FORT COLLINS HISTORY TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Forbidden Fort Collins: A Costumed Walk Through Old Town’s Seedier Past
A guided, costumed history walk of Old Town that uncovers bootleggers, brothels, the city’s first saloon and violent episodes from Fort Collins’ early years.
Forbidden Fort Collins: A Costumed Walk Through Old Town’s Seedier Past.
Led by a costumed guide, the Forbidden Fort Collins History Tour takes you into the city’s shadowed corners—bootleggers, brothels and the scandalous lives that shaped Old Town—on a guided walking route that moves through five blocks and visits sites from the very first saloon to a historic house of ill repute.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
First saloon to Madame’s parlor
Hear the tale of the city’s very first saloon and the story of Fort Collins’ most famous Madame as the guide brings to life the social undercurrent that ran beneath Old Town’s respectable façades.
Five blocks of Old Town
The walk covers roughly five blocks of Old Town, stopping at sites tied to bootlegging, a brothel where the city’s first murder occurred, and other key addresses from Fort Collins’ seedier past.
Murder, the jail and a house of ill repute
Visitors are shown the location of a bootlegger’s murder, the jail where his accused killer was held, and are given a first‑hand look into one of the most historic houses of ill repute from the era.
What the day feels like
What the walk feels like
The tour is a guided walking experience through Old Town led by costumed interpreters who narrate the city’s darker chapters—bootleggers, brothels, murders and law enforcement—bringing specific sites and stories to life along a compact urban route.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits—and who should skip it.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Operators list a scheduled duration; please confirm timing when booking and arrive 10 minutes early to check in at the meeting point.
Bring weather‑appropriate clothing—the tour runs rain or shine except in extreme weather—and any documents or acknowledgements needed to complete the operator’s event waiver prior to participating.
Tours start in Old Town Square near the fountain, between Cira Ltd and Thamel Import Gifts; look for Fort Collins Tours signage and plan to arrive early to check in.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
Check your booking confirmation for the scheduled duration; the operator lists the tour length in their materials.
What is the ticket price?
Tickets are priced at $27 per person.
Are there age restrictions?
Yes—participants must be 18 years of age or older.
Where do I meet the tour?
Meet at Old Town Square near the fountain between Cira Ltd and Thamel Import Gifts; look for Fort Collins Tours and Home State Realty signs and arrive 10 minutes early to check in.
What about bad weather or cancellations?
Tours run rain or shine except in cases of extreme weather; the operator will contact the purchaser by phone or email if a tour must be canceled.
Is an event waiver required?
By booking, you certify that each participant has read and agreed to the event waiver required by the operator.