The Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun is a commemorative tower and chapel on Cheyenne Mountain in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It is named after Will Rogers, the American humorist, who died in a plane crash in Alaska in 1935 during the shrine's construction. The shrine is a popular tourist destination, known for its extraordinary architecture and sweeping vistas. It is accessible through the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and provides expansive views of Colorado Springs and beyond. However, there is no mention of it being available for wedding bookings.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Location | 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906 |
Opening Hours | Tuesday-Sunday: 9am to 4pm; Monday: Closed |
Last Car Entry | An hour before closure |
Contact | (719)578-5367 |
Admission | Free, but visitors must purchase admission to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo to access the road leading to the Shrine |
Booking for Events | No. Private events of any kind are prohibited. |
Food and Beverages | Not permitted inside the Shrine grounds. Designated picnic tables near the parking lot are available for food and beverages. Only bottled water is permitted inside the Shrine grounds. |
Pets | Only service animals are permitted. |
Holiday Closures | Yes, the Shrine closes for all holidays. |
What You'll Learn
The Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun is not available for private events
The Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun is a historic monument and tourist attraction in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It is not available for private events, including weddings. The shrine is a commemorative tower and chapel on Cheyenne Mountain, standing at 8,136 feet (2,480 m) in elevation. It was built by Spencer Penrose between 1934 and 1937 and is dedicated to Will Rogers, who died in a plane crash in 1935. The shrine also serves as the final resting place for Spencer and his wife, Julie Penrose.
The monument features Romanesque Revival architecture, including buttresses, an ornately decorated iron and brass door, and narrow leaded windows. It is constructed from granite, steel, cement, iron, and brass, with no wood or nails used in its construction. The interior includes terrazzo floors, marble, and ironwork, with stairs leading to the upper floors. The shrine is known for its breathtaking views of Colorado Springs, the Pikes Peak Region, and the Eastern Plains.
The Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun is owned and operated by the El Pomar Foundation, which does not allow private events or professional/amateur photography on any of its historic properties, including the shrine. This policy ensures that the shrine remains a place of commemoration and a public attraction, preserving the peaceful atmosphere and allowing visitors to enjoy the site without disruption.
The shrine is accessible to the public through the neighbouring Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, which was also founded by Spencer Penrose. Visitors must purchase admission to the zoo to access the road leading to the shrine. The shrine is typically open from 9 am to 4 pm, Tuesday to Sunday, with closures on Mondays and holidays. Due to its high elevation, the shrine may close due to inclement weather or adverse road conditions, so visitors are advised to call ahead to confirm before planning a visit.
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The shrine is accessible through the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
The Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun is accessible through the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, which was founded by Spencer Penrose, for whom the shrine also serves as a tomb. The shrine is located at 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Road, Colorado Springs, and is nearly 8,000 feet above sea level. It is open from 9 am to 4 pm, with the last car permitted up the shrine road an hour before closure.
Admission to the shrine is free, but visitors must purchase admission to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo to access the road leading to the shrine. The road to the shrine is restricted at the toll gate to individuals who have purchased Cheyenne Mountain Zoo tickets. The toll gate can be found on the left-hand side of the zoo entrance, and from there, it is a 1.4-mile drive up the Russell Tutt Scenic Highway to the shrine. The road to the shrine is drive-up only; no walking or biking is permitted, except during the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo's annual Run to the Shrine.
The shrine is situated on the side of Cheyenne Mountain, and visitors should prepare for unpredictable weather conditions and bring their own water. The shrine's interior rooms, chapel, and restrooms are only accessible via stairs. The walk from the parking lot to the shrine is approximately 50 yards uphill on an asphalt path, and there are an additional 10 stone stairs leading to the shrine itself.
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The shrine is closed on most holidays
The Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun is a popular tourist attraction in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The shrine is a commemorative tower and chapel built between 1934 and 1937 by Spencer Penrose, who is entombed there along with his wife, Julie Penrose. The shrine is named after American humorist Will Rogers, who died in a plane crash in 1935 during its construction.
