places to visit near fort collins colorado

27 Best & Fun Things To Do In Fort Collins (Colorado)

By: Author Jerric Chong

Posted on Published: July 13, 2022  - Last updated: October 16, 2023

Known to the locals as “FoCo,” Fort Collins is a lovely tourist destination located about an hour north of Denver .

It’s known primarily as a college town thanks to the nearby Colorado State University, but it has plenty to offer all kinds of travelers, including couples, families, honeymooners, and solo adventurers.

Tourist attractions range from malls and museums to waterfalls tucked away in alpine forests.

If you like the outdoors, you’ll have plenty to do in the mountains, including swimming, skiing, kayaking, paddle boating, and horseback riding.

If you prefer air-conditioned activities, you can explore arcades, art galleries, performance theaters, and live music venues.

Another fun thing about Fort Collins is its quirkiness and old-town charm.

You’ll find many unique destinations in its vintage downtown district, including a haunted ice cream parlor and an ’80s-themed museum and pizzeria!

Are you ready for the vacation of a lifetime?

Do you hear the Rocky Mountain region calling your name?

Here are just a few of the best things to do in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Table of Contents

1. Downtown Fort Collins

Page Light Studios / Shutterstock

Also called “Old Town Fort Collins,” downtown is a major point of interest for folks headed to Fort Collins.

It retains much of its original architecture from the pioneer era, and it has such a charming, old-fashioned feeling that it actually served as the inspiration for Disneyland’s Main Street!

Many Fort Collins attractions can be found downtown, including the Old Town Square that serves as a centralized location for shops, cafes, museums, galleries, and boutiques.

You can explore by yourself or sign up for a guided tour.

Tours are often themed, so if you have a particular interest in something, you can take food tours, historic tours, ghost tours, or brewery tours.

Scavenger hunts are also popular with tour companies as a way to have fun and see the sights while also doing something unique.

Downtown Fort Collins has been a watering hole for generations of people.

In the old days, it was settlers in covered wagons; today, it’s tourists with smartphones and bucket lists.

Don’t miss out on this great destination that has welcomed countless visitors over the years!

Address: 19 Old Town Square Suite #230, Fort Collins, CO 80524, United States

2. Fort Collins Trolley

Fort Collins Trolley

Originally running from 1919 to 1951, the Fort Collins Trolley was restored a few decades ago to its full vintage glory.

Today, it winds through the city with an old-fashioned paint job and a signature double chime, and it can be a great way to explore various neighborhoods while also having a fun and unique tourist experience.

There are multiple stops along the trolley route, and you can hop on and off at any designated point.

You’ll pass by parks, restaurants, shops, and other points of interest that might catch your eye.

You’ll even receive an ice cream coupon at the end!

Another great thing about the trolley is that it’s entirely staffed by volunteers, so in addition to scoping out the neighborhood, you’ll be supporting a good cause with every ticket purchase.

If you’re wondering what to do in the city of Fort Collins, start with a trip on the Fort Collins Trolley.

You’ll get to see the sights, mark off fun places in your guidebook, and decide for yourself how you’d like to spend the rest of your time in the Centennial State.

Address: 1501 W Oak St, Fort Collins, CO 80521, United States

3. Fort Fun

Go-karts. Mini golf. Escape rooms.

These are just a few of the attractions at Fort Fun , one of the top entertainment destinations of Fort Collins.

Sprawling across a massive, indoor/outdoor complex, Fort Fun offers a wide range of activities for thrillseekers of all ages.

There are rides, slides, and games; there are bumper boats and laser tag; there’s even an arcade where you can shoot at aliens or toss basketballs and skee-balls.

When you’ve worn yourself out, swing by the restaurant for everything from pizza and burgers to funnel cakes and mac-and-cheese wedges.

You can refuel for the next round of golf or the next ride on a paddle boat!

There are so many things to see and experience at Fort Fun that you won’t even know what to do with yourself.

It’s an amusement park taken to the next level of awesome.

Whether you’re a family with kids or just a solo traveler looking to indulge your inner child, and you’re sure to have a blast.

Address: 1513 E Mulberry St, Fort Collins, CO 80524, United States

4. Walrus Ice Cream

Walrus Ice Cream

You’ve never enjoyed triple-decker scoops like these!

At first glance, Walrus Ice Cream looks like a regular, old-fashioned ice cream shop.

