Farm at Lee Martinez Park | Fort Collins

The Farm at Lee Martinez Park is a living history museum located in Fort Collins, Colorado. It recreates a 1900s farmstead, offering a glimpse into early 20th-century rural life.

Visual Characteristics

The site features several historical buildings constructed from wood and stone, including a farmhouse, barn, and outbuildings. The structures are painted in muted, natural tones. Surrounding the buildings is cultivated farmland with rows of crops and grazing areas for livestock. The landscape is relatively flat with mature trees providing shade.

Location & Access Logistics

The Farm is situated at 600 N. Sherwood Street, Fort Collins, CO 80521. It is approximately 1.5km north of the Fort Collins city center. Access is via North Sherwood Street. Parking is available on-site in a dedicated lot. Public transport options include the Transfort bus system; Route 12 stops within a 0.5km walk.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The Farm at Lee Martinez Park was established to preserve and interpret the agricultural heritage of the Cache la Poudre River Valley. The buildings are either original structures relocated to the site or accurate reconstructions based on historical research, dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The land itself is part of the riparian zone of the Cache la Poudre River.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can observe and interact with farm animals, including heritage breeds of chickens, pigs, and cattle. Demonstrations of historical farming techniques are conducted seasonally. Guided tours of the farmhouse and outbuildings are available. Educational programs for children and adults are offered.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available on-site. Shaded areas are provided by trees and building overhangs. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally reliable. No on-site food vendors are present, but several restaurants are located within a 1km radius in downtown Fort Collins.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for photography is generally mid-morning or late afternoon when the sun angle is lower, providing softer light. The best months for visiting are from April through October, when most outdoor activities and demonstrations are operational and weather conditions are favorable. Animal viewing is consistent throughout operational hours.

Facts & Legends

A specific historical detail is the use of a horse-powered treadmill for various farm tasks, a common piece of equipment in early 20th-century agriculture. The farm aims to accurately represent the daily routines and challenges faced by families in this region during that era.

Nearby Landmarks

• Lee Martinez Park (0.1km South)
• Poudre River Trail (0.2km West)
• Old Town Fort Collins (1.5km South)
• Avery House (1.8km South)
• Fort Collins Museum of Discovery (2.0km South)