About This Tour
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, he also 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.
What's Included
Photo Gallery



Popular time slots can fill up fast.
TopTours Insights
Fort Collins Early Settlement/Town Beginnings Tour
This 2-hour walking tour with Traces of the Past History Tours explores Fort Collins' early settlement and town beginnings. It's a good fit for history enthusiasts and those who appreciate a comfortable, air-conditioned ride between locations. The focus is on local history and context.
Calculating tour characteristics...
Additional Information
Meeting Point
Where to Meet: the tour will 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).
Special Instructions
We provide a customized ticket for each of our guests so please provide the full name for each passenger.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
✓ Free cancellation due to bad weather
Tour Operator
Traces of the Past History Tours
Official supplier for this experience. Bookings are completed through our partner with verified operators.
Verified partner
Trusted local operator
Guest Ratings
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
Based on 17 verified reviews
Average rating
Guest Reviews Preview
See what other travelers are saying about this experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Fort Collins Early Settlement/Town Beginnings Tour in Colorado
Who operates this experience?
This experience is operated by Traces of the Past History Tours, a local cultural provider.
What's included?
This tour includes Historic object viewing and handling, Personalized stagecoach ticket, and Air-conditioned vehicle. All inclusions are provided by the tour operator.
How long is this tour?
The experience lasts approximately 2 hours, giving you time to fully enjoy your chosen activity.
Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure time for a full refund. If weather conditions are unsafe, the tour may be canceled by the operator. In such cases, you'll be offered a refund or reschedule.
What should I bring?
We recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes, a camera, and weather-appropriate clothing. All necessary equipment is provided.
Will I receive instant confirmation?
Yes, you'll receive instant confirmation when you book.
What to expect on this tour?
This cultural experience lasts approximately 2 hours and includes all necessary equipment and guidance. You'll have access to Historic object viewing and handling and more.
Ready to book?
- See live times & pricing before you pay
- Instant confirmation when you complete checkout
- Cancellation rules shown before you pay
Excellent Quality in Colorado
Curated picks and more tours in this category for this destination.
Ready to Go?
Book Fort Collins Early Settlement/Town Beginnings Tour
Secure your spot with flexible cancellation options and verified customer support on our booking partner.
Trusted partner • Instant confirmation

