History

Manitou Made
Manitou Made Shopping Tag

A Drink Deep

The Manitou Springs Mineral Springs have made the town famous even before it was founded in the 1870s when it became home to people from the East Coast seeking the healing waters and clean air in response to the tuberculosis outbreak. Prior to this, the Native Americans considered the location sacred, the eruption of bubbles in the mineral water was considered to be the breath of the Great Spirit, with offerings of beads left in gratitude.Today, the Chamber of Commerce provides a free map and cup to visitors embarking on a self-guided tour of the eight springs.

The Events

Our small town is also famous for its vibrant event schedule.The Emma Crawford Memorial Coffin Races is a unique event, with participants racing decorated coffins down Manitou Avenue to the cheers of supporters, in October. Other lively events include an annual Fruitcake Toss in January, a community ice cream social and pie baking contest in July, the Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon in August, monthly art walks, summer concerts in Soda Springs Park, library lawn concerts, ghost and wine tours, beer festivals and the Commonwheel Labor Day Arts Festival.

Open Casket

For Culture Seekers

Manitou Springs and the surrounding natural areas provide an idyllic setting for culture-seekers with Manitou Made showcasing the people and handcrafted products that help to make Manitou Springs an eclectic, vibrant small town with a big character.