Cathy Fromme Prairie: Fort Collins’ Wild High Plains | | Hey FoCo, | If you’ve ever wondered what Fort Collins looked like before neighborhoods, breweries, and bike lanes, Cathy Fromme Prairie gives you the answer. This rare slice of pre-settlement shortgrass prairie is alive with prairie dogs, coyotes, and an impressive cast of raptors—golden eagles, ferruginous hawks, and more—soaring above. We’ll take you into its history, share the best trail connections, and reveal where to spot the wildlife (and yes, there’s a raptor observatory with your name on it). | Let’s dive in! | | 🍻Fort Collins Trivia | This brewery is known for its creative seasonal brews. | | Cathy Fromme Prairie: Where the Grasslands Still Roam Free 🌾 | | If you’ve ever wondered what Fort Collins looked like before the houses, breweries, and roundabouts, Cathy Fromme Prairie is your time machine. This 1,088-acre natural area preserves a rare stretch of shortgrass prairie — rolling hills, seasonal wetlands, and sweeping Front Range views included. It’s a quiet escape, but one teeming with life: prairie dogs pop up from their burrows, hawks circle overhead, and in winter, golden eagles perch like royalty on fenceposts. | The Fossil Creek Trail runs right through it — a 2.4-mile paved path perfect for walking, running, or biking. You can connect it to Spring Canyon Park or Pineridge Natural Area if you want to turn a short outing into a day-long wander. The raptor observatory near the Shields Street entrance is a must-stop, especially in colder months when birds of prey are more active. | More than just a pretty landscape, this prairie plays a big role in keeping Loveland and Fort Collins separate — a green buffer that’s been part of local planning since the 1960s. Named after environmental advocate Cathy Fromme, the area is proof that open spaces can be protected, enjoyed, and loved for generations. | 📍 Where: South of Harmony Road, west side of County Road 17 (Shields Street) | 🕔 Hours: 5:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m. | 💵 Cost: Free! | | 🗓 What’s Happenin’ in Fort Collins: Event Listings | | 📅 Tuesday, August 12 | 🎤 Open Mic Night (recurring Tuesday) 📍 Horsetooth Tavern | ⏰ 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM | 🆓 Free | 🎲 Bingo with Jason (recurring Tuesday) 📍 Peculier Brewing | ⏰ 7:00 PM | 🆓 Free 🧠 Trivia Tuesdays (recurring Tuesday) 📍 Breckenridge Brewery | ⏰ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | 🆓 Free 🧠 Trivia Tuesdays! (recurring Tuesday) 📍 CooperSmith’s Pub | ⏰ 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM | 🆓 Free | 🎲 Weekly Bingo (recurring Tuesday) 📍 Slyce Pizza Co. | ⏰ 7:00 PM | 🆓 Free | |
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| Want more? See the full calendar → Fort Collins Event Calendar | | 🍽 Not sure where to eat tonight? | Our Restaurant Finder takes the guesswork out of dining by showing you the best local restaurants based on real reviews and vibes, not just ratings. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or a date-night spot, we’ve got you. No endless scrolling, no decision fatigue...just solid recs. |
| | 🌮 Who’s Got the Best Tacos in FoCo? | We’re on a mission to crown FoCo’s top taco spot—from OG taquerías to bold fusion joints. Vote for your favorite and help settle the salsa-fueled debate once and for all. 🌶️ | Cast your vote now → |
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| | Before You Fly Off… | | 🌾 From its sweeping grasslands to its winter raptor shows, Cathy Fromme Prairie proves you don’t have to leave Fort Collins to find true wild beauty. Next time you need fresh air and open space, lace up and head south—nature’s been waiting here since long before the city. | ✅ Trivia Answer: B) Prairie dogs! Their colonies provide a buffet for hawks and eagles, making the prairie a prime raptor-spotting destination. | —Your What’s Happenin’ Crew ☀️🍹 |
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