Twin Spring
Discover Twin Spring, a historic bronze font in Manitou Springs offering a unique mineral water tasting experience. A local favorite for its distinct ...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Twin Spring
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Twin Spring, a historic bronze font in Manitou Springs offering a unique mineral water tasting experience. A local favorite for its distinct flavor.
"This was obvious, considering all the locals that had large gallon jugs they were filling; which you don’t see at any of the other springs."
Bring Your Own Water Bottles
Fill up at the various mineral springs for a unique taste adventure! :water_wave:
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Essential for exploring the town and its many springs. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Twin Spring
Manitou Springs
Taste the unique mineral water from this historic bronze font, drilled in the 1920s. A popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
Manitou Incline
Manitou Springs
Challenge yourself on this steep hike with over 2,700 stairs for breathtaking views. Reservations are often required.
Penny Arcade
Manitou Springs
Step back in time at this classic amusement arcade, offering family-friendly fun with a nostalgic vibe.
Miramont Castle Museum
Manitou Springs
Explore a historic mountain-side estate with a self-guided tour and enjoy a delightful afternoon tea experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Springs
Parking and Walking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Your Own Water Bottles
Fill up at the various mineral springs for a unique taste adventure! :water_wave:
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Essential for exploring the town and its many springs. :athletic_shoe:
Parking Can Be Tricky
Be prepared to walk a bit from your parking spot. :car:
Incline Reservations
Book your spot for the Manitou Incline in advance. :ticket: +1
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Your Own Water Bottles
Fill up at the various mineral springs for a unique taste adventure! :water_wave:
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Essential for exploring the town and its many springs. :athletic_shoe:
Parking Can Be Tricky
Be prepared to walk a bit from your parking spot. :car:
Incline Reservations
Book your spot for the Manitou Incline in advance. :ticket: +1
Unique Mineral Taste
Some springs taste like batteries; embrace the science experiment! :sparkling_heart:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Twin Spring a unique and fun experience, with many locals frequenting it to fill large jugs. While the taste is often described as strong and mineral-heavy, akin to 'batteries,' it's considered an interesting part of the Manitou Springs charm. Parking can be a hassle, and it's advised not to drink large quantities due to its potent nature.
"The water was fun to try but dont recommend for drinking on a normal basis. It seriously destroyed a dog bowl we have that steal whool couldn't even clear up. It will dehydrate you so dont go hiking with 3 liters of it. The fizzy part of the water is interesting . You can make a science experiment with it by mixing flavor packets into it. The parking around it also sucks so prepare to walk!"
C. Wedge
"My fav of the lot.
Tasty #goanyway"
Dan
"Best spring in town. This was obvious, considering all the locals that had large gallon jugs they were filling; which you don’t see at any of the other springs."
Jenevieve Hornsby
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Twin Spring is located in the heart of Manitou Springs, easily accessible by car. Parking can be challenging, so consider arriving early or being prepared for a short walk from your parking spot. Many visitors find it convenient to park and explore the town on foot to discover all the springs.
While there isn't direct public transport to every spring, the town is well-served by local buses and is a popular destination for day trips from Colorado Springs.
The most popular method is to park your car and walk. Many TikTok creators showcase walking tours of the springs, highlighting their locations throughout the town. +1
Some visitors mention a 'Manitou Springs Fountain Tour' and suggest getting a map from the Chamber of Commerce, indicating a structured way to explore.
While you can drive near Twin Spring, parking directly at the font can be difficult. It's often recommended to find nearby parking and walk to the spring.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Twin Spring is a public fountain and does not require a ticket for entry or tasting. It's a free attraction for all visitors.
The mineral springs themselves are free to access and taste. However, some attractions in Manitou Springs, like the Manitou Incline or Miramont Castle, may have associated fees or require reservations. +1
As an outdoor public fountain, Twin Spring is generally accessible at any time. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and the best experience.
Manitou Springs itself is a town, and there is no general entrance fee to visit. You can freely explore its streets, shops, and public springs.
