Cave of the Winds: Historical Colorado Cave & Giveaway! Part 1

Cave of the Winds: Historical Colorado Cave & Giveaway!


One of the blessings of having out of state family and friends visit, is the opportunity to see the sites in your own area! Earlier in January, we took family to visit Cave of the Winds, which is only about 45 minutes from my home. It has some fascinating history, and I have some pictures and a giveaway to share with you as well!

Cave of the Winds is tucked away in the foothills outside of Colorado Springs next to the cozy town of Manitou Springs. It was first discovered in 1869 but didn't become a tourist attraction until 1881. It has since become the 2nd most commercial cave in the United States.


At the bottom of the cavern you see here, is where the original entrance was discovered. Two brothers, John and George Pickett, were exploring the area for caves when they heard a low howling noise. They came to investigate and climbed through a small entrance into a large cavern. Before long, the howling noise returned, much louder this time, and sent the boys running from the 'ghost' that lived there. The cave was later excavated by George Snider, a stone cutter from Ohio, and opened it up for tours.
 
Originally, folks explored the cave with candle lanterns much like this. They entered the cave by climbing down a rope ladder. 

Later on, they installed electric in the cave, making it the third cave in history to have electric lights. This is an original Thomas Edison light bulb. It is over 100 years old, and when they tested it a couple of years ago, it still worked! They don't make bulbs like THAT anymore.


I've got more pictures and facts to share with you, so be sure to stop by on Friday. In the mean time, enter to win a souvenir from Cave of the Winds! This amazing geode 'cave' has a gold miner hard at work inside.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Comments

  1. Deanna StevensJanuary 26, 2015 at 6:51 AM

    We do visit our loval tourist attraction.. We love to do day trips & explore all the fun things in So.East Nebr.
    dkstevensneAToutlookDoTCOm

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    Replies
    1. Amber LemusJanuary 26, 2015 at 7:33 AM

      Thanks for stopping by, Deanna! What types of things is there to do in SE NE?

      Delete
  2. Natalie MonkJanuary 26, 2015 at 10:30 AM

    Colorado is such beautiful country! I remember traveling through when I was little, but it's been a long time.

    I love the bit about the Edison bulb! That is amazing! Makes me wonder if manufacturers nowadays purposefully make ill-quality bulbs so we'll have to buy more often. Hmm...

    Thank you for sharing this beautiful insight into your state!

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    Replies
    1. Amber LemusJanuary 26, 2015 at 10:43 AM

      Thanks for stopping by, Natalie! I'm so glad you enjoyed the post. It was such a fun place to visit. The light bulb fascinated me too! Wish I could get my hands on one of those. I'd add it to my antique collection!

      Delete
  3. Kelly Blackwell @ Heres My Take On ItJanuary 30, 2015 at 10:41 PM

    We love when family and friends visit because we get to take them to Sedona and Montezuma's Castle. We go to attractions when we have the opportunity, but sometimes it is hard making the time for ourselves. With visitors we make time. :)

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    1. Amber LemusJanuary 31, 2015 at 12:43 PM

      Same here, Kelly! Thanks for stopping by and entering the giveaway!

      Delete
  4. KarenJanuary 31, 2015 at 12:18 PM

    Since I am fairly new to IL i am enjoying the tourist attractions and can't wait to bring my friends when they come.

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    1. Amber LemusJanuary 31, 2015 at 12:44 PM

      So glad you're able to see the attractions in your new area, Karen! That often helps with the transition.

      Delete
  5. AnonymousJanuary 31, 2015 at 10:08 PM

    There are caverns near by that is a tourist attraction. We also live in Amish country which has many interested in visiting. We lived very close to Gettysburg which has many, many visitors. I am interested in all of these things.

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    Replies
    1. Amber LemusFebruary 1, 2015 at 8:27 AM

      That's great! We visited Gettysburg once, and I loved it! I also enjoy Amish country. Thanks for sharing.

      Delete
  6. Melanie BackusFebruary 1, 2015 at 11:17 AM

    Thank you for your great post! Colorado is a beautiful state. The Rockies are majestic and the San Juans are my favorite.

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    1. Amber LemusFebruary 3, 2015 at 12:01 PM

      Thanks for stopping by, Melanie! I love Colorado too, and have to agree with you. ;)

      Delete
  7. KayMFebruary 2, 2015 at 4:07 PM

    I have visited many of our local attractions, but not all of them. I live only a couple of miles away from a really neat living history museum. I've been there several times for different events. I've only visited one of the local caves that are open to tourists. There are so many different places within a very short distance. It would be fun to visit them all.

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    1. Amber LemusFebruary 3, 2015 at 1:30 PM

      That's awesome, Kay! I love living history museums!

      Delete
  8. maudemaxine@gmail.co,February 2, 2015 at 9:40 PM

    Hello Amber. I will soon be 80 yrs. And, really have not gotten to visit our country. I did live in Carlbad, NM for a short time when my two oldest were wee kids, 3 and 5, So, we got to visit Carlsbad Cavern. I found it so interesting. Would love to visit again, but will never have a chance. The inside has these long things that like huge icycles, hanging everywhere and some that look like the built upward from many years, Sorry, but I've forgotten what they are called. It is full of Bats that fly out at a certain every night. Another big attraction that many people go out to see. It is amazing to see some of GOD's work. I saw some small caves in West Texas, but wouldn't climb into them. Was afraid of snakes and spiders I might fins. Wish I had known about the Cave of Winds when my husband and I went to Colorado Springs on an Anniversary. I too would love to have a light bulb like that one Amber. All I get burn out way too fast. I would love to win your souvenir. Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Amber LemusFebruary 3, 2015 at 1:32 PM

      Thanks for stopping by and sharing with us, Maxie! I'm sure you've seen a lot of interesting things in your time. I've heard of Carlsbad Caverns, but have never had the chance to visit. I'd love to.

      I'm with you though, I love caves and spelunking, but the fear of snakes and spiders does keep me away at times.

      Delete
  9. The Artist LibrarianFebruary 3, 2015 at 10:44 AM

    Manitou Springs! I stayed there when I went to Summit one year! We didn't go to Cave of the Winds though ...

    Unless there are visitors we're hosting, we don't usually go to "tourist" locations or other busy areas like that. It'd be neat to do that as a "staycation" though --some places I haven't visited since I was a kid. =)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Artist LibrarianFebruary 3, 2015 at 10:48 AM

      ~"Zekkaina"

      Delete
    2. Amber LemusFebruary 3, 2015 at 1:32 PM

      Manitou is beautiful!

      Yes, exactly! A stay-cation. That's exactly what we all need!

      Delete
  10. Library LadyFebruary 5, 2015 at 3:33 PM

    My local attractions are Disney World, Universal Studios, Epcot, Sea World, Busch Gardens, etc. but I prefer more laid back attractions like Bok Tower, Cypress Gardens, etc.
    Janet E.
    von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Amber LemusFebruary 6, 2015 at 10:00 AM

      Those do sound fun, but I'm with you. The gardens sound more interesting than Disney world to me.
      Thanks for stopping by and entering the giveaway!

      Delete

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