Colorado Springs, Colorado has always been popular with tourists, visitors, and new residents. When General William Palmer founded Colorado Springs in August 1871, he actually intended to create a lavish, quality resort community. The close proximity of majestic Pikes Peak and the gorgeous Garden of the Gods helped draw people into the burgeoning community. In later years, the Gold Rush also drew people to the city. On towards the twentieth century, the discovery and development of a goldmine in a nearby area further increase Colorado Springs’ appeal. A tourism boom continued the tradition in the early twentieth century, and by the middle of the twentieth century – namely World War II – a military boom kept people pouring into Colorado Springs.
Colorado Springs has the second largest population in all of Colorado and it is located almost at the geographical center point of the state. The city is nestled right near the base of towering Pikes Peak and most parts of the city are at least one mile above sea level – most of them are substantially higher. Colorado Springs is in many ways a very urbanized city, with such modern features as parks, bike trails, open air recreational spacious, and many other forms of entertainment. In many ways, it is still known as the same resort city that General William Palmer intended.
For the most part, the economy of Colorado Springs is supported by three things: the military, which drives the economy the most; the high-tech industry, which comes in second; and tourism. Although the military is clearly the main force behind the city’s economy, Colorado Springs does not depend on it entirely. Recently, and due in part to a growth in the service industry, Colorado Springs has been declared as having one of the fastest growing economies in the whole of the United States.
Colorado Springs enjoys a surprisingly mild climate. The high altitude makes for rather warm summer temperatures, although it also makes things fairly breezy, so it is relatively easy to cool down, as well. The winters in Colorado Springs are generally mild too. Large amounts of snow accumulation, sub-zero weather or cold fronts, and blizzards are rare. The high altitude helps in the winter, providing warmer temperatures. Colorado Springs has not enjoyed much rain in recent years, leading to water restrictions when the weather starts warming up. In spring and fall, Colorado Springs is extraordinarily well known for being a very common area for active lightning strikes.
Being an intended resort city, tourism is a large part of Colorado Springs in terms of every day life and livelihood. Pikes Peak and the attendant activities draw most of the tourism. Because of it and the close proximity of the Rocky Mountains, there are many trails and parks winding through and dotted throughout Colorado Springs. The United States Olympic Training Center and the United States Olympic Committee reside in Colorado Springs, not to mention national headquarters for several individual Olympic sports. Between those three things, they draw their fair share of tourism to the city, as well.