivers each year! The other vacation's attraction is for sure Pikes Peak Mountain - the American mountain. It's called that way for two reasons. First, this is the mountain that inspired Katharine Lee Bates to write "America the Beautiful" as she stood on the mountains overlooking Colorado Springs, and second, it's the most visited mountain in the world! You can get to the summit of this 14,110-ft peak by Cog's Railway train, by car driving Pikes Peak Tollroad Scenic Byway, by bike, and even by feet hiking up the Barr Trail. It is truly one of the most scenic tours you can ever have. Many people like to call it Another natural wonder of North America. There is much more to see and visit in Pike Peak region. Colorado has a lot to offer to any traveler at any time of the year, and honestly you can argue when it's better - in the summer, or fall, or winter. Hope you can come and visit Colorado Springs soon. I promise you won't regret it! For more information, weekend and vacation packages, motor coach step-on guide, tours and transportation for individuals and groups, please visitwebsite of Colorado Personal Tour Guide at www.costourguide.com
