Antlers Park (City of Colorado Springs)
Antlers Park is a 3.4-acre historic downtown green space nestled beside the iconic Antlers Hotel — one of the most storied landmarks in Colorado Springs. With views of Pikes Peak framed by shade trees and open lawns, it’s a quiet and scenic retreat right in the heart of the city.
Features
- Historic locomotive on display
- Large group picnic shelter (reservable)
- Picnic tables and open green space
- Shaded walking paths and sidewalk loop
- Restrooms
- Dog park (separate fenced area with small and large dog zones, synthetic turf, play amenities, and dog water station)
- Wheelchair accessible
What to Expect A peaceful, historically rich park that’s perfect for a lunch break, a casual stroll, or letting the dog run. The park has a relaxed, unhurried feel — more of a scenic respite than an active recreation hub — and the backdrop of the Antlers Hotel and Pikes Peak views make it one of the more photogenic spots in downtown.
History Antlers Park has been part of downtown Colorado Springs since the early 1900s, originally designed as a landscaped arrival gateway for travelers stepping off the train at the nearby Denver and Rio Grande Railroad depot. The park takes its name from the Antlers Hotel, first built by city founder General William Jackson Palmer in 1883 and a downtown landmark ever since. The park is one of three historic downtown parks — along with Acacia and Alamo Square — included in the city’s Downtown Historic Parks Master Plan.
Plan Your Visit
Location: 31 W. Pikes Peak Ave. (W. Pikes Peak Ave. & Sierra Madre St.), Downtown Colorado Springs
Parking: Metered street parking nearby; parking garage adjacent
Hours: Open daily Fees: Free
Acacia Park (City of Colorado Springs)
Acacia Park is Colorado Springs’ oldest and most beloved downtown park — a 3.7-acre historic green space donated by city founder General William Jackson Palmer in 1871 and reimagined in recent years with major improvements.
Features
- Uncle Wilber Fountain (interactive splash pad with moving sculpture)
- Ninja-style climbing structure and tot lot playground (completed 2022)
- Bandshell with summer concerts
- Shuffleboard courts (open June–mid August)
- Outdoor ice skating rink (November–January)
- Picnic tables and shade trees
- Acacia Park Visitor Hub
- Story Coffee (on-site coffee shop)
- Wheelchair accessible
What to Expect A lively, year-round community gathering place in the heart of downtown, surrounded by shops, restaurants, and mountain views. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee, letting the kids loose on the climbing structure, cooling off at the fountain in summer, or lacing up skates in winter, there’s always something going on at Acacia Park.
History Donated to the city in 1871, Acacia Park is the first park ever established in Colorado Springs. It has served as a gathering place for the community for more than 150 years and recently underwent a major renovation as part of the Downtown Historic Parks Improvement Project.
Plan Your Visit
Location: 115 E. Platte Ave. / Corner of Tejon St. & Platte Ave., Downtown Colorado Springs
Parking: Metered street parking on all four sides of the park
Hours: Open daily
Fees: Free (ice skating and shuffleboard may have nominal fees)
Explorer Park (City of Colorado Springs)
Explorer Park is a 7.3-acre Briargate neighborhood park with a mix of recreation features and pedestrian-friendly design in northeastern Colorado Springs.
Features
- Playground
- Inline hockey court
- Picnic shelter
- Walking paths throughout the park
- Natural Area
- Trail connection to Briargate Trail
What to Expect
A well-designed park with a balance of active recreation and walkable space for families and neighbors.
Plan Your Visit
Location: 4260 Bardot Dr.
Parking: Street parking available
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Fees: Free
Candleflower Park (City of Colorado Springs)
Candleflower Park is a 5-acre neighborhood park designed for everyday use and easy access in northeastern Colorado Springs.
Features
- Playground
- Open play area
- Walkways throughout the park
- Access to the Briargate Trail
What to Expect
A walkable neighborhood park with simple amenities, ideal for families and casual outdoor time.
Plan Your Visit
Location: 7690 Contrails Dr.
Parking: Street parking nearby
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Fees: Free