It has a big red awning outside of its colorfully painted walls, and inside, there are dozens and dozens of tubs with flavors that change daily.

They’re often quite creative, too.

You can order everything from “horchata” to “banana cream pie” to “Jack Daniels chocolate chip.”

There’s more to this shop, however, than what meets the eye.

The ghost of a prominent businessman from the early 20th century is said to haunt the premises.

There are also rumors of underground tunnels below the store; folks have speculated that they’re everything from cold weather shortcuts to abandoned speakeasy passageways.

One thing is for sure, however: Walrus Ice Cream is a staple of the neighborhood.

If you’re looking for the best things to do in Fort Collins, grab yourself a cone at this local haunt.

Address: 125 W Mountain Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524, United States

5. Horsetooth Mountain Open Space

marekuliasz / Shutterstock

The Horsetooth Mountain Open Space is one of the most breathtaking places to go in all of Colorado.

Covering almost 3,000 acres, it’s filled with cliffs, valleys, forests, boulders, and waterfalls as far as the eye can see.

It’s the kind of destination where you take selfies at the summit of a mountain with your arms outstretched against stunning heights and clear blue skies.

Activities at the park include hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

There are numerous trails to follow, and their elevations reach as high as 7,200 feet.

Notable landmarks include Horsetooth Rock and Horsetooth Falls.

One thing to note about the park is that it has a maximum capacity, so it’s a good idea to arrive early, especially in the summertime when visitors from all across the country descend on Colorado’s mountains.

Ultimately, however, if you’re looking for cool places to visit in and near Fort Collins, you’ll want to make time for the Horsetooth Mountain Open Space.

It’s a beautiful destination with a lot to offer nature enthusiasts.

Address: 6550 W County Rd 38 E, Fort Collins, CO 80526, United States

Visiting other parts of Colorado? Why not check out some of the best things to do in Colorado Springs ?

6. Annual Flower Trial Garden

Another beautiful outdoor destination, the Annual Flower Trial Garden has been a staple of Fort Collins since 2000.

It’s open daily from May to October, and it’s completely free.

You can find it on the Colorado State University campus.

What is the garden?

Simply put, it’s a collection of more than 1,000 annuals.

From sunflowers to snapdragons, you can walk among a dazzling assortment of flowers that range every color of the rainbow and emit all kinds of scents.

They’ll be gone by the fall, but their ephemeral nature only adds to their beauty.

If you’re looking for free things to do while on vacation, visit the Annual Flower Trial Garden.

Not only will you be amazed at the sights, sounds, and fragrances of such a large garden, but you’ll also get to keep money in your wallet for future tourist attractions!

Address: 1401 Remington St, Fort Collins, CO 80524, United States

7. Majestic Mountains Scenic Rides

Majestic Mountains Scenic Rides

Many of the best things to do in Colorado take place outdoors.

There are just so many mountains, waterfalls, and mossy forests that it’s a downright crime to visit the state without exploring its stunning natural scenery.

The good news is that tour companies like Majestic Mountains Scenic Rides can help you see it all.

You don’t have to choose between majestic canyons and sparkling waterfalls!

Operating five days per week, this tour company will take you around the most gorgeous destinations of northern Colorado, and you won’t have to lift a finger in terms of transport.

They’ll handle everything.

As they drive, you’ll be free to take pictures of everything from rugged cliffs towering over the water to curious foxes darting across the roads.

Let someone else do the hard work for you.

When you schedule a tour with Majestic Mountains Scenic Rides, your only responsibility will be having a good time while in Fort Collins.

Address: 408 Skyway Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80525, United States

8. OpenStage Theatre and Company

As the oldest theater in the city, the OpenStage Theatre and Company is one of those Fort Collins attractions that you won’t want to miss.

It brings everything from comedies to cutting-edge dramas to its stage, and it often works with theater artists from all over northern Colorado to expand its retinue and keep its shows exciting and fresh.

What can you watch at the theater?

A better question might be, “What can’t you watch?”

There are plays, musicals, and even puppet shows.

The venue is small, so you’ll always have a good view, and since it’s located right in the heart of downtown, you’ll also be surrounded by eating and shopping options for your post-show high.

Do you love the theater?

Have you always wanted to enjoy dinner and a show?

Maybe you’re just looking for a great date night destination in Fort Collins.

