Colorado is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, adventurous spirit, and rich history. While many tourists flock to Denver, Aspen, or Rocky Mountain National Park, those who venture off the beaten path will find some truly unique attractions that offer a glimpse into the state’s eclectic charm. Two such hidden gems are The Airplane Restaurant in Colorado Springs and the Ghost Town Museum, both of which provide visitors with unforgettable experiences steeped in history, nostalgia, and adventure.

Nestled in the heart of Colorado Springs, The Airplane Restaurant is more than just a place to grab a meal—it’s an experience. Housed inside a fully intact Boeing KC-97 tanker, this restaurant allows diners to enjoy their food while sitting inside an authentic, vintage aircraft. As soon as guests step inside, they are transported back in time to an era when aviation was in its golden age. The walls are adorned with aviation memorabilia, and the cockpit remains intact, allowing visitors to explore and imagine what it was like to fly such a massive aircraft.

What sets The Airplane Restaurant apart is its ability to blend history with modern dining. The menu offers a range of classic American dishes, from burgers and steaks to seafood and pasta, ensuring there’s something for everyone. While the food is certainly a highlight, the real attraction is the ambiance. Diners can sit at tables positioned next to the aircraft’s original windows, providing a truly immersive experience. Kids and aviation enthusiasts alike will be thrilled by the chance to step into the cockpit and play pretend pilot while enjoying their meal.

The restaurant’s history adds to its appeal. The KC-97 was originally used for military refueling operations before being retired and repurposed into a dining establishment. This transformation from a working aircraft to a unique eatery is a testament to Colorado’s creativity in preserving history while making it accessible to the public. Whether visiting for a special occasion or just to experience something out of the ordinary, The Airplane Restaurant is a must-see destination for anyone in the Colorado Springs area.

Just a short drive from The Airplane Restaurant, the Ghost Town Museum offers a completely different kind of historical adventure. This museum is a tribute to Colorado’s rich mining and pioneer history, preserving the remnants of the Old West in an interactive and engaging way. Unlike traditional museums filled with static exhibits behind glass, the Ghost Town Museum allows visitors to step directly into a recreated frontier town, complete with authentic buildings, artifacts, and hands-on activities.

Walking through the museum feels like stepping back in time. The carefully curated collection includes everything from old saloons and blacksmith shops to general stores stocked with period-accurate goods. The museum was designed using real buildings and materials salvaged from abandoned mining towns across Colorado, ensuring an authentic experience. As visitors stroll through the dusty wooden walkways, they can almost hear the echoes of miners, shopkeepers, and pioneers who once lived in these rugged settlements.

One of the highlights of the Ghost Town Museum is its interactive nature. Visitors can try their hand at panning for gold, just like the prospectors of the 19th century. This hands-on experience gives both kids and adults an appreciation for the challenges faced by those who sought their fortune in the Rocky Mountains. Other interactive exhibits include old-fashioned arcade games, butter churning demonstrations, and the opportunity to handle antique tools used by miners and craftsmen of the era.

The Ghost Town Museum does an excellent job of making history come alive. Instead of simply reading about the past, visitors can touch, see, and even smell what life was like in a 19th-century Colorado town. Whether it’s hearing the clink of an old cash register, feeling the weight of a miner’s pickaxe, or sitting in a wooden schoolhouse, the experience is immersive and memorable.

The museum is also home to a fascinating collection of vintage vehicles, including stagecoaches, wagons, and an old steam engine, all of which help paint a picture of how transportation evolved in the West. Learning about the resilience and ingenuity of early settlers through these artifacts adds depth to the visit, making it both educational and entertaining.

While The Airplane Restaurant and the Ghost Town Museum offer completely different experiences, they both share a commitment to preserving history in a way that is accessible and engaging. One allows visitors to dine inside a historic aircraft, while the other transports them back to the rugged days of the Wild West. Together, they provide an incredible contrast between two pivotal aspects of Colorado’s past—the rise of aviation and the era of pioneering frontier towns.

For those visiting Colorado Springs, spending a day exploring these two attractions is a perfect way to experience the state’s unique character. Start the day with a visit to the Ghost Town Museum, where you can immerse yourself in the past and gain a deeper appreciation for the hardships and triumphs of early settlers. Then, head to The Airplane Restaurant for a one-of-a-kind dining experience inside a historic aircraft, where you can reflect on how far technology and society have come since the days of the Old West.

Both destinations cater to a wide range of interests, making them ideal for families, history buffs, and adventure seekers alike. Whether you’re a local looking for something new or a traveler eager to uncover hidden gems, The Airplane Restaurant and the Ghost Town Museum offer unforgettable experiences that showcase Colorado’s rich and varied history.

In a state known for its mountains and outdoor adventures, these two attractions remind us that history can be just as thrilling as any hike or ski trip. So the next time you find yourself in Colorado Springs, make sure to add The Airplane Restaurant and the Ghost Town Museum to your itinerary. You’ll walk away with not only great memories but also a newfound appreciation for the stories that have shaped this incredible state.