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Fort Collins Trolley: A Ride into History

Step back in time with a ride on the Fort Collins Trolley, a vintage streetcar connecting City Park and Old Town.

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Experience a piece of Fort Collins history aboard the Fort Collins Trolley, a heritage streetcar service operating since 1984. Ride fully-restored Birney Safety Streetcars along Mountain Avenue, connecting City Park to Old Town, and relive the days of early 20th-century public transportation.

A brief summary to Fort Collins Trolley

  • 330 N Howes St, Fort Collins, Colorado, 80521, US
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Local tips

  • Check the operating schedule in advance, as the trolley runs only on weekends and holidays during the summer months.
  • Consider starting your journey at City Park, where free parking is available.
  • Bring cash for fares if boarding at the Howes Street stop.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the intersection of Mountain Avenue and College Avenue in Old Town, walk west on Mountain Avenue for approximately 0.2 miles. The trolley boarding location is at the intersection of Howes Street and Mountain Avenue, on the south side of the street. This is a short, easy walk through the heart of Old Town.

  • Public Transport

    Transfort, Fort Collins' public transportation system, offers fare-free rides on all fixed routes. Several Transfort routes stop near the trolley boarding location at Howes Street and Mountain Avenue. Check the Transfort website or app for the most up-to-date route information and schedules. From any Transfort stop, transfer to a route that services the Old Town Transit Center, and walk a block west to Howes Street.

  • Parking

    If driving, several parking options are available in the vicinity of the Fort Collins Trolley's downtown boarding location. The Justice Center Lot, located at Howes Street and Laporte Avenue, offers free 2-hour parking. The Mason Street Lot, between Mountain Avenue and Oak Street, offers permit parking until 5pm, after which it costs $1 per hour; parking is free on Sundays. The Civic Center Parking Structure, at the southeast corner of Mason Street and Laporte Avenue, is open 24 hours and patrolled by security; the first hour is free, and each additional hour costs $1. Payments can be made at automated pay machines or via the FC Parking mobile app.

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Discover more about Fort Collins Trolley

The Fort Collins Trolley offers a unique glimpse into the city's past, reviving the era when streetcars were a vital part of the community. The original streetcar system, established in 1907 by the Denver and Interurban Railroad, ran until 1951, with the fare fixed at a nickel. The trolley service provided a convenient mode of transport and even a form of childcare, as parents would leave their children on the streetcars while they ran errands. After the rise of private automobiles, the original trolley system was discontinued, and the tracks were mostly paved over. However, in 1977, a group of locals formed the Fort Collins Municipal Railway Society, and through their dedicated volunteer work, a portion of the original route was restored. Since 1984, the Fort Collins Trolley has been operating as a heritage railway, offering a nostalgic ride on meticulously restored Birney Safety Streetcars. The trolley operates on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays from May through September. The 1.5-mile route runs along Mountain Avenue, from City Park to a boarding location near Howes Street in Old Town. The entire organization, including motormen, conductors, depot agents, and maintenance, is staffed by volunteers. A ride on the Fort Collins Trolley provides not only transportation but also a connection to the city's rich history and the dedication of its community members.

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