Whatever your reasons for considering OpenStage Theatre and Company, it’s worth the attention.

Address: 720 E Vine Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80524, United States

9. FoCo Fondo

Held every summer, the FoCo Fondo is a cycling marathon with thousands of participants that come from all over Colorado.

It’s open to all ages, genders, and skill levels, so in addition to meeting people from every walk of life, you can also customize your experience with different tracks and terrains.

If you’re looking for family fun, for example, you can choose a simple, scenic route that will allow you to make memories with the kids as you go sightseeing on wheels.

If you’re looking to challenge yourself, on the other hand, you can go hardcore on a 100-mile route that pushes you to your physical limits.

When you’re done, there will be a FondoFest waiting for you, offering food, drink, live music, bike demonstrations, and more.

Hopping on a bike is one of the most popular things to do in Fort Collins.

You don’t even have to wait for FoCo Fondo; bike tours are a regular pastime.

If you’ll be in the area in the summer, however, you might as well pedal up with other like-minded folks in the area.

Address: Fort Collins, CO, United States

10. Holiday Twin Drive-In

Gabe Shakour / Shutterstock

Is there anything more romantic than cuddling with your sweetheart while watching a movie?

At the Holiday Twin Drive-In , you can add a bit of nostalgia to your amour.

It’s a traditional, drive-in movie theater where you stay in your car while enjoying a film projected on a big outdoor screen.

Titles range from current blockbusters to cult classics and other campy favorites.

Concessions are available if you want to munch on popcorn and candy while you watch.

You’ll need either a car radio or a portable device capable of tuning into the audio on an F/M radio system.

The Holiday Twin Drive-In is one of the most romantic things to do while on vacation in Fort Collins.

If you want to experience a fun, flirty evening with your loved one, try an old-fashioned date night idea this weekend.

Address: 2206 S Overland Trail, Fort Collins, CO 80526, United States

Exploring other areas of Colorado? Why not check out some of the things to do in Estes Park ?

11. Mountain Whitewater

PPstock / Shutterstock

If you’re wondering what to do on your Fort Collins vacation, why limit yourself to just one or two activities?

Instead, book a tour with Mountain Whitewater and enjoy them all!

Mountain Whitewater is an adventure company that can get you out of your hotel and into the great outdoors.

They’re most famous for their whitewater rafting tours; you can enjoy a number of Class II, III, and IV rapids along the Cache La Poudre River, including one named “The Plunge.”

Other cool things to do with the guides include kayaking and paddle boarding.

There’s an on-site rental shop where you can stock up on everything from wetsuits to camping tents, and a nearby pub serves food and beer.

There’s even a sand volleyball court if you want to be recreational on land rather than water.

If you love the outdoors, pick up your phone and call Mountain Whitewater.

They’ll see to it that you have a great time in Fort Collins.

Address: 1329 US-287, Fort Collins, CO 80524, United States

12. Coyote Ridge Natural Area

Beautiful all year round, the Coyote Ridge Natural Area is also free and open to the public, making it the perfect all-season destination for travelers who enjoy the outdoors.

If you’re visiting in the summer, go hiking, cycling, or horseback riding among 600-foot panoramas.

If you’re visiting in the fall, watch the leaves change color while spotting local wildlife such as deer and mountain lion.

Wintertime opens up certain fields and ponds for skiing and ice skating; spring thaws them out again, bringing fresh flowers along with activities such as nature photography.

There’s no charge for entry, so if you’re looking for free things to do while vacationing in Fort Collins, a day trip here could be a viable option.

The Coyote Ridge Natural Area is a beautiful destination for travelers of all types.

Even better, it’s always open, so it doesn’t matter when you’re headed to Fort Collins or Colorado in general.

The stunning sights will always welcome you.

Address: Spring Mesa Rd, Fort Collins, CO 80526, United States

13. The Colorado Room

The Colorado Room

The Colorado Room is one of the best places to grab a bite in Fort Collins.

Like its name suggests, it’s all about state pride, and it showcases this loyalty in everything from locally-sourced ingredients to locally-produced artwork.

Even the tables are made from recycled Colorado hardwood!

Dining options include everything from gourmet burgers and salads to finger-licking delights such as poutine.

The atmosphere is warm and casual; there’s a small fireplace with a central table, and outdoor patio seating is available during the warmer months.

If you enjoy good food with an even better ambiance, consider The Colorado Room.

