After surviving your first week back at DU, it’s important to remember to take a break every once in a while. The best way of doing so is by going out and discovering what the beautiful state of Colorado has to offer you. From the big cities to the evergreen mountains, there is a wide variety of Colorado destinations that should be on everyone’s bucket list. As a college student, it’s important to take a step back from school, but it is also necessary to find cheap and exciting activities to partake in due to our strict budgets.
Founded in 1872, and located an hour away from campus, Manitou Springs is a popular tourist destination. However, if you would like to step outside the box of a normal tourist, there are two attractions in Manitou that aren’t well known.
The first activity that’s a must is Rainbow Falls. Though the waterfall is quite impressive, Rainbow Falls is better known for its’ colorful and intricate graffiti. For years, the Falls have provided an artistic opportunity to locals and travelers alike. Hidden beneath a highway overpass, the canyon walls are covered with a wide variety of artistic pieces, from self portraits to intricate symbols. It requires a short hike, but the view is worth it all in the end. The Falls are only open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and no fee is required for entrance.
Just 2.7 miles away from Rainbow Falls, you can stroll down memory lane by visiting the Penny Arcade. The Penny Arcade has hundreds of antique and new arcade games, from pinball machines to racing games. The arcade has a variety of games that accept pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters, so you can have the full experience for a low price. Open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Penny Arcade is a great location to continue your adventure in Manitou.
For those who are brave and willing to try, there are 11 naturally carbonated spring water fountains scattered in the town. The fountains can be located by smalls signs throughout the town, which also detail the chemical makeup of each spring. From being “too salty”, or “purely refreshing”, opinions vary on the taste of the water, but it’s a needed experience to fully enjoy Manitou.
After your mini-adventure in Manitou, hunger will be a thing on your mind. Just 25 minutes away, Colorado Springs is home to one of the most unique dining experiences. The Airplane Restaurant is an aviation-themed joint that serves a variety of items. Unique to Colorado, the Airplane Restaurant is a Boeing KC-97 tanker airplane that was transformed in 2002 into a dining area. The plane can hold up to 42 guests and displays a variety of memorabilia and rare artifacts, such as signed autographs of astronauts and the KC-97’s last logbook.
To finish up your day, head to see the World’s Largest Beetle Sculpture. Only found in Colorado, this sculpture adds to the unique quality Colorado has to offer, and it isn’t well known. Make sure you take advantage of the opportunity while you’re in Colorado Springs.
Adventure doesn’t end in Manitou and Colorado Springs. Colorado is a state full of beauty, amazement and hidden treasures, so make use of your time here and jump at the opportunity to go and see a Colorado destination.
