Updated: November 1, 2023
Family fun, good food, boundless souvenirs, local crafts and artisan jewelry — these are just a few of the things you’ll find at the Garden of the Gods Trading Post
Originally opened in 1929, Strausenbach worked closely with the Ute Native Americans and the Harvey House, creating artwork, jewelry and carvings for the store and built the facade to resemble a true adobe structure with cupolas that protrude from the roof. It wasn’t until 1979 that the store expanded. From a modest storefront spanning 2,000 square feet to now over 25,000 square feet, the original general store was updated with a restaurant, art gallery, and gold panning area, all while honoring the integrity of the original building and the dream of an authentic community hub Strausenbach envisioned.
With so much to see and do while you’re visiting The Garden of the Gods, be sure to add the Trading Post to your itinerary.
If you need a memento to commemorate your trip, you’ve got plenty to choose from at the Garden of the Gods Trading Post. With over 90,000 gifts, toys, and trinkets to choose from there’s something for everyone.
Not only can you pick up hats, t-shirts, jewelry, coffee mugs and a ton of other great souvenirs from the Garden of the Gods gift shop, you can also grab a piece of fresh fudge in unique flavors like Tiger Butter, Amaretto Chocolate Swirl, Orange Cream, Vanilla Raspberry and more.
Inside the trading post you’ll find Colorado’s largest retail art gallery featuring one-of–a-kind locally sourced goods from Indigenous artists. When the trading post first opened, local Native American silversmiths and artisans created hand made souvenirs on-site. For almost 100 years, the trading post has showcased handmade Native American jewelry, Navajo rugs, Pueblo pottery, Zuni Fetishes, sand paintings, and Kachinas, and continued to combine historic tradition with modern artistry.
For a shady spot to cool off after your hike through the Garden of the Gods head to the Balanced Rock Cafe. Refuel after a day of sight-seeing with The Ultimate Buffalo Burger — 1/3 lb locally sourced buffalo patty cooked to perfection with cheddar cheese, sautéed onions, bacon and served with a side of house chips.
If you need a little extra boost, you’ll find the Kissing Camels Coffee shop in the Trading Post cafe offering Starbucks coffee for an extra caffeine kick and enjoy locally made ice cream from the Colorado Creamery for a little sugar rush.
No trip to the Garden of the Gods Trading Post is complete without a visit to Trader Zeb’s Gemstone Mine. From hikers to excavators, gather the whole family to revel in an Old West mining experience right in the backyard of the trading post. Unveil mineral treasures while sifting and searching for gemstones. Strike it rich with this family-friendly activity, great for kids of all ages.
One of the best things about stopping by the Trading Post is the park access nearby. A hidden gem, locals have been visiting the garden by way of Beckers Lane just past the Trading Post. The Garden of the Gods was recently voted #1 City Park by TripAdvisor.com and it is clear why it is a tourist’s favorite. While in the park you can hike, ride horses, take a buffalo burger to go and have a picnic, rock climb, mountain bike and so much more. Experience the picturesque views of one of Colorado’s most stunning natural wonders and take home a souvenir from the Trading Post to remember your time here in Colorado Springs.
*This blog post is sponsored by Garden of the Gods Trading Post.
Garden of the Gods Trading Post324 Beckers Ln
Manitou Springs, Colorado 80829
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