Penrose Hospital Colorado Springs: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Visitor Guide
Penrose Hospital, part of Penrose-St. Francis Health Services under CommonSpirit Health, is a medical center and a landmark in Colorado Springs’ history. Its specialized services include cardiac, oncology, and emergency care. Spencer Penrose’s philanthropy helped shape the hospital and the wider community.
For visitor information, see the CommonSpirit Health website and the Colorado Springs tourism site.
History
Colorado Springs grew in the late 19th century as miners, settlers, and people seeking the healthful climate arrived. The Sisters of St. Francis founded St. Francis Health Center in 1887. It became the city’s first major hospital and served local families, miners, and railroad workers (CommonSpirit Health).
Spencer Penrose contributed to the hospital’s development in the 1930s, helping establish a modern medical facility. Penrose Hospital officially opened in 1959. The Penrose name is also associated with the Broadmoor Hotel and Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (Penrose Heritage Museum).
In 1990, Penrose Hospital and St. Francis Health Center merged to form Penrose-St. Francis Health Services. The merger expanded specialized services and further developed the hospital’s cardiac, oncology, and emergency care (CommonSpirit Health).
What to see
The hospital campus reflects more than a century of healthcare development in Colorado Springs. Its buildings include the historic St. Francis building and mid-century and contemporary additions.
Educational opportunities include the Pikes Peak Library District’s Regional History & Genealogy Collection, housed in the historic Carnegie Library, with resources for people interested in local healthcare history (PPLD). The hospital and community partners also host health fairs, history presentations, and educational events.
Practical visiting information
- Hospital visiting hours Daily, 8:00 AM–8:00 PM. Hours may vary by department and may change in response to health guidelines.
- Admission There is no fee to visit the hospital campus.
- Tours The hospital does not offer regular public tours because it is an active medical facility. Special tours and events may be available periodically; check the hospital’s events calendar.
- COVID-19 policies Visitor guidelines may change with public health circumstances. Review the hospital website before visiting.
- Location 2222 N. Nevada Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO.
- Parking Ample visitor parking is available on-site, with signs directing guests to designated areas.
- Accessibility The campus offers wheelchair access and assistance services.
- Contact For current details, call the hospital or visit the CommonSpirit Health website.
Tips
Check official resources for current visitor policies and event schedules. Travel apps such as Audiala offer audio tours and interactive guides, and local social media channels may provide updates.
Nearby places
Penrose Monument
The Penrose Monument honors Spencer Penrose’s influence on Colorado Springs. Built in the early 20th century, it features stonework, sculptures, and engraved plaques describing his achievements as a philanthropist and city builder. The monument stands against the backdrop of Pikes Peak and offers photo opportunities year-round.
- Location 2222 N. Nevada Ave, downtown Colorado Springs.
- Visiting hours Daily, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM.
- Admission Free.
- Guided tours Weekends at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
- Parking and transit Parking is available near the site, which is accessible by local transit.
- Accessibility Wheelchair accessible, with paved paths.
- Nearby attractions Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, Garden of the Gods, and Old Colorado City.
- Pets and photography Leashed pets are allowed in outdoor areas, and photography is permitted.
For event details and special programs, see the Colorado Springs tourism site or the Penrose Monument page.
Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum
The museum is housed in the 1903 El Paso County Courthouse, an example of Romanesque Revival architecture. Since 1979, it has preserved the region’s history through exhibits on settlers, Native American heritage, and city development, including the evolution of healthcare.
Highlights include pioneer artifacts, Native American collections, historic photographs, and rotating special exhibits.
- Hours Tuesday–Saturday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM; Sunday, 1:00–5:00 PM. Closed Mondays and holidays.
- Admission Free. Special exhibits or events may require tickets.
- Tours and programs Guided tours are available upon request; advance booking is recommended. Group tours and educational programs serve schools and general visitors. The museum also hosts lectures, workshops, and cultural celebrations throughout the year.
- Location 215 S Tejon Street, downtown Colorado Springs. It is accessible by bus or on foot from downtown attractions.
- Parking Nearby garages and metered street parking.
- Accessibility Fully ADA-compliant, with accessible entrances, elevators, and restrooms. Complimentary wheelchairs are available.
- Photography Allowed in most areas; flash and tripods are not permitted.
- Pets Only service animals are allowed.
- Nearby attractions City Auditorium, Acacia Park, and downtown shops.
Virtual tours and galleries are available on the museum’s website. For information about the museum and its exhibits, see Penrose Heritage Museum and Visit COS.
United States Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel
Completed in 1962 and designed by Walter Netsch, the Cadet Chapel is known for its 17 soaring spires and modernist design. It has separate chapels for Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, and Buddhist worship, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The chapel represents unity and spiritual diversity within the Air Force Academy and the Colorado Springs community.
- Hours Daily, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM. Closed on federal holidays and during special events.
- Admission Free.
- Visitor requirements All visitors must pass through security at the Academy gate. Bring valid ID and allow time for screening. Check the official website for current visitor guidelines.
- Tours and events Guided tours can be booked through the Visitor Center. The chapel hosts public events, including religious services and concerts; services are open to guests.
- Accessibility Ramps and elevators are available. Visitor Center staff can assist guests with disabilities.
- Photography Personal photography is allowed; tripods and commercial shoots require permission.
- Parking Free parking at the Visitor Center.
- Nearby attractions Falcon Stadium, the Visitor Center, and Falcon Golf Course are nearby. Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak are a short drive away.
- Visitor timing Weekdays and early mornings are less crowded.
For more information, visit the U.S. Air Force Academy website.
Other nearby historical sites include the Penrose Heritage Museum, which highlights the Penrose family’s contributions and the city’s development (Penrose Heritage Museum), and Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site, a living history museum depicting pioneer life in the region (DestGuides).
Frequently asked questions
Penrose Hospital
What are Penrose Hospital’s visiting hours?
Daily, 8:00 AM–8:00 PM. Hours may vary by department.
Is there an admission fee?
No. Visiting the hospital campus is free.
Are tours available?
Regular tours are not offered, but special events may include tours. Check the hospital events calendar for details.
Is the hospital accessible?
Yes. The campus offers wheelchair access and assistance services and meets accessibility standards for visitors with disabilities.
What historical sites are nearby?
The Penrose Heritage Museum, Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, and Rock Ledge Ranch are nearby.
Penrose Monument
Is there a fee to visit?
No. The monument is free to visit.
Can I bring pets?
Leashed pets are allowed in outdoor areas.
Is photography allowed?
Yes.
Are guided tours available?
Yes. Tours are available on weekends at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum
Is admission free?
Yes, though special exhibits may require tickets.
Are tours available?
Yes, with advance booking recommended.
Is the museum accessible?
Yes. It is fully ADA-compliant.
Can I take photos?
Yes, except with flash or tripods.
Are pets allowed?
Only service animals.
United States Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel
Is the chapel open to the public?
Yes, during posted hours, subject to Academy gate security and closures for federal holidays or special events.
Is there an entrance fee?
No.
Can visitors attend services?
Yes. Services are open to guests.
Can I take photos?
Yes. Personal photography is permitted.
Are guided tours available?
Yes, through the Visitor Center.
