​
2. Dunton Hot Springs
​

​
3. Iron Mountain Hot Springs
​

​
​4. The Springs Resort & Spa

Opened to the public in 2012, the National Museum of World War II Aviation documents the role that military aviation played in the emergence of our nation as a world power. The museum tells the story of the tremendous technological advancements in aviation during the War and the contributions and sacrifices of the men and who won the air war.

For more information, visit their website: National Museum of World War II Aviation

Enjoy a Colorado Vacation in Breckenridge!
Related Travel Post: Camping in Colorado

See more: BreckVacation

The Pauline Chapel is a beautiful chapel on the National Register of Historic Places. It is owned by The Broadmoor Resort.

In 1918, Spencer Penrose submitted two designs for the chapel on behalf of his wife Julie, a devout Catholic, to the Bishop of the Diocese of Denver. The first was a sketch by Broadmoor hotel architects Warren & Wetmore. Later that year, an additional design, in a Spanish Mission style, was sent from Thomas MacLaren & Douglas Hetherington Architects of Colorado Springs. The second rendering was chosen and construction was completed in the spring of 1919. However, Pauline Chapel was not dedicated as a Catholic church until 1925 when St. Paul's Catholic Parish of Colorado Springs was established.

Another resource on the history of the chapel is as follows: "While the Broadmoor Hotel was being built under Spencer Penrose’s watchful eye, his wife was supervising the building of a small chapel across the lake. Her vision for the chapel was Italian Renaissance and the design for the chapel was based on a 14th century model in the Vatican. A Scotsman, Thomas MacLaren, was the chosen architect. He saw art as architecture, and had his hand in many well-known buildings around Colorado Springs. Pauline Chapel was not originally planned as a parish church. Built in 1918, it was a “rest” chapel for the use of hotel guests."

During their travels through Europe in the early 1900's, Mr. and Mrs. Penrose acquired many examples of religious art and artifacts that spoke to the rich history and tradition of the early church. Today, The Pauline Chapel is a popular choice for wedding ceremonies, and is also open to hotel guests and community each Sunday at 9:00am.

New windows were installed after World War II and The Rose Window in the choir loft was added, depicting the Blessed Mother’s crowing as Queen of Heaven. The last of Julie’s projects was a gift of a pipe organ and chimes to the chapel. The installation was completed in 1955. Julie Penrose passed away in 1956. The new St. Paul’s Church opened in 1959. Source...

The town of Victor, Colorado is known as the City of Gold Mines. It is located at nearly an elevation of 10,000 feet on the southwest side of Pikes Peak in the Cripple Creek Victor Mining District.

Victor is central to the Gold Belt National Scenic Byway and designated as a National Historic District. This well-preserved gold mining town is 45 minutes from Colorado Springs and  Pikes Peak. 

Victor is a unique setting of 1890's mine structures and turn-of-the-century buildings, unique shops and restaurants, as well as hiking trails, museums, and gold mining experiences. You will find clean, cool mountain air and plenty of year-round sunshine. Victor prides itself in not having stoplights, chair stores, traffic, or anything resembling the "rat race"! Source...

Battle Mountain which is located just above Victor had the largest, most prolific mines in the mining district. Thus, the town became known as the "City of Mines." The Mt. Rosa Mining, Milling and Land Company was founded in 1892 by Harry, Frank and Warren Woods. In 1894 the Woods brothers discovered gold when they began digging the foundation for a building, which resulted in the creation of the Gold Coin Mine. At that time 8,000 people lived in Victor.

Check Out Our Membership Business Directory - Click Here

In recent years mining has resumed in the area. The Cripple Creek & Victor Gold Mining Company formed in 1976 as a joint venture to restart mining in the district. From 1976 to 1989, the company produced 150,000 troy ounces (4,600 kg) of gold by reprocessing tailings and mining two small surface deposits.

The Cripple Creek & Victor Gold Mining Company began the first large-scale open pit mining in the district in 1994. In 1995 an open pit gold mining operation, which taps into "legendary" mines, began on Battle Mountain. Mining continued at the Cripple Creek & Victor Gold Mine, under the ownership of AngloGold Ashanti which produced about 250,000 troy ounces of gold in 2012, in addition to several locally owned mines, all of which provide employment and revenue for the community. Ownership has recently changed from Anglo Gold to Newmont mining.

