Colorado , United States of America

Fort Collins Military Years Tour

Active

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

For each tour, owner and principal historical interpreter, Mark Serour, imparts the intriguing history of Fort Collins and the surrounding region in an engaging, detailed, and fun fashion.

To enhance the customer experience, Mark dresses in period clothing and shares a variety of relevant visual aids from the Traces of the Past company collections and archives. We are the only History tours business in greater Fort Collins that provides such a service.

Customers will enjoy a guided van tour coupled with some light walking around the greater Fort Collins area. Our tours present the fascinating stories of personalities and events that pertain not only to the immediate Cache la Poudre River valley, but also to southeastern WY and western NE. Thorough history is not the story of one locality, but an all-encompassing impartial study that involves many peoples spread over a broad geographic area. Traces of the Past History Tours strives to do just that.

Available options

Fort Collins Military Years Tour

What's included

Historic object viewing and handling

Personalized stagecoach ticket

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Cache la Poudre River: The Cache la Poudre River - French for "hide, or store, the powder," this stream attracted Native Americans, fur trappers, and emigrants to its grassy and wooded banks. The life blood to a desert climate, it eventually fostered extensive settlement in the fertile valley that paved the way for the founding of the future city of Fort Collins.

Camp Collins No. 1: The U.S. Army first established a presence in the Cache la Poudre River valley in 1862 when orders were issued to deploy along the new mail route. Although nothing of the built environment remains of this post, customers will see its location and understand its geographic context and begin to learn about life in the frontier military.

Camp Collins No. 2, Fort Collins: The decision was made by Colonel William Collins to relocate the post further down the river in the summer of 1864 for several reasons. A detachment of Collins’ own 11th Ohio Volunteer Cavalry in conjunction with local resident Joseph Mason, as an unofficial guide, settled on a parcel that is now encompassed by present Fort Collins. The decision was made by Colonel William Collins to relocate the post further down the river in the summer of 1864 for several reasons. A detachment of Collins’ own 11th Ohio Volunteer Cavalry in conjunction with local resident Joseph Mason as unofficial guide settled on a parcel that is now encompassed by present Fort Collins. A good period view of the original fort site is offered.

Historic Janis and Stone cabins: Located in Library Park, these are two of the oldest intact buildings extant in Larimer County. Dating to the late 1850s and early 1860s, they provide a glimpse of the common architectural style that predominated in the Poudre valley during early settlement. Both cabins are administered by the City of Fort Collins and public access is limited.

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Tours begin at the parking lot next to the entrance to Watson Lake State Wildlife Area. Located ~1 mile west of Vern's Place on Rist Canyon Rd. next to the bridge that crosses the Cache la Poudre River (closest address to site: 4900 Rist Canyon Rd., Laporte, CO 80521)

About Colorado

Colorado is a state of stunning natural beauty, known for its majestic Rocky Mountains, vibrant cities, and outdoor adventure opportunities. From world-class skiing to hiking through alpine meadows, Colorado offers a diverse range of experiences for all types of travelers.

Top Attractions

Rocky Mountain National Park

This iconic national park offers stunning alpine scenery, diverse wildlife, and numerous hiking trails. It's a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.

Nature Full day or overnight Entry fee of $25 per vehicle (valid for 7 days)

Denver Art Museum

One of the largest art museums between Chicago and the West Coast, featuring a diverse collection of art from around the world.

Museum 2-3 hours Free for residents of Colorado, $13 for non-residents

Garden of the Gods

A public park featuring stunning red rock formations and scenic hiking trails. It's a must-visit for nature lovers and photographers.

Nature Half day Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Rocky Mountain Oysters

Deep-fried bull testicles, a local delicacy.

Appetizer Not vegetarian or vegan.

Green Chile

A spicy stew made with pork, green chiles, and potatoes.

Main Course Can be made vegetarian or vegan.

Popular Activities

Hiking Rock climbing Mountain biking Spa treatments Scenic drives Picnicking Museum visits Art galleries

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the best time for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and exploring the state's national parks. The weather is warm and pleasant, making it ideal for tourism.

15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Mountain Time Zone (MT) (GMT-7)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Colorado is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates in most areas. However, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings, especially in urban areas and when exploring the outdoors.
• Avoid walking alone at night, especially in isolated areas.
• Use reputable tour operators and rental companies.

Getting there

By air

Denver International Airport • 25 miles (40 km) from downtown Denver
Colorado Springs Airport • 10 miles (16 km) from downtown Colorado Springs

By train

Denver Union Station, Durango Station

By bus

Denver Bus Center, Colorado Springs Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

RTD offers a network of buses and light rail services that connect major cities and suburbs.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

LoDo (Lower Downtown) Capitol Hill

Day trips

Boulder

30 miles (48 km) from Denver • Half day or full day

Boulder is a vibrant college town known for its outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and scenic beauty.

Garden of the Gods

6 miles (10 km) from downtown Colorado Springs • Half day

A public park featuring stunning red rock formations and scenic hiking trails.

Festivals

Great American Beer Festival • October Telluride Film Festival • September

Pro tips

Visit national parks early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the best lighting for photography.
Pack layers of clothing, as weather conditions can vary significantly depending on the time of day and elevation.
Stay hydrated and be aware of the signs of altitude sickness, especially when traveling to higher elevations.
Use sunscreen and wear a hat to protect yourself from the intense sunlight at high altitudes.
Respect wildlife and their habitats by observing from a safe distance and avoiding feeding or disturbing animals.