DESCRIPTION OF MANITOU SPRINGS

Manitou Springs real estate is located 4 miles west of homes in Colorado Springs at the base of Pikes Peak, America's most famous mountain. From Interstate 25 take Exit 141 west 10 minutes to Manitou Avenue. The Colorado Springs Airport is 11 miles/20 minutes from Manitou.

"Manitou," a Native American word for "spirit," describes this beautiful mountain community. Nine named mineral springs throughout town are fed by the snows of Pikes Peak. Long before white men traveled here, the Ute, Cheyenne and many other natives considered this area sacred.

There are almost 3,000 people living in the 3 mile radius of Manitou Springs. Over half of the homes in this area were built before 1940. There is very little building of new homes. The majority of the homes are quaint bungalows or Victorian-era homes. This area is extremely close to Crystal Hills, Cedar Heights, and Crystal Park.

Median resident age: 41.2 years
Median household income: $40,514 (year 2000)

The Town of Manitou Springs

Manitou largely survives on summer shopping activity. As a result, there are a wide range of specialty items available for purchase along our charming streets. A stores and shops page is in our plans and will give you a feel for the large variety of businesses along Manitou, Canon, Ruxton, and surrounding avenues.

ART

Manitou Springs began attracting prominent painters, photographers, crafts folks and writers as early as the mid-1800's. Many artists and craftspeople were associated with the Craftwood Arts & Crafts Studio founded in 1906.

The Commonwheel Artists Cooperative was founded in 1974, making it one of the longest running Colorado Art Co-ops. Throughout the year, Commonwheel offers an ambitious schedule of one-person, group, and theme exhibitions including the very popular annual Labor Day Art and Craft Fair.

In the 1980's the Business of Art Center (BAC) opened to assist artists to gain entrepreneurial skills necessary to thrive in a career as a professional artist. Be sure to visit when you are in town.
The Manitou Art Theater at 515 Manitou Ave. presents original theater and offers two series of original, professional theater for audiences of all ages.

ATTRACTIONS

The Manitou and Pikes Peak Railway will take you to the top of Pikes Peak, elevation 14,110. At the Cave of the Winds, you will descend into the colorful depths of Colorado. Miramont Castle and the Cliff Dwellings Museum will take you back in time. The Iron Springs Chateau Melodrama and the Flying "W" Ranch Chuck Wagon Cowboy Show will tickle your funny bone and delight your senses. The Garden of the Gods and Helen Hunt Falls will lift your spirit. Families have all of this to enjoy and more! The North Pole & Santa’s Workshop, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, and the Air Force Academy, are all a short drive away.