Old Colorado City

Old Colorado City is the historic neighborhood on the west side of Colorado Springs that was a town in its own right before the city grew around it. Founded in 1859 during the Pikes Peak gold rush, Colorado City was a supply point for miners heading into the mountains and briefly served as the territorial capital in the early 1860s. Later it became known for its saloons and dance halls, and it was annexed by Colorado Springs in 1917. Today West Colorado Avenue is the main street of a lively district of independent shops, galleries, restaurants, breweries and bakeries housed in restored brick buildings. Bancroft Park, with its summer concerts and farmers market, anchors the neighborhood. A guided Wild West tour with snacks adds humor and context.

A visit begins on West Colorado Avenue, which is easy to walk and lined with historic buildings. Interpretive plaques describe the buildings' former uses, from saloons and brothels to banks and blacksmith shops. The Old Colorado City History Center, in a small museum building, holds photographs and artifacts about the area's growth, the gold rush and the colorful characters who lived here.

Local shops sell crafts, books, clothing and antiques, and you can find art galleries and studios along the side streets. The mix of old and new gives the district a casual feel, popular with locals as well as visitors. In summer, Bancroft Park hosts live music, and in fall the neighborhood has festivals that fill the street with stalls.

The Wild West tour is a good way to learn the stories. Guides lead small groups on a walking route with stops for tastings or drinks, and they tell tales of the gold rush, outlaws and lawmen and the town's rivalry with Colorado Springs, which was founded as a dry resort town while Colorado City remained wet.

This contrast explains why saloons clustered on the west side and why the neighborhood still has a reputation for fun. The tour typically lasts a couple of hours and includes snacks and drinks at selected local businesses, so you get a taste of the neighborhood while hearing its history.

Practical details are simple. Old Colorado City sits about ten minutes from downtown and five from Garden of the Gods, so it is an easy addition to a day of sightseeing. Street parking and nearby lots are available, though busy weekends fill quickly. Many restaurants and bars have patios, and the neighborhood is well suited to a relaxed lunch or dinner after a day in the mountains.

Families can enjoy the park and the ice cream shops, while couples might prefer an evening wander. Check opening hours for individual shops, as many close early or on Mondays. The area is generally flat and walkable, and most sidewalks are accessible, though some older buildings have steps.

Shopping and dining here favor local owners. Look for galleries displaying Colorado artists, bakeries with handmade pastries, tap rooms serving beers brewed nearby and restaurants that source from regional farms. Many places offer patio seating in warm months, and some shops close early in winter, so check hours if you are coming for a specific store. The farmers market in the park, held in season, is a pleasant way to meet local growers and pick up picnic supplies before a drive into the mountains.