A trip through Fort Collins History
Day 1:
Afternoon:
Check in at The Armstrong Hotel
Restored in 2004, Steve and Missy Levinger have brought back life to this 1923 Landmark Hotel. It is the
last operating historic hotel in downtown Fort Collins. With its charming early 20’s architecture and
design it feels as if you’ve taken a trip back in time. Enjoy the comfort and long standing history of the
Armstrong Hotel.
259 South College Avenue
Fort Collins, CO 80524
(970) 484-3883
www.thearmstronghotel.com
Ghost Sign Self-Guided Tour
Placed throughout Old Town Fort Collins are ghost signs created in the past and preserved into modern
day. Pick up a Fort Collins Visitors Guide to find a list of all 10 Old Town Ghost Signs and explore the area
while discovering its history through these signs.
Historic Walking Tour
If you’re looking for ways to explore Old Town but only have a limited amount of time, take the onehour historic walking tour found in the Fort Collins Visitors Guide. Visit historic buildings that have been
beautifully preserved through the years and learn what their function was in the past. From historic
hospitals to the city’s oldest restaurant, this tour will show you a whole new side to Old Town.
Historic Walking Tour PDF
Evening:
Dinner at Coopersmith’s Pub and Grill
As Fort Collins’ first breweries, Coppersmith’s has been serving fine food and fine beer for over 20 years.
Enjoy patio dining at its finest and the hustle and bustle of Old Town Square.
5 Old Town Square
Fort Collins, CO
(970) 498-0483
Coopersmithspub.com
Fort Collins Ghost Tour
This Fort Collins Tour Co. will take you on a thrilling trip through Old Town where you will learn the
history of Fort Collins and it’s bone chilling past. The newest tour they offer is the Horse & Buggy Ghost
Tour where you will not only learn about the history of Old Town but you will also get a chance to
explore the haunted sites around town. If you’re ready for a bone-chilling historic experience, Fort
Collins Tours is definitely the way to go.
(970) 372-1445
www.fortcollinstours.com
Drinks at the Town Pump
This bar is Fort Collins’ smallest and oldest bar and even though it has a dive bar feel, it is very popular
amongst the locals. The bar has been in existence since February 24, 1909 and has been through a
history of bootlegging, prohibiton and being the first bar in the world to serve New Belgium’s Fat Tire.
Enjoy the history lingering in (and on) the walls of this historic bar.
124 N. College Ave.
Fort Collins, CO 80524
(970) 493-4404
Day 2:
Morning:
Breakfast at the Silver Grill Café
The Silver Grill is the oldest restaurant in Northern Colorado, serving legendary breakfast and lunch
dishes daily. Wooden floors, huge windows looking out into Old Town, and famous cinnamon rolls give
this charming restaurant a special place in the heart of Fort Collins.
218 Walnut Street
Fort Collins, CO 80524
(970) 484-4656
silvergrill.com
Fort Collins Museum of Discovery
The FCMOD is Fort Collins’ newest museum and it features a fun and interactive environment for all
ages. Mixed perfectly within this one large museum is science, discovery and history so that everyone
can find something they’re interested in. This museum is a great way to explore the history of Fort
Collins and its origins from late pre-historic periods to current day. Find Folsom points found at the
Lindenmeier Site near Fort Collins, settler history and more in this hands-on exhibit!
Afternoon:
Hike in Soapstone Prairie
This 28-square mile Natural Area is located just north of Fort Collins and is a conservation area for many
species and their natural habitat in Northern Colorado. Soapstone Prairie is also home to the famous
Lindenmeier Site, a Folsom archeological site. The site contains the most extensive Folsom culture
campsite evidence dating back to 8,710 B.C. Visit the arroyo surrounding this historic site during your
hike.
(970) 416-2815
http://www.fcgov.com/naturalareas/finder/soapstone
Tour Avery House
The Avery House was built in 1879 by Franklin Avery who is responsible for the design of our wide
streets around Fort Collins and he also was the founder of our local First National Bank and instrumental
in developing many of our early water projects that enable agriculture to flourish in Northern Colorado.
This house is now listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is available to tour on Saturdays
and Sundays from 1-4pm.
328 W Mountain Ave.
Fort Collins, CO 80521
(970) 221-0533
www.poudrelandmarks.org
OR
Magic Bus Tour
Magic Bus Tours gives fun and educational tours around the Fort Collins area in a large limo bus painted
end to end with a colorful collage of our local culture. The comfy climate-controlled bus has a large flat
screen TV that allows them to incorporate photographs, audio elements, and videos into the tours.
Magic Bus Tours offers several different tours, including the History Tour, Brewery Tour, and Farm Tour.
(970) 420-0662
www.themagicbustours.com