Think museums are stuffy, static and boring? Think again. Colorado Springs is home to a rich collection of organizations and collections that bring to life history, science, technology, culture, sports, the arts and more. Now is a perfect time to get out and explore them. And you’ll always find new exhibitions and special events. Consider this your tour guide and get going.
Art Museums Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College
At more than 100 years old, the Fine Arts Center combines visual arts, performing arts and arts education like no other local institution. It regularly hosts exhibitions by world-class artists, and its large permanent collection features works from Native American, Hispanic and Spanish Colonial, and Southwestern art. If you’re looking for free things to do, don’t miss the FAC’s monthly Museum Free Days.
30 W. Dale St.
fac.coloradocollege.edu
UCCS Galleries of Contemporary Art
Find this home of regularly changing contemporary visual art exhibitions and special events at the Ent Center for the Arts. The works on display at this modern art museum are always thought-provoking.
1420 Austin Bluffs Pkwy.
entcenterforthearts.org/goca
Colorado Springs Sports Museums
United States Olympic & Paralympic Museum
Recognized as one of the most universally accessible museums in the world, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum allows people of all abilities to enjoy its exhibits according to their individual needs. The interactive displays and experiences give visitors a taste of the athletes’ endeavors, and members of Team USA are often onsite for personal visits or official events. Prepare to be inspired at this world-class destination in Olympic City USA.
200 S. Sierre Madre St.
usopm.org
Penrose Heritage Museum
For more than 100 years, motorheads have been racing up The Broadmoor International Pikes Peak Hill Climb. The Penrose Heritage Museum at the Broadmoor preserves the stories and memorabilia of the high-speed challenge and showcases the race cars through the years. Bonus: It’s free to visit.
11 Lake Cir.
ppihc.org
ProRodeo Hall of Fame and Museum of the American Cowboy
Learn about the history of rodeo and honor the legends of the sport.
101 Pro Rodeo Dr.
prorodeohalloffame.com
World Figure Skating Museum and Hall of Fame
Colorado Springs has a long history of ice skating as the home of U.S. Figure Skating. This museum honors the icons of the sport and delves into the history, science and art of figure skating.
20 1st St.
usfigureskating.org
Colorado Springs Military Museums
4th Infantry Division Museum
The 4th Infantry Division Museum is dedicated to preserving the history of its soldiers from 1917 to the present. Its collection of tanks, helicopters and other military vehicles line the streets of Fort Carson.
National Museum of World War II Aviation
The stars of the show at the National Museum of World War II Aviation are the authentically restored warbirds, many of which can still fly. This national treasure honors and documents the importance of military aviation to the U.S. and Allied war effort during World War II. Don’t miss the biannual Pikes Peak Regional Air Show where you can see these historic planes fly.
775 Aviation Way
worldwariiaviation.org
Peterson Air and Space Museum
The state’s oldest aviation museum, dedicated to local space and aviation history, is located at Peterson Space Force Base. Its main attraction is the collection of historic jets and airplanes.
150 E. Ent Ave., Peterson Space Force Base,
petemuseum.org
Colorado Springs History Museums
Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum
This free museum resides in the fully restored 1903 El Paso County Courthouse and brings to life the city’s history, culture and people through a collection of more than 60,000 objects. Insider tip: Pop by for Food Truck Tuesdays in the summer.
215 S. Tejon St.,
cspm.org
Dr. Lester L. Williams Fire Museum
Tucked in the Colorado Springs Fire Department’s headquarters, this museum honors CSFD physician, Dr. Lester Williams, and preserves his large collection of memorabilia, including antique fire carriages and engines.
375 Printers Pkwy.
williamsfiremuseum.com
Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site
Walk through the Pikes Peak region’s earliest days, starting with the Native American Ute people to founder General William J. Palmer, on the living history farm and museum. The year-round events and activities are always unique, and the setting at Garden of the Gods is always scenic.
3105 Gateway Road,
rockledgeranch.com
Western Museum of Mining and Industry
The Western Museum of Mining and Industry features more than 5,000 mining artifacts, including fully operational steam engines. You can also enjoy activities like gold panning at this large acreage near Northgate.
225 North Gate Rd.
wmmi.org
Natural Science Museums of the Pikes Peak Region
Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center
Head to Woodland Park to dig into this collection of dinosaur fossils and skeletons, life-size sculptures and more. There’s a working fossil laboratory to observe. This is a family favorite.
201 S. Fairview St., Woodland Park
rmdrc.com
May Natural History Museum
Better known as the Bug Museum, the May Natural History Museum houses the largest private collection of creepy crawlies in the world. Note that it is open seasonally, May through October.
710 Rock Creek Canyon Rd.
coloradospringsbugmuseum.com
Colorado Springs Space Museums
Space Foundation Discovery Center
The Space Foundation’s Discovery Center is an interactive collection exhibits focused on space, science and technology. It’s a favorite for kids and family wanting to have fun with STEM learning.
4425 Arrowswest Dr.
discoverspace.org
United States Air Force Academy Planetarium
The USAFA Planetarium offers free full-dome and IMAX movies on topics ranging from black holes and the aurora borealis to nature and flight. Check the schedule as some screenings require reservations.
2120 Cadet Dr., U.S. Air Force Academy
usafa.edu
Colorado Springs Transportation Museums
Pikes Peak Trolley Museum and Restoration Shop
This is the home of streetcar artifacts and trolleys under restoration, all housed in the 1888 Rock Island Railroad Roundhouse. The newest addition is an original Pikes Peak Cog Railway car.
2333 Steel Dr.
coloradospringstrolleys.com
Rocky Mountain Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame
Find more than 75 restored vintage and antique Indians, Harley-Davidsons, Triumphs and more in this collection located upstairs above the Avenue 19 food hall.
19 N. Tejon St.
themotorcyclemuseum.com
THE Money Museum
American Numismatic Association Money Museum
Who knew money was so interesting? We humans have a long history with the stuff, and money tells a lot about different cultures. Learn about the art, history, science and culture of currencies throughout human history at the American Numismatic Association’s Money Museum.
818 N. Cascade Ave.
money.org
This article was originally published in September 2019 and updated in 2024.
