Entry No. 25 — the Fort Collins file — filed under: history

Lindenmeier Paleo Site at Soapstone Prairie

One of the most significant Paleo-Indian sites in North America, the Lindenmeier Site preserves the largest known Folsom culture campsite ever found. Calibrated radiocarbon dates place human occupation here around 10,300 BCE — over 12,000 years ago. In the 1930s the Smithsonian Institution and the Colorado Museum of Natural History excavated tens of thousands of stone and bone artifacts: Folsom projectile points, scrapers, scored hematite pieces, and bones from an ancient bison species standing roughly seven feet tall. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1961, the site is now protected within Fort Collins' Soapstone Prairie Natural Area, accessible via a short paved overlook trail with interpretive panels. The prairie itself is stunning: 28 square miles of grassland with long views east to the plains.

The move: Drive 25 miles north of Fort Collins for a half-mile walk to the Lindenmeier Overlook — read the interpretive panels together, then keep hiking the open prairie trails. Pack a picnic; the vault toilets and sheltered trailhead make it an easy half-day outing with a genuinely mind-bending sense of deep human time.

📍 Before you go Open March 1 through November 30, dawn to dusk; closed December–February. No dogs allowed. No water available on-site — bring everything you need. Cell service is unreliable; an emergency call box is at the entrance station. The Lindenmeier Overlook is a short, easy paved path from the trailhead. Free guided hikes with volunteer Master Naturalists can be arranged by contacting Fort Collins Natural Areas (970-224-6118). About 25 miles from Fort Collins; plan 40–45 minutes each way.

• 📍 Fort Collins
• 💸 Free
• ⚡ Up for anything
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: 22998 Rawhide Flats Rd, Wellington, CO 80549

Hours: Added 2026-06-11 — confirm current hours before you go.

⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Proof: source 1 · source 2 · source 3 · source 4

last checked: 2026-06-11