by: Will Bergenheit
Colorado Springs, located a little over an hour south of Denver, is well-known for such landmarks as the Broadmoor Hotel, the Garden of the Gods, and the campus of Focus on the Family. Several of its landmarks, though, are not so much Colorado landmarks as they are American places of interest. Three distinctly American locations stand out in particular.
The United States Air Force Academy, located 14 miles north of downtown, welcomes visitors year-round. Among the chief sites is the world-famous chapel, known for its unique, angular architecture. Music buffs are also familiar with its famous organ. The chapel shows just a small part of the lifestyles of cadets as they pursue excellence of character, physical fitness, and outstanding academic achievement.
Another site, which is beginning to rival the Academy in popularity, is the United States Olympic Training Center. Yes, there are opportunities to watch athletes train, and even to meet them, but most people don't know that there is a "training" opportunity for visitors, too. The velodrome makes rental bikes available to visitors to ride on the track when it isn't in use by the U.S. Cycling Team. For those that don't wish to be that active, there are numerous displays, shops, and eatieries to enjoy.
Colorado's most famous landmark is Pikes Peak, which looms above the city to the west. Katherine Lee Bates took to its 14,000 foot plus summit in 1895 and was so moved by what she saw, she penned the words to the immortal song, "America the Beautiful." Today's visitors can reach the summit by means of a convenient highway.
Consider a visit to Colorado Springs to experience some of the best of the American spirit!