Fort Collins Municipal Railway Birney Trolley
Ride a vintage Birney trolley through Fort Collins, enjoying scenic Poudre River views and local history shared by passionate volunteers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best weather for open-air rides
Fort Collins Municipal Railway Birney Trolley
Best Time
Best weather for open-air rides
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride a vintage Birney trolley through Fort Collins, enjoying scenic Poudre River views and local history shared by passionate volunteers.
"A fun 30-minute ride with a great history lesson from the conductor. Well worth the couple of dollars!"
Check the Schedule First
Trolley runs are volunteer-dependent and seasonal. Always check the official schedule before you go! :calendar:
Bring Cash for Donations
While rides are often free or by donation, cash contributions help keep these historic trolleys running. :moneywithwings:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Birney Trolley Ride
Various routes along the Poudre River Trail
Step back in time on a vintage Birney trolley, a delightful 30-minute journey through Fort Collins.
Poudre River Trail Views
Along the trolley route
Enjoy scenic views of the Poudre River and surrounding parkland from the open-air trolley.
Volunteer Narrations
Onboard the trolley
Learn fascinating local history and trolley facts from passionate volunteer conductors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Ride Through History
Volunteer-Run Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check the Schedule First
Trolley runs are volunteer-dependent and seasonal. Always check the official schedule before you go! :calendar:
Bring Cash for Donations
While rides are often free or by donation, cash contributions help keep these historic trolleys running. :moneywithwings:
Great for Kids!
Grandkids were so excited! Big smiles and wide eyes all the way. A fun gem for families. :child:
Short & Sweet Ride
Enjoy a fun 30-minute ride. The conductor gave a great history. Well worth the couple of dollars. :star:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check the Schedule First
Trolley runs are volunteer-dependent and seasonal. Always check the official schedule before you go! :calendar:
Bring Cash for Donations
While rides are often free or by donation, cash contributions help keep these historic trolleys running. :moneywithwings:
Great for Kids!
Grandkids were so excited! Big smiles and wide eyes all the way. A fun gem for families. :child:
Short & Sweet Ride
Enjoy a fun 30-minute ride. The conductor gave a great history. Well worth the couple of dollars. :star:
Park Near the Depot
There is a ton of street parking nearby the last stop/depot. Public bathrooms and picnic tables are also close. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the charming, historic Birney Trolley rides, highlighting the engaging volunteer conductors and scenic Poudre River views. It's considered a delightful community gem, especially for families. Some wish the routes were longer or expanded, but the overall experience is highly recommended for its nostalgic appeal and affordability.
"Enjoyed our free 4th July ride🇺🇸! Wish the trolleys went farther. It would have been a better idea to expand this (again) instead of the highly unused Max bus line. A hard reality 5¢ public transportation 100+ years ago was better than “free” (transfort) today. A beautiful part of City of FC history. Thank you to the hard working volunteers to make reliving part of it possible."
J Spence
"We finally took our grandkids on the Fort Collins Trolley. They were so excited! Big smiles and wide eyes all the way along the trip.
What a fun gem to have in our community!"
Robert Melrose
"Great experience! Definitely recommend."
margaret whiteman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trolley typically departs from near the historic Fort Collins train depot. There's ample street parking available nearby. Public bathrooms and picnic areas are also conveniently located close to the departure point.
While the MAX bus line is a prominent public transit option in Fort Collins, the trolley itself is a historic attraction. It's best to check current Transfort routes for connections to the general area of the depot.
Currently, intercity passenger rail service to Fort Collins is under development. Discussions are ongoing for potential routes connecting Denver and Fort Collins, but it's not yet operational.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Rides on the Fort Collins Municipal Railway Birney Trolley are often free or by donation. It's a great way to experience local history without a significant cost.
Advance ticket purchase is generally not required. Rides are typically on a first-come, first-served basis, especially since they are volunteer-operated and may have limited capacity.
The trolley operates seasonally and on specific days, often weekends during the summer. It's crucial to check the official Fort Collins Municipal Railway schedule online as hours can vary and are dependent on volunteer availability.
As a historic attraction, accessibility may vary. It's recommended to contact the Fort Collins Municipal Railway directly to inquire about specific accessibility features for the Birney Trolley.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The typical ride on the Fort Collins Municipal Railway Birney Trolley lasts about 30 minutes, offering a pleasant and concise historical tour.
You'll enjoy scenic views along the Poudre River Trail and through parts of Fort Collins. The route provides a glimpse into the city's landscape and historical areas.
Absolutely! The vintage trolley and the surrounding scenery make for great photo opportunities. Be sure to capture the charm of the Birney Trolley. :camerawithflash:
Near the trolley's last stop, you'll find public restrooms, picnic tables, and access to the Poudre River Trail. The park area itself is also enjoyable for a stroll.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the immediate area around the trolley stop might be more park-focused, Fort Collins has a vibrant downtown with numerous restaurants and cafes a short drive or walk away.
It's generally best to consume food and drinks before or after your ride to keep the historic trolleys clean. Picnic tables are available nearby if you wish to enjoy a meal.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Birney Trolley: A Piece of History
Operated by dedicated volunteers, the Fort Collins trolley service is a testament to community preservation efforts. These individuals dedicate their time and passion to maintaining and running the historic vehicles, ensuring that this unique piece of local heritage remains accessible to the public. Their knowledge and enthusiasm often enhance the rider's experience, providing historical context and personal anecdotes that bring the trolley's story to life.
While the trolley route is relatively short, it provides a charming perspective of Fort Collins, often running along the scenic Poudre River Trail. It's a delightful way to enjoy a leisurely afternoon, especially for families and history buffs. The experience is often described as a 'gem' in the community, offering a nostalgic journey that contrasts with modern transit options.
Planning Your Trolley Adventure
While rides are often free or by donation, it's a good practice to bring some cash. These donations are vital for the upkeep and operation of the historic trolleys, allowing the volunteers to continue their work. It's a small contribution for a unique and enjoyable experience.
Parking is generally available near the departure point, and there are nearby amenities like public restrooms and picnic areas, making it convenient for a short outing. The ride itself is about 30 minutes, making it an easy addition to a day exploring Fort Collins.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit