Poudre Landmarks

Looking for a fun (and FREE!) family adventure this weekend?

Bring the kids and head to the historic 1883 Water Works facility this Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for a day of history, exploration, and hands-on learning!

Take a tour of one of Fort Collins' most important historic sites and discover how clean water helped our city grow in its earliest days. Plus, the Poudre Fire Authority will be on site sharing fire and life safety tips, answering questions, and showing off some of their awesome equipment (as long as they're not called away to an emergency!).

It's a great opportunity for curious kids, history lovers, and anyone looking for a unique way to spend a Saturday together.

Admission is free, so gather the family and come make some history with us!

2005 N Overland Trail, Fort Collins, CO 80521

Mark your calendars! The 2026 Fort Collins Historic Home Tour is coming on Saturday, September 12!

Step inside some of Fort Collins’ most fascinating historic properties as you explore seven unique locations across the city, including the beloved Avery House. From beautiful architecture and rich local history to stories of the people who shaped our community, there’s something to discover around every corner.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, architecture lover, or simply looking for a fun way to spend a September day, this tour is a wonderful opportunity to experience Fort Collins in a whole new way.

Tickets will go on sale in early July, so keep an eye on our page for details .

Gather your friends, plan your route, and get ready for a day filled with history, exploration, and plenty of surprises. We can’t wait to see you on the tour!

Get ready to be inspired! Saturday, June 13th, marks the second open house of the year at the 1883 Water Works, where history comes alive! From 10:00am to 3:00pm, explore the building and grounds, and discover how this iconic landmark shaped the city we love today! It's a perfect day out with family, with plenty of space to run free, and you might even learn a thing or two. Plus, the Poudre Fire Authority will be on hand to share life and fire safety tips! Don't miss this opportunity to connect with your community and be inspired by the history of Fort Collins!

Poudre Landmarks Poudre Landmarks manages two historic properties owned by the City of Fort Collins: The 1879 Avery House and the 1883 Water Works. We produce the Annual Historic Homes Tour in Fort Collins and many other exhibits and special events throughout the year.

One of the foundations of Poudre Landmarks is great partnerships within the community. These can look like groups coming out to support our facilities, sponsors for our programs, teams leading research, and more. A few weeks ago, we had the privilege of hosting the Front Range Community College Environmental Science Intro class when they braved the spring snow to learn about our Water Works facility and studied the apple orchard there. It was great to have them come out, use the property, and give us the opportunity to give back to Fort Collins' future.

Stepping into the current exhibit at the 1879 Avery House feels a little like time travel — minus the Wi-Fi and coffee runs.
From the details of daily life to the beautiful historic touches, it’s fascinating to see how differently people lived just a century ago. Let’s just say… modern conveniences have definitely spoiled us
If you’ve ever wondered what Fort Collins life looked like long before smartphones, streaming, and same-day delivery, this exhibit is absolutely worth exploring. History has never felt so charming.

Before hybrids were cool, the 1879 Avery House already had them.

The historic light fixtures in the house once used both gas AND electricity as technology changed over time — making them the original hybrids! Imagine living in a world where one generation lit lamps with gas and the next flipped on electric lights. Talk about a bright idea.

These fascinating fixtures are just one of the many details that make touring the Avery House such a unique glimpse into Fort Collins history. Come see them for yourself and experience the glow of the past!

Celebrate Mother’s Day with a step back in time at the 1879 Avery House.
Treat Mom—or the whole family—to a special visit to one of Fort Collins’ most beautiful historic homes. Tour the elegantly restored Avery House and gardens, learn about the families who lived there, and explore the fascinating new exhibit highlighting the daily lives of the house help who kept the home running behind the scenes.
From cooking and cleaning to caring for the household, this new exhibit offers a closer look at the people whose hard work shaped everyday life in the Victorian era.
It’s a fun, meaningful, and unique way to spend Mother’s Day while discovering a different side of Fort Collins history.
We look forward to welcoming you! Tours run roughly every half hour from 1:00 - 4:00 on Mother's Day.

Poudre Landmarks

Water Works First Open House of 2026!
The 1883 Historic Water Works his Saturday, May 9th, the 1883 Historic Water Works is throwing open its doors to unveil the incredible story of how it transformed Fort Collins from a rugged frontier town to a thriving city! Some would even argue Fort Collins might not have survived without it. It certainly wouldn't have thrived the way it did.
Join us from 10:00am to 3:00pm and discover the power of innovation and perseverance that shaped our community. Admission is FREE!

One detail easy to overlook when visiting the 1879 Avery House is the artwork throughout the house. Just like the house, sometimes this artwork needs a little help. That is the case with this painting. Rendered in the Hudson Valley School style, this beautiful landscape and its frame have been in the process of restoration. We have been working with the Fine Art and Frame Company of Fort Collins to have the painting cleaned and the frame repaired. It doesn't sound like much, but the difference in the painting is extraordinary. They repaired edges and corners on the canvas, fixed two small holes, and tightened it to ensure its integrity. They also repaired the corners and edges on the frame. We are so lucky to have partners like this in the community. Stop by and look for the painting on the first floor of the house.

❤️ Tonight’s the night — and yes, you still have time. ❤️

If Valentine’s Day arrived faster than expected (it happens!), the 1879 Avery House After-Hours Valentine’s Tour is here to save the day — and the evening. 😉

Join us tonight for a rare after-hours experience inside this historic family home. Enjoy elegant rooms, engaging Victorian storytelling, and a cozy atmosphere that feels thoughtful, romantic, and delightfully different — no dinner reservation required.

It’s a charming way to kick off your night in Fort Collins… and far more impressive than saying, “We’re just going to see what’s open.” 🥂✨

🎟️ Tickets are limited and still available — but not for long!
https://givebutter.com/bRouZp