Surroundings, Colorado Springs

6mi/10km northwest of Colorado Springs is the Garden of the Gods, a nature reserve with bizarrely shaped red sandstone formations (the Kissing Camels, the Balanced Rock, etc.) and ancient cypresses. It is at its most impressive in the early morning light or at twilight.

The ProRodeo Hall of Fame documents the history of the rodeo, on the northern outskirts of the city, near Interstate 25.The ProRodeo Hall of Fame and Museum of the American Cowboy is located in Colorado Springs near the foothills of Pikes Peak, America's Mountain. This is the only heritage center in the world devoted to professional rodeo.At the Hall entry is a larger-than-life statue of "The Champ", Casey Tibbs, abroad the famed saddle bronc, Necktie. Tibbs was a nine-time world champion and one of America's most celebrated cowboys.The center features a multimedia presentation covering the history of rodeo. The Heritage Hall displays historic and modern cowboy gear and clothing. The largest gallery in the Hall of Champions features contestants from each rodeo event. Also included are stock contractors, clowns, announcers, rodeo animals and notables.Also on display are photographs, rodeo gear, personal memorabilia and trophies of honorees. The outside courtyard features the Hal Littrell Pavilion, honorary bronzes, a retired rodeo animal and a full rodeo arena.

Broadmoor began as a five-star resort in 1891 and continues as a premier destination today. It has long been known for its golf courses. The multiple golf courses, which consist of the East Golf Course, West Golf Course, and the Mountain Golf Course, have been designed and redesigned by such names as Donald Ross, Robert Trent Jones Sr., Arnold Palmer, and Nicklaus Design. The resort has hosted major tournaments, including the 2011 U.S. Women's Open, the 2008 U.S. Senior Open, and many others over the years.The clubhouse has a spa, fitness center with indoor and outdoor pools, restaurants and lounges.It should be noted that the Broadmoor Resort has made efforts in green initiatives. The golf courses are certified Audubon Sanctuaries and changes have been made at the resort which have resulted in water and electricity reductions.

Northwest of Colorado Springs is Flying W Ranch, a working, mountain cattle ranch that specializes in western food and entertainment. An authentic old western town and western stage show are some of the highlights of the ranch. This is a big establishment and on busy nights it's not unusual for the ranch to serve dinner to more than 1,000 people.The Chuckwagon Supper is meant to be reminiscent of what might have been eaten by cowboys on a cattle drive. For those looking for something a little more upscale and intimate there is the Winter Steakhouse, which is of course, still done in Western style. This restaurant is open on weekends during the winter months.For entertainment the Flying W Ranch offers the Flying W Wranglers performing old cowboy songs. They perform at both the Chuckwagon suppers and the Winter Steakhouse.

The North Cheyenne Canon Park, at the edge of the foothills and the plains, is known for its diverse plant and animal life as the park provides the necessary habitat for all. Some of the inhabitants include black bears, mountain lions, mule deer, and a wide variety of birds. Among the main features of the park are Helen Hunt Falls, the spectacular rock formations, and the Starsmore Discovery Center.Those looking to get a little activity while enjoying the beautiful scenery of the park can take a walk along one of the numerous trails. Some of the walks are very short, less than a half mile in length, but provide stunning views, such as the Silver Cascade Falls Trail. There are also longer trails ranging from 1 to 4 miles or more.Visitors looking to embark on one of the longer trails, or looking for additional information on the park, are encouraged to stop by the Visitors Center.

This complex is the main center for the U.S. Olympic Committee and the primary Olympic Training in the United States. It is the headquarters of the USA swimming and shooting programs, as well as more than a dozen other USOC member organizations.Within the complex is the impressive Olympic Visitor Center, with the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame Rotunda, an art gallery, store, and restaurant. Visitors can take a free tour of the U.S. Olympic Complex which includes a short video presentation and a walking tour through the various training facilities and the Irwin Belk Olympic Pathway. The facility and tours are open year round.The rooftop terrace features an Olympic flame display and offers panoramic views of the entire complex and Colorado Springs.

As the name suggests, The Focus on the Family Welcome Center is all about kids and families. It features all kids of interesting play areas for children, full of color and fun. There is a 170-seat theater with various theatre presentations, the G. Harvey Art Gallery, and the Discovery Emporium, complete with a puppet stage, reading area and KYDS' Radio Studio. Parents are required to stay with their children as they navigate their way through the facility. Free tours of the Main Administration and Operations buildings are available. There are also special events and education conferences.In addition to the obvious attractions the Center also focuses on helping couples and families. It is a faith based organization.

Palmer Park offers great recreational opportunities in Colorado Springs, and a chance to reconnect with nature. Some of the main highlights are the hiking and biking trails that traverse the park. The mountain biking trails that wind their way through the rocks can be challenging but always fun. There are also numerous hiking trails with great views, particularly from the higher elevations.This is also a good place to simply get out and enjoy nature. There are lovely rock formations with narrow stone pillars balancing larger pieces of rock. The terrain is generally hilly with various trees and plants. The upper plateau features cactuses and there are also lots of opuntia and wild roses along the trails.

The John May Natural History Museum in Colorado Springs has one of the world's largest collections of giant insects and rare artifacts. These items were gathered over an eighty year period from traveling and exploring the world. The Museum of Space Exploration tracks the history of man in space through photos and other information.

The Peterson Air and Space Museum at Peterson Air Force Base has exhibits on the history of aviation in Colorado Springs and at Peterson Air Force Base. The Terminal Building highlights the early 1940s. The Museum's Airpark includes sixteen aircraft and five missiles.

Southwest of Colorado Springs are the wild North Cheyenne Canyon and the Seven Falls.The falls drop 181 feet, with the best viewpoint at the Eagle's Nest, accessible via an elevator or 185-step stairway.

The Western Museum of Mining and Industry in Colorado Springs has over 4,000 artifacts on display including restored steam engines and mining equipment used in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The site also includes a ten-stamp ore mill and multi-purpose center with exhibits, theater, and library.

The Bear Creek Nature Center in Colorado Springs has exhibits on the wildlife of Colorado as well as several nature trails that offer a variety of scenery and glimpse of wildlife.

Santa's Workshop is a Christmas themed family amusement park that has been in existence since 1956, west of Colorado Springs. The 26-acre park includes a massive ferris wheel, magic shows, music from a 1919 band organ and other children's rides.

Colorado Springs Airport is the second largest airport in Colorado, after Denver International Airport. It serves over two million passengers each year.