Old Colorado City
Old Colorado City is a historic neighborhood situated at the western border of Colorado Springs, Colorado, recognized today as a thriving arts district and one of the region's most distinctive cultural destinations. Once a rough-and-tumble outpost of the American West, the area has evolved from its origins as a settlement fueled by gold miners and frontier entertainment into a neighborhood celebrated for its boutiques, galleries, and proximity to natural landmarks such as Garden of the Gods park. The neighborhood's layered past and present character have drawn attention from national publications and travelers alike, positioning it among notable urban districts across the United States.
History
Old Colorado City carries the distinction of being the original Colorado City, predating the broader development of what is now Colorado Springs. The Old Colorado City Historical Society was founded specifically to recognize the historical significance and unique culture of the original Colorado City, reflecting a community commitment to preserving the neighborhood's identity and story.[1]
In its earliest incarnation, the area functioned as a prototypical Wild West town. According to historical accounts associated with the neighborhood, Old Colorado City was once a rough and tumble community of the frontier West, sustained by gold miners and the entertainment establishments that catered to them.[2] This period gave the district a gritty, spirited character that has since become part of its historical identity and a point of pride for residents and historians.
Over time, as Colorado Springs grew around it, Old Colorado City transitioned from a frontier outpost to an incorporated neighborhood within the larger city. The preservation of its historical character became a community priority, leading to the establishment of organizations committed to maintaining awareness of its origins. The neighborhood's main commercial corridor retained much of its historic architecture and street-level character, lending the area an authenticity that distinguishes it from newer commercial developments in the region.
Geography and Location
Old Colorado City occupies the western edge of Colorado Springs, placing it in close proximity to some of the most visited natural attractions in the state. Most notably, the neighborhood sits near Garden of the Gods, a public park known for its dramatic red rock formations and designated as a National Natural Landmark. This geographic positioning makes Old Colorado City a logical base for visitors exploring the region's outdoor offerings, as well as a destination in its own right.[3]
The neighborhood's western situation within Colorado Springs also gives it a distinct identity separate from the city's downtown core. Its main commercial stretch along Colorado Avenue serves as the heart of the district, lined with independently owned shops, restaurants, and art galleries that collectively define the neighborhood's contemporary character.
Arts and Culture
Today, Old Colorado City functions as a recognized arts district, hosting dozens of galleries that display works by more than 100 local artists.[4] This concentration of artistic activity distinguishes the neighborhood within Colorado Springs and has contributed to its reputation as a cultural hub in the region.
The Wall Street Journal has described Old Colorado City as a charming stretch featuring boutiques and galleries, and has specifically highlighted attractions such as Magic Town, an installation that depicts life with a level of detail and narrative depth unusual among public art experiences.[5] Magic Town has been described as bringing alive both the grit and the glamour of life, with reviewers noting it captures grit in particular with notable authenticity — and that its appeal extends to younger visitors as well.[6]
The arts district character of Old Colorado City developed organically from the neighborhood's commercial history. As the area's frontier-era businesses gave way to newer enterprises, the district attracted artists, gallery owners, and creative entrepreneurs drawn by its historic architecture, relatively accessible commercial spaces, and proximity to both a large urban population and a steady stream of tourists visiting nearby natural attractions. The result is a neighborhood where historic fabric and contemporary creative activity coexist.
Shopping and Dining
Beyond its galleries, Old Colorado City is recognized for its retail offerings. The neighborhood contains a range of independently operated boutiques selling goods that include locally made art, gifts, clothing, and specialty items. This concentration of independent retail distinguishes Old Colorado City from more standardized commercial corridors and contributes to its identity as a destination for visitors seeking distinctive shopping experiences.
The neighborhood's dining scene reflects its character as a westside neighborhood that has grown from its frontier roots into a modern urban district. Rocky Mountain Food Tours has identified Old Colorado City as a neighborhood that now boasts a beautiful westside identity rooted in its layered history, making it a subject of interest for food tourism in the Colorado Springs area.[7]
The neighborhood's combination of dining, shopping, and cultural offerings makes it a destination that appeals to both residents of Colorado Springs and visitors to the region. The Wall Street Journal has recommended Old Colorado City as a stop for visitors to Colorado Springs looking for a change of pace from the city's sports and outdoor recreation emphasis, describing it as a charming stretch well suited to leisurely exploration.[8]
Accommodations and Tourism
Old Colorado City has been noted by travel media as a viable base for visitors to the Colorado Springs region. The New York Times, in a 2024 travel feature on Colorado Springs, identified the neighborhood as a location where short-term rental accommodations are available, noting that it serves visitors who wish to stay in a historic neighborhood while remaining close to Garden of the Gods and other regional attractions.[9]
The neighborhood's appeal to tourists is reinforced by its walkable commercial corridor, where visitors can move easily between galleries, shops, and restaurants without relying on vehicles. This walkability, combined with the area's historic character and proximity to outdoor recreation, makes Old Colorado City an attractive proposition for a range of visitor types, from outdoor enthusiasts using the neighborhood as a base to culture-focused travelers seeking art and shopping experiences.
Comparison to Other Historic Urban Districts
Old Colorado City has been grouped alongside other notable historic urban neighborhoods in the United States as examples of distinctive neighborhood destinations. In coverage of urban nightlife and entertainment districts, Old Colorado City has been listed alongside Deep Ellum in Dallas, Texas; Downtown Nashville in Nashville, Tennessee; and Waikiki in Honolulu, Hawaii, as representative examples of well-known neighborhood destinations across the country.[10]
While these comparisons speak primarily to the neighborhood's visibility and name recognition on a national scale, they also reflect the degree to which Old Colorado City has developed a profile beyond Colorado Springs itself. Its combination of historic identity, arts programming, independent retail, and proximity to major natural attractions has given the neighborhood a character that resonates with a broad audience.
The Old Colorado City Historical Society
The Old Colorado City Historical Society was established with an explicit mission to recognize the historical significance and unique culture of the original Colorado City.[11] The organization's work supports the preservation and promotion of the neighborhood's history, contributing to community identity and providing educational resources about the area's origins and development.
The existence of a dedicated historical society underscores the degree to which residents and stakeholders in Old Colorado City view the neighborhood's past as an asset worthy of active preservation. Rather than treating its Wild West origins as a purely commercial hook, the community has invested in institutional frameworks for historical documentation and awareness.
Community Character
The neighborhood is recognized within Colorado Springs as having a distinct community identity. Beyond its function as a commercial and arts district, Old Colorado City is home to residents who maintain strong attachments to the area's culture and history. Accounts of community life in the neighborhood reflect a sense of place rooted in both the district's historic character and its ongoing development as a creative and commercial hub on the city's west side.[12]
This community character has proven durable through the neighborhood's various transformations, from frontier outpost to Victorian-era commercial center to contemporary arts district. The continuity of place identity across these transitions reflects a broader pattern in successful historic urban neighborhoods, where physical fabric, institutional memory, and community investment combine to preserve a sense of distinctiveness over time.