You’ll make memories with your loved ones in a unique setting that’s perfect for your Rocky Mountain getaway.

Address: 642 S College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524, United States

14. Avery House

Faina Gurevich / Shutterstock

Built in 1879, the Avery House is one of the oldest homes in the area; it’s actually listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

It was established as the homestead of a rich banker and his wife.

During their years of residence, they continually expanded on the property, transforming it from a simple two-story home into a grand piece of architecture and a talking point of Fort Collins.

Today, the house has been converted into a museum.

You can look at the rooms, halls, parlors, and Queen Anne towers to see how the elite lived back in the 19th century.

You can also venture outdoors and take in the sights of gardens, fountains, gazebos, and carriage houses.

The Averys had a lot of money, and they knew how to spend it!

Some of the coolest things to do in Fort Collins are also the oldest.

If you’re at all interested in history, make sure to check out the Avery House.

It’s a standing testament to the lives and legacies of those who knew Fort Collins before you.

Address: 328 W Mountain Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80521, United States

15. Totally 80’s Pizza & Museum

Totally 80’s Pizza & Museum

One of the more unique things to do in the city, the Totally 80’s Pizza & Museum is exactly what it sounds like: a museum dedicated to the culture of the 1980s, one that also serves pizza, chicken wings, cheese curds, and other guilty pleasure delights.

Nostalgia is the name of the game at this museum.

Exhibits range from toys to magazines to vintage cereal boxes, and there’s an endless assortment of ’80s pop culture memorabilia, including a Han Solo in carbonite and the real bike used in Pee Wee’s Big Adventure.

You can play old-school arcade games; you can marvel at props and posters from classic movies and television shows.

Everything pops with color and an unabashed joy for older, simpler times.

Are you wondering what to do in Fort Collins this weekend?

Are you looking for an experience that you’ve never had before?

Take a walk down memory lane with the Totally 80’s Pizza and Museum.

As the only museum in the world dedicated exclusively to this decade, it’ll be a one-of-a-kind visit.

Address: 2567 S Shields St Unit 4C, Fort Collins, CO 80526, United States

Looking for more thrills? Why not check out some of the things to do in Breckenridge, CO ?

16. Ginger and Baker

Ginger and Baker

Originally built in the early 1900s, Ginger and Baker started as a feed and grain supply store that served both local residents and pioneers passing through Colorado.

Today, it’s been converted to a multipurpose dining space, but it still retains its turn-of-the-century architecture and country charm.

Places to see at Ginger Baker include a cafe, market, bakery, and rooftop bar.

You can enjoy “farm to fork” cuisine with locally sourced ingredients; you can sip cocktails in front of a fireplace or with the backdrop of a live band; you can watch bread being kneaded and cupcakes being topped with frosting.

Ginger and Baker is also a place for many community events, so if you’ve ever wanted to take a cooking class or play “pie bingo,” this is the spot for it!

Consider a trip to Ginger and Baker if you’re looking for yummy fun that will also support the local economy.

Just like the pioneers of the past, you can pull up, fill your belly, and restock on supplies before heading out for further adventures.

Address: 359 Linden St, Fort Collins, CO 80524, United States

17. Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures

Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures

With the goal of cultural understanding, the Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures showcases artwork from all over the world.

From Chinese woodblocks to Hungarian paintings to Indian dolls, it has a little something for everyone.

You can explore entire societies without ever leaving Colorado!

Admission to the museum ranges from $1 – $5, so if you’re looking for cheap things to do, it can also be a good choice for travelers on a budget.

Don’t be afraid to take advantage of half-priced Fridays, either.

Ultimately, a trip to the Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures can be one of the most interesting things to do in Fort Collins, and it won’t even break the bank.

It’s entirely possible to experience art and culture while on the budget.

Just visit Global Village!

Address: 200 W Mountain Ave # C, Fort Collins, CO 80521, United States

18. Magic Rat Live Music

Magic Rat Live Music

While Fort Collins has a number of music venues, there’s something special about Magic Rat Live Music .

Calling itself “off-beat and uniquely comfortable,” it offers a cozy and intimate space to appreciate live music, and it’s frequented by eclectic crowds that are often just as interesting as the performers.

Every genre of music is welcome at Magic Rat, including pop, rock, funk, and folk.

The acts range from local talent to big-name artists dropping by Colorado.

