As if the city of Colorado Springs wasn’t already fascinating enough, the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun is a destination you should include on your bucket list.
Constructed between 1934 and 1937, the shrine is one of our incredible local landmarks created by Spencer Penrose. Penrose was a huge fan of Will Rogers, a humorist and wild west comedic actor during the early days of motion pictures. Rogers, unfortunately, died in a plane crash in 1935 before the Shrine was completed. However, once inside, visitors will enjoy many images and videos of Will Rogers in action as seen through his films.
Access to the Shrine is included with your admission to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, another great attraction! Simply drive up to the gate and the attendant will give you quick and easy instructions for your journey through the Zoo and up the mountainside.
Upon arrival you will be mesmerized by the view of the surrounding mountains to the West and the sprawling plains to the East. As you enter the shrine, you can begin with a stop inside the visitor center to gather some interesting history of Rogers and the Shrine then take a short walk through the stone archway and up the path to the Shrine itself. The Shrine is a 5-story marvel standing at 100 feet and having been constructed from cut stone obtained from a single boulder!
The Shrine also serves as a memorial to Spencer and Julie Penrose. Their tombs are located on the lower level. You can access the upper levels via a narrow staircase while you enjoy views and pieces of Will Roger’s history on every floor.
The Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun is sure to surprise and delight all who visit and at an elevation of 8,136 feet it will take your breath away! As you look down from the shrine, you will see beautiful residential neighborhoods, Garden of the Gods, the Black Forest, the Colorado Springs Airport as well as the unmistakable Broadmoor Resort. The nearby residential communities of Broadmoor Resort Community and Broadmoor Heights offer some great homes for sale with the added bonus of hearing the chimes throughout the day. Stay tuned to the Springs Homes Facebook page to see my upcoming listing of a remodel in Broadmoor Heights.
The Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun attraction is open daily except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day from 9 AM – 4 PM. It is recommended to call ahead during inclement weather.
Plan your family visit today!
