Overview
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.
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
In-vehicle air conditioning
Each guest will receive a customized stage coach ticket.
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
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)
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What to expect
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Cache La Poudre River
15 min
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.
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Laporte
20 min
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.
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Gustav Swanson Natural Area
20 min
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.
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Library Park
20 min
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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (America/Denver).
Additional Information
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about Fort Collins Military Years Tour
Can I cancel Fort Collins Military Years Tour for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 2 hours.
Where does it start?
Tours begin at the parking lot next to the entrance to Watson Lake State Wildlife Area.
What's included?
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Each guest will receive a customized stage coach ticket.
Which places does it visit?
It visits Cache La Poudre River, Laporte, Gustav Swanson Natural Area, Library Park.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
What fitness level is needed?
It is suitable for all physical fitness levels.
Is it suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by Traces of the Past History Tours
