There are many things that make Fort Collins unique. One of our favorites is the Fort Collins Trolley! The Birney Trolley, which started running in 1919, went through many different parts of town. The Trolley ran until 1951, making Fort Collins the last town to operate regularly scheduled single-truck Birney in the United States. In 1984, after seven years of restoration work, the Trolley started running again. 40 years later, the Trolley has carried over 200,000 riders and is an integral part of the charm and history that makes Fort Collins unique!

We spoke with Tim Dillon, Marketing Director for the Trolley to get all the details about the Trolley's summer season.

What do you love about Fort Collins? 

All the fabulous people we get to meet while operating the beloved streetcars. We see many loyal locals as well as visitors from all over the world.

What are your top 3 favorite activities to do in Fort Collins?

  1. Biking the Poudre River Trail. I enjoy the scenic view, the turns following the bend of the river and riding over the bridges.
  2. Listening to free, live music at the Old Town Square stage. Especially the Thursday Night Live series in the summer.
  3. Of course, riding the Fort Collins Trolley. It's the perfect activity for visiting guests. 

historic track configuration for three trolleys at intersection of college and mountain

What "can't miss" activity/restaurant/place would you tell a first-time visitor to go?

Of course, we would say you can't miss riding the Trolleys during the operating season. In addition, we love to encourage people to visit The 1879 Avery House on Mountain Ave. The 1879 Avery House is a great all-year option and there are themed events throughout the year. A tour through the 1879 Avery House includes Fort Collins history and history of the Avery Family. The Trolley stops at Howes St. nearby.

What makes the Fort Collins Trolley unique? 

We are a Heritage Railway, a historic railroad that has been preserved to recreate railway scenes of the past. And, we are operated by all volunteers, from maintenance, motorman, conductors, depot agents and administration. It is all staffed by volunteers who cherish our Trolleys. 

Two trolleys, one red and white and green and one yellow and green next to each other at the trolley barn

What is the story behind how the Fort Collins Trolley got its start?

You can find the full history on our website. The short version of the story is: The Fort Collins streetcar transportation system ran from 1907 to 1951. In 1977, a group of locals formed the all-volunteer Fort Collins Municipal Railway Society. Then in 1984, the streetcars were back on track serving as a Heritage Railway. Now, 40 years later the entire organization (motormen, conductors, depot agents, maintenance, operations, etc.) is still operated by all-volunteers. 

historic picture of trolleys passing each other on mountain ave

What do you want visitors to experience on the Fort Collins Trolley?

We want our riders to make new memories while connecting with the past. We hope they get a sense of what life was like in the early 20th century in Fort Collins and how the trolleys were an important part of the city’s growth and daily life.

Car 21 going to city park with conductor in driver's seat

(Photos courtesy of Fort Collins Trolley)

Fort Collins Trolley

Business Hours: May through September - Saturdays, Sundays and National Holidays. 12:00pm - 5:00pm
Address: 1501 W. Oak Street, Fort Collins, CO 80521
Email: fcmrs1919@gmail.com
Website: https://www.fortcollinstrolley.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fortcollins.trolley/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fortcollinstrolley