Hidden Colorado Springs

Nine railroad tunnels carved through granite cliffs in the 1890s for the "Short Line" connecting Colorado Springs to Cripple Creek gold mines. Three have collapsed, including the infamous Tunnel #3. Local legends speak of ghostly children and miners who died in construction accidents. The surviving tunnels offer eerie mountain drives.

Colorado's oldest aviation museum housed in 1928-1941 historic airfield structures on the National Register. Focuses on Air Defense Command and Space Force history. Located on Peterson Space Force Base — requires advance reservation minimum 1 day prior. Strict civilian access procedures. Open only Wed-Fri 10am-3pm.

750 acres of colorful hoodoos, spires, and selenite clay formations in whites, golds, reds, and purples. Iron oxide-colored clay deposits were used by Native Americans to create paint. 45 minutes east of Colorado Springs in rural El Paso County. Even lifelong Colorado natives haven't heard of it. No climbing allowed to protect formations.

World-class bug museum with nearly 8,000 exotic insect specimens from James May's collection. Giant roadside beetle marks the location. Housed in what looks like an RV park, it belies its world-class quality with kitschy exterior. Features rare specimens from around the globe including massive tropical beetles and butterflies.

Nearly 500 handmade character dolls and marionettes created by Jan and Bob Simpich from 1953-2007. Delicate carolers and Santa figures showcase craftsmanship. Closed in 2021 after 70 years, reopened online 2024. Must call 719-465-2492 for appointments. Housed in historic Old Colorado City building.

National Register site depicting four time periods: 1775 American Indian camp, 1860s homestead, 1880s ranch, and 1907 Edwardian estate. "Half-hidden among evergreens" adjacent to Garden of the Gods, most visitors miss it entirely. Living history interpreters demonstrate period-appropriate activities. Donated by General William Jackson Palmer.

America's largest museum dedicated to numismatics, housing multi-million dollar rarities including a 1943 copper Lincoln cent valued at over $1 million, two of the five known 1913 Liberty Head nickels, and an 1804 silver dollar. The "Mini Mint" exhibit showcases historical coin-making machinery from the 1500s-1800s that produced 30 coins per minute. Three galleries explore currency from ancient civilizations to modern money. Most visitors have no idea this world-class collection exists in Colorado Springs.

Twenty-seven acres with 5,000+ artifacts in a 12,200-square-foot exhibit hall dedicated to western mining heritage. Working steam engines from the 1895-1920s still run on demonstration days. Features gold panning areas, a model mining shaft, the largest collection of fluorescent minerals in the region, and a yellow-cake processing exhibit from the uranium era. The outdoor machinery yard has stamp mills, hoists, and ore cars rusting authentically in the mountain air.

Housed in the Fire Operations Center, this free museum showcases antique fire carriages, hand-pulled pumpers, horse-drawn steamers, and early motorized engines dating back to the 1800s. The collection tells the story of Colorado Springs firefighting heritage with remarkable artifacts including leather fire buckets, brass nozzles, and historic photographs. Zero tourist crowds and completely free admission make this one of the city's most overlooked gems.

Overshadowed by The Broadmoor Hotel next door, this free museum showcases 30 historic carriages and 15 competition race cars from the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb—the second-oldest motorsport event in the United States, running since 1916. The personal legacy of Spencer and Julie Penrose comes alive through photographs, trophies, and the vehicles that conquered "America's Mountain." Self-guided tours take about two hours and reveal remarkable automotive and regional history.