Wellington (Colorado)

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.

• Town of Wellington Visitors center

  phone: +1 970 568-3381
  address: 3735 Cleveland Ave

When to go

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.

Climate

There is one motto to sum up everything: be prepared. One moment the sun is out, the next it could be rainy or snowy. On average though, with an altitude of 5160 feet (that is just under a mile), one can expect year round temperatures close to , with highs approaching 80 °F in summer, but not making it to 40 degrees often in winter. Wellington is considered to be a Tropical steppe climate (Bsk), even though the town is in the middle of a continent. That should make a statement about the humidity here. Per year, one could expect to see 16 inches of rain over a period of only 35 days! Most of the time is sunny.
Of course, winter brings all the fury "mother nature" has to offer, and tends to close down roads. Oddly though, as mentioned previously, the highest snowfall is in spring, where a few blizzards can bring down feet of snow, just to have it melt the next day. Once again, be prepared!

History

The town of Wellington was established in 1903 along an old alignment of the Lincoln Highway, as well as the Burlington North Railroad, connecting Cheyenne to Denver. The population swelled in the 1910s, however became stagnant by the 1920s. As with every dream-filled city of the early 20th century, Wellington had high sails, and attracted a lot of business, and the gold mining helped. However, it mostly dried up, leaving the few hundred residents that stayed for over multiple decades.
In 2000, dinosaur bones were discovered near Wellington, attracting much scientific interest in the area. A new subdivision even had a street named for this finding. Between the late 20th and early 21st century, Wellington began to grow exponentially, as Fort Collins was beginning to crowd into surrounding cities, and often making it hard to draw a clear line between these cities. By the 2010s, Wellington growth skyrocketed. What used to have one traffic signal, for example, now had 4. Houses were being built in droves, businesses popped up such as Ridley's Markets, and average traffic increased three-fold. A local farm has gained attention for over-fed goats, a likely sign of prosperity in the urbanization era.

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.

By plane

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.

• Northern Colorado Regional Airport

  address: 4900 Earhart Rd, Loveland
  Between Loveland and Fort Collins, offers flights to Chicago, and sometimes Denver.

• Denver International airport

  address: Pena Blvd
  Closest major airport with international flight destinations. Be wary of delays.

By car

The only real way to get into Wellington is by car, and recent growth makes Wellington more of 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.

By bus

You cannot directly enter Wellington this way, however If you take a bus to Fort Collins, and rent a car there (or the same with I-25 cities such as Loveland, Cheyenne, or Denver), then this could lower your travel costs. Additionally, some companies will make stops in Wellington, however be prepared to request it and possibly pay more.

• Greyhound Lines

  address: 4315 E Harmony Road, Fort Collins
  Greyhound connects with Cheyenne (arrives 1:55PM) and Denver (arrives 4:55PM).

• Greyhound Lines (CYS)

  address: 5401 Walker Road, Cheyenne
  Buses come at 2PM (to Portland) and 4PM (to Denver).

• Green Ride

  address: 4315 E Harmony Road, Fort Collins
  Also connects Cheyenne and Denver, but comes every 1½ hours or so. Has travel to Laramie.

• Denver Shuttle

  address: Denver International Airport, Cheyenne South McDonald's, Gering 10th and M Street
  A Scottsbluff-based daily shuttle to cities in Colorado. These cities are not on a set schedule, and thus trips to Wellington may be allotted.

As in any small town, there are few options.

By foot

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.

By car

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 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.

By taxi

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

  phone: +1 970 682-3976
  address: 2601 S Lemay Ave #7, Fort Collins
  Taxi service to surrounding towns.

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

• Old Colorado Brewing Company

  address: 8121 First St

• Budweiser Brewing Experience

  phone: +1 970 490-4691
  address: 2351 Busch Dr, Fort Collins
  National company with local super brewery. The factory was supposed to be built in Scottsbluff, but Fort Collins/Wellington won the vote instead.

• Bee Centennial Farm and Muesum

  phone: +1 970 482-9168
  address: 4320 E Co Rd 58, Fort Collins
  This museum coupled with a farm was founded at Colorado's centennial in 1976. A nice place to learn about the history of farming.

