The Miramont Castle Museum is located in Manitou Springs, Colorado. This enchanting castle was built in 1895 by Fr. Jean Baptist Francolon, a French Catholic priest. Today, you can tour the castle on a self-guided tour. This museum is open Tuesday through Sunday. A tour includes a short history of the castle and the people who lived there. The Castle is a wonderful place to visit for history buffs. You can visit the museum at 9 Capitol Hill Ave, Manitou Springs, CO 80829.
The historical building is located in the heart of the Manitou Springs Historic District. Visitors can walk through the original 1895 castle and experience the Victorian life. The building is home to several exhibitions, including staged antique artifacts and local firefighter memorabilia. Visitors can tour over 30 rooms and enjoy a beautiful, rustic rock garden. While there, don’t forget to bring your camera.
Emma Crawford, a famous musical prodigy from Manitou Springs, died in 1891 and wanted her body buried on a mountain. Her coffin was placed on the slope but, as a result of erosion, she was left unburied. The coffin was eventually rolled down the mountain and into the canyon, triggering the legend that Emma Crawford still haunts the place. You can buy souvenirs and take home a piece of history with you.
The castle’s history has an interesting background. It was a sacred site for the Jicarilla Apaches and later, various explorers excavated the site. The museum started offering guided tours in 1881. There are three types of tours, ranging from the Discovery Tour to the Lantern Tour, depending on your age. The Discovery Tour is appropriate for the whole family and lasts about 45-60 minutes. Admission is $23 for those 13 and older. If you want to experience the Castle at night, the Lantern Tour is ideal. Candlelight exploration is particularly spooky during Halloween.
There are several attractions to see during a trip to Manitou Springs. The Manitou Springs Heritage Center houses exhibits on the history of the town. Highlights include the Manitou Incline, the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, and local pottery. The town is also home to several artisan galleries. You can also attend free concerts during the summer months and enjoy dancing and drumming in Memorial Park.
Visiting the Miramont Castle is free, but reservations are necessary for larger groups. The museum offers free admission for children under three years old and active duty military and firefighters with ID. However, the price for a tea package is higher per person. You can also hire a nanny for a romantic afternoon tea. Lastly, don’t forget to bring your camera. There are plenty of beautiful places to photograph in the city, and the castle is certainly one of them!
The museum is operated by the Manitou Springs Historical Society. The historical house has eclectic displays, including those of the local Volunteer Fire Department and of the Judge who presided over the Nuremberg trial. You can even explore the museum’s collections of Civil War spoils. As an added bonus, you can see the original location of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, which is the second-oldest motorsports race in the U.S.