Centennial State Diary – Manitou Springs Penny Arcade

Manitou Springs Penny Arcade
930 Manitou Avenue
Manitou Springs, CO

A Brief History of Manitou Springs

Manitou Springs started out as sacred Indian land where the native North American Plains Indian Tribes (such as the Ute, the Arapahoe) drank and soaked in the springs. The water from the springs runs through the limestone karst aquifers. The limestone from the aquifers dissolves into the water, creating carbonic acid, naturally carbonating the water and causing effervescence. The Plains Indians believed the effervescence was, "the breath of the Great Spirit Manitou" and the mineral waters were thought to have medicinal properties. The land was named Manitou by the Plains Indian tribes and shared amongst the tribes without fear or worry of conflict.

In the summer of 1820, Army topographical engineer Stephen H. Long led a scientific expedition, “from the Mississippi to the Rocky Mountains,” to explore the Rocky Mountains and the Platte, Arkansas and Canadian Rivers. Doctor Edwin James served as botanist and geologist during the expedition and led the first recorded ascent to Pike’s Peak. It was during this ascent he first discovered Manitou Springs and its reputed healing waters.

Inspired by the writings of Dr. James, General William J. Palmer, and Doctor William A. Bell visited the region, and on October 27, 1870, they formed and incorporated the Denver and Rio Grande Railway. The company laid its first rails from Denver, CO on July 28, 1971, and opened its first spur in Colorado Springs on October 21, 1971. By 1881, a rail spur from Colorado Springs to Manitou Springs was completed, and it became known as the "Saratoga of the West." Celebrities such as P.T. Barnum, Thomas Edison, and Lillie Langtry frequented Manitou Springs, but the reputed healing waters of the springs made it a pilgrimage destination for people convalescing from "consumption" (tuberculosis).

The Penny Arcade and Free Springs

Vintage Arcade Games

While the penny arcade has classic arched games such as Donkey Kong, Centipede, and Spy Hunter, the Arcade has pinball machines and completely restored arcade classics. Generally speaking, if the cost of a game was $0.25 when it was originally released, the current price per play is $0.25. The arcade spans three city blocks in the heart of Manitou Springs.

Vintage Stereoscope Machines

A “Saratoga of the West” vintage arcade would not be complete without classic burlesque stereoscopes. In addition to restored boardwalk classics such as Skeeball, the penny arcade hosts a collection of the vintage stereoscopes. For the cost of a nickel, one can check out the old nickelodeons on display.

The Springs of Manitou

During the heyday of Manitou Springs, no less than 50 springs were drilled in the city, and spring houses were erected. The springhouses remain, and many of the springs are open to the public and free to use. While all the springs have effervescent water, the water from each spring tastes dramatically different.

The trip to Manitou Springs is about a one hour drive south of Denver, Colorado. On your next trip into Colorado, take some time to visit the “Saratoga of the West,” I guarantee it will not disappoint.