Penny Arcade, Manitou Springs, Colorado

Date Visited: July 10, 2026

Location: Manitou Springs, Colorado

Type: Penny Arcade

Cost: $

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: 1+hours

Accessibility: Some parts not easily accessible due to stairs and narrow paths

Dog Friendly: No pets inside the archade

Best For: History and nostalgia lovers, families

First Impressions

What a delightful throwback to the past! I haven't seen anything like it since I was a kid.

What We Saw

The Manitou Springs Penny Arcade is one of those rare places where you can happily lose track of time. At first glance it feels almost chaotic, with rows of arcade machines, kiddie rides, pinball games, fortune tellers, and mechanical oddities packed into every available space. But that's part of its charm. Rather than following a carefully planned route, the best approach is simply to wander, peek around corners, and see what surprises await.

The arcade features games and machines spanning more than fifty years, from mechanical amusements of the 1930s through the video arcade era of the 1980s. Every type of coin-operated machine imaginable seems to be represented—classic pinball machines, mutoscopes, fortune tellers, shooting galleries, kiddie rides, racing games, and much more. One of the biggest crowd-pleasers is the English Derby horse race, where players compete against one another as miniature horses race toward the finish line.

Many of the games award tickets rather than prizes directly. Before cashing them in, you'll feed your tickets into a counting machine that prints a voucher. Take the voucher next door to the prize counter, where winnings range from penny candy and small toys to larger prizes like bicycles. It's a tradition that remains just as exciting for today's children as it was decades ago.

Despite its name, you'll want to bring more than pennies. Numerous change machines accept $1 to $10 bills and dispense quarters, while games typically cost between 10 cents and $1. Even so, it's still possible for a family to spend several enjoyable hours here without spending a fortune.

The arcade can be loud, warm, and crowded, especially during the summer. There is no air conditioning, although fans help cool some sections. Between the flashing lights, ringing bells, and constant sounds of machines, it can be overwhelming for visitors who are sensitive to noise or sensory stimulation. For everyone else, however, the energy is infectious. One of the most enjoyable surprises was seeing so many children eagerly lining up to ride the vintage kiddie rides—ponies, cartoon characters, cars, and other mechanical favorites that have nearly disappeared from most American towns.

If you're curious, look through the nearby workshop windows where technicians repair and restore the arcade's antique machines. Seeing these historic games being maintained adds another layer of appreciation for the effort required to keep the arcade operating.

The Manitou Springs Penny Arcade has occupied the same location since 1933 and has become one of Colorado's most beloved attractions. Food, ice cream, coffee, and restaurants are all within easy walking distance, making it simple to spend an entire afternoon exploring the arcade and downtown Manitou Springs.

If you enjoy nostalgia, mechanical ingenuity, or simply watching generations of families have fun together, the Manitou Springs Penny Arcade is an unforgettable stop. It isn't fancy, and that's exactly what makes it so wonderful.

Highlights

I loved the vintage arcade machines and the nostalgic atmosphere.

Good To Know

A couple of practical tips will make your visit easier. Parking throughout Manitou Springs—both on the street and in public lots—is paid through a smartphone app. QR codes are posted near the parking spaces, and you'll need to enter your license plate number and payment information.

Also remember that, because many of the machines are antiques, a few may occasionally be out of service during your visit.

Both public restrooms and a small gift shop are available inside the arcade. The gift shop sells a variety of souvenirs, including t-shirts, hats, and other memorabilia celebrating the arcade's long history.

Finally, the arcade is not fully accessible for visitors with mobility challenges. Some areas are narrow and require climbing stairs, and the arcade's layout can be difficult to navigate with a wheelchair or stroller.

Would We Go Again?

Yes. I wish every town had a place like this.