Get out of the House! Manitou Springs

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Mike Tryon
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  The surrounding areas of F. E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo., offer Airmen and their families many opportunities to get out of the house and enjoy a day outdoors -- even if they have to drive a few hours to get there.

One of the surrounding areas, Manitou Springs, Colo., is approximately three hours south is a quaint tourist town at the base Garden of the Gods and the foot of Pike's Peak, and is full of "small-town charm."

Some of the sights to be seen in Manitou Springs include parks, a creek, a penny arcade and a cog railway. A cog railway is one that allows trains to climb steeper grades than normal.

The Manitou & Pike's Peak Railway is a nine-mile long trek that runs from Manitou Springs up Pike's Peak with a grade of 25 percent and reaches a towering height of 14,109 feet above sea-level. The railway was established in 1893, and the engine that was in operation for 46 years is on display in Manitou. The old engine has been replaced with modern diesel electric equipment, and the railway still gets use to this day. Patrons wishing to ride the railway can do so for a small fee.

Other tourist destinations surrounding Manitou Springs include Garden of the Gods, Cave of the Winds, Manitou Cliff Dwellings, Miramont Castle and Seven Falls. While some of these attractions are free to the public, there are some that have fees associated with their patronage.