My favorite part of our RV Trip was the feeling of freedom. We didn’t make many plans ahead of time and our friends and family were so understanding about the purpose of our trip. Not just for visits – we were refocusing as a family.
And we did.
One of our favorite stops was the result of a late night FB message from one of my friends. She sent me the link to Roadside America’s article about the Swetsville Zoo in Fort Collins Colorado. It was just about 46 miles north of Denver and exactly on our route to Yellowstone. So we cut our stay with family in Colorado down by one day and we were on the road early in the next morning.
The Swetsville Zoo, is a zoo.
With over 200 animals.
All made of car parts.
And it’s awesome.
This place represents everything I love about America. A normal guy, does something rad and unique, with something he’s already doing. Former farmer, Bill Swets, started making animals both real and imaginary out of scrap metal and old car parts as a hobby. He would put them in his yard and people started to visit. So he made Swetsville Zoo.
The Swetsville Zoo is a very easy stop if you are anywhere near Fort Collins because it’s right off the freeway. It’s free to get in, though the zoo does take donations. We left $20, and it was worth every penny. Each animal or piece of art has a number and you can read a little bit about them on the tour guide list. It’s really fun.
Things to know, if you go:
- It’s free but bring at least $5 as a donation.
- You can touch the art but little kids should be supervised so no climbing is involved.
- It’s on a river, so keep a close eye on little kids. We skipped rocks.
- This is a great rest stop for a picnic lunch or to stretch your legs after driving. Sit a the picnic table or bring a blanket and eat by the river.
- It takes as long as you want it to take. We stayed about 45 minutes but could have stayed longer.
We got back on the road and drove all the way to Cody, Wyoming just outside of Yellowstone!
More soon!
Day 7 – Traveled 487 miles
View our whole trip here:
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Natalia - Comiendoenla says
Very creative and cool! I would love to go one day!
Jill says
I love reading about your road trip and all these great places to visit!
Rosy says
I love that you thought outside the box and were able to fit this into your family trip. It’s a great way to encourage your children to be creative.
PS. You have a lovely family!
Dinah says
What?????? I NEED to go there!!! This looks amazing and right up my repurposed ally!
pattie cordova says
wow! This sounds like such a fun place to visit! Loved the pictures 🙂