Manitou Springs Arcade 1930

Next to the parking lot on the left is what was originally Pike Street. Originally, this area was a park. Then in the 1920s, the street was cut here with diagonal parking for the Spa building. But in 1930, M.F. Yount converted the street into this arcade, built in the arts and crafts style.

M.F. Yount owned the greenstone quarry and this structure is a superb showcase of the native Manitou Springs greenstone. The columns and tuck-pointing have been protected from the elements by the exposed timber gables overhead. Yount was a man of interesting tastes, putting a remarkable combination of Western, Alpine, and European flavor into this open air structure. The electric lighting fixtures, made of copper, are original as are the building's copper gutters and downspouts.

Today, the arcade is a great attraction to take people of all ages if you are planning a visit to Manitou Springs. The arcade houses some of the first arcade games, offering a walk through arcade game history with over 20 different pinball machines to 30 different racing games. Many of the games date back to the 1930's if not earlier.

Historic Manitou Springs, Inc., is an educational non-profit based in Manitou Springs, Colorado, at the foot of Pikes Peak which operates the Manitou Springs Heritage Center and was formed in 1997 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Our mission is to collect, preserve, research, and interpret the history and culture of Manitou Springs and the Pikes Peak Region.

The intent of the organization is to educate citizens and visitors in order to increase appreciation and understanding of this unique community. Before opening the Center Historic Manitou was operated by a board of three persons–Jean Garrity, Deborah Harrison, and Michelle Anthony. During the initial 10 years, we developed a track record of participating in and supporting community projects and events, such as restoration of the Eastern Gateway Arch, rehabilitation of Mansions Park, installation of over 30 Historic Interpretive Plaques throughout town, and placement of the memorial in Crystal Valley Cemetery for Emma Crawford. We have presented the “Ghost Stories of Old Manitou” haunted walking tours as part of the Annual Emma Crawford Festival (i.e., the events surrounding the Coffin Races) since its inception.

Pearring, John. Pearring, Joanne. The Walking Tour - A Guide To Historic Manitou Springs. Volume Revised Printing. Manitou Springs, CO. TextPros, 1998.

Penny - Arcade, We Know Colorado. Accessed January 16th 2022. https://www.weknowcolorado.com/penny-arcade.