Location: 4 miles West of Colorado Springs on Highway 24
Elevation: 6,500 feet
Population: 5,200

The name "Manitou" is Algonquin for "Great Spirit" and stems from the area's rich Indian culture. Legend says the Ute Indian tribes from the mountains met the Arapaho and other plains tribes in peace to worship Manitou, the god that breathed into the waters to create the natural effervescence of the springs and to give them curative powers.

General William Jackson Palmer, the founder of Colorado Springs, and the English physician, Dr. William Bell, first visited the springs of Manitou in 1868. Dr. Bell immediately fell in love with this gentle little valley and its soda springs. Both Bell and Palmer envisioned Manitou Springs as a health spa and it was their vision that led to the development of Manitou Springs. They set out to develop a spa resort that would rival those in Europe. The first stake was driven on July 31, 1871 and soon Manitou Springs, a little jewel at the foot of Pikes Peak, became known as Saratoga of the West. health seekers from all over the United States came to Manitou Springs to drink its mineral waters and breathe its pure mountain air. The town blossomed with elegant hotels, Victorian homes, and a thriving business district. Visitors enjoyed tennis, or quiet trips to Garden of the Gods, Cave of the Winds and, of course, up Pikes Peak. The mineral waters were also used at the Manitou Bath House and Plunge and they were bottled as the Original Manitou Table Water and the Original Manitou Ginger Champagne.

As the health interest faded, Manitou Springs continued to be a popular vacation resort for generation of visitors. today it is located in the center of the most popular attractions in the Pikes Peak region, several of which are over 100 years old. Manitou Springs is now a National Historic District and its history is preserved in its downtown and in the many fine homes. Manitou Springs has become a year round community with a wide variety of accommodations, excellent restaurants, a wonderful shopping district, and a flourishing art community. There are still 26 bubbling mineral springs in Manitou, nine of which have been completely restored and are open to the public for drinking.

Manitou Springs has established itself as a volunteer community. Through the efforts of many the Mineral Springs Foundation has restored nine mineral springs, including the 7 Minute with its Victorian gazebo and sculpture park. The community also built and maintains the Playpark at Manitou Springs Elementary School. Manitou Art Project turned the streets and parks of Manitou Springs into a permanent outdoor sculpture gallery. There is a pride in the community that continues to attract a strong coalition of volunteers.

For more information on Manitou Springs, write Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce, 354 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs, CO or call 719-685-5089, 800-642-2567. Or check out these great websites on Manitou Springs:

Climate: Manitou Springs has an average of 246 days of sunshine. The climate is mild with very low humidity. Average annual rainfall is 15.42 inches and snowfall 42.0 inches. Typically January is the coldest month while July is the hottest.

Economy: Manitou Springs business community is diverse with tourism as its main source of income. However, due to growth in the retail, art, health and restaurant sectors, Manitou Springs is extending its season with the intent of increasing year round business.