Sandstone Ranch

The Visitors & Learning Center is a historic property that was first homesteaded in 1860 by the Coffin family. The house (now the Visitors & Learning Center) and property are on State and National Historic Registers. Longmont also designated the house as a local landmark in September 2000. It includes hands-on displays on environmental features of the area, as well as history of the Coffin family and other early Longmont history. Exhibits provide information on the unique geology and wildlife found at the site. They also help portray life as it was more than a century ago. A trip to the 1880's era homestead includes historical and environmental hands-on displays, as well as educational exhibits in the ice house, tool shed and barn. A nature trail from the Visitors & Learning Center takes you past several historical buildings, near the sandstone bluffs, and includes a scenic overlook. Numerous species of wildlife and birds are seen frequently on the property including white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, bald eagles and red-tailed hawks. Group tours are offered as requested throughout the year. One and two hour tour packages with flexible hours are available Monday through Friday. One hour tours: Enjoy a historical tour of the home, enjoy the wildlife the inhabit the area, and learn about the life of a pioneer. Cost: $3 per child/adult. Teachers are free with school groups. Two hour tours: Can be customized to specific curriculum, i.e mammals, raptors, or history. Our staff will lead a themed tour based on your curriculum. If desired and weather permitting, an outdoor learning walk can include tours of the historic barn, ice house & tool shed. A history of the house, a pioneer dress-up station, and a puppet theater can all be included in the cost of your tour. Cost: $4 per child/adult. Teachers are free with school groups.