Honestly, if you’re driving down I-25 through Colorado Springs, you can't miss it. There’s this massive, larger-than-life bronze statue of Casey Tibbs—the "Babe Ruth of Rodeo"—balancing precariously on a bucking bronc named Necktie. It’s the kind of landmark that makes you want to pull over just to see if the rest of the place lives up to the drama of that statue.
The Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame Colorado Springs isn't just some dusty room full of old trophies. It's the literal heartbeat of professional rodeo. Established in 1979, it’s the only museum in the world dedicated specifically to the sport of professional rodeo. Whether you’re a die-hard fan who knows every NFR stat or someone who barely knows a bull from a steer, this place has a weird way of pulling you into the grit and glamour of Western culture.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Hall
A lot of folks think a "Hall of Fame" is just for the legends of the 1920s who are long gone. Not here. While the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame Colorado Springs definitely honors the pioneers, it’s a living, breathing entity.
Just recently, in the 2024 and 2025 induction cycles, the Hall has seen some serious heavy hitters join the ranks. We're talking about Kaycee Feild—who basically redefined bareback riding with six world championships—and Stran Smith, the 2025 inductee whose tie-down roping career is the stuff of legend. It’s also one of the few places where the animals get equal billing. You’ll find legends like Bodacious, the bull so dangerous he was retired "for the good of all who would ride him," honored right alongside the human athletes.
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Why the Location Matters (and the Drama Surrounding It)
Tucked right against the foothills of Pikes Peak, the 13-acre site is beautiful. But there’s been some serious chatter lately that’s got locals a bit worried. Toward the end of 2025, news broke that the PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) was being courted by Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Cheyenne LEADS has been making a play to move the whole operation north. It’s a bit of a touchy subject. Colorado Springs has been the home of the Hall for nearly 50 years. While the PRCA says nothing is "set in stone" yet, the potential move to Wyoming is the talk of the town. For now, it’s still firmly planted in the Springs, and honestly, the backdrop of the Rockies here is hard to beat.
Walking Through the Dirt and Dreams
When you step inside, you aren't just looking at glass cases. You start in the Hall of Champions. It’s huge. It’s intimidating. You see the names of people like Ty Murray and Chris LeDoux. Actually, right now through the summer of 2026, there's a killer rotating exhibit in the 101 Gallery called "A Tribute to Chris LeDoux." It’s got a ton of stuff on loan from Bill and Donna Vold Larsen—photos, music, and gear from when he was balancing a bareback career with a country music stardom.
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The Heritage Hall is where the history nerds (myself included) lose track of time. You can literally see the evolution of the sport through the gear. Saddles from a hundred years ago look like medieval torture devices compared to the streamlined equipment they use today.
- The Sculpture Garden: This isn't your average museum garden. It’s home to the Priefert Arena and, during the summer months (Memorial Day to Labor Day), it actually houses live rodeo livestock.
- Retired Athletes: They bring in retired bucking horses. In 2024, they had four mares with their colts from the Cervi Championship Rodeo. It’s pretty cool to see these "athletes" up close and realize they aren't just wild animals—they’re highly cared-for professionals.
- The NFR Gallery: Sponsored by Las Vegas Events, this section tracks the history of the "Super Bowl of Rodeo" from its 1959 start to the present day.
Planning Your Visit (The Practical Stuff)
If you’re planning to go, you need to check the calendar. They switch up their hours based on the season.
From May 1st to August 31st, they’re open every single day, 9 am to 5 pm.
From September 1st to April 30th, they take a breather on Mondays and Tuesdays, so they're only open Wednesday through Sunday.
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Admission is pretty reasonable for what you get:
- Adults: $12.00
- Seniors (55+): $11.00
- Military: $10.00
- Youth (6-12): $7.00
- Kids 5 & under: Free
Pro tip: If you're a member of the PRCA or WPRA, you get in for free. Just don't forget your card.
Real Talk: Is It Worth It?
Look, even if you’ve never worn a pair of cowboy boots in your life, the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame Colorado Springs is worth the stop. It’s about more than just a sport; it’s about a lifestyle that’s uniquely American. You feel the weight of the history when you stand in front of the world champion belt buckles. Each one represents a year of broken bones, long drives, and 8-second dreams.
The place is surprisingly big. You’ll want at least two hours to really see it all without rushing. And definitely do the scavenger hunt if you have kids with you—it keeps them from getting bored while you're reading about the "Pioneer Award" winners like Red Steagall or Bob Feist.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip
- Check the Event Calendar: If you can swing it, try to visit during the "Little Champions" youth programs or the Cowboy Ball in July.
- Watch the Intro Video: Don't skip the 15-minute multimedia presentation at the start. It sets the tone and explains the rules of the different events so the rest of the museum actually makes sense.
- Hit the Gift Shop: Seriously, they have some of the best Western gear and unique rodeo merch you won't find at a standard tourist trap.
- Verify the Location: If the move to Cheyenne happens, things will change fast. As of early 2026, they are still at 103 Pro Rodeo Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80919. Always double-check their official site before you haul a trailer down there.
The Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame Colorado Springs remains a cornerstone of the West. It’s a place where the dirt on the boots is a badge of honor and the legends of the arena never truly retire. Whether it stays in Colorado for another 50 years or eventually heads to Wyoming, the stories it holds are the real draw. Grab a ticket, walk through the Hall of Champions, and try to imagine what it feels like to sit on a 2,000-pound bull with nothing but a rope and some grit. It’ll change how you look at the sport forever.