Manitou Springs bubbles at the foot of Pikes Peak: eight free mineral drinking springs, a steep historic downtown packed into a few walkable blocks, and red-rock hills that spill straight into Garden of the Gods.

Long before it became a Victorian resort, this valley was a gathering place for the Ute and other Indigenous peoples who came for the naturally carbonated water. The name Manitou comes from an Algonquian word for “great spirit.” Today eight restored public springs still flow 24 hours a day, each with its own mineral mix and taste—from the sweet soda of Cheyenne Spring and Twin Spring to the higher-mineral punch of Shoshone Spring and the iron water of Iron Spring Geyser on Ruxton Avenue. The fonts are free. Bring a bottle, or pick up a souvenir sipping cup at the visitor center at 354 Manitou Avenue (cash only, with proceeds supporting the Mineral Springs Foundation).

Downtown is a certified Colorado Creative District. Manitou Avenue and side streets like Canon and Ruxton hold locally owned shops, galleries, the vintage Arcade Amusements penny arcade and more than 30 restaurants in about three miles. The town sits at 6,412 feet, so the air is thinner than it looks; sturdy shoes help on the hillside streets and stairways. Just outside town, Garden of the Gods is about half a mile away, the Manitou Incline climbs 2,768 steps, and both the Pikes Peak Highway and the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway reach the 14,115-foot summit.

Insider tip: The springs are cold mineral drinking water, not soaking pools—if you want a warm mineral soak, SunWater Spa heats the same kind of water in cedar tubs. Park in the free lot and ride the free shuttle downtown, then follow the chamber’s spring map so you do not miss Navajo Spring, tucked on the back wall of today’s Patsy’s Candies.

The Manitou Springs Visitor Center at 354 Manitou Avenue is posting holiday hours of Monday–Sunday 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. This season’s shop-small holiday campaign invites visitors who spend at least $100 on a single receipt at a locally owned retailer to bring that receipt to the visitor center for a giveaway entry, including a Pueblo getaway package. Details are at manitousprings.org.