Fort Collins has been well planned, with open spaces and parks set aside over the past 25 years, with an emphasis on preserving the foothills areas west of town. A handy brochure on the trail system is available from the Convention and Visitors Bureau. The Farm at Lee Martinez Park opened in 1985 and has become a very popular place for families to observe farm animals. Self-guided tours lead visitors around the farm, but guided tours are also available. The Farm Museum offers displays of antique farm implements.
Pony rides are available.
This was a real farm, operated by the George Wilcox family from 1912. In 1920, the farm was sold to J.A. Nelson, and Nelson's Dairy was established. After 1945, the property changed hands many times, before it was purchased by the city. There are three great scenic drives from the Fort Collins area, all leading into the Rockies. Turn west onto Route 34 for the 40-minute drive to the resort town of Estes Park, where you''ll find the east entrance to the national park.