Experience Soapstone Prairie Natural Area

For an exciting day of viewing bison and learning about Ice Age American Indians, travel in a group with knowledgeable guides for an educational outing, Experience Soapstone Prairie Natural Area.   Soapstone Prairie Natural Area (SPNA) is located about 25 miles north of Fort Collins on the Wyoming border.  The area encompasses over 28 square miles and is renowned for its unique bison herd and cultural resources.

Experienced guides Daniel Owen and David Bayer will provide an overview of SPNA as well as the history of the bison onsite.  Following lunch, participants will enjoy a ¼-mile walk up a gentle slope to the Lindenmeier Archaeological Site.  The site gained cultural significance in the 1930s through excavations which conclusively dated human habitation in the Western Hemisphere to at least 10,000 years ago.  The guides will recount this amazing story, and the short walk uphill is on a paved, ADA-accessible trail.

Participants will depart on a passenger van from the Museum at 9:30 am.  Tickets are $50 per person and include a box lunch with water.  Registration, which is limited to 15 people, and signed waiver are required.*  Once registered, registrants will receive an email to indicate their box lunch choices.  Please enter your email address and phone number when you register so you will receive this email.

Participants should dress appropriately for the weather forecast, and please note that it is generally a little cooler and windier at SPNA.  Bring multiple layers for both active walking and standing still as well as sunscreen, hat/sunglasses, binoculars, and sturdy closed-toe shoes. The trails may be muddy.  Hiking poles are a great option if you are concerned about balance on uneven/muddy terrain.  Also, please note there is limited cell phone reception at SPNA.

*Participants who have registered, please fill out the Waiver & Release of Liability form before the event.