Old Colorado City, Colorado Springs

Old Colorado City, once the capital of the Colorado Territory, is now a historic district. Founded during the Pikes Peak Gold Rush of 1859, it quickly became a hub for miners, ranchers, and pioneers chasing opportunity. The area played a significant role in regional mining and ore processing, and though its rowdy past of saloons and opium dens once drew a sharp contrast to nearby Colorado Springs’ stricter morals, today it offers a more polished reflection of its Wild West roots.

Many of the district’s original brick buildings-blending Queen Anne, Italianate, and Romanesque Revival styles-still line Colorado Avenue, especially between 24th and 27th streets, giving visitors a feel for life at the turn of the 20th century.

Modern-day Old Colorado City is a vibrant destination for shopping, dining, and strolling. Boutiques, art galleries, and local restaurants fill the historic storefronts, and annual events like Territory Days and the First Friday ArtWalk keep the neighborhood lively year-round.
Magic Town, an immersive sculpture exhibit at the Michael Garman Museum, and the handmade marionettes at Simpich Showcase add to its quirky appeal. Visitors often pair a stop here with nearby sights like Garden of the Gods or Red Rock Canyon.