Fort Collins

This university town stretches along the Cache La Poudre River at an elevation of 1525 meters near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Its street grid connects residential neighborhoods, the downtown core, and the campus across relatively flat terrain between riverbanks and foothills.

The settlement began in 1864 as a military post called Camp Collins to protect the overland mail route during the Indian wars. The later shift to farming and ranching led to permanent settlement with a rural economic base.

Colorado State University shapes daily life with public sporting events, exhibitions, and lectures open to visitors. Students and residents meet in cafés and breweries, giving the town a relaxed and approachable feel.

The municipal Transfort bus network connects residential areas, downtown districts, and campus locations through scheduled routes with designated transfer points. Summer brings mild temperatures that allow longer exploration on foot or by bicycle along paved trails.

Strict building codes preserve 19th-century facade elements in the Old Town district, including original storefront windows and decorative trim. Some buildings still display cast iron cladding and hand-carved woodwork from the founding era.

Location: Larimer County

Inception: 1864

Elevation above the sea: 1,525 m

Shares border with: Wellington

Website: http://fcgov.com

GPS coordinates: 40.56667,-105.08333

Latest update: December 15, 2025 08:23