Garden of the Gods Trading Post
Less than 15 minutes from downtown Colorado Springs lie massive rocks of red, pink and white jutting out of the ground. The geologic wonders seemed divine to early surveyors, who named it Garden of the Gods.
The park at this spot has long captivated visitors, which is why Charles Strausenback opened his first souvenir stand there in 1909. In 1929, he created a Pueblo-themed trading post to sell Native American art. He hired Navajo and Pueblo Native Americans to demonstrate their art process while they created new art pieces at the trading post.
The trading post’s current owners expanded the original sales floor from 2,400 square feet to 22,000 square feet, making it one of the state’s largest art galleries and gift shops. Groups can browse the Colorado art collection while snacking on locally made ice cream from Colorado City Creamery. Visits can also stretch into lunchtime at the Balanced Rock Cafe.
Despite the added features, the original fireplace, floor and roof beams keep the historic feel of the site. The Trading Post also continues to offer authentic, well-made Native American crafts and art.
“They have everything from well-crafted moccasins to sweatshirts that say Pikes Peak on them,” said Offutt. “You can find the regular mementos; then in the back they have some unique high-end items that you wouldn’t normally expect.”
Contemporary Native American jewelry, Navajo rugs, sand paintings, sculptures and Pueblo pottery help attract some of the 400,000 annual visitors looking for the perfect souvenir.
For more information go to www.visitcos.com
