Fort Collins’ Old Town and River District city game

If you’re seeking a fresh way to see Fort Collins beyond the usual tourist spots, a city game designed by Secret City Trails offers a playful, engaging experience. This interactive walk combines history, local stories, and discovery, all wrapped up in a format that’s perfect for friends, families, or curious travelers wanting a deeper connection with the city. While it’s not a comprehensive tour of every landmark, it’s a fun, flexible way to explore at your own pace.

What we love about this experience is how it transforms Fort Collins into a giant puzzle—solving riddles while uncovering hidden gems and lesser-known tales. Plus, with a price tag of around $31 per group, it offers excellent value for what you get: a personalized, educational adventure that keeps everyone involved. One potential consideration is that you’ll need to use your mobile device’s browser and mobile data, so be prepared for some screen time and ensure your phone is charged.

This city game suits a broad audience: visitors eager to explore with a twist, locals wanting to rediscover their city, or groups looking for a fun team-building activity. If you enjoy puzzles, storytelling, and discovering off-the-beaten-path spots, this experience is likely to delight you.

Key Points

• Interactive Exploration: Solve 12 location-based riddles that guide you through Fort Collins’ historic and hidden spots.
• Flexible Timing: Lasts roughly 1.5 to 2.5 hours, allowing for a relaxed yet engaging pace.
• Inclusive for All: Perfect for friends, couples, families, local explorers, and team-building groups.
• Affordable: At $31.23 per group (up to 5 people), it offers a cost-effective way to experience the city differently.
• Educational and Fun: Learn about Fort Collins’ history and stories through a playful lens, with stops at public art, historic houses, and scenic river views.
• Self-Guided & Private: Play on your schedule with a web app accessible via your phone—only your group participates, ensuring a personalized experience.

Detailed Review of the Fort Collins City Game Experience

An Introduction to a Different Way to Discover Fort Collins

When it comes to exploring a city like Fort Collins, most travelers might gravitate toward guided tours, walking through Old Town, or browsing local museums. This offering from Secret City Trails turns that approach upside down. Instead of a traditional guide, you get a self-guided, game-based adventure that invites you to uncover stories and sights at your own pace.

Two qualities stand out immediately. First, the interactive element—solving riddles that direct you from one interesting spot to the next—makes the experience more engaging than just reading signs or listening to a guide. Second, the focus on lesser-known stories and hidden spots offers a unique perspective that many typical tours overlook.

One aspect to consider before booking is the need for a smartphone with mobile data. While the web app is designed for ease of use, you’ll want to ensure your device is charged, especially if you plan on spending a couple of hours exploring multiple locations. For those who prefer a guided group or a listener-led tour, this format may feel a bit solitary, but for self-motivated explorers, it’s an ideal fit.

This experience is best suited for adventurous travelers who enjoy puzzles, families with kids, or locals keen to rediscover familiar streets from a new angle. It’s also great as a team-building activity because it encourages cooperation and problem-solving.

What to Expect at Each Stop

Starting Point: Poudre River Trail

The adventure kicks off in a green area along the Poudre River Trail. This is a perfect spot to stretch your legs, breathe in some fresh Colorado air, and get ready for a journey through the city’s stories. The river setting provides a scenic entrance to the exploration, and from here, the game’s riddles will guide you through the historic core.

Public Art and Local Culture

Next, you’ll encounter Fort Collins’ public street art and a museum dedicated to art. This stop allows you to appreciate the city’s creative side, often overlooked by visitors. The riddles will lead you to discover murals, sculptures, and perhaps even some local artists’ stories, giving you a richer understanding of Fort Collins’ cultural fabric.

Franklin Avery House: A Key Historic Landmark

One of the highlights is a stop at the house of Franklin Avery, a figure significant to the urban development of Fort Collins. The story behind this house offers insight into the city’s growth and development, making it a meaningful addition to your exploration. As you solve puzzles to find this site, you learn how individuals like Avery shaped the town’s history, blending storytelling with physical discovery.

Hidden Local Spots and Scenic Views

The route also takes you to quieter courtyards and lesser-known spots that reveal the city’s secret charm. For example, from the Poudre River to the vibrant streets of Old Town, the game encourages you to look at familiar places from new angles, whether that’s from unique viewpoints or by uncovering stories not widely known.

End Point: Fort Collins Food Co-Op and Mount Avenue

Your adventure concludes at the Mountain Avenue Market, a scenic, community-oriented spot. After finishing the game, you receive a digital map with suggestions for where to go next—a handy feature for extending your time in Fort Collins or grabbing a local snack.

Is It Worth the Price?

At just over $31 for a group of up to five people, this city game offers excellent value for an engaging, educational experience. You’re not paying for transportation, guided commentary, or museum admissions; instead, you’re investing in a personalized adventure. Considering the flexibility, fun, and local insights, many travelers find it well worth the cost.

While it’s not a comprehensive tour of every landmark, the focus on interactive storytelling and discovery makes every dollar count. Plus, the experience is private, which means your group can enjoy it without interruptions or crowds—a distinct advantage in busy seasons.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This activity is ideal for travelers who enjoy puzzles, storytelling, and discovering hidden spots. It suits families with kids, couples looking for a romantic yet playful outing, groups of friends, or even locals eager to see their city in a different light. If you’re a solo traveler with a curious mind, you’ll probably enjoy the challenge as well.

On the flip side, if you prefer guided tours, detailed historical narratives, or don’t want to use your phone during your walk, this might not be your best fit. Also, those with physical limitations should note that moderate physical activity is required, as some walking and possibly navigating uneven terrain are involved.

Final Thoughts: Is it a Good Choice for You?

For travelers craving a unique, flexible way to explore Fort Collins, this city game from Secret City Trails hits the mark. It combines fun, education, and discovery in a way that standard tours often don’t match. You’ll learn about local stories, enjoy scenic views along the Poudre River, and uncover hidden corners of the city—all while solving riddles that add an element of playfulness.

It’s particularly suited for those who like puzzles and storytelling, or anyone wanting a more personalized, intimate experience of Fort Collins’ old town and river district. If you’re traveling with kids, a group of friends, or a partner, this activity offers a memorable way to connect with the city’s spirit.

While it’s not a comprehensive historical tour, its charm lies in the interactive format and the chance to see parts of Fort Collins that many might miss. For the price and the quality of the experience, it’s a smart pick for a fun, educational outing.

FAQ

How long does the city game last?
It typically takes between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours 30 minutes, depending on your pace and how long you spend at each stop.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers the web app link to play the game on your phone. No food, drinks, or mobile data are included, so plan accordingly.

Is this activity suitable for families?
Yes, it’s designed to be fun and educational for all ages, especially those who enjoy puzzles and exploring.

Do I need to be physically fit?
A moderate physical fitness level is recommended since the activity involves walking and navigating different locations.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at College & Poudre River Trail in Fort Collins and ends at the Fort Collins Food Co-Op on Mountain Avenue.

Can I do this activity at any time?
Yes, it’s open from 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM daily, and you can start at your convenience within these hours.

Do I need to download anything?
No app download is required; you access everything via your phone’s web browser through the provided link.

Is the tour private?
Yes, only your group will participate in the game, making it a personalized outing.

What happens after I finish the game?
You’ll receive an online map with suggestions for places to visit afterward, so you can extend your exploration.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, with no penalties for early cancellation.

Whether you’re a local looking to rediscover Fort Collins or a visitor wanting a fun twist on sightseeing, this city game offers a rewarding way to see the city’s sights and stories in a playful, personal way.