Wellington, CO Road Trips

For most of Wellington's history, a real quiet western vibe hung over the small town. While nearby cities boomed, the population stayed much the same; In fact, the count was only around 500 for an entire century. However, urbanization is affecting the dynamic of this once quiet place. Just like Meridian, Idaho and Rio Rancho, New Mexico, urbanization from nearby larger cities is leaving a permanent mark on Wellington. As the 21st century progresses, travelers to Wellington may find that the "small town feel" to be gone. Wellington is still that calm, connected town that invites the visitor to explore. While there maybe some divide between here and newer sections of town, generally one could find a friendly small-town atmosphere all the way around. Always feel free to ask for help here. 1 Town of Wellington Visitors center (Wellington Town Hall), 3735 Cleveland Ave, ☏ +1 970 568-3381. (updated May 2019) Wellington page on Colorado Tourism website Between climate and popularity, the decision can be rough. However, the autumn has reasonably cool temperatures, while the visitation of Wellington is low. More specifically, August or September have the best conditions, and should work well with most schedules. While Wellington is not that busy, the summer months find thousands of travelers in Northern Colorado. Another option is potentially May, where some weekends are quite warm, but be careful for unexpected snowstorms. There is one motto to sum up everything: be prepared. One moment the sun is out, the next it could be rainy or snowy.

1 Old Colorado Brewing Company, 8121 First St (take Cleveland down to First). (updated May 2019) 2 Budweiser Brewing Experience (Busch Factory), 2351 Busch Dr, Fort Collins (closer to Fort Collins; take Mountain Vista Road from Fort Collins), ☏ +1 970 490-4691. Daily 11AM-7:30PM. National company with local super brewery. The factory was supposed to be built in Scottsbluff, but Fort Collins/Wellington won the vote instead. (updated May 2019) 3 Bee Centennial Farm and Museum, 4320 E Co Rd 58, Fort Collins (using either the Budweiser factory exit or Wellington exit, turn onto the NE Frontage Road and onto County road 58), ☏ +1 970 482-9168. F Sa 9AM-4PM. This museum coupled with a farm was founded at Colorado's centennial in 1976. A nice place to learn about the history of farming. (updated May 2019) 4 National Black-footed Ferret Conservation Center, Carr, Clorado (Use exit 288 north of Wellington.), ☏ +1 970 897-2730. This conservation center has collected individuals of this endangered species over the years. Now you can see them up close in this safe home. (updated May 2019) 5 Buffalo Monument (Off of Interstate 25 North at MM 290). A depiction of 3 bison along Interstate 25, longstanding monument. (updated May 2020)

1 West Side Golf (West Side 9 hole), Mt Adams St, Wellington (more accessible on Third Street, look for a small parking lot). 9-hole disc golf course. (updated May 2020) 2 Douglas Reservoir, N Co-Road 15 (take Washington Ave (Co Road 64) to Co Road 15, and follow the wooden signs for the lake). A lake of recreational activity like canoeing, fishing, and straight up relaxing. Ask around, the locals know the best spots to set up. (updated May 2019) 3 Wellington Brewfest, Cetennial Park, 8548 W 4th Street. If you roll through here during the first week of June, this festival is one for the tastebuds. Local flavors and tryouts make this a worthwile trip for first-timers and beer veterans. (updated May 2019)

Many national chains are available on 6th street and Cleveland Avenue, however Wellington offers some hometown food of many cuisines that is to remember, and should be a considerable alternative. For those in a tight pinch, or wanting to spend less, consider the deli or shop in a local store for wholesome, affordable food. 1 Family Dollar, 8099 6th St, Wellington, ☏ +1 970 568-1134. Daily 8AM-10PM. All the products for a picnic is found here. (updated May 2019) 2 Parlor inside Ridley's, 7670 5th St, Wellington, ☏ +1 970 568-3197. Daily 7AM-10PM. Hot dogs, hamburgers, and fries, plus you can buy snacks from Ridley's. Yum! (updated May 2019) While Wellington has a few good options, you may find solace in neighboring Fort Collins, in restaurants such as the Melting Pot. 3 T Bar Inn, 3803 W Cleveland Ave, 80549, ☏ +1 970 568-9829. M-Th 6AM-11PM, F 6AM-2AM, Sa 7AM-2AM, Su 7AM-8PM. American grill and restaurant with comfort food with small live events. Classic and modern breakfast, lunch, and dinner is served. (updated May 2019) 4 Les's Barbecue, ☏ +1 720 470-8134. While only open three days a week, the barbecue (inside of Ridley's) can offer a quick satisfaction. They have been mentioned on the town's website. (updated May 2019) 5 The Cakery, 3706 Cleveland Ave, ☏ +1 970 591-2253. Tu-Sa 10AM-6PM, Su 10AM-3PM. Bake shop that specializes in cupcakes, delivery, and special events. Whether eaten inside or delivered, deliciousness is one dessert away. (updated May 2019) 6 Pizza Palace, 3810 Cleveland Avenue, ☏ +1 970 568-30111. M Tu 11AM-9PM, W-Su 11AM-10PM.

