Manitou Springs Historic District | Colorado Springs

Manitou Springs Historic District, located at the foot of Pikes Peak just west of Colorado Springs, is one of the most picturesque and historically rich towns in the state of Colorado. Known for its healing mineral springs, Victorian-era architecture, bohemian flair, and mountain charm, this district has been a health resort, artists’ enclave, and cultural destination for over a century.

Historical Overview

Origins

Manitou Springs was officially founded in 1872 by General William Jackson Palmer and Dr. William Abraham Bell, both of whom were also key figures in the establishment of Colorado Springs. Their vision was to create a European-style health and resort town where visitors could benefit from the natural mineral springs, similar to spa towns in England and Germany.

The name “Manitou” is derived from a Native American word meaning “spirit,” reflecting the sacred significance of the mineral springs to the Ute, Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes who originally inhabited the region. The springs were revered for their believed healing properties long before European-American settlement.

Development as a Health Resort

From the late 1800s into the early 20th century, Manitou Springs grew rapidly as a wellness destination for wealthy travelers and those seeking treatment for ailments such as tuberculosis, digestive issues, and respiratory problems. Physicians prescribed mineral water cures, and patients often stayed for extended periods at grand hotels, health sanatoriums, and boarding houses.

Notable historic hotels and residences built during this era include:

The Cliff House at Pikes Peak (1874) – A luxurious Queen Anne–style hotel that welcomed guests like President Theodore Roosevelt and Clark Gable. Still operating today, it combines historic elegance with modern comfort.

Barker House Hotel – One of the earliest hotels in Manitou, now repurposed for commercial and residential use.

Briarhurst Manor (1888) – Built by Dr. Bell as his private estate in pink sandstone, now a fine-dining venue with historic ambiance.

Wheeler Bank Building (1888) – A beautifully preserved commercial block with Romanesque and Italianate influences.

Architectural Significance

Manitou Springs Historic District, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983, encompasses more than 750 contributing buildings. The architectural landscape is exceptionally diverse for a small mountain town and reflects multiple eras of prosperity:

Queen Anne and Victorian cottages – Elaborate ornamentation, turrets, stained glass, and gabled roofs.

Romanesque Revival and Italian Villa commercial buildings – Often constructed with native stone and featuring arched windows and heavy masonry.

Stick and Shingle styles – Wood-frame homes with decorative trims, characteristic of late 19th-century mountain resorts.

Most buildings were constructed between the 1870s and 1920s using local materials, including red Manitou sandstone, greenstone, and native timber. The town’s irregular street layout follows the topography of the hills, creating a picturesque flow of terraced homes, narrow winding roads, and dramatic mountain backdrops.

Mineral Springs

The natural carbonated springs are central to Manitou’s identity. Of the original 50+ known springs, 8 are currently accessible to the public, each with its own unique flavor and mineral composition. These include:

Shoshone Spring – Highly carbonated, rich in iron.

Navajo Spring – Formerly used in bottling the nationally distributed "Manitou Water."

Ute Chief Spring – Known for its effervescence and long-standing local reputation.

Gazebos and decorative pavilions house several of these springs, allowing visitors to sample the waters via drinking fountains, guided spring tours, or self-guided walking maps. The springs are continuously flowing and remain one of the town’s most authentic features.

Cultural Attractions

Manitou Springs has long been a hub for artists, writers, and free-thinkers, lending the town a creative spirit that still defines it today. The historic district offers a variety of cultural sites:

1. Miramont Castle Museum

Built in 1895 by French-born Catholic priest Jean Baptiste Francolon.

Combines Gothic, Tudor, Romanesque, and Victorian styles.

Now houses the Manitou Springs Historical Society museum and a Victorian Tea Room.

2. Manitou Springs Heritage Center

Free admission museum that chronicles local history, the springs, Native cultures, geology, and early tourism.

Offers interpretive exhibits and seasonal walking tours of the historic district.

3. First Congregational Church & Other Historic Churches

Features Gothic Revival architecture and stained glass.

Still active as religious and community centers.

4. Art Galleries and Theaters

Numerous independent galleries along Manitou Avenue showcase sculpture, pottery, paintings, and photography by Colorado artists.

The Iron Springs Chateau Melodrama Theater offers dinner theater and comedy shows in a 19th-century building.

Events & Community Spirit

The town maintains its festive and quirky identity through annual events that attract both locals and tourists:

Emma Crawford Coffin Races – Inspired by a local 19th-century woman whose coffin allegedly slid down Red Mountain, this Halloween-season event features teams racing wheeled coffins down the main street in costume.

Mumbo Jumbo Gumbo Cook-Off and Carnivale Parade – Mardi Gras-style festivities in late winter.

Wine Festivals, ArtWalks, Ghost Tours, and Outdoor Concerts fill the calendar through spring, summer, and fall.

Public art installations, murals, street musicians, and whimsical shop displays reflect the town’s creative energy and laid-back lifestyle.

Natural Surroundings and Outdoor Access

The town is built along Fountain Creek and is surrounded by dramatic red sandstone formations, pine forests, and rugged mountain terrain. The Historic District provides easy access to:

The Manitou Incline – A famously steep hiking trail gaining over 2,000 vertical feet in under a mile.

Red Mountain and Iron Mountain trails – Scenic hikes overlooking the historic downtown.

Pikes Peak Cog Railway – A historic rail line offering breathtaking trips to the summit of Pikes Peak.

Despite its proximity to outdoor adventure, the district retains a slow pace and walkable environment perfect for relaxation, shopping, and dining.

Visitor Experience

Manitou Avenue is the historic district’s main thoroughfare, lined with galleries, restaurants, cafés, boutiques, and mineral spring pavilions.

The town offers free public shuttle service in peak seasons, ample pedestrian paths, and convenient parking.

Most businesses are open year-round, and many accommodations are housed in converted historic homes or inns.

The entire district is highly photogenic and perfect for leisurely exploration.

Conclusion

The Manitou Springs Historic District offers a rare combination of authentic Western history, architectural splendor, natural healing springs, and vibrant artistic culture. From its Victorian hotels and frontier legends to its bohemian soul and preserved mineral fountains, Manitou Springs feels like stepping into a storybook town grounded in real history and rich in experience. Whether visiting for the healing waters, the mountain views, or the cultural events, it remains one of Colorado’s most enchanting and memorable historic destinations.