The 1879 Avery House was originally owned by Franklin Avery who was a surveyor who helped design the street layout for Fort Collins. Built with locally-sourced sandstone, the original structure had just five rooms across two stories, but over the years the family expanded it several times. The Avery family occupied the home until 1962; it was then purchased by the City of Fort Collins in 1974 and was restored by the Poudre Landmarks Foundation, which oversees the historic site, and opened to the public in the early 1980s.

Today, visitors can tour the home and explore its grounds. Among the items on display are historic costume collection pieces and period-appropriate furniture. Open houses are available on weekends and tours are provided by docents.

The 1879 Avery House provides tours from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays and, 1 to 4 p.m. on Sundays.