Visit & Tour Guide: Exploring Miramont Castle And Manitou Springs

Miramont Castle might not be the grandest estate in the Rockies, but it’s easily one of the most intriguing. Tucked into the hillside of Manitou Springs, Colorado, this 1895 mansion offers visitors a layered experience: part museum, part architectural oddity, and part local treasure. If you’re planning a visit—or just love finding places with rich stories and unexpected charm—this guide will help you make the most of your time on and around the castle grounds.

Downtown Manitou Springs offers a walkable mix of quirky shops, mineral springs, and mountain-town charm—just minutes from Miramont Castl

📖 What to Know Before You Go

The castle is open year-round, but hours shift slightly by season. Expect to spend about 60 to 90 minutes touring the property. The museum is self-guided, so you can move at your own pace, but if you’re lucky, you’ll find a friendly staff member eager to share extra insights.

• Hours: Generally 10am to 4pm, but call ahead to confirm for holidays or off-season
• Admission: Around $14 for adults, with senior, military, and child discounts
• Accessibility: Because of the castle’s age and multi-level layout, wheelchair access is limited
• Website: miramontcastle.org (also a great place to check for special events)
• Miramont Castle rises from the hillside like a medieval manor with a Rocky Mountain twist.

🏰 Touring the Castle

Inside, you’ll find over 40 rooms restored with period furnishings, each reflecting a different slice of Victorian life. From grand parlors and a solarium to a firefighter museum tucked into one wing, there’s no shortage of quirky corners.

Don’t miss:

• The Gothic-style chapel, once used by Father Francolon himself
• The Victorian Tea Room, where you can book a traditional high tea (reservations recommended)
• The castle’s unusual floorplan, with varying ceiling heights and multi-purpose rooms—a reflection of its many roles over time

👉 See what other travelers say about Miramont Castle on Tripadvisor

A visit to the Tea Room is part history, part indulgence—and totally charming.

🌸 When to Visit

Spring and fall are ideal. In spring, the hillside comes alive with blooming trees and cool mountain breezes—plus, it pairs beautifully with our seasonal feature, It’s Springtime in the Rockies.

Summer tends to be busier, especially on weekends, so early arrivals will have the most peaceful experience. Winter brings fewer crowds and a cozy, sometimes snow-dusted atmosphere.

🏞️ Nearby Attractions: Make a Day of It

Miramont Castle sits just minutes from some of Colorado’s most iconic and walkable experiences:

• Garden of the Gods: Just a short drive away, this red rock wonderland is free to explore and has plenty of accessible walking paths and photo ops
• Manitou Incline: A leg-burner of a hike for the brave (and fit), with over 2,700 steps straight up a mountain
• Pikes Peak Cog Railway: An unforgettable ride up one of America’s most famous 14ers
• Historic Manitou Springs: Wander through boutiques, taste naturally carbonated mineral springs, and enjoy local art galleries

: Nearby Garden of the Gods offers jaw-dropping geology just minutes from the castle.

🛏️ Where to Stay Nearby

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a solo escape, Manitou Springs and nearby Colorado Springs offer a range of lodging options to fit your style and budget.

Luxury:

• The Cliff House at Pikes Peak: Elegant rooms and suites in a beautifully restored 19th-century hotel, just minutes from the castle.

Family-Friendly:

• Magnuson Grand Pikes Peak: Comfortable and centrally located, with amenities like free breakfast and an indoor pool.
• Days Inn by Wyndham Manitou Springs: Budget-conscious and easy access to nearby attractions.

Budget-Friendly:

• Eagle Motel: A no-frills, independently owned spot with friendly service and great location.
• Silver Saddle Motel: Vintage charm and walkable to Manitou Springs’ downtown shops.

👉 Compare options and check availability on Booking.com

🍽️ Local Eats & Treats

Looking for a bite after your castle tour?

• Adam’s Mountain Cafe: A Manitou favorite for healthy, flavorful fare
• Cliff House Dining Room: Upscale historic inn with a menu to match
• Good Karma Cafe: Great coffee, breakfast, and people-watching downtown

💡 Tip: The Tea Room inside Miramont Castle is one of the most unique dining experiences in the area. Book ahead if you want to include it in your visit.

💞 Final Thoughts

Miramont Castle isn’t about grandeur—it’s about curiosity, layers, and a deep sense of place. For architecture lovers, history buffs, and travelers who enjoy places off the well-worn path, it’s more than worth the stop. And once you’re there, it just might convince you to stay a little longer in Manitou Springs.

👉 Looking for more context and history? Don’t miss our main article on Miramont