Established in 1942 following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Fort Carson is a large Military installation located about nine miles south of Colorado Springs.
Fort Carson is home of the 4th Infantry Division, the 10th Special Forces Group, the 440th Civil Affairs Battalion (USAR), the 71st Ordnance Group (EOD) and several other crucial Military units, including units of the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve and the Colorado Army National Guard.
There are so many activities and sights for Military Families to do and see in the Colorado Springs area. See below for some of the area’s top attractions made our 10 Things to Do Near Fort Carson list!
1. Cheyenne Mountain State Park
Reconnect with the outdoors at Cheyenne Mountain State Park. Visitors enjoy breathtaking scenic views while hiking, wildlife viewing or biking on the park’s 28-plus miles of trails.
The campground
Kids and adults alike will have a blast at the park’s archery range, which offers both a covered shooting line with targets ranging from 10 to 80 yards, as well as field targets.
Other park benefits include environmental education programs, family mystery hikes, geo-caching and weekly yoga. You can even host your next special event at one of the group rental facilities!
2. 4th Infantry Division Museum
Honor the men and women who have also called Fort Carson home. The Mountain Post Historical Association (MPHA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the 4th Infantry Museum, which educates the community about the history of Fort Carson and the sacrifices many men and women have made to protect our freedom.
With more than 83,000 annual visitors, the 4th Infantry Museum displays thousands of fascinating artifacts that provide a greater understanding of the contributions made by the soldiers of Fort Carson since its activation in 1942.
3. Garden of the Gods
Explore the natural wonders of Colorado Springs. Garden of the Gods Park is a registered National Natural Landmark with dramatic views of 300-foot towering sandstone rock formations against a backdrop of Pikes Peak.
Its impressive nature center is the most visited attraction in the region, with new interactive exhibits. Learn how the amazing red rocks came to be with the new Geo-Trekker theater experience, or delight in one of Colorado’s most photographed views while eating in the terrace café overlooking the park.
Looking for more adventure? Garden of the Gods offers some of the best rock climbing routes to suit all climbers’ needs.
4. Rocky Mountain Food Tours
Voted #1 on TripAdvisor for food and drink in Colorado Springs in 2018, Rocky Mountain Food Tours is the area’s most delicious attraction.
Featuring some of the best restaurants in downtown Colorado Springs, these gourmet tasting tours led by expert city guides take guests on a journey through the history of the region’s cuisine.
Visit up to five culinary destinations in just a few hours, which include top restaurants, breweries, bakeries and more. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to meet chefs and restaurant owners who have appeared on popular cooking shows such as Top Chef, Chopped and Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives!
5. ProRodeo Hall of Fame
Do you have what it takes to be a cowboy? The ProRodeo Hall of Fame and Museum of the American Cowboy brings attention to the history of rodeo and the impact it’s had on Western American culture by recognizing the accomplishments of rodeo champions.
Popular exhibits include Heritage Hall, which displays saddles, chaps and a variety of other artifacts tracing the history of rodeo over the past century, as well as the Hall of Champions, where notable cowboys and cowgirls in each rodeo event are honored.
Every summer from Memorial Day to Labor Day, the ProRodeo Hall of Fame houses retired rodeo bucking horses. These horses are a huge attraction for guests and help educate the public about these amazing rodeo athletes!
6. Adventures Out West
Since 1973, Adventures Out West (AOW) has been offering guests the best in Rocky Mountain adventure, from Jeep tours to ziplines to hot air balloon rides.
Whether you’re with a group or riding solo, you’re sure to make memories that will last a lifetime with AOW’s guided Jeep tours. Remote locations, dramatic heights and rough roads add up to a thrilling experience you won’t want to miss.
Fly through cliffs and steep wooded forest on AOW’s natural terrain zipline course at over 6,500 feet in elevation, or take in the scenic mountain views from even higher in the sky. As the oldest commercial balloon ride company in America, AOW has the experience and resources necessary to ensure your friends, family and company are well-served for this incredible adventure.
7. Battlefield Colorado
Battlefield Colorado is the state’s first and only outdoor laser tag adventure park. This thrilling facility located in the heart of downtown Colorado Springs takes up a whole city block, with three acres and six buildings for an indoor/outdoor feel that mimics today’s most popular video games.
Battlefield Colorado is open to players of all ages and experience levels. Plus, you don’t have to worry about any heavy equipment or bulky gear, which are required for similar activities like paintball and airsoft.
Compete in various combat-style adventure missions inspired by popular video games such as Call of Duty, Halo and more! Open Play sessions are available for groups with less than 10 players. Looking to book your child’s next birthday party? Battlefield Colorado also caters to large groups as long as you book in advance.
8. Space Foundation Discovery Center
Engage with the world around you — and beyond. The Space Foundation Discovery Center is Colorado’s first and only dedicated space, science and technology center, featuring interactive exhibitions that advance science, technology, engineering and mathematics in the exciting context of space exploration. On the statewide and national level, the Discovery Center aims to become a leader in the preservation, interpretation and display of space-related artifacts and exhibits.
Explore the Lockheed Martin Space Education Center, where students and teachers can experiment with state-of-the-art STEM equipment and hardware, or marvel at the unique celestial display in the Northrop Grumman Science Center.
9. May Natural History Museum
Visit one of the world’s largest private insect collections at the May Natural History Museum. Known as the “Bug Museum” to many families around the area, the May Natural History Museum is a fun place for bug enthusiasts, scientists or anyone interested in learning more about these fascinating creatures.
For over 80 years, the museum’s founder, James May, spent his life traveling the world to discover new and interesting species of insects. The museum currently features over 7,000 species of butterflies, moths, beetles, spiders, scorpions and more, as well as many rare exploration-related artifacts.
10. The Broadmoor Seven Falls
Seven Falls at The Broadmoor is one of Colorado’s most captivating natural wonders, situated in a 1,250-foot canyon between the Pillars of Hercules. Visitors enjoy stunning views of verdant valleys, incredible rock formations and wide-open fields as they hike to the trails to see the waterfalls.
Seven Falls also boasts exciting zip-line tours and top-notch restaurants and shops that make this spot one of the best to visit in Colorado Springs.
Fort Carson and the surrounding Colorado Springs area is the perfect place to enjoy nature, from peaceful strolls through its wooded trails to scaling its infamous red rocks. Don’t miss out on everything this region has to offer!
More for Your Military Family to See and Do in Colorado:
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