Stories From The Frontier
Uncover Fort Collins’ early military history on this two-hour guided riding tour. Trace the origins of Camp Collins, learn about frontier life, and see the landscape where soldiers built the foundation of today’s city.
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$35 USD
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Ages 8 +
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2 hours
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Colorado, Colorado
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Fort Collins
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- Fort Collins Origins; Camp Collins Story; Frontier Army Life; Poudre River Trail; Indian Wars Context; Scenic Local Landscape; Small Group Experience; Riding Tour Format
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- Local historian guide, interpretive commentary, comfortable riding transport, and educational stops.
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- Comfortable clothing, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and water bottle.
Fort Collins: Military Years (Riding Tour) Features
Military Frontier History
Discover how Camp Collins protected travelers and shaped Fort Collins’ early years.
Historic River Corridor
Ride along the Poudre River corridor where forts once stood and history was made.
Frontier Life Stories
Hear vivid accounts of 1860s soldiers, settlers, and Native American interactions in Colorado’s wild frontier.
Fort Collins: Military Years (Riding Tour) Details
- Highlights
- Description
- Itinerary
- Price & Availability
- Food & Drink
- Instructions
- Restrictions
- Transportation
Highlights
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Fort Collins Origins
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Camp Collins Story
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Frontier Army Life
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Poudre River Trail
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Indian Wars Context
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Scenic Local Landscape
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Small Group Experience
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Riding Tour Format
Description
Step back into the 1860s with this immersive two-hour history tour exploring the military origins of Fort Collins. Led by knowledgeable local historians, the experience travels along the Cache la Poudre River corridor—once the heart of frontier activity and the site of early military outposts.
While the Civil War raged in the East, the U.S. Army established forts in Colorado to protect wagon routes and settlers moving west. On this tour, learn why Camp Collins was built, how it was relocated after devastating floods, and how the military presence paved the way for the founding of Fort Collins itself.
Guides share engaging stories about army life, Native American relations, and the challenges of surviving on the western frontier. Stops include the locations of the original encampments, scenic river overlooks, and sites of early settlement.
The ride departs from the Watson Lake State Wildlife Area, just west of Laporte, and follows a comfortable pace suitable for all ages. It’s a thoughtful, well-paced journey through time, revealing how the hardships of the frontier forged one of Colorado’s most enduring communities.
Itinerary
9:45 AM — Meet your guide at Watson Lake State Wildlife Area parking lotn10:00 AM — Begin tour with overview of Camp Collins’ foundingn10:30 AM — Visit site of original encampment near the Poudre Rivern11:00 AM — Stop for stories about Army life and frontier traden11:30 AM — Explore the relocation site and learn about early settlersn12:00 PM — Return to starting point and conclude tour with Q&A
Price & Availability
$35 per adult (Ages 13 +). Discounts for children, seniors, and military. Groups of 4+ save 10 %. Free reschedule for weather.
Food & Drink
No food or beverages included. Guests may bring water or snacks.
Instructions
Check in 15 minutes early at Watson Lake State Wildlife Area entrance (~4900 Rist Canyon Rd, Laporte).
Restrictions
Ages 8 + recommended. Moderate activity with short walks at stops. Operates May–October, weather permitting.
Transportation
Transportation provided as part of the guided ride.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fort Collins Military History
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CONTACT US
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National Park Tours
700 Rochelle Cir
Fort Collins, CO 80526 -
Meeting locations vary for each tour: You will be sent a meeting location after you book
