Started in 2013, the City for Champions tourism project is funded by state and local tax funding and private sources, and is a collection of four unique venues that showcase the area’s reputation as a military training ground and sports and fitness hub. “Downtown has expanded exponentially in five years, and one of the driving factors is the City for Champions effort, projects which have been in the works for almost a decade, and this year and last year they’re really starting to open up around the expansion of downtown and new sports venues.” “There is a shift that has been happening,” Veneracion said. While lofty Pikes Peak always steals the show, downtown Colorado Springs is also on an upward trajectory. Groups would be remiss not to arrange for a round of Pikes Peak Summit Donuts, a quirky, iconic treat, once they reach the top of the peak that is the most successful of the state’s 58 “Fourteeners,” or mountains whose elevation exceeds 14,000 feet. Groups can reserve spots on the highest cog railway in the world, which is fresh off a $100 million renovation of its tracks, cogs, railcars and Manitou Depot.

Managed by The Broadmoor resort since 1925-it began service in 1891-the cog railway resumed service in late May from its depot at scenic Manitou Springs, located about 15 miles west of Colorado Springs at the base of Pikes Peak. The new $60 million-plus Summit Complex replaces the existing Pikes Peak Summit House and will feature an immersive visitor experience that will be a popular offsite activity for groups, who can access the facility by highway or, more spectacularly, the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway.

Veneracion is referring to the major renovation of Pikes Peak Summit Complex, the highest ongoing construction project in North America at more than 14,115 feet. “We still have our iconic attractions that have been around forever, but sort of the biggest story for us is around Pikes Peak this summer.” “Even in the six years I’ve been here, it’s changed and grown so much,” said Alexea Veneracion, communications manager for Visit Colorado Springs. Some things in Colorado Springs, Colorado, never seem to change or disappoint, with five-star historic resorts such as The Broadmoor and the IACC-certified Cheyenne Mountain Resort Colorado Springs, boasting luxurious accommodations and ample top-shelf meeting space with a backdrop of the towering Rocky Mountains.Īnd any destination would count itself fortunate to be beautiful enough to inspire what many consider a competing national anthem for the U.S.-the lyrics for “America the Beautiful” were taken from the 1885 poem “Pikes Peak,” penned by Katharine Lee Bates after being inspired by the “purple mountain majesties” rising up outside of Colorado Springs.Ĭolorado Springs is certainly blessed with spectacular scenery and top resorts, but until recently, it really lacked a vibrant downtown dining and entertainment district that would round out its offering for leisure travelers and groups alike, and even tried-and-true attractions have undergone significant improvements.

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