The scene in Wellington is surprisingly active, thanks to the local factory, as well as plentiful resources. Head into the mountains for even more selection. 1 Soul Squared, 3740 Cleveland Avenue (off of Clevleand to the north next to Proper Time Jeweler store.), ☏ +1 970 829-1361. Su-Th noon-9PM, F Sa noon-11PM. (updated May 2020) 2 Sparge Brewing, 3999 GW Bush Ave Unit 101, Wellington. Seemingly humble brewery with a wide range of options. (updated May 2019) 3 Tap Room Ride, 2351 Busch Dr, Fort Collins, ☏ +1 970 490-4691. Just outside of the factory, expect high quality beer. (updated May 2019) 4 The Biergarten, 2351 Busch Dr #2, Fort Collins, ☏ +1 970 490-4691. While listed earlier for food, it's also connected to the brewery, which is their main initative. (updated May 2019)

In the town of Wellington, your options are limited. However, the town is not all the area has to offer. Look outside the urban for a one-of-a-kind experience. 1 Days Inn by Wyndham Wellington Fort Collins Area, 7860 6th St, ☏ +1 970-305-4619. This national hotel is located along 6th street and includes continental breakfast, free Wifi, and an indoor pool. Budget to Midrange. (updated May 2020) 2 Fort Collins North/Wellington KOA Journey (Also an RV park), 4821 E Co Rd 70 (follow I-25 north to exit 281 for Owl Canyon Road and turn right; north of Wellington by about 5 minutes), ☏ +1 970 568-7486. An economical choice; KOA Campground with RV Park and several amenities. Budget. (updated May 2020) 3 Fort Collins Lakeside KOA Grounds (KOA Holiday), 1910 Lakeside Resort Ln (in Fort Collins, follow state route 1 to IS 287, turn right, then at roundabout, stay straight and turn left onto US 287B; Later, turn left onto Taft Hill Rd, and left again at Lakeside Resort Ln). Fort Collins Based ground with several amenities and ideal location for a Fort Collins launch. (updated May 2020) If you plan to stay for longer periods of time house sharing is viable option. Additionally, you may consider a rental at the Wellville Clubhouse however that is for longer or permanent stays only.

Wellington is increasingly considered a "bedroom community" being 10 minutes away from Fort Collins, and 30-40 minutes from Cheyenne. Going to Wellington from one of these cities may be much easier than directly going to Wellington when using intercity bus transportation. There seems to be several low-maintence grass fields around Wellington, such as the Burnham Field and the Kellogg Airstrip, and these are most likely private, but there are no airports. There is some small ones outside of wellington. 2 Northern Colorado Regional Airport, 4900 Earhart Rd, Loveland (use the Budwiser Events Center Exit, and follow the signs to airport). +1 970 962-2850. Between Loveland and Fort Collins, offers flights to Chicago, and sometimes Denver. (updated May 2019) Denver International Airport (DEN IATA), Pena Blvd (off of E-470 on Pena Blvd, follow signs, but watch for tolls). Closest major airport with international flight destinations. Be wary of delays. (updated May 2019) The only real way to get into Wellington is by car as it is an automobile-based town. I-25 connects Wellington with a great collection of cities from Denver to Casper. There is construction south of town, and occasional traffic jams from Fort Collins and Denver. CO-1 is a state road that comes into Wellington from the west, and connects with US 287 near Fort Collins. Always watch for winter road closures, however this route can be more preferable in summer for the scenery.

As in any small town, there are few options. The original settlement of Wellington is very walkable. Most everything about the early town can be found within a few blocks. Also, parts of newer Wellington is not far, and can be a great way to explore. Consider the foot path between Jefferson Ave and County Road 60 for a walk you'll never forget. (And it's convienent) Numbered streets are orientated north to south, and increase to the east (i.e., 6th street is closer to I-25 than 4th street), and named streets are oriented west to east. Interestingly, most early streets are named for presidents (such as Cleveland Ave, Jefferson Street, Hamilton Road). You may be stuck on Cleveland Avenue for a minute or two at the I-25 bridge. Most hotels and gas stations are on Cleveland or 6th. Service can be few and far in between, and can be even more sporadic at night. Taxis generally come from Fort Collins or another city. Fort Collins Car, 2601 S Lemay Ave #7, Fort Collins, ☏ +1 970 682-3976. Taxi service to surrounding towns. (updated May 2019) Ridehailing is quickly rising as a popular alternative to a taxi, and Wellington is covered by Uber and Lyft. There is one locally-owned ride-hailing service: ZTrip. (updated May 2019)

As a bedroom community, the crime risk is higher than the same size town that is separate, but not by much , as Wellington is very rural yet. The true danger lies in the weather. Wellington is slightly under the "one-mile" marker of Denver. Altitude sickness and dehydration can become problematic for the tourist, and thus lots of fluids and rest is good for combatting the symptoms. Also, the weather can be quite unpredictable (see "Understand") . As in the rest of the United States, phone 911 for emergencies, and 511 for road info. For medical problems, the best bet is UC health in Fort Collins. However, if you have a small injury or property loss, you can contact the fire department: 1 Wellington Fire Department, 8130 3rd Street. A volunteer fire department. (updated May 2019) If your pet gets sick or injured: 2 Wellington Veterinary Hospital, 7837 S 6th Street, ☏ +1 970 568-7387. Accepts walk-ins, and offers a cheap alternative to vets in other cities. (updated May 2019) 3 Tabby Road Animal hospital (the name is slightly misleading as maps have it on 5th street near Ronald Reagan Avenue, so follow 5th past Ripley's market). Also a good emergency option, with affordable prices. (updated May 2019)