Entry No. 21 — the Fort Collins file — filed under: history
Fort Collins Ghost Tour (Old Town)
Fort Collins Tours, LLC runs a 75-to-90-minute evening walking tour through Old Town's streets, alleyways, and underground spaces — think bootlegger tunnels, a subterranean cold-war-era bunker, and the basements of century-old businesses that still operate above ground. A costumed guide delivers local legends and documented haunted history, with stops varying slightly each outing. The tour reaches a maximum of 18 people and ventures into areas of Old Town most visitors never see, including underground sections connected to the Northern Hotel. Friday and Saturday evenings are the standard public schedule, with private tours bookable any day.
The story
Most people strolling Old Town Fort Collins are looking up at the restored Victorian facades or scanning menu boards, entirely oblivious to the network of brick conduits and storage vaults sitting directly beneath their boots. Long before craft beer took over the zip code, bootleggers snuck illicit booze through subterranean passages, and city planners later carved out a Cold War-era fallout shelter in the dark under the pavement. The Fort Collins Ghost Tour drops you into those exact spaces, threading through active basements and restricted sections tied to historic landmarks like the Northern Hotel.
Led by costumed local guides, the route dodges standard brochure history in favor of documented local weirdness and urban legends. You aren't just standing on a sidewalk listening to a story—you are descending narrow stairs into low-ceilinged rooms where century-old businesses still operate above your head. Because stops shift slightly from night to night, the specific subterranean doors that open depend on where you happen to step off the curb.
What it's like
You'll gather near Suite 139B in Old Town Square before stepping off for a 75-to-90-minute evening trek. The cap is strictly set at 18 people, meaning you won't be jockeying for elbow room in tight passageways, but it also means tickets disappear quickly. Wear sensible shoes—you'll be walking over cracked masonry and uneven subterranean floors—and bring a warm jacket, as underground pockets hold cold drafts regardless of the season. Once the tour wraps, you drop right back out into the center of Old Town's bar scene, ideally suited for grabbing a drink and arguing over what caused that sudden drop in temperature.
The move: Buy tickets ahead of time, dress in layers, and arrive at Old Town Square a few minutes early. After the 75-minute tour wraps, you're already in the middle of Old Town's bars and restaurants — perfect for debriefing over drinks and arguing about what you actually heard in that tunnel.
📍 Before you go Public tours run Friday and Saturday evenings, year-round; private tours are available any day starting at $216 (October minimum $324). No refunds — reschedule at least a week out. Minimum age is 12. Group cap is 18 people, so book ahead, especially in October when tours fill fast. Wear comfortable shoes; underground sections have uneven surfaces. Tours run in most weather. Book via FareHarbor at fortcollinstours.com or call 970-214-6667.
- 📍 Fort Collins
- 💸 $$
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Indoors
Where: 19 Old Town Square, Suite 139B, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Hours: Added 2026-06-11 — confirm current hours before you go.
⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.
Pair it with
- Social Underground Cocktail Bar — Stay subterranean after your tour by taking the stone stairs down to this hidden cocktail lounge behind an unmarked clock door.
- Pinball Jones — Continue exploring Old Town's basements by slipping down into this underground arcade packed with dozens of classic pinball machines.
- Avery House — Match your ghost tour history with a visit to this nearby 1879 residence, known for its own unexplainable, self-moving window blinds.
Good to know
How old do you have to be to join the tour?
The minimum age for participants is 12.
What is the policy if I need to cancel or change my ticket?
There are no refunds available. However, you can reschedule your booking as long as you request the change at least seven days before your scheduled tour.
Does the tour still run if the weather turns bad?
Yes, tours go out in almost all weather conditions, so plan to dress in appropriate layers for rain, cold, or wind.
Can I book a private tour for a group?
Private tours can be scheduled any day of the week, starting at $216 (with a higher minimum of $324 during October).
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Official site · Tripadvisor · Reddit
last checked: 2026-06-11