If you have seen it, you know: Manitou Springs, Colorado, is about as charming and quirky of a small town as you will ever find, thanks to its unique attractions, ample shopping and dining, and its colorful art scene. While all of the above is reason enough to visit, the arts may officially take the cake, as it was just named one of the country’s Best Small Town Art Scenes:

According to USA Today’s 10Best, Manitou Springs is officially one of the best art scenes in America, as per the recently released Best Small Town Arts Scene (2021).

Dbenbenn/Wikimedia Commons

Looking at towns with a population of 30,000 or less (“What each lacks in size, it makes up for with a big art scene – museums, art galleries, performing arts and busy event calendars,”), Manitou Springs was somewhat of a no-brainer, thanks to its many mainstay and limited-time attractions.

Flickr/Steve Walser

As per 10Best, “The small downtown area is filled with art galleries and eclectic boutiques,” adding that “The Manitou Art Center features a maker space for digital artists and hosts courses in both traditional and non-conventional visual arts.”

Manitou Art Center Facebook

In addition to the above, Manitou Springs is also home to the performing arts, plus street art, art stores, and more.

Flickr/Wally Gobetz

Incorporated in 1888, Manitou Springs was founded with the intent of creating a “scenic health resort,” which can still be experienced today but may just be overshadowed by the thriving art scene.

Flickr/Stephen Rees

To discover even more to see and do around Manitou Springs, please visit their official tourism website.

Flickr/Wally Gobetz

For even more 10Best lists, please visit their website. Do you have a favorite place that you would like to see featured on Only in Colorado? Nominate it here! For even more must-see art, check out The Art Cartopia Car Museum In Colorado Is The Very Definition Of Quirky.

Dbenbenn/Wikimedia Commons

Flickr/Steve Walser

Manitou Art Center Facebook

Flickr/Wally Gobetz

Flickr/Stephen Rees

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Address: Manitou Springs, CO 80829, USA