• National Black-footed Ferret Conservation Center

  phone: +1 970 897-2730
  address: Carr, Clorado
  This conservation center has collected individuals of this endangered species over the years. Now you can see them up close in this safe home.

• West Side Golf

  address: Mt Adams St, Wellington
  9-hole disc golf course.

• Douglas Reservoir

  address: N Co-Road 15
  A lake of recreational activity like canoeing, fishing, and straight up relaxing. Ask around, the locals know the best spots to set up.

• Wellington Brewfest

  address: 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. In 2019, it was held on June 1.

• Ridley's Family Market

  phone: +1 970 568-3197
  address: 7670 5th St
  Regional chain that functions as a grocery store, much like a King Soopers; has deli, meat, fruits, vegetables, and other foods and drinks. The chain also has greeting cards and balloons.

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.

Budget

For those in a tight pinch, or wanting to spend less, consider the deli or shop in a local store for wholesome, affordable food.

• Family Dollar

  phone: +1 970 568-1134
  address: 8099 6th St, Wellington
  All the products for a picnic is found here.

• Parlor inside Ridley's

  phone: +1 970 568-3197
  address: 7670 5th St, Wellington
  Hot dogs, hamburgers, and fries, plus you can buy snacks from Ridley's. Yum!

American

While Wellington has a few good options, you may find solace in neighboring Fort Collins, in restaurants such as the Melting Pot.

• T Bar Inn

  phone: +1 970 568-9829
  address: 3803 W Cleveland Ave, 80549
  American grill and restaurant with comfort food with small live events. Classic and modern breakfast, lunch, and dinner is served.

• Les's Barbecue

  phone: +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.

International

• The Cakery

  phone: +1 970 591-2253
  address: 3706 Cleveland Ave
  Bake shop that specializes in cupcakes, delivery, and special events. Whether eaten inside or have it delivered, deliciousness is one dessert away.

• Pizza Palace

  phone: +1 970 568-30111
  address: 3810 Cleveland Avenue
  Pizzeria with various styles, individual or with family/friends, and has outdoor seating for the warm days.

• Papa's Table

  phone: +1 970 568-4139
  address: 3728 Cleveland Ave
  Italian restaurant serving comfort food as well as healthy choices. See full menu .

• Taco John's

  phone: +1 970 568-3967
  address: 7910 S 6th Street
  Mexican chain founded in nearby Cheyenne, Wyoming has tacos, burritos, and the signature "potato oles". While generally not spicy, it's good to ask first.

• The Biergarten

  phone: +1 970 490-4691
  address: 2351 Busch Dr #2
  Restaurant and beer garden open on unusual days.

Mid-range

• Wellington Grill

  phone: +1 970 568-4065
  address: 3724 Cleveland Avenue
  Mid-range American bar serving various entrees and drinks. Games and shows nightly.

• Sol De Jalisco

  phone: +1 970 568-3082
  address: 3750 Cleveland Ave
  Upscale Spanish dining with classic Spanish foods such as burritos, but they also have high-end drinks such as margaritas.

Splurge

• Sparge Brewing

  address: 3999 GW Bush Ave Unit 101, Wellington
  Seemingly humble brewery with a wide range of options.

• Tap Room Ride

  phone: +1 970 490-4691
  address: 2351 Busch Dr, Fort Collins
  Just outside of the factory, expect high quality beer.

• The Biergarten

  phone: +1 970 490-4691
  address: 2351 Busch Dr #2, Fort Collins
  While listed earlier for food, it's also connected to the brewery, which is their main initative.

• Days Inn by Wyndham Wellington Fort Collins Area

  phone: +1 970-305-4619
  address: 7860 6th St

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 problem, then the

Wellington Fire Department

a volunteer firefighting department, can help. If bringing along a pet,

Wellington Veterinary Hospital

Accepts walk ins, and offers a cheap alternative to vets in other cities. and

Tabby Road Animal hospitalAlso a good emergency option, with affordable prices.

