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6th Annual Poudre Pour

By Events, News

The 6th Annual Poudre Pour is a wrap! It was a beautiful fall day celebrating the history, culture, and stewardship of the Cache la Poudre River corridor.

Sally Boccella, Northern Colorado Regional Director with U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper attended and read this statement on behalf of the Senator:

The lands we choose to protect send a message about what we value, and what we want to remember. Victories like this are always a team effort, and I want to thank Cache la Poudre Heritage Area Board and Executive Director, Sabrina Stoker, for bringing this to fruition, the Town of Windsor for hosting this reception, and Senator Bennet and Congressman Neguse for teaming up so we can all continue to recognize the natural resources and rich history along the Chache la Poudre.

Boccella accepted a framed art piece on behalf of the Senator in celebration of passing the S. 1942, The National Heritage Area Act that redesignated the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area for another 15 years.

Congratulations to Climb Hard Cider for winning Northern Engineering’s People’s Choice Award for the second year in a row. And a shout out to the runners up, Salt Road Brewing and Zwei Brewing.

Thank you to all of our sponsors, partners, legislators and volunteers that helped make this event possible! We couldn’t have done it without you!! We are excited for new and different opportunities next year.

Photo Credit: Perry Ralph – More Photos

Guest Blog: Visit Fort Collins

By News

31 Things That Will Make You Love Fort Collins

March 20, 2023 by Visit Fort Collins

We decided to compile a list of things to do that will make you love Fort Collins and cut it off at 31 because the list would have easily been in the hundreds if we didn’t pump the brakes. This list is just a snippet of the offerings in Fort Collins, and we welcome you to please feel free to comment and add anything we have missed. We hope you enjoy the list, and we challenge you to check each of the 31 things we came up with off your list.

1.       TAKE IN THE NATURAL BEAUTY OF HORSETOOTH RESERVOIR
Man overlooking Horsetooth Reservior, Fort Collins

Horsetooth Reservoir is one of Colorado’s most beautiful outdoor paradises and it is located just minutes from Old Town Fort Collins. The reservoir is a beloved recreation spot for activities such as fishing, swimming, boating, stand-up paddleboarding, sailing, water skiing, hiking, and camping. There are miles upon miles of trails surrounding the reservoir as well for mountain biking, horseback riding, and hiking. The east side of the reservoir also serves as one of the best spots in Colorado for bouldering. 

2.       MARVEL AT THE SCENERY OF THE CACHE LA POUDRE RIVER CANYON

Poudre River Fishing WomanThe Cache la Poudre River (pronounced poo-der) is one of the most popular attractions in Fort Collins and it just happens to be Colorado’s only nationally designated “Wild & Scenic” River. Not to mention, Colorado Highway 14, which runs alongside the river, is a designated Colorado Scenic and Historic Byway as well. The Poudre is a haven for outdoor fanatics, offering activities like whitewater rafting (class III-IV rapids), hiking, biking, camping, kayaking, and fishing. And, when winter rolls around, the Poudre is home to sports like snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and snowmobiling.  

Why does the river have such an interesting name do you ask? According to the story, the Poudre River was the place where French-Canadian trappers hid their gunpowder during a raging blizzard in the early 1800s. The name Cache la Poudre is a French phrase signifying “where the powder was hidden.”

3.       SIP AND SAVOR AT MORE THAN JUST ONE CRAFT BREWERY
New-Belgium-Brewing--credit-Richard-Haro-(3)

This is what Fort Collins is known for. This is why Fort Collins is referred to as the Craft Beer Capital of Colorado. Did you know Fort Collins is home to more than 21 craft breweries? Headlined by New Belgium Brewing and Odell Brewing Co, the Fort Collins craft beer scene truly is something at which to marvel.

4.       EXPLORE THE CARGO CONTAINERS AT THE EXCHANGE
The Exchange Crooked Stave

The Exchange, located at 200 North College Avenue in Old Town, features food and craft beverages served from shipping container cars. Churn, an endeavor from Little Man Ice Cream, anchors the open-air central quarter. Other great establishments housed at the Exchange include Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project; the Burger Lab, which serves up unique burger combos; local spirits from CopperMuse Distillery; Chick’nCone, which features fried chicken stuffed waffle cones; Vatos Tacos and Tequila, which serves up tasty street tacos; La Piadina, serving Italian flatbread sandwiches; and indoor mini golf at Old Town Putt.

5.       SEE THE BOTANIC GARDENS AND BUTTERFLIES AT THE GARDENS ON SPRING CREEK
Gardens on Spring Creek. Photo by Ryan Burke.

The Gardens on Spring Creek recently underwent an extensive renovation and remodel. Kids and adults alike will fall in love with the new Conservatory Butterfly House, a 1,500 square foot glass enclosure that’s the first and only permanent facility of its kind in Northern Colorado. It features up to 400 free-flying North American butterflies. Additionally, the Gardens on Spring Creek hosts outdoor concert series, classes and seasonal events like Pumpkins on Parade and Garden of Lights.

6.       SEE WASHINGTON’S
Washington's Window

Visitors and locals alike are buzzing about Washington’s, one of the newest music venue in town anchoring an ever-growing music scene. This Old Town Fort Collins landmark was purchased by the Bohemian Foundation and renovated with a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system and plays host to acts big and small.

7.       SMELL THE FLOWERS AT CSU’S ANNUAL FLOWER TRIAL GARDEN
CSU-trail-gardens---credit-Richard-Haro

The Colorado State University Annual Flower Trial Garden truly is a utopia and is one of the most beautiful areas in Fort Collins. The garden is open daily from May through September (sometimes October if the weather holds out) and is free to the public.

8.       TAKE IN SOME HISTORY AT THE AVERY HOUSE
Historic-Avery-House,-Credit-Tim-O'Hara

Franklin Avery is the man to thank for the wide streets in Fort Collins due to him surveying the town in 1873. Avery later founded First National Bank and was a leading force in creating water projects that were responsible for the agricultural scene in northern Colorado. In 1879, Avery built his family home on the corner of Mountain Avenue and Meldrum Street where it remains to this day. Tours and special events are held at this historic landmark. You especially don’t want to miss their 4th of July Celebration!

9.       VISIT THE MUSEUMS AND ART GALLERIES
Gallery Walk

Fort Collins is the cultural hub of northern Colorado. The city is full of so many great museums and art galleries that it’s hard to choose just one to visit. Here is a list of all the great places to take in some cultural experiences.

10.   TAKE A RIDE ON BIRNEY CAR 21 TROLLEY
Birney-Car-21-Trolley

This trolley is the only original restored city streetcar operating in the western U.S. today. Car 21 was restored to its original 1919 condition by the volunteer-run Municipal Railway Society and Car 25 was recently unveiled after being restored to its 1951 condition. The trolley makes a 3-mile round trip ride from City Park to Old Town on weekends and holidays in the summer.

11.   COOL OFF AT CITY PARK

City ParkCity Park is a very large park located near downtown Fort Collins and home to Sheldon Lake as well as City Park Pool (open Memorial Day-Labor Day). This fantastic park offers beautiful surroundings and Sheldon Lake for fishing, riding a paddle boat, and sometimes ice skating in the winter. Take a self-guided tree tour at the park, which boasts 223 tree varieties.

12.   HIKE GREYROCK AND TAKE IN THE VIEW
Grey-Rock-Summit,-Credit-Ashley-Matthews

Simply put, Greyrock is unbelievable. This fantastic hike in Cache la Poudre River Canyon is less than 20 minutes from Old Town Fort Collins. This moderate skill level hike has two trail options: the Meadows trail (approximately 7.4 miles roundtrip) and the Greyrock Summit trail (approximately 5.5 miles), which both offer stunning views. The elevation gain on this hike is nearly 2,000 feet with the summit sitting at 7,480 feet. This hike is definitely a bit of a challenge that comes with a little bouldering toward the end. But the payoff is worth it as it offers outstanding 360-degree views of Poudre River Canyon.        

13.   HIKE ARTHUR’S ROCK AND CHECK OUT THE CITY’S SKYLINE
Arthur's-Rock-aerial

Set with the stunning natural background of Lory State Park, Arthur’s Rock offers some of the most magnificent views of Horsetooth Reservoir and the city of Fort Collins. Arthur’s Rock is a very short drive from Fort Collins and is also a relatively short intermediate hike. This approximately two-mile trail bends through open meadows and brilliant mountain views on the way to the summit of Arthur’s Rock, which ascends to an elevation of 6,780 feet. There is also a fantastic natural stairway leading you to the top of the rock, which provides a perfect setting for a picnic if you pack a lunch.

14.   VISIT THE FARM AT LEE MARTINEZ PARK
LeeMartinezFarm1_arudkin

The Farm offers hands-on farm experiences for children and families. It is a wonderful family-friendly attraction unique to Fort Collins offering children the chance to learn about farm life.

15.   TAKE A STROLL THROUGH THE OVAL
CSU-oval---Fall

Home to 100-plus-year-old Elm trees, this truly is a must-see on the Campus of Colorado State University.

16.   EXPLORE OLD TOWN
Copy of Linden Hotel sunrise

Old Town Fort Collins is designated both a national and local historic district with 28 historical buildings. You will come to notice an uncanny resemblance to Disneyland’s Main Street USA when walking the streets of Old Town. We are proud to say that Main Street USA was modeled after Fort Collins! Old Town is full of local boutiques, cafes, antique shops, retail stores, and candy and confectionery shops. There are also tons of restaurants serving a smorgasbord of food of every taste. Pro tip: be sure to travel by alley when you’re in the downtown area to take in local art, beautiful flowers and inviting lighting.

17.   PLAY ONE OF THE PIANOS ABOUT TOWN
Pianos-about-Town-Enzios-Alleyway

One of the most beloved forms of public art in Fort Collins is the Pianos About Town. More than 100 pianos have been painted and placed into rotation at sites throughout Fort Collins. Feel free to seek them out and give them a play. It’s not uncommon to pass by and see amateur (and pro) piano players making beautiful music across the city.

18.   TRY A FOOD TRUCK
Food Truck

Fort Collins boasts a burgeoning food truck scene. Select Tuesday nights in the summer, food trucks gather in City Park to serve up tasty treats at the Food Truck Rally. Food trucks also frequent many local breweries.

19.   SEE A SHOW AT THE HOLIDAY TWIN DRIVE IN MOVIE
Holiday Twin Drive-In, Credit Jessica Quinn - Copy - Copy

Did you know Fort Collins is home to the Holiday Twin Drive-In, one of six drive-in movie lots left in Colorado and only one of 348 left in the entire country? Double features grace the screen from May-September.

20.   TAKE IN SOME HISTORY AT JESSUP FARMS ARTISAN VILLAGE
Jessup Farms

Jessup Farm artisan village plays host to businesses focused on handcrafted and locally-sourced products, housed in rebuilt and remodeled chicken coops, a loafing shed, a saddle shop, and an old barn and farmhouse: The Jessup Farm was one of the Fort Collins Urban Growth Area’s best preserved and most intact farm complexes. It received landmark preservation designation from the city, state, and federal governments. The farm is located south of the intersection of Prospect and Timberline on the east side of the road.

21.   JAM OUT AT AN OUTDOOR CONCERT
Foothills Concert

Fort Collins loves its music scene and for good reason.  Outdoor concert series typically kick off in May and last all the way through October but don’t worry. Festivals, events and other outdoor programs typically include live music so you’ll catch some tunes outside nearly year round in Fort Collins.

22.   SEARCH FOR FAMOUS FACES IN JAZZ ALLEY
Jazz-Alley

This alley is home to a beautiful painting created by local artist Terry McNerney. This mural is in a “hidden” alley off Mountain Ave. and Walnut St. next door to the Food Co-op. It features famous people throughout history.

23.   GO ON A TOUR
Beer and Bike Tours

Experience Fort Collins via a private or self-guided tour. Front Range Ride Guides specializes in guided mountain bike tours and private skills clinics. Beer & Bike Tours offers day tours where you can cruise between breweries by bicycle.  If an art tour sounds more appealing, you can take a self-guided art tour of the Transformer Cabinet Murals and Pedestrian Sidewalk Pavers. Known for their ghost tours, Fort Collins Tours offers haunted pub tours as well as walking history tours. And if food is your things, check out Old Town Food Tours to give you a true taste of Fort Collins 

There are also a lot of self-guided tour brochures available at the Downtown Fort Collins Visitors Center on Mountain Avenue.

24.   TAKE IN THE BEAUTY OF SOAPSTONE PRAIRIE NATURAL AREA
Soapstone-Pronghorn

Soapstone Prairie Natural Area is an astonishing wide-open landscape spanning nearly 19,000 acres. It is home to miles-upon miles of trails, extensive and diverse archaeological human history and rare plant and animal life. Soapstone truly is a place to behold.

There are also two types of wildlife that have been reintroduced to their natural habitats – the American Bison and the Black-Footed Ferret.

The most popular site at Soapstone is the Lindenmeier archeological site, which is a National Historic Landmark. Excavations at the site show there was human habitation in North America dating back as far as 10,000 years ago. Birders also flock (pun intended) to this area to spot rare birds.

25.   HOP ON A HORSE 
Tour de Farms Bike Horse

Visit Sundance Trail Guest Ranch, a dude ranch in Red Feather Lakes, for an authentic horseback riding experience. Around an hour’s drive from Fort Collins, this guest ranch offers day horseback riding adventures with experienced wranglers.

26.   RUN THROUGH THE SPLASH PAD IN OLD TOWN SQUARE
old town splash pad

This splash pad is located centrally in Old Town Square in historic downtown Fort Collins. Come join the dozens of children and collection of dogs that frequent this area in the summer when they are looking to cool off for free.

27.   BOOK A STAY AT THE ARMSTRONG HOTEL
Armstrong Hotel Lobby

The Armstrong Hotel has been in the Fort Collins community for 100 years. In 2019 the hotel updated its guestrooms, public spaces and its beloved Ace Gillett’s underground speakeasy cocktail and music lounge. They’ve also added an Ace Cafe that offers outdoor seating. It’s the quintessential boutique experience in downtown Fort Collins.

28.   GO PLAY AT TWIN SILO PARK
Twin Silo Park Slides

located in southeast Fort Collins, is a 54-acre park featuring a fantastic playground that reminds visitors of the area’s farming history. Along with a zipline and unique play structures, the playground has two towering 50-foot silos with the tallest slide in Fort Collins traveling between them.

29.   SEE A CONCERT A THE MISHAWAKA AMPHITHEATER
Mishawaka

The legendary Mishawaka Amphitheatre has stood on the banks of the Cache la Poudre River for over 100 years. The “Mish”, as the locals call it serves as an incredible music venue, restaurant, and bar. It is located in the beautiful Cache la Poudre Canyon just 10 miles northwest of Fort Collins. There truly aren’t many venues that are as unique as The Mishawaka.

30.   MAKE YOUR OWN KICKS AT COLORADO SHOE SCHOOL
Colorado Shoe School

At Colorado Shoe School, you can design and create your very own custom shoes. Repurposing leather destined for the landfill, and using recycled sole options ranging from bike tires to rubber flooring or rescued conveyer belts, attendees are invited to build something completely unique and custom during a one-day (sneaker), three-day (wet lasted shoes), or five-day (shoe or boot) workshop.

31.   MARVEL AT THE BEAUTIFUL DESIGN OF THE ELIZABETH HOTEL
The Elizabeth Hotel Music Suite

The 164-room Elizabeth Hotel in Old Town (111 Chestnut Street) pays tribute to FoCo’s deep-rooted music scene. A musical theme permeates this modern luxury hotel with record players in the guest rooms, inspired artwork, a piano and jazz music at the rooftop Sunset Lounge, and rock ‘n roll at The Magic Rat live music venue. Don’t miss this hip hotel’s three over-the-top themed suites: Beer & Bike; Music: and The Green and Gold Room. The Emporium: An American Brasserie, located inside the hotel, offers everything from gourmet sammies and grilled pizzas to charcuterie platters and signature dishes made using locally-sourced, high-quality ingredients.

Press Release: National Heritage Area Program Bill Passes in House of Representatives, Supports Program Longevity 

By News

NEWS RELEASE 

March 6th, 2021 

For immediate release; for more information, contact: 

Kathleen Benedict, Executive Director 

Poudre Heritage Alliance 

(970)-222-5795 

 

National Heritage Area Program Bill Passes in House of Representatives, Supports Program Longevity
 

Washington, DC – Colorado, USA (March 6) – The passage of the National Heritage Areas Act of 2021, H.R. 1316, as part of H.R. 803, the Protecting America’s Wilderness and Public Lands Act, on February 26, 2021, standardizes the criteria in which future National Heritage Areas (NHAs) will be designated under and defines structures that will allow more consistent federal support. This will affect all 55 National Heritage Areas, including the three existing ones in Colorado. NHAs are places designated by Congress for their cultural, natural, historic resources that combined tell a nationally significant story about our nation’s diverse heritage.  

The three Colorado Heritage Areas, Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area (designated in 1996), South Park National Heritage Area (designated in 2009), and Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area (designated 2009), are currently authorized to only receive appropriated funding for three more years until the year 2024. While not considered National Park Units, NHAs receive technical and financial assistance from the National Park Service who administers the program. Among championing historic preservation, educational programming, and heritage tourism, NHAs generate economic value for their communities, on average $5.50 per $1 of federal funds spent. An Economic Impact Study completed in 2017 by the Poudre Heritage Alliance (the managing entity of the Cache la Poudre River NHA) showed an annual $81.6 million impact on their region and $6.9 million generated in tax revenues. 

The National Heritage Areas Act of 2020, H.R. 1049, would have initially passed in the House of Representatives on December 4th, 2020, but stalled in the Senate. H.R. 1049 would have allowed NHAs to receive an additional ten years of federal funding and had more than 220 cosponsors. The National Heritage Area Act of 2021 has bipartisan support, being sponsored by Representatives Paul D. Tonko (D-NY) and David McKinley (R-WV), and is currently being reviewed in the Senate. 

 

ABOUT THE CACHE LA POUDRE RIVER NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA AND THE POUDRE HERITAGE ALLIANCE 

The Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area (CALA), a 45-mile stretch of the Lower Poudre River, tells the story of the river where Western Water Law took shape and how the river still informs the use of water throughout the arid West today.  CALA’s 501(c)3 nonprofit managing entity, the Poudre Heritage Alliance – PROMOTES a variety of historical and cultural opportunities; ENGAGES people in their river corridor; and INSPIRES learning, preservation, and stewardship. Find out more at:  https://poudreheritage.org/ 

 

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Poudre Heritage Alliance and Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area Announce Large Grant Cycle for 2021

By News

Poudre Heritage Alliance and Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area Announce Large Grant Cycle for 2021

DEADLINE FOR PROPOSALS APRIL 15TH

 

FEBRUARY 22, 2021 – The Poudre Heritage Alliance (PHA) is now accepting proposals for the 2021 large grant cycle. Every year, the PHA makes a portion of its federal funding available to its regional partners as grants. These grants support projects, programs, and events that benefit local communities and reflect the mission of the Poudre Heritage Alliance to PROMOTE, ENGAGE, and INSPIRE.

Those interested in a large grant for their project will need to read the guidelines and submit an application that can be found online: https://poudreheritage.org/grant-information/

A list of previous grant recipients is also available online if you are curious about the kinds of projects that have received funding in the past. The minimum amount awarded for large grants is $3,001. PHA also offers small grants, in amounts up to $3,000, on a rolling basis. The deadline for large grant proposals is April 15 and the grant recipients will be notified on June 11.

ABOUT THE POUDRE HERITAGE ALLIANCE

The Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area (CALA), a 45-mile stretch of the Lower Poudre River, tells the story of the river where Western Water Law took shape and how the river still informs the use of water throughout the arid West today.  CALA’s 501(c)3 nonprofit managing entity, the Poudre Heritage Alliance – PROMOTES a variety of historical and cultural opportunities; ENGAGES people in their river corridor; and INSPIRES learning, preservation, and stewardship. Find out more at https://poudreheritage.org/

 

 

Poudre Heritage Alliance Receives New Capacity Building Grant from National Park Foundation

By News

NEWS RELEASE

January 15th, 2021

For immediate release; for more information, contact:

Kathleen Benedict,

Director of the Poudre Heritage Alliance

970-222-5795

kbenedict@poudreheritage.org 

Alanna Sobel, National Park Foundation

202-796-2538

asobel@nationalparks.org

 

Poudre Heritage Alliance Receives New Capacity Building Grant from National Park Foundation

GRANT EXPANDS IMPACT FOR THREE COLORADO HERITAGE AREAS

FORT COLLINS – (January 15th, 2021) The Poudre Heritage Alliance (PHA) is one of 36 park partner organizations to receive a Strong Parks, Strong Communities capacity-building grant from the National Park Foundation, the official nonprofit partner to the National Park Service. This grant will enable PHA with fellow partners Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area and South Park National Heritage Area to: deliver economic benefits to sites within the National Heritage Areas,  strengthen local and regional partnerships, and promote an expanded range of heritage tourism offerings in Colorado. The full list of grantees can be found on the National Park Foundation’s blog

“We are so grateful to receive this capacity-building grant from the National Park Foundation to build on the base of our Colorado Heritage Journey project, especially as our destination partners work towards tourism recovery post-COVID-19,”  said Kathleen Benedict, Executive Director at the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area. “Heritage tourism helps to protect the resources that define our communities distinct character and promote a sense of place, we hope our efforts today will support the future stewardship of these significant resources tomorrow.”

The Strong Parks, Strong Communities capacity building grant program helps address nonprofit park partner needs that have come to the forefront amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Park partners identified resiliency and ability to weather times of uncertainty as priority needs. These grants will enable park partners across the country to expand their impact through new technology, website redesigns, creative visitor engagement, strategic plan development, fundraising campaigns, professional development, and more.

“The National Park Foundation is committed to increasing national park philanthropy across the board, and being responsive to current needs,” said LaTresse Snead, chief program officer for the National Park Foundation. “The capacity-building grants help advance park partners’ goals to preserve natural and cultural resources, increase access to public lands for all people, and develop innovative programming.” 

Strong Parks, Strong Communities is a collective effort to grow national park philanthropy, which consists of approximately 450 local philanthropic organizations across the country. Working together on this initiative, the National Park Foundation, National Park Service, and Friends Alliance enhance local philanthropic organizations, bringing park philanthropy to an elevated level. 

The Strong Parks, Strong Communities capacity building grant program is made possible by the National Park Foundation Board of Directors. 

 

ABOUT THE POUDRE HERITAGE ALLIANCE

The Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area (CALA), a 45-mile stretch of the Lower Poudre River, tells the story of the river where Western Water Law took shape and how the river still informs the use of water throughout the arid West today.  CALA’s 501(c)3 nonprofit managing entity, the Poudre Heritage Alliance – PROMOTES a variety of historical and cultural opportunities; ENGAGES people in their river corridor; and INSPIRES learning, preservation, and stewardship. Find out more at https://poudreheritage.org/

 

ABOUT THE NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION 

The National Park Foundation is the official charity of America’s national parks and nonprofit partner to the National Park Service. Chartered by Congress in 1967, the National Park Foundation raises private funds to help protect more than 84 million acres of national parks through critical conservation and preservation efforts and connect all Americans with their incomparable natural landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history. Find out more and become a part of the national park community at www.nationalparks.org.