If you grew up in Northern Colorado (like I did), you probably took a family and/or field trip to an impressive sculpture garden off I-25 and Harmony Road near Fort Collins… but have you visited lately to take in the true magnitude of this incredible display? If you haven’t (or if you have no idea about what I am even talking about), drop everything and visit this unique park that is located right in our own backyard:

Located on the outskirts of both Fort Collins and Timnath, the Swetsville Zoo is an area institution that features hundreds of intricate sculptures created entirely of scrap metal.
Flickr/Matthew W. Jackson
What began as a hobby for Fort Collins resident Bill Swets in the mid 80s quickly turned into a Fort Collins treasure, housing a wide array of creatures like quirky dinosaur bands...
TripAdvisor/Jen L.
...larger-than-life bugs...
Flickr/Matthew W. Jackson
...(and Bugs)...
Flickr/Matthew W. Jackson

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...and even some imaginative automobiles!
Flickr/Matthew W. Jackson
(As if all of this wasn't impressive enough, Swets also transformed the family home into a bonafide castle!)
Flickr/Kevin Stevens
Despite seeing its share of trouble over the years (including illness, unrelated family legal troubles, and vandalism), the Swetsville Zoo continues to be an area favorite that must be seen to be believed!
Flickr/Kevin Stevens
The Swetsville Zoo is located at 4801 E Harmony Rd in Fort Collins and is open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. Admission is free but donations are greatly appreciated.
Flickr/Kevin Stevens
For more information, call (970) 484-9509.

For even more fun and FREE things to do around the state, click on You Can’t Afford To Miss These 9 Free Outdoor Activities In Colorado!

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