While Wellington is a friendly place, its size doesn't allow for international services, or much way of coping. The nearest consulates are in Denver. Here are a few ways to get by.
Officially, the area code is 970 in Northern Colorado, and is useful in most of Wellington, though there is some oddities, such as the use of 303/720 around Denver. When calling to nearby states, or around colorado, ensure to use: 719 for Colorado Springs, 307 for Wyoming, where many Colorado companies have their operations in 308/402 for Nebraska, 505/575 for New Mexico. For information numbers, see "Stay Safe" above. The zipcode for Wellington is 80549.

• Wellington Filling Station

  phone: +1 970 568-7480
  address: 3906 Cleveland Ave
  Religious non-profit organization, built out of an old fuel-station, hence the name.

• Dhrohman's Day Spa

  phone: +1 970 568-7812
  address: 3922 CLeveland Ave
  Massage therapy, and a haircut!

Stay in touch

• Owl Canyon Coffee

  phone: +1 970 472-4259
  address: 3745 Cleveland Ave
  One of Wellington's few internet cafes, however, locals may appreciate it more if you just talked to them. There is wifi, coffee, and pretty much everything one would need to connect, just ensure you know the hours, as they don't run long into the afternoon.

• Wellington Post office

  address: 3829 W Cleveland Ave
  The good old United States Postal Service (USPS).

• Wellington News

  address: 3725 Cleveland Ave
  Wellington's local newspaper.

Public media

Radio and television stations are practically non-existant within the borders, however Wellington has a few owned by Townsquare Media.The town is easily within the coverage of many stations in Fort Collins and Cheyenne. Namely, rock stations such as the STAR, as well as Christian statons. The two major national networks are available nearby

• KMAXA contemporary alternative rock station licensed to Wellington that also runs the news and community calendar.

• KKPLThe sister station of KMAX, which was formerly an oldies format under KRRR (which became 104.9), and now is contemporary. Based in Cheyenne.

• K-LoveRuns a section of contemporary hits. One can identify the call sign at :00-:03 past the hour when it is announced.

• Air1Rebranded in January 2019, Air1 focuses on bits from bands under Elevation Worship. One can identify the call sign at :01 past the hour when announced.

• KCDOA television station under CBS licensed to Sterling with a transmitter in Kimball (Nebraska). Provides Colorado News. Used to be owned by KGWN of Cheyenne, which handled Northern Colorado News.

• Fort Collins is a 10 miles south, and Wellington is often combined with the city. With over 130,000 people, and Colorado State Universtity, and straddling the Front Range on one side with the Great Plains on the other, there is plenty to be found in this bustling city.

• Greeley, home to the annual Greeley Stampede, is a modern city that retains it's western feel and hospitality. Walk the streets or drive around this 100,000 population city to experience a place where old and new meet. Off of US-34 at Loveland, it is one of the largest cities without an interstate, but to residents it is part of the charm.

• Loveland seems to be stuck between Fort Collins and Longmont. One might be surprised that for all the shopping it has although the population is only around 70,000.

• Denver: The crown jewel of Colorado, the state's largest city, (population 700,000), and the state capital. Where does it all begin, and end? Perfect for tourists and enthusiasts alike, the skyscrapers, the mall, the sports, and the parks are just a fraction of what Denver has to offer, and not all could be accomplished in one trip, with events and hidden gems throughout the city. While rush-hour traffic that ends up miles from Denver metro seems paradoxical (and frustrating), good things come to those who wait the 5-15 minutes, as visitors to Denver will soon find out.

• Cheyenne is the grand entry point for Southeast Wyoming, and is a good tourist destination for all ages that is just north of the border, about 30 minutes away. With a medium sized population (67,000), Cheyenne continues to keep the Western spirit alive. During the last week of July, this spirit roars in Cheyenne Frontier Days, which attracts crowds of over 200,000, and provides anything from parades to rodeo to music. However Cheyenne is not just CFD, as the Botanical Gardens, Depot Museum, and more keeps people entertained for days.

• Rocky Mountains: When one is tired of visiting the cities, or looking for something authentic, the very scenic Rocky mountains is only an hour's drive from most Front Range towns and cities, and will leave you wanting to come back for more natural beauty. Skiing is possible in many slopes near Aspen and Vail, and many Rocky Mountain towns offer gambling.