While you enjoy the band on stage, you can also eat and drink from a full menu provided by the Emporium, an American brasserie located near the venue.

Magic Rat Live Music is one of the best places to go for music lovers in Fort Collins.

If you enjoy the thumping of a good bass while you sip on a cocktail, swing by at night and see who’s playing!

Address: 111 Chestnut St, Fort Collins, CO 80524, United States

19. The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show

The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show

The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show is a worldwide phenomenon, and as luck would have it, you can experience it right in Fort Collins.

It’s one of the best ways to experience a fun, dynamic evening filled with laughs, twists, and a few good old-fashioned murders!

The idea is simple.

As you dine, you’ll enjoy a show from costumed actors playing out a murder mystery in real time.

At this show, however, the detectives and suspects also interact with the audience, some of whom are hidden actors themselves.

The end result is a wild ride that’ll provide tons of entertainment value with your meal.

You may or may not be called upon to answer questions or defend your motives.

Do you have what it takes to protect your good name?

Buy tickets for the Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show and find out!

Address: 425 W Prospect Rd, Fort Collins, CO 80526, United States

20. The Lincoln Center

The Lincoln Center

Hailed as one of the best Fort Collins attractions, The Lincoln Center is among the largest performance arts venues in the entire state of Colorado.

It’s certainly one of the busiest: New events are scheduled every single week!

Shows range from plays and musicals to children’s programs and band performances.

There are two performance halls; one is a small, intimate 220-seater while the other is a grand and impressive 1,180-seater.

Other points of interest in the facility include ballrooms, outdoor terraces, and rooftop patios.

It’s a popular site for big events such as weddings and business expos.

If you’re looking to enjoy a night on the town in Fort Collins, consider swinging by The Lincoln Center.

There’s always something new on the schedule, and you’ll be able to have a fun, memorable experience for your vacation.

Address: 417 W Magnolia St, Fort Collins, CO 80521, United States

Going on a road trip around Colorado? Why not check out some of the best things to do in Boulder & some of the things to do in Durango, CO ?

21. Fort Collins Museum of Discovery

Zerdnog , CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

What do fossils, bicycles, and music records have in common?

They’re just a few of the 30,000 objects showcased at the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery !

Fun for both children and children at heart, this interactive, hands-on museum can offer a great time for everyone in the family.

The little ones will love playing and exploring while mom and dad will appreciate the fact that they’re learning even as they’re running around and having a blast.

Notable exhibits include fossil walls, moving trains, music and sound labs, insect hotels, and model spacecraft.

There’s an animal encounter zone and a playground zone.

You can even forage for food like your ancestors did!

All things considered, the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery is one of the top places to go in the city.

It’s a must-see destination if you want to combine education and entertainment.

Address: 408 Mason Ct, Fort Collins, CO 80524, United States

22. Gardens on Spring Creek

Gardens on Spring Creek

Stretching for more than 12 miles as a tributary of the Cache La Poudre River, Spring Creek is already beautiful, but it reaches even new heights thanks to the G ardens on Spring Creek .

This botanical garden is filled with gorgeous and fragrant flowers from all around Colorado, but they’re conveniently grown together for the sake of Fort Collins visitors.

You’ll start by passing through the entryway garden.

Once inside, you can choose to wander through rock gardens, rose gardens, hummingbird gardens, and prairie gardens.

There’s a glass-walled butterfly house; there’s a great lawn and pavilion.

You can explore at your leisure while surrounding yourself with natural elegance on all sides.

Are you headed to Fort Collins near a major holiday?

You can also check out special events hosted in the gardens.

These include summer camps, fall cooking classes, Halloween and Christmas parties, and more.

A trip to the Gardens on Spring Creek is one of the top things to do in Fort Collins.

Even if you aren’t usually the type to go gaga over gardenias, the sights here will change your mind.

Address: 2145 Centre Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80526, United States

23. FoCo Cafe

FoCo Cafe is an utterly unique restaurant in Fort Collins.

Rather than charging set prices for its dishes, it employs a “pay what you can” system.

Generous patrons can pay more; those struggling financially can pay less, but they’ll still receive a nutritious and high-quality meal.

There’s also an option of working off your bill through volunteer labor.

The restaurant works primarily because of donors, volunteers, and other good-hearted folks in the Fort Collins community.

They wanted to ensure that everyone had access to healthy eating options, so they created a space to make it happen.

