Manitou Cliff Dwellings, Manitou Springs

Great place! people come and go, so parking wasn't a problem. It was great to be able to walk into the dwellings and imagine what it would be like. My 16 year old daughter had a great time climbing into the houses through the small doors and interpreting, based on the educational signs, what everything was and how it would have looked and worked at the time. The gift shop is one of the nicest, and I am not a gift shop person. The museum is small, but educational.

Very cool to look around. Beautiful views. Really interesting complex. If you go down to the museum, be aware that it is a long way down stairs or a steep ramp. Also the museum in the lobby is a separate museum from the main museum which is actually inside at the back of the gift shop. Gift shop staff was not the friendliest but the cliff dwellings are worth seeing.

Very fun stop, on our way out of Colorado. We heard it was dog friendly, and it lived up to the reputation. Our Husky had a blast, walking through the structures. And I have to say, the gift shop game was strong. Come prepared to spend a decent amount of money, but if you’re looking for a one-stop-shop for Colorado souvenirs, this is the place. Massive multi-level gift shop with an enormous selection.

Not as exciting as you may think. Coming from a local, this place is a huge tourist trap. I normally don't have a problem with that but 90% of this place catered to tourism. Other then the museum this place is just a cash cow for bored tourists. I would like to say that not all of this place is bad. The museum was incredibly detailed and contained more artifacts then the mesa Verde monument. Also the employees were very helpful and kind. Other then that this place is pretty much one giant playground.

This is a great spot for a quick visit with the kids to show them some interesting American history. It's all outdoors (except the gift shop) and amazingly you can bring your dog too! The kids liked climbing in and out of the small rooms and marveled at the number of families that would have lived in each one. It wasn't very big, but it was definitely memorable.