For Twin Spring and most other public mineral springs, no advance booking is necessary. However, popular activities like the Manitou Incline do require reservations.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The water at Twin Spring has a distinct mineral taste, often described as 'batteries and pennies' by some visitors. Others find it 'tasty' and enjoy the unique flavor.
While it's fun to try, many advise against drinking it regularly. It can be dehydrating and has a strong mineral content that can affect things like dog bowls.
Locals often fill large jugs, suggesting they believe in its benefits. Each spring has unique mineral compositions, with signs by them providing information.
Twin Spring is one of many springs in Manitou Springs. Nearby attractions include the Manitou Incline, Penny Arcade, and various unique shops and art galleries. +1
Yes, tasting the water can be a fun and educational experience for children, turning it into a science experiment with flavor packets.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Manitou Springs offers a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to restaurants, many of which are within walking distance of Twin Spring.
While you can bring your own drinks, it's best to consume them away from the immediate spring area to keep it clean. Some visitors mention making science experiments with flavor packets.
You'll find a range of cuisines, with many places offering hearty American fare. Miramont Castle also offers a popular afternoon tea experience.
While not explicitly mentioned for Twin Spring, there are parks and public spaces in Manitou Springs where picnicking might be possible. It's always good to check local regulations.
Beyond the standard restaurants, consider the afternoon tea at Miramont Castle for a special treat.
📸 📸 Photography
The bronze font itself is a unique subject. Capturing the act of tasting the water or the surrounding charming streetscapes of Manitou Springs makes for great photos.
Late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour lighting, enhancing the charm of the historic font and the town. Weekday mornings can provide fewer people in your shots.
Absolutely! The Manitou Incline offers stunning panoramic views, the Penny Arcade provides colorful, nostalgic scenes, and the entire town is filled with unique architecture and art. +1
Yes, the Manitou Incline is a very popular spot for photos, both of the challenging stairs and the expansive views from the top.
Many visitors capture the natural beauty, the quirky town atmosphere, and the adventurous spirit of activities like the Incline. Witchy and spiritual vibes are also a theme. +2
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🚶♀️ Active Adventurers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Manitou's Mineral Springs
Each spring is marked with a sign detailing its mineral content, offering a unique tasting experience. While some springs have a refreshing, clean taste, others, like Twin Spring, can have a strong, metallic flavor reminiscent of 'batteries and pennies.' This unique characteristic makes it an interesting, albeit sometimes challenging, experience for visitors. It's often advised not to drink large quantities, as the high mineral content can be dehydrating and have other effects.
Beyond Twin Spring, the town boasts numerous other springs, each contributing to Manitou Springs' reputation as a wellness destination. Exploring these springs is a quintessential part of the Manitou Springs experience, offering a taste of the town's natural heritage and a fun, quirky activity for all ages.
Conquering the Manitou Incline
Before attempting the Incline, it's crucial to be prepared. Visitors strongly recommend making reservations, as access is often limited and managed. Wearing appropriate footwear is essential, and bringing plenty of water is a must, though it's advised not to rely solely on the mineral springs for hydration during the strenuous hike.
Reaching the summit offers unparalleled panoramic views of the surrounding Colorado landscape. The descent is typically done via the Barr Trail, which provides a more gradual return. The Manitou Incline is a true test of endurance and a bucket-list item for many visiting the Colorado Springs area.
A Glimpse into Manitou Springs' Charm
For a dose of nostalgia and family fun, the Penny Arcade provides classic games and entertainment. History buffs can explore Miramont Castle, a stunning mountain-side estate offering tours and a delightful afternoon tea experience. The town also has a reputation for its 'witchy vibes' and spiritual community, adding another layer to its distinct character.
Whether you're seeking adventure on the Incline, relaxation at a spring, or a stroll through a quirky mountain town, Manitou Springs offers a memorable experience. Its proximity to Colorado Springs also makes it an accessible day trip or a charming base for exploring the region.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit