National Register of Historic Places listings in Larimer County, Colorado facts for kids
Have you ever wondered about old buildings or special places that tell a story about the past? In Larimer County, Colorado, there are many such places! They are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is like a special list kept by the United States government. It helps protect important buildings, sites, and objects that have historical value.
When a place is on this list, it means it's recognized as a significant part of American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture. Larimer County is home to 106 of these amazing historic spots. Two of them are even more special, called National Historic Landmarks! Let's explore some of these cool places and learn about their history.
Historic Buildings and Homes
Larimer County has many old buildings that have been saved because they are so important. These buildings often show us how people lived and worked a long time ago.
Fort Collins Treasures
The city of Fort Collins has many buildings on the National Register.
Ammons Hall
Ammons Hall is a beautiful building on the Colorado State University campus. It was built in 1922 and is known for its grand design. It has been a part of the university's history for many years.
Armstrong Hotel
The Armstrong Hotel, built in 1923, is right in the heart of downtown Fort Collins. It's a classic hotel that has welcomed many guests over the decades. It shows the style of buildings from the early 1900s.
Avery House
The Avery House was built in 1879 for Franklin Avery, a very important person in Fort Collins' early days. He helped design the city's streets. This house is a great example of Victorian architecture.
Old Town Fort Collins
The Old Town area of Fort Collins is a whole historic district! This means many buildings in this area are protected. It's roughly bounded by College Avenue and Mountain, Pine, Willow, and Walnut Streets. Walking through Old Town feels like stepping back in time.
Fort Collins Post Office
The old Fort Collins Post Office, built in 1912, is another historic spot. It used to be where people sent and received mail. Today, it's used as the Fort Collins Museum of Contemporary Art.
Loveland's Landmarks
Loveland also has several interesting historic buildings.
A. S. Benson House
The A. S. Benson House was built in 1903. It's a lovely home that shows the architectural styles popular at the turn of the 20th century.
Colorado and Southern Railway Depot
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The Colorado and Southern Railway Depot, built in 1902, was once a busy train station. It played a big role in connecting Loveland to other towns and helping the city grow.
Rialto Theater
The Rialto Theater, opened in 1920, is a beautiful old movie theater. It has hosted many shows and films over the years. It's a great example of early 20th-century entertainment venues.
Historic Places in Nature
Larimer County is also home to parts of Rocky Mountain National Park, which has many historic trails and structures.
Rocky Mountain National Park Gems
Many places within Rocky Mountain National Park are listed on the National Register. These include trails, ranger stations, and even a snow plow!
Fall River Road
Fall River Road is a historic road built between 1913 and 1920. It was one of the first roads to allow cars to travel high into the mountains. It offers amazing views and shows early engineering skills.
Trail Ridge Road
Trail Ridge Road is another famous historic road in the park. It's the highest continuous paved road in North America! It was built in the 1930s and offers incredible views of the alpine tundra.
Fern Lake Trail
The Fern Lake Trail is a historic hiking path in Rocky Mountain National Park. It leads to beautiful Fern Lake and offers stunning scenery. Trails like this allow people to explore the park's natural beauty.
Stanley Hotel
The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park is a very famous historic hotel, built in 1909. It's known for its grand architecture and beautiful mountain setting. It even inspired a famous horror novel!
Enos Mills Homestead Cabin
Enos Mills was a naturalist who helped create Rocky Mountain National Park. His homestead cabin, built in 1903, is a simple log cabin that shows how early settlers lived in the mountains.
Other Unique Historic Sites
Beyond buildings and trails, Larimer County has other unique historic listings.
Lindenmeier Site
The Lindenmeier Site is a very important archaeological site. It's where scientists found tools and bones from ancient people who lived in North America over 10,000 years ago! It helps us understand early human history on the continent. This site is so important that it's a National Historic Landmark.
Virginia Dale Stage Station
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The Virginia Dale Stage Station, built in 1862, was a stop for stagecoaches traveling along the Overland Trail. It was a vital place for travelers to rest, eat, and change horses during their long journeys across the West.
Images for kids
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The former Bear Lake Ranger Station.
