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sarah nelson
Pikes Peak, a 14,100-foot mountain west of Colorado Springs, tops the list of area must-sees.
Colorado Inspires
Springs Faith Travelers Religious groups rejoice in this city where the Great Plains meet the Rockies olorado Springs, Colorado is a popular vacation destination nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Groups enjoy the culture of the city along with the scenic attractions nearby. Chelsy Murphy, public relations manager of the Colorado Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau, said, “We are among the safest and familyfriendliest cities in the country, offering over 60 attractions and activities, inspiring natural beauty, 300-plus days of sunshine annually and first-tier
Photos courtesy of Colorado Springs CVB
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city amenities at second-tier city price points.” The area is a prime place for religious group travel and faith conferences. In fact, Colorado Springs works hard to attract religious group travelers. One way the CVB draws faithbased travel to Colorado Springs is by attending annual religious-based trade shows. Murphy mentioned that Kathy Reak, director of convention sales of the CVB, attends the Religious Conference Managers Association (RCMA) and Christian Meetings and
Conventions Association (CMCA) to make contacts and “see if there is any way Colorado Springs can assist them with their events.” Many evangelical Christian organizations are based in Colorado Springs. Murphy said that “Colorado Springs is home to the headquarters of more than 50 faith-based organizations, making the destination a natural fit” for religious travel. Focus on the Family is an evangelical organization dedicated to promoting traditional family values in Christian LeisureGroupTravel.com
The Cadet Chapel is a high point on tours of the U.S. Air Force Academy.
homes. It promotes its beliefs through counseling, conferences, book and magazine publications, radio and television broadcasts, and websites. Visit the Welcome Center to learn more about Focus on the Family through interactive exhibits and visit the bookstore next door. Free tours of the Administration Building are available. Other religious organizations headquartered in Colorado Springs include YoungLife, an organization dedicated to encouraging adolescents to grow in their faith; Compassion International, an underprivileged child sponsorship ministry; the International Bible Society; and The Navigators, an organization committed to helping people find their faith. One of the city’s top attractions, the United States Air Force Academy, is home to the renowned Cadet Chapel. The chapel has separate sections used for Buddhist, Catholic, Jewish and Protestant services. There are 17 spires on the 150-foot-high chapel, which is made out of aluminum, glass and steel. Visit the Barry Goldwater Air Force Academy Visitor Center to see a film LeisureGroupTravel.com
and exhibits on cadet life. Other spots to see are Arnold Hall, Falcon Stadium, the Field House and the Honor Court display of statues and memorials. Shove Chapel, located on Colorado College’s campus, was designed after Winchester Cathedral in England. Built in 1930, the Norman Romanesque chapel has five bells and impressive stained-glass windows.
Colorado Springs also has retreat centers to offer religious groups. One of these is Glen Eyrie Castle, the former estate of William Jackson Palmer, the founder of Colorado Springs. The Navigators purchased the property in 1953 and holds Christian conferences and retreats there. The Abbey in Cañon City, Colorado is another place to hold a religious gathering. The Tudor Gothic building served as a Benedictine monastery from 1924-2005. The Abbey has an event center and various accommodations perfect for religious groups. Groups staying in the Colorado Springs area have plenty of outdoor attractions to choose from. The summit of Pikes Peak, west of Colorado Springs, reaches over 14,000 feet and provides breathtaking views. Drive on the highway or bike, hike or walk Barr’s Trail to reach the top. Tourists can also ride the cog railway from Manitou Springs to Pikes Peak’s summit. Pikes Peak Cog Railway is North America’s highest cog railway. Garden of the Gods Park, a city park at the base of Pikes Peak, has
Historic Glen Eyrie Castle hosts Christian conferences and retreats. October 2011 41
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Focus on the Family, an organization dedicated to traditional Christian values, welcomes visitors to its headquarters.
uniquely shaped red sandstone formations. Popular formations are Balanced Rock, Cathedral Spires and Kissing Camel. Biking, hiking, horseback riding and van tours are great ways to see
the park. The Visitor and Nature Center has exhibits on the geology and history of the park, highlighting minerals and wildlife found there. Don’t miss the views of Pikes Peak. Seven Falls is located in South Cheyenne Canyon. Visitors can climb the 224-step stairway or take an elevator to Eagle’s Nest observation platform to see the seven waterfalls cascade down a granite canyon. The waterfalls are lit by colored lights at night during the summer and Christmas season. Attractions in Manitou Springs include Ride this historic, coal-fired steam train through the Cave of the Winds the majestic wilderness of the and Manitou Cliff San Juan Mountains for the experience Dwellings. Guided of a lifetime. tours of the Cave of the Named the Winds allow tourists to NUMBER ONE NORTH AMERICAN TRAIN TRIP see unique mineral forby National Geographic Traveler in 2010! mations and learn about BOOK YOUR GROUP TODAY! the cave’s history. The for a schedule of adventures, please visit us online Manitou Cave Dwellings, www.durangotrain.com built between 1100 and
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1300 A.D., were moved to this site in 1892 and include museum exhibits on Southwestern Native American culture. Indian dances are held daily in summer. Groups can experience the Old West at the Flying W Ranch. After exploring the 19th century Western town, they enjoy a chuckwagon supper and watch a variety show. Colorado Springs’ indoor attractions also can enhance a group itinerary. The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center features collections of 19th through 21st century American, Hispanic and Native American art. One gallery contains Colorado landscape paintings. The John May Museum Center is a natural history museum and space exploration museum. The natural history museum features a tropical exhibit displaying 8,000 giant and unusual insects from around the world. The space exploration museum displays early aircraft models and NASA photographs. The ProRodeo Hall of Fame and Museum of the American Cowboy is dedicated to preserving rodeo artifacts and history. The Hall of Fame honors animals, people and organizations that LeisureGroupTravel.com
Siamese Twins is one of many rock formations at Garden of the Gods.
have impacted rodeo. Other museums include the American Numismatic Association Money Museum, Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, Ghost Town Museum, Peterson Air and Space Museum, Western Museum of Mining and Industry and World Figure Skating Museum and Hall of Fame. The U.S. Olympic Training Center is yet another attraction in Colorado Springs, headquarters of the U.S. Olympic Committee. Free tours of the complex include gymnasiums, the aquatics center, indoor shooting range and a 12-minute film. Religious groups will not run out of things to do in this high-altitude city, a place where faith travelers feel comfortable and come away inspired. For more information, contact the Colorado Springs CVB at 800-8884748 or visit visitcos.com. LGT Obtain Colorado visitor guides and itineraries – and contact groupfriendly suppliers directly – at leisuregrouptravel.com/instant-info LeisureGroupTravel.com
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