Background

Stratton Spring: A Glimpse into Manitou's Past

4.6 (30)

Discover Stratton Spring in Manitou Springs: A historic mineral spring at the crossroads of trails, trolley lines, and highways.

Stratton Spring in Manitou Springs is a historic mineral spring drilled in 1936 by the Stratton Foundation. Situated at the intersection of Manitou's old trolley lines and modern roads, it offers a refreshing taste of the town's effervescent history.

A brief summary to Stratton Spring

  • 955 Manitou Ave, Manitou Springs, West Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80829, US
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Stratton Spring.

  • Bring a small container to sample the spring water. Cups are sometimes available, but it's best to be prepared.
  • Combine your visit to Stratton Spring with a walking tour of Manitou Springs' other mineral springs to experience the variety of tastes.
  • Check the Mineral Springs Foundation website for the latest water quality reports and any advisories.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Attraction

Cheyenne Spring

Cheyenne Spring: A Taste of History
Attraction

Adventures Out West Pikes Peak Ziplines

Adventures Out West Pikes Peak Ziplines: Soar Through the Rockies
Attraction

Lantern Tour

Cave of the Winds Lantern Tour

Unlock the Best of Stratton Spring

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Getting There

  • Walking

    Stratton Spring is located at 955 Manitou Avenue in Manitou Springs. If you are already in the downtown area, it is easily accessible by foot. From the Manitou Springs Penny Arcade, walk west on Manitou Avenue for about 0.3 miles. The spring will be on your right. There are sidewalks along Manitou Avenue, making for an easy and pleasant walk.

  • Public Transport

    If you're coming from Colorado Springs, take the Mountain Metropolitan Transit (MMT) bus route 3 towards Manitou Springs. Get off at the stop closest to 955 Manitou Ave on Manitou Avenue. Walk a short distance west (about 0.2 miles) along Manitou Avenue, and you will find Stratton Spring on your right. A single fare on the bus is $2.

  • Driving

    If driving from the Garden of the Gods Visitor Center, head east on Garden of the Gods Road for about 0.5 miles. Turn left onto 30th Street and continue for about 1 mile until you reach the intersection with Manitou Avenue (CO-24). Turn right onto Manitou Avenue and drive approximately 2 miles. Stratton Spring will be on your left at 955 Manitou Ave, Manitou Springs, CO 80829. Parking is available in designated lots and on-street. Parking is always free after 6 p.m. Metered parking costs vary, but expect to pay around $1-2 per hour. Some lots offer all-day parking for $5.

Discover more about Stratton Spring

Stratton Spring is one of the eight mineral springs in Manitou Springs, Colorado, each offering a unique taste and a glimpse into the town's storied past. Drilled in 1936 by the Stratton Foundation, it was intended as a practical resource and a service to the community during the Great Depression. The spring is named after Winfield Scott Stratton, a mining magnate who became the region's first self-made millionaire.Located at what was once known as “The Loop,” the intersection of Manitou and Ruxton Avenues, Stratton Spring marks a place where indigenous trails, historic trolley lines, and the modern highway system converge. This area was the turnaround point for the electric streetcars that served Manitou Springs in the early 20th century. The streetcars, operated by the Colorado Springs & Interurban Railway Company, connected Manitou Springs with downtown Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Cog Railway.Today, Stratton Spring continues to flow, providing visitors and locals with a taste of Manitou's distinctive mineral water. The Mineral Springs Foundation regularly tests the water to ensure its safety, though an advisory has been issued regarding manganese levels. While the water is safe to taste, it is not intended as a primary source of drinking water.

Explore the best of what Stratton Spring has to offer

Mobile App

Your all‑in‑one travel companion app

Explore expert travel guides, compare and book tours, experiences, hotels, and more—all from the palm of your hand. Download now for seamless trip planning wherever your wanderlust takes you.



More about Pikes Peak Region

Colorado Color: Pikes Peak > Peterson and Schriever Space Force Base > Display

Explore the Pikes Peak Region in Colorado: Stunning views, historic charm, and outdoor adventures await in America’s Mountain and its scenic surroundings.

Tell me more about Pikes Peak Region
Attraction

Explore a historic railway tunnel on a scenic and potentially haunted mountain road near Colorado Springs.

Tunnel #1
Attraction

Quench your thirst with naturally carbonated mineral water at this historic spring in the heart of Manitou Springs.

Cheyenne Spring

Select Currency