Do you want to make a difference while on vacation?

Pay it forward with a soup or salad at the FoCo Cafe.

Not only will you be helping the less fortunate, but you’ll also be treating yourself to a meal that’s delicious and healthy.

It’s a virtue with every bite!

Address: 225 Maple St, Fort Collins, CO 80521, United States

24. Cache La Poudre River National Heritage Area

Cache La Poudre River National Heritage Area

Some of the best places to visit in Colorado are the ones untouched by modern civilization.

One of these beautiful and rugged destinations is the Cache La Poudre River National Heritage Area .

A federally designated National Heritage Area, this nature and wilderness preserve offers miles and miles of pure, undeveloped landscapes.

While there are still things like trailheads and campgrounds, you won’t find any big buildings polluting the air or outshining the stars.

It’s a great place to connect and commune with nature.

You don’t have to just sit on the ground and meditate, however.

There are plenty of fun outdoor activities that you can enjoy while exploring the scenic spots of the preserve.

You can go hiking, biking, tubing, fishing, kayaking, and more!

Open year round, the Cache La Poudre River National Heritage Area is definitely worth a visit if you’re a fan of the outdoors.

Whether you’re visiting tonight, tomorrow, this weekend, or next summer, you’ll enjoy your time in one of Fort Collins’s most beautiful destinations.

Address: 3745 E Prospect Rd, Fort Collins, CO 80525, United States

25. City Park

Are you looking for free things to do while exploring Fort Collins?

Consider a trip to City Park.

As its name suggests, it’s owned and maintained by the city council, so there’s no charge for using its many amenities.

Things to do at the park include walking around the trails, picnicking on the grass, fishing in the lake, swimming in the community pool, and hitting some balls on the tennis court.

Pets are welcome; there are even days when the pool is designated for dogs only.

Bring your pooch or just watch them splashing and shaking their fur everywhere!

Another great thing about the park is that it’s open year-round, and activities change depending on the season.

When it’s chilly, for example, you can swap your tennis racket for ice skates or ice fishing equipment.

All in all, City Park is one of the top places to visit in Fort Collins.

There’s a reason why it’s a beloved destination of residents and tourists alike.

Address: 1500 W Mulberry St, Fort Collins, CO 80521, United States

26. Magic Bus Tours

Magic Bus Tours

If you’re having trouble choosing between Fort Collins attractions, one solution is to choose them all!

Magic Bus Tours will take you on adventures to bars, restaurants, horse ranches, whitewater rapids, and more.

You’ll get to see the best places in the city on single day trips.

Here are just few of the tour options for Magic Bus Tours:

– Ghost tours or “haunted history” tours of Old Town Fort Collins – Brewery tours available by foot, bike, or limo bus – “Farm to table” tours of local farms and ranches – Outdoor tours that include things like kayaking and trout fishing

Essentially, you can choose your own adventure with Magic Bus Tours.

You can even go back for seconds if you enjoy your first tour!

27. Horse and Dragon Brewing Company

Horse and Dragon Brewing Company

While not the largest brewery in Fort Collins, the Horse and Dragon Brewing Company is known for its good beer, country charm, and casual and friendly atmosphere.

It’s the kind of place where you can kick your feet up and crack open a cold one while chatting with the locals and getting recommendations about cool stuff to do in the area.

As for the building itself, you can’t miss it.

It has a red, barnyard-style exterior complete with a metal logo emblazoned with the titular horse and dragon.

Inside, there’s a bar and tasting room; outside, there’s a kestrel nest, and it’s even outfitted with a streaming #kestrelcam to watch them at all hours of the day.

The best vacation spots come with beer.

To get your buzz on in Fort Collins, park your stallion outside the Horse and Dragon Brewing Company.

Address: 124 Racquette Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80524, United States

Start Planning Your Trip To Fort Collins

The Centennial State is waiting for you.

Using these fun things to do in Fort Collins, you can plan an exciting and exhilarating trip that’ll create lifelong memories of your time spent in Colorado!

Happy travels.