The shrine is located at an elevation of 8,136 feet on the side of Cheyenne Mountain and offers breathtaking views of Colorado Springs, the Pikes Peak Region, and the Eastern Plains. Visitors can access the shrine by driving up the Russell Tutt Scenic Highway from the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo entrance. While the shrine is typically open Tuesdays through Sundays from 9 am to 4 pm, it is important to note that it is closed on most holidays.
Holiday closures at the Will Rogers Shrine vary throughout the year. For example, the shrine is closed on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, President's Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. There are also early closures on certain days leading up to these holidays, such as the day before Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check the shrine's website or call ahead to confirm the hours before planning a visit during a holiday period.
The Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun is a popular destination for its architectural beauty, historical significance, and stunning views. However, it is important to plan your visit accordingly, especially during holidays, to avoid any disappointment from unexpected closures.
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The shrine is named after Will Rogers, who died in a plane crash in 1935
The Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun, also known as the Will Rogers Shrine, is named after Will Rogers, the American humorist, actor, philosopher, and wild west comedic actor, who died in a plane crash in Alaska in 1935 during the shrine's construction. The shrine was completed in 1937 and stands as a memorial to the life of Will Rogers, as well as to the lives of Spencer and Julie Penrose, whose tombs are located in the shrine's chapel on the lower level.
The shrine is a 100-foot, five-story observation tower and chapel on Cheyenne Mountain in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It was built by Spencer Penrose, who was a huge admirer of Will Rogers. The shrine is situated 8,136 feet above sea level, providing breathtaking views of Colorado Springs, the Pikes Peak Region, the Rampart Range, and the Eastern Plains.
The interior of the shrine features images and videos of Will Rogers, showcasing his life and work, including his early childhood days in Oklahoma and his time on stage, screen, and radio. The shrine also houses a 340-square-foot mural by artist Randall Davey, depicting the history of the Pikes Peak region. The final mural in the shrine is of Will Rogers and aviator Wiley Post, taken just before their fatal crash.
The Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun is a testament to the life and legacy of Will Rogers, whose untimely death in 1935 left a lasting impact on American humour and entertainment.
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The shrine is 100 feet tall and has five stories
The Will Rogers Shrine, also known as the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun, is a towering structure that rises to a height of 100 feet, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. This five-story commemorative tower stands tall on Cheyenne Mountain in Colorado Springs, Colorado, serving as a memorial to the renowned American humorist, Will Rogers.
Each level of the shrine presents a unique perspective of the vast expanse below. As visitors ascend the narrow staircase to the upper floors, they are greeted by breathtaking views that extend beyond Colorado Springs. From an elevation of 8,136 feet, one can behold the beauty of the Pikes Peak Region, including the Garden of the Gods, the Broadmoor Hotel, the Black Forest, Fort Carson, and the Colorado Springs Airport. Even the Rampart Range and the eastern plains are visible from this towering vantage point.
The construction of the Will Rogers Shrine is a testament to architectural ingenuity. Completed in 1937, the shrine was built without the use of nails or wood. Instead, it is bound together by 200,000 pounds of steel and 30 wagon-loads of cement, ensuring its structural integrity at such a significant height. The granite used in its construction was sourced from a single boulder on Cheyenne Mountain, adding to the shrine's uniqueness.
The Will Rogers Shrine is more than just a towering monument; it is a testament to the life and legacy of Will Rogers. The interior of the shrine is adorned with images and videos of Will Rogers, allowing visitors to learn about his life and career. The shrine also houses a chapel, which serves as the final resting place for Spencer and Julie Penrose, the philanthropists who commissioned its construction.
Standing at 100 feet with five stories, the Will Rogers Shrine is an iconic structure that captures the essence of Will Rogers' memory while offering visitors a chance to experience breathtaking views and immerse themselves in the history of this remarkable individual.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the Will Rogers Shrine does not allow private events of any kind.
The shrine is accessible through the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. You will need to purchase a ticket to the zoo in advance to access the road leading to the shrine.
The shrine is open from 9 am to 4 pm, Tuesday to Sunday. It is closed on Mondays.
The shrine features a 100-foot, five-story observation tower with breathtaking views of Colorado Springs, the Broadmoor resort, the Garden of the Gods, and the plains. It also includes a chapel, a visitor centre, and a 340-square-foot mural depicting the history of the Pikes Peak region.