Historical Sites

Poudre Canyon boasts a rich history that is intricately woven into the fabric of its landscape. While many historical places have been lost to the passage of time, living on only in cherished memories, others continue to stand as a testament to the resilience and determination of those who settled this beautiful canyon. One of the most delightful ways to spend an afternoon in Poudre Canyon is by visiting these enduring sites, allowing you to immerse yourself in the captivating stories of the past and appreciate the deep connection between nature and human history.

Arrowhead Lodge: A National Historic Site and Forest Service Information Center

The preservation of Arrowhead Lodge stands as a testament to the dedicated pioneer families of the Poudre Canyon. Now a National Historic Site and Forest Service Information Center, the former guest resort is a charming 1930s log building situated at 7,400 feet in elevation along a scenic byway and nationally recognized Wild and Scenic River.

In 1929, the Colorado State Land Board recognized the potential for school income from the sale of cabin sites in Section 36 of Poudre Canyon, just west of Old Poudre City. Carl Braffords purchased a portion of these lots and built Arrowhead Lodge, a resort featuring the main lodge and five cabins named after Native American tribes. It is believed that the Braffords opened their business in 1936.

In 1946, Stan and Lola Case acquired the resort, adding a sixth cabin, porches, a dining room, and a modern kitchen, carefully matching the original logs and architecture. They also constructed a large ice house to store 25 tons of ice cut from the Poudre River, ensuring cool food supplies throughout the summer. On May 27, 1992, Arrowhead Lodge was officially entered on the National Register of Historic Places, with a dedication ceremony and plaque unveiling on June 19, 1993.

Be sure to visit the Arrowhead Lodge Historic Visitors Center during your stay at Poudre River Resort. The breakfast tables and chairs at Poudre River Resort Lodge were purchased from Arrowhead Lodge Restaurant and continue to be used today, connecting guests to the rich history of the area.

Moose Visitor Center: Experience Wildlife Up Close

Located just one mile east of Gould on Highway 14, the Moose Visitor Center offers a unique experience for wildlife enthusiasts. The center features detailed wildlife exhibits that showcase moose, mountain lions, foxes, raccoons, and other animals in their natural habitats. Visitors can also purchase books, posters, and maps, or access free information about recent wildlife sightings in the area, including moose and bears.

A Life-sized Barbed Wire Moose Sculpture

At the entrance of the Visitor Center, marvel at the life-sized barbed wire sculpture of a moose. The city of Walden commissioned this remarkable piece from a Poudre Canyon family team of artists, Louis, Carl, and Brian Gueswel. The Gueswels, who began as welders and barbed wire recyclers, now create stunning wire sculptures for fun, including a life-sized bear displayed at their home in Poudre Park near Poudre River Resort.

The moose sculpture, based on measurements from a record moose taken in Colorado, stands almost seven feet tall and was crafted with nearly 700 hours of work. The artists used quarter-inch round steel tubing and old barbed wire to create the rough, winter-like coat. The wire was then treated with water to hasten rusting, and a rust converter gave it the dark-colored appearance of a live moose's coat. The antlers were formed by twisting and welding the wire into a solid pattern. Visitors often feel compelled to touch the sculpture, as it appears so lifelike.

Colorado State Forest Park Passes and Moose Population

At the Moose Visitor Center, you can obtain Colorado State Forest Park passes for all activities in the park. Although North Park provides ideal moose habitat, the animals are not native to the area. They began to appear more frequently after 36 moose were relocated from Utah and Wyoming in the late 1970s and 1980s. Today, moose have continued to expand their range into different parts of the region.

Moose Facts and Viewing Tips

Moose, the largest members of the deer family, are known for their long legs, which allow them to navigate deep snow and water. They feed on woody plants, with willows being their favorite. Adult moose can consume up to 24 pounds of roughage daily and live up to 20 years. They are also excellent swimmers, diving up to 18 feet for aquatic plants.

To spot moose in the wild, look for them among the willows and brush near streams and ponds, especially during early mornings and evenings. Pay attention to out-of-place shapes, colors, sounds, or movements, as moose can blend into their surroundings quite well. Long Draw Road and Laramie River Road are excellent places to spot them, but we occasionally get them visiting the property.

Safety Reminders

Please observe and admire moose from a safe distance. Though generally peaceful, moose may feel threatened if approached too closely and can act aggressively. This is especially true during the fall rut and spring calving seasons. Keep dogs or other pets on a leash to prevent unwanted confrontations.

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