Just six miles outside of Colorado Springs is a quaint small town named Manitou Springs. Even though we were not looking for a haunted adventure while traveling through, we found that Manitou Springs is overflowing with haunted ghost stories, lore, and amazing views.

A Cure for Wellness

Manitou Springs is well known for its natural mineral spring water. It is believed that these springs have magical healing powers. This lead to an increase in people traveling to Manitou Springs and the construction of a resort to provide water therapies and bathhouses. This town was commonplace for those suffering from tuberculosis to travel to in an attempt to cure themselves. There are currently nine restored springs throughout the city that people can drink from.

Manitou Springs may not have true magical powers, but you can be sure to see a magical landscape like no other right around the corner at The Garden of the Gods. We found ourselves making excuses to cut through the park to make our way back to the hotel because the views are quite amazing.

Racers, start your…coffins?

One of Manitou Springs’ most famous ghost stories is the story of Emma Crawford. Emma had come to the town for the mineral springs, hoping them to be the cure for her tuberculosis. When she passed, her husband wanted to fulfill her dying wish, to be buried at the top of Red Mountain. Her body was carried up a 7,200-foot slope and she was laid to rest.

Thirty-eight years later, after some dark and stormy nights, her coffin raised out of the ground and came barreling down the mountain and into Manitou Springs. Since 1995 this legend has been celebrated with the Emma Crawford coffin races and festivals each October. Since we are really into coffins, hence the coffin-shaped picnic table, this is something the Eerie Outings Crew will need to go back to experience!

Good food and drinks

One of our favorite food stops in Manitou Springs was Manitou Brewing Company. We found ourselves in good company with above and beyond customer service and fantastic food after a long day of adventuring and walking around. If you are looking to enjoy a nice cold brew born from the pristine waters located near the top of Pikes Peak, then this is a must-stop for you. You surely won’t be disappointed!

You can read about other haunted locations in the magazines provided in our pop-up picnics.

Book a stress-free spooky-themed pop-up picnic experience with Eerie Outings today.