See below, an historic gold mine near Victor, Colorado...

These Top 7 Considerations will help you focus:

1. Your Budget – Take a realistic look at your finances and determine what you can afford to spend. Then you can start looking for destinations that fit into your budget.
2. Length of Time for Vacation – How much time can you be gone from home? Are you considering a lengthy vacation or long weekend vacations?
3. Time of Year for Vacation – Are you flexible with the time of year for your vacation or do jobs and/or school schedule’s dictate when you can go. If you travel during the shoulder* season and not during the peak travel times, that will save you money.
4. Climate and US vs. International Travel – Do you like it hot and tropical or cold and wintry? Do you want to stay in North America or travel internationally? These are both personal preferences to consider.
5. Mode of Transportation – How do you want to travel? Do you want to take a road trip or sit back and relax on a plane, train or ship?
6. Main goal of the vacation? Do you want to relax and do nothing, participate in outdoor activities, take in culture or even have a volunteer vacation? Also, consideration should be given to the interests of other members of your travel party, such as children or older family or friends.
7. Visiting Family During a Vacation – Visiting family during a trip may limit your travel, but not necessarily. For instance, you can have a stopover before or after the main part of your trip. That way everyone is happy!

Going over the Top 7 Considerations listed above and checking them off will make the vacation planning much less daunting.
*Shoulder Season – This is the travel season between peak and off-peak seasons, when fares tend to be lower. This season is usually spring and fall. When traveling to Europe it is generally April through mid-June, September, and October.
Now, get busy planning a vacation that is long, overdue! Related Post: Colorado Vacations
More info on Planning a Vacation during this COVID 19 era: Travel

If you want to know more about the history of Colorado, visit these Colorado museums. You can visit them both in person and online.
Established in 1879, History Colorado offers public access to cultural and heritage resources of Colorado.
Here are the various Colorado museums that tell much of the story of the Centennial State. There are plenty of hands-on displays and a wealth of information. Put them on your “bucket list.”
Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum – History Matters. The Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum (CSPM) is the only institution researching, collecting and interpreting the robust history of Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region. Located at 215 South Tejon, Colorado Springs, Colorado.
National Museum of World War II Aviation – The National Museum of World War II Aviation provides a unique educational experience. It promotes a deeper understanding of the historical importance of American aviation in World War II. Located at 755 Aviation Way, Colorado Springs, Colorado.
History Colorado Center – “Inspiring generations to find wonder and meaning in our past and to engage in creating a better Colorado.” Located at 1200 Broadway, Denver, Colorado.
Byers-Evans House Museum – “The Byers-Evans House was home to two prominent Denver families. It is one of the city’s most historic landmarks.” Located at 1310 Bannock Street, Denver, Colorado.
El Pueblo History Museum – “El Pueblo History Museum showcases the city’s history and the region’s many cultural and ethnic groups.” Located at 301 North Union, Pueblo, Colorado.
Fort Garland Museum & Pike’s Stockade – “Fort Garland was once commanded by legendary frontiersman Kit Carson. It had a garrison of over 100 men. They served to protect the earliest settlers in the San Luis Valley.” Located at 29477 Highway 159, Fort Garland, Colorado.
Fort Vasquez Museum – “Visit the site of an 1835 fur-trading fort. You can follow the paths of founders Louis Vasquez and Andrew Sublette.” Located at 13412 U.S. Highway 85, Platteville, Colorado.
Georgetown Loop Historic Mining & Railroad Park – “An engineering marvel originally built in 1884. The railroad fulfilled the hopes of Georgetown citizens to become a prosperous settlement connected to Denver and points east.” Located 45 miles west of Denver on I-70, Exit #228.
Healy House Museum & Dextor Cabin – “Life in a mining town where miners made their fortunes overnight.” Located at 912 Harrison Avenue, Leadville, Colorado.
Trinidad History Museum – “Explore Trinidad’s past and its place in the American West at the Trinidad History Museum.” Located at 312 East Main, Trinidad, Colorado.
Ute Indian Museum – “Experience one of the most complete collections of Ute Indian artifacts in the nation.” Located at 12753 Chipeta Road, Montrose, Colorado.
​Make plans today to visit these Colorado Museums!