Fort Collins Military Years Tour

Laporte, US

Included

  • inclusion
    Air-conditioned vehicle
  • inclusion
    Each guest will receive a customized stage coach ticket.

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)

Meeting point

4936 W County Rd 52 E, Bellvue, CO 80512 , United States

End point

End 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)

Meeting point

4936 W County Rd 52 E, Bellvue, CO 80512 , United States

End point

What to expect

1

Cache La Poudre River

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.

Duration 15 minutes
2

Laporte

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.

Duration 20 minutes
3

Gustav Swanson Natural Area

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.

Duration 20 minutes
4

Library Park

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.

Duration 20 minutes

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Provided by Traces of the Past History Tours

What our experts say

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    Visit nearby Cache la Poudre River.
  • icon
    Check out Historic Janis and Stone cabins.
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    Grab a bite at Vern's Place after the tour.
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    Wear comfortable shoes for light walking.
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    Bring a camera for stunning views!

More About this Experience

Introduction

Welcome to the Fort Collins Military Years Tour, an immersive and captivating journey into the intriguing history of Fort Collins and its surrounding region. Led by the knowledgeable and charismatic owner, Mark Serour, this tour offers a unique blend of education and entertainment that will leave you fascinated and inspired.

What to expect?

Prepare for a 120-minute adventure filled with captivating stories, stunning visuals, and a deep dive into the history of Fort Collins. Mark's expertise and passion shine through as he brings the past to life with engaging narratives, period clothing, and a collection of mesmerizing visual aids from the Traces of the Past company archives.

Who is this for?

This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, curious travelers, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the region's rich heritage. Whether you're a local looking to uncover hidden gems or a visitor eager to delve into the history of Fort Collins, this tour promises to be a fascinating experience for all.

Why book this?

What sets the Fort Collins Military Years Tour apart is the exceptional level of detail and authenticity presented by Mark. As an experienced traveler and history enthusiast, he masterfully weaves together the stories of Fort Collins and its neighboring areas, providing an all-encompassing and impartial study of the region's history. Mark's passion for the subject matter is contagious, making the tour not only informative but also incredibly enjoyable.

Good to know

During this tour, you'll embark on a guided van tour with light walking around the greater Fort Collins area. The itinerary covers key historical landmarks such as the Cache la Poudre River, Camp Collins, Fort Collins, and the Historic Janis and Stone cabins. Keep in mind that access to the cabins is limited, as they are administered by the City of Fort Collins. The meeting point is the parking lot next to the entrance to Watson Lake State Wildlife Area.

Reviews

Previous participants of the Fort Collins Military Years Tour have praised Mark's engaging storytelling, wealth of knowledge, and the immersive experience he provides. Many have expressed their deep appreciation for the insights gained and their newfound love for the history of Fort Collins. It's no wonder that these tours consistently receive glowing reviews, leaving participants with a profound sense of connection to the past. Immerse yourself in the captivating tales of Fort Collins' military years and join Mark Serour on a historical adventure that will leave you enlightened and inspired. Book your spot on the Fort Collins Military Years Tour today!

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