Lindenmeier Site

Lindenmeier Site is an archaeological site in Larimer County, Colorado, containing stone tools and animal bones arranged in distinct layers across the landscape. These layers reveal that people lived in and passed through this location repeatedly over thousands of years.

Excavations conducted between 1934 and 1940 by Frank Roberts from the Smithsonian Institution revealed human occupation dating back roughly 11,000 years. This research established the site as a key location for understanding early North American populations.

The site takes its name from the Lindenmeier family, who owned the land where excavations took place. The artifacts reveal how early inhabitants crafted their tools and hunted the animals around them.

The site now forms part of Soapstone Prairie Natural Area, managed by Fort Collins and open to visitors year-round. Walking trails cross the landscape and help guide exploration while protecting active research areas.

Archaeologists discovered a bison vertebra with a spear point lodged inside it, providing direct evidence of how early hunters used their weapons. This find is one of the rare physical confirmations of hunting practices from that ancient period.

Location: Larimer County

GPS coordinates: 40.97990,-105.06200

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:00