Our administrative offices are located separately from our primary location for programs. Please be sure you come to the right place!

“Drake Site”

Most ELC programs meet at this site. Here you will find a picnic pavilion, access to our self-guided nature trail, the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program cages, and the terminus of the City’s Poudre River Trail. View or print a map from Google, or download a map of the Drake site.

Directions from Fort Collins
Head east on Drake Road. Approximately one mile after passing the intersection at Timberline, turn left on Environmental Drive. The road will cross a one-lane bridge and turn sharply to the south. Before making the sharp turn south, take a sharp left on the gravel road (you will see the ELC sign), crossing the railroad tracks. Programs meet in the parking lot.

Bus Drivers: rather than turning left on Environmental Drive as described above, take the NEXT left on William Neal Drive, then left on Environmental Drive. This will make your entry into the ELC much, much easier.

Directions from I-25
Take the Harmony Road exit. Head west on Harmony for approximately two miles, to Ziegler Road. Turn right (north) on Ziegler and proceed for just about two miles to William Neal Drive. Turn right on William Neal Dr (if you miss the turn you can take the next left instead), then left (north) on Environmental Drive. Proceed approximately 1/2 mile to the ELC entrance which will be a gravel road straight ahead before the paved road veers to the left (look for our sign). If you cross a one-lane bridge over an irrigation ditch, you have gone too far! Programs meet in the parking lot.

“Welcome Center” Site

The Welcome Center building is located at 3745 East Prospect Road, just west of I-25 . Here you will find a short interpretive trail along Boxelder Creek and a trail into the Running Deer Natural Area. This site also features an outdoor amphitheater and an indoor classroom. The ELC office is located on the 2nd floor; most programs here meet in the 1st floor classroom. Note: most programs do NOT meet at this site. View or print a map.

Directions from Fort Collins
Head east and Prospect Road toward Interstate 25. Approximately 1/4 mile prior to the I-25 interchange, the Colorado Welcome Center is located on the right (south side), clearly marked with a “Colorado Welcome Center” sign.

Directions from I-25
Take the Prospect Rd. exit, head west on Prospect for approximately 1/4 mile. The Colorado Welcome Center will be on the left, clearly marked by a sign, just after the Frontage Road.