Things You Might Not Know About Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is known for its stunning mountain views, outdoor adventures, and rich history, but there’s so much more to this city than meets the eye. Whether you’re a long-time resident, a visitor, or considering making Colorado Springs your home, you’ll be surprised by some of the city’s lesser-known facts. From its role in space exploration to unique natural wonders, here are some fun facts about Colorado Springs that might just change the way you see this incredible city.

Pikes Peak, often referred to as "America’s Mountain," is one of the most famous landmarks in Colorado Springs. Standing over 14,000 feet, this iconic peak inspired Katharine Lee Bates to write the lyrics to America the Beautiful in 1893. While many people know about Pikes Peak, they may not realize that it's one of the most visited mountains in North America. Visitors can reach the summit by hiking the challenging Barr Trail, driving the scenic Pikes Peak Highway, or taking the recently rebuilt Pikes Peak Cog Railway, one of the highest cog railways in the world.

Colorado Springs is often called “Olympic City USA” because it is home to the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee, as well as multiple training centers for elite athletes. However, many people don’t realize that it also boasts the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum, one of the most advanced and inclusive museums in the world. Opened in 2020, this state-of-the-art facility showcases the history of Team USA, featuring immersive exhibits, interactive experiences, and inspiring stories of Olympic and Paralympic athletes.

Garden of the Gods is one of the most breathtaking natural landmarks in Colorado Springs, but did you know that it was once nearly turned into a private resort? In 1879, Charles Elliott Perkins, the owner of the land, was urged to develop it into a commercial destination. However, Perkins believed that the stunning red rock formations should remain free for all to enjoy. After his passing, his family honored his wishes by donating the land to the city of Colorado Springs in 1909. Today, it remains a National Natural Landmark and is one of the most visited parks in the country.

Many people may not realize that Colorado Springs has played a significant role in space exploration and defense. The city is home to Peterson Space Force Base and the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), which monitors North American airspace. Additionally, the U.S. Air Force Academy, located in Colorado Springs, is responsible for training the next generation of Air Force officers, many of whom go on to work in the aerospace and defense industries. With its high altitude and clear skies, Colorado Springs has been a hub for space-related research and military operations for decades.

Athletes from around the world come to Colorado Springs for high-altitude training, but not everyone knows why. At an elevation of over 6,000 feet, the thin air in Colorado Springs forces the body to produce more red blood cells, which helps improve endurance and oxygen efficiency. This is why the city is home to the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center, where elite athletes prepare for competitions in swimming, cycling, gymnastics, and more. Many professional runners, cyclists, and triathletes also make Colorado Springs their home to take advantage of the high-altitude training benefits.

Nikola Tesla, one of the greatest inventors of all time, set up a laboratory in Colorado Springs in 1899 to conduct experiments with electricity and wireless transmission. Tesla chose Colorado Springs because of its high altitude and frequent lightning storms, which he believed would help him study electrical currents. During his time in the city, Tesla conducted groundbreaking experiments with wireless energy transmission, even claiming to have received extraterrestrial radio signals. Although his lab no longer exists, a historical marker at the site honors Tesla’s contributions to science.

Just outside Colorado Springs in Manitou Springs, the Manitou Incline is one of the most challenging hikes in the United States. Originally built as a cable car route for a hydroelectric plant, the incline consists of over 2,700 steps, gaining nearly 2,000 feet of elevation in less than a mile. It attracts elite athletes, military personnel, and fitness enthusiasts from all over the world who test their endurance on the grueling climb. While it’s not for the faint of heart, those who reach the top are rewarded with breathtaking views and a true sense of accomplishment.

While many people know that Colorado Springs is home to the U.S. Air Force Academy, fewer realize just how significant its military presence is. In addition to the academy, the city hosts Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base, Schriever Space Force Base, and NORAD. The military contributes to the city’s economy, culture, and innovation, with many veterans choosing to stay in Colorado Springs after their service. The city’s military history and ongoing contributions to national defense make it a unique and strategically important location.

Colorado Springs is full of surprises, from its deep ties to space exploration to hidden historical landmarks and extreme outdoor adventures. Whether you’re interested in its Olympic heritage, rich military history, or natural wonders, there’s always something new to discover.

For those looking to make Colorado Springs their home, real estate expert John Chudzinski is here to help. With extensive local knowledge and a commitment to finding the perfect home for his clients, John can guide you through the process of buying or investing in this incredible city. Reach out today to start your journey in Colorado Springs.