Things To Do
in Fountain

Fountain, Colorado is a friendly town just south of Colorado Springs, offering easy access to the Front Range and scenic plains. The community blends a small-town atmosphere with convenient proximity to outdoor recreation and urban amenities. Expect a relaxed pace, with friendly locals and a gateway feel to the nearby mountains.

The area is popular with families, outdoor enthusiasts, and travelers seeking a base for exploring southern Colorado.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and Fountain Creek Nature Center
morning
:

Touch down in Fountain and settle into your lodging before heading to the Fountain Creek Nature Center. Wander the interactive exhibits to learn about local ecosystems while watching birds along the creek. Capture the serene riverside vistas and set the tone for your immersive Colorado adventure.

afternoon
:

Grab a picnic lunch by the water’s edge and savor freshly made sandwiches at the center’s outdoor tables. Embark on the Willow Trail, a gentle loop that reveals wildflowers and possible deer sightings. Photograph the vibrant flora and fauna as you leisurely explore the park.

evening
:

Return to town for a hearty meal at a farm-to-table restaurant, sampling local produce. Stroll through Main Street’s charming shops and art galleries for unique souvenirs. Wind down under the starlit prairie sky with a nightcap at a cozy local brewery.

day 2
Historic Downtown Fountain Walking Tour
morning
:

Start your day with a freshly brewed coffee at a historic café downtown. Set off on a self-guided walking tour to admire 19th-century architecture and learn about Fountain’s founding. Chat with locals as you explore landmarks like the Cabretta Hotel.

afternoon
:

Lunch awaits at a family-run taco joint serving authentic Mexican fare. Visit the Fountain Museum to delve deeper into the town’s history and peruse vintage photographs. Continue the tour by popping into antique shops for hidden treasures.

evening
:

Dine on classic American comfort food at a local diner where the walls are adorned with memorabilia. Catch a live music performance at a nearby venue or enjoy an open mic night. End the evening with a moonlit stroll through the city park.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
🍽️Meal for 2 at mid-range restaurant$25-40
Coffee or latte$3-5
🏨Hotel room per night$70-120
Gasoline per gallon$3-4

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Proximity to Colorado Springs and outdoor recreation
  • Friendly small-town atmosphere with easy access to amenities
  • Smaller nightlife and fewer dining options within Fountain itself
  • Traffic can be busier during peak travel times near I-25 and the Springs

Places to Visit in Fountain

Visit one of these nice places.

Fountain Creek Overlook

Scenic views of the waterway with foothills in the distance, ideal for golden hour photography.

Downtown Fountain Wall Murals

Colorful street art and small-town storefronts with characterful lighting and texture.

Cheyenne Mountain Foothills Perspective

Panoramic views of the front range from nearby vantage points accessible via short hikes or drive-and-view spots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Fountain

Fountain’s cuisine leans into hearty American fare with Colorado twists, Mexican influences, and plenty of craft beverages from nearby breweries. Expect generous portions, comfort foods, and seasonal produce from local farms.

Fountain Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Green Chile Stew

A warming pork or chicken stew loaded with green chiles, often served with tortillas or over burritos at local taquerias.

Must-Try!

Rocky Mountain Trout

Fresh-cish trout prepared with simple seasonings, commonly found in casual Colorado eateries and riverfront diners.

Colorado-Style BBQ Burger

A souvenir of regional grilling—a beef burger topped with jalapeño, cheddar, and smoky sauce at local diners and pubs.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Fountain Farmers Market

Seasonal market offering local produce, baked goods, and prepared foods from nearby farmers and vendors.

Festival Street Food Row

Occasional pop-up food stalls and trucks along main streets offering tacos, sliders, and street-side eats.

Climate Guide

Weather

The Fountain area experiences a semi-arid climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm to hot, winters are cold with occasional snowfall, and spring and fall bring mild temps with variability. The area sees plenty of sunshine throughout the year, with higher precipitation in late winter and early spring.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Friendly greetings

A simple hello and a smile go a long way; locals appreciate politeness and friendly conversation.

Altitude awareness

The area sits at moderate elevation; take it easy the first day to adjust and stay hydrated.

Respect for nature

Stay on designated trails and pack out trash; keep noise levels reasonable in residential areas.

Safety Guide

Safety

Fountain is generally a safe, family-friendly community. As with any destination, take standard travel precautions: secure valuables, be aware of your surroundings at night, drive carefully in winter conditions, and keep local emergency numbers handy (911 for emergencies).

Tipping in Fountain

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping

Restaurant servers generally receive 15-20% of the pre-tax bill. For coffee shops, rounding up or a small tip is appreciated. Tipping bartenders and tour guides follows the 15-20% guideline.

Payment Methods

Cash, credit/debit cards, and mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are widely accepted; some small venues may prefer cash.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Milder days and budding flora; afternoon showers possible; perfect for outdoor walks and early-season hikes.

Summer

Warm days with chances of thunderstorms; carry water, wear sun protection; great for trails and outdoor activities.

Autumn

Cooler temps with colorful foliage; ideal for scenic drives and quiet hikes in foothill parks.

Winter

Colder temperatures with occasional snow; layering is essential; some trails may be icy but close-in options remain accessible.

Nightlife Guide

Fountain at Night

Fountain has a quiet nightlife scene, largely centered around nearby Colorado Springs breweries, casual pubs, and live music venues. For a more active evening, head to nearby Old Colorado City or downtown Colorado Springs where breweries, wine bars, and cafes offer social atmospheres without large crowds.

Hiking in Fountain

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Red Rock Canyon Open Space

Paved and unpaved trails with scenic rock formations and views of the Front Range, just a short drive from Fountain.

Cheyenne Mountain State Park

Foothill park with extensive network of trails and sweeping views of Colorado Springs.

Pikes Peak via Barr Trail (Manitou area)

Classic alpine hike with expansive mountain scenery; suitable for experienced hikers.

Airports

How to reach Fountain by plane.

Colorado Springs Airport (COS)

Regional airport serving southern Colorado; about 25-30 miles north with frequent flights and rental car access.

Denver International Airport (DEN)

Major hub approximately 60-90 miles north; extensive domestic and international connections; accessible by car or long-distance coach and flight options.

Getting Around

Walkability

Fountain is a small town with a walkable downtown core, but for most sightseeing and mountain access you will rely on a car. The surrounding foothill corridors offer pleasant walking and cycling routes, while longer trips into Colorado Springs are best by vehicle or public transit.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

A family-friendly community with schools, parks, and safe neighborhoods.

Outdoor Enthusiasts

Residents who frequently use foothill trails, parks, and nearby recreation areas.

Military and Veterans

Proximity to military communities and the broader Colorado Springs region contributes to a diverse population.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football

Popular school and community sport; strong local enthusiasm during fall seasons.

Basketball

Common at schools and local gyms; opportunities for pickup games.

Hiking and Mountain Biking

On the foothills and parks around Fountain; active outdoor culture.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally light to moderate in Fountain, with heavier congestion around the I-25 corridor during rush hours and tourist seasons. Public transit is available through regional routes and connections to Colorado Springs; driving is straightforward, with mountain routes occasionally impacted by weather in winter.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Fountain.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Look for meat-free options at most cafes and diners; many places offer veggie burgers, salads, and bean-based bowls. Nightly specials can be adapted to vegetarian diets; ask for dairy-free cheese or oils if needed.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare services are available in Fountain through clinics and urgent care centers. For more extensive care, residents typically travel to Colorado Springs to access Memorial Hospital Central, UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital system facilities, and specialty clinics.

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