Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun | Colorado Springs

Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun is a majestic stone tower perched high on the eastern face of Cheyenne Mountain in Colorado Springs, approximately 8,136 feet above sea level. Designed as both a memorial and a mausoleum, the shrine honors Will Rogers, the beloved American humorist, and also serves as the final resting place for philanthropist Spencer Penrose and his wife, Julie. Constructed in the 1930s, this monument combines history, architecture, and panoramic beauty into one of the region’s most unique cultural landmarks.

1. Historical Context and Purpose

The shrine was commissioned by Spencer Penrose, the mining magnate and founder of The Broadmoor Hotel, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, and other civic institutions. Originally conceived as a private mausoleum and memorial for the Penrose family, the shrine was renamed in 1935 to honor Will Rogers after his untimely death in a plane crash with aviator Wiley Post. Penrose admired Rogers for his wit, charisma, and embodiment of American values.

Construction began in 1934 and was completed in 1937. It was Penrose’s intent that the shrine reflect both reverence and grandeur. The entire structure was built using locally quarried pink granite from the same mountain on which it stands, about 700 feet from the construction site.

2. Architecture and Design

The Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun stands approximately 100 feet tall, designed in a Romanesque Revival style with robust vertical lines, arched windows, and heavy masonry. Notably, the structure contains no wood or nails. Instead, it is held together using over 200,000 pounds of steel and concrete, giving it permanence and resilience against the elements.

Key architectural features include:

Crenellated parapets at the top, resembling a medieval tower.

Iron and brass doors with intricate detailing.

Leaded glass windows, narrow and high, allowing in natural light while maintaining the somber interior.

Italian marble floors and terrazzo staircases inside the tower.

Stone carvings and bronze busts in the courtyard, including likenesses of Will Rogers and Spencer Penrose.

The shrine was designed to reflect both dignity and reverence, blending harmoniously into the mountain while standing as a beacon above the city.

3. Interior Galleries and Memorial Rooms

Inside, the shrine is divided into several levels, each with its own focus:

• Ground Floor – Historical Room

A vast mural wraps around the walls, painted by Santa Fe artist Randall Davey. The 340-square-foot work depicts major scenes from the Pikes Peak region’s history-including Native American life, Zebulon Pike’s expedition, and the gold rush era. The mural culminates in tributes to Spencer Penrose’s achievements. In the 1990s, artist Eric Bransby restored and preserved the mural for future generations.

• Middle Floors – Will Rogers Exhibition

Photographic exhibits cover Will Rogers’ life and legacy-from his Oklahoma childhood to his career in vaudeville, film, radio, and newspaper columns. Artifacts and images explore his connection with American identity and his friendship with Spencer Penrose. These levels are modest in size but rich in historical resonance.

• Lower Floor – Mausoleum and Chapel

This is the resting place of Spencer and Julie Penrose, as well as two of their close associates: Horace Devereaux and William Leonard. The room contains ecclesiastical features, such as 15th-century benches from a French monastery and Catholic relics collected by Julie Penrose, adding a spiritual layer to the solemn space.

4. Chimes and Musical Significance

The shrine houses a Westminster chime system, one of its most notable features. The bells ring every quarter hour, and full musical programs play at 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 5:00 PM daily. These resonant tones echo for miles across Colorado Springs, giving the shrine the nickname “The Singing Tower.” The chimes not only contribute to the ambiance but also connect the tower audibly with the surrounding community.

5. Scenic Views and Setting

From the shrine’s balconies and stair landings, visitors are treated to some of the best panoramic views in southern Colorado. On clear days, you can see:

Colorado Springs below

The Garden of the Gods rock formations

Pikes Peak rising to the northwest

The eastern plains stretching far into the distance

The Shrine is accessible via Russell Tutt Scenic Highway, a winding mountain road that begins near Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. The drive alone is visually stunning, offering glimpses of forested hillsides, red rock canyons, and distant peaks.

6. Visitor Information

Admission: Entry to the shrine is included with the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo admission ticket.

Hours: Open Tuesday through Sunday, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The last vehicle is allowed up the road at 3:00 PM.

Closed: Mondays and on major holidays.

Accessibility: The shrine is not wheelchair accessible. A short uphill path and ten stone steps lead to the entrance. Inside, multiple staircases connect the five floors. Visitors should be prepared for high-altitude walking and thin air.

Tours: During peak months, a seasonal jeep shuttle is offered from the zoo to the shrine for an additional fee. Self-guided exploration is encouraged, with interpretive signs and photos throughout the building.

Rules: No pets (except service animals), no food or drink (water only), and respectful behavior is expected due to the site's memorial nature.

7. Symbolic and Cultural Importance

The Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun is more than just a tower or a viewpoint-it is a symbol of civic pride, memory, and aspiration. As the final resting place of Spencer and Julie Penrose, it represents the culmination of their vision for Colorado Springs. By naming it after Will Rogers, Penrose gave the structure a broader national relevance-tying together regional heritage with one of America’s most cherished public figures.

The shrine embodies the convergence of architecture, art, history, and remembrance, standing as a literal and symbolic high point in the city. Its enduring presence reminds visitors of the human stories behind Colorado Springs’ development, while offering a tranquil space for reflection and wonder.

Summary

The Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun is a stunning and multifaceted site combining mountain majesty with artistic beauty and historical depth. From its formidable granite construction and melodic chimes to its richly detailed murals and sweeping views, it offers visitors a profound experience that blends memory, place, and legacy. It is one of Colorado Springs’ most meaningful landmarks, preserving not just the legacy of Spencer Penrose and Will Rogers, but also the spirit of a city shaped by visionaries.