Fort Collins   Travel Guide

12 Best Things To Do in Fort Collins

Updated Feb. 21, 2023

Like other Colorado cities, the outdoors rule in Fort Collins. Water sports enthusiasts will enjoy rafting, tubing or kayaking down the Cache la Poudre River while those looking for tamer waters should look into stand-up paddleboarding or boating at

• All Things To Do

Horsetooth Reservoir Horsetooth Reservoir

Originally developed in the 1930s to provide area farmers with a steady supply of water for their crops, Horsetooth Reservoir is now a one-stop shop for outdoor activities. Here, visitors can hike, bike and horseback ride around the 6 ½-mile reservoir, which sits at an elevation of 5,420 feet. Alternatively, they can make a splash in the water itself by kayaking, swimming or stand-up paddleboarding. Travelers also have the option to camp on-site in tents or cabins.

Past visitors enjoyed their time at the reservoir, saying the trails and water activities are great fun. They also praised the scenery and the views of the reservoir's namesake, Horsetooth Rock.

Cache la Poudre River Cache la Poudre River free

The Cache la Poudre River – simply called the "Poudre" by locals – is Colorado's sole Wild and Scenic River, as designated by the National Wild & Scenic Rivers System. The 76-mile waterway winds down from the Rocky Mountain National Park through Fort Collins. Along the recreational sections of the river, visitors can go whitewater rafting, tubing, kayaking and fishing. They may also have opportunities to hike, particularly along the Poudre River Trail, or bike along the river.

In town, you can access the river at the Poudre River Whitewater Park for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and swimming. The 9-acre park has two different river access points (an accessible ramp is located on the north bank) as well as two drop structures to create waves. However, because the river has an inconsistent flow, you'll need to check the water's depth on the City of Fort Collins website before you go. Additionally, you'll need to rent your water sports equipment from a local shop and bring it to the park; no rentals are available on-site.

Fort Collins Breweries Fort Collins Breweries

More than 20 different breweries call Fort Collins home, so it only makes sense that you should try some of the local libations for yourself. Throughout the city, you'll find local favorites like Gilded Goat Brewing Company , Odell Brewing and Horse & Dragon Brewing Company , as well as nationally famous brewers, such as New Belgium and Anheuser-Busch , producers of Budweiser.

While you can pick and choose breweries yourself, you can also opt for a guided tour. Operators like Magic Bus Tours offer a variety of guided tours with stops at local breweries. Previous travelers enjoyed Magic Bus Tours thanks to the company's informative guides. You may also be able to take a tour at individual brewery locations. One such place is Anheuser-Busch, where visitors can take a tour through its brewery and learn about beer making and the history of Budweiser. Previous patrons enjoyed the tour, and hint that lucky visitors may get to see the company's famous Clydesdales.

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Fort Collins Museum of Discovery Fort Collins Museum of Discovery

This hands-on museum is a hit with patrons, especially those with children. Since 2012, the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery has engaged and educated visitors by creating thoughtful exhibits that detail a variety of scientific, natural and artsy topics. You'll have the chance to learn all about our solar system and the universe, experiment with different musical instruments and follow the development of Fort Collins from its official founding in the late 1800s to today. There's also the on-site OtterBox Digital Dome Theater that has a 39-foot domed screen. It not only shows films, but also hosts lectures and live performances.

Previous museumgoers called the facility a wonderful place to spend the day with children of all ages. They also appreciated the fact that the museum had some live animals for patrons to learn about, too.

Horsetooth Mountain Open Space Horsetooth Mountain Open Space

West of Horsetooth Reservoir lies the 2,711-acre Horsetooth Mountain Open Space. You'll find more than 20 trails, each varying in length and elevation gain, but all perfect for hiking. As an added bonus, each trail welcomes dogs and many allow cycling and horseback riding. Your reward for hiking is beautiful scenery that could include the namesake Horsetooth Rock as well as Horsetooth Falls, depending on which trail you pick. After your hike, refuel with your packed lunch at one of the picnic areas.

Previous hikers enjoyed their excursions along the trails. They reported the trip up to Horsetooth Mountain takes some effort but that the views are worth it. They also advise to bring plenty of water, especially if hiking during the summer.

Gardens on Spring Creek Gardens on Spring Creek

Spanning 18 acres, the Gardens on Spring Creek are Fort Collins' botanical sanctuary. The facility shelters 10 different gardens, including a Prairie Garden, which grows plants native to the prairies; the Rock Garden that mimics the mountains and grows flora native to Colorado; and the Garden of Eatin', which features a fruit orchard and herbs, among other delicious edible plants. There's also a Children's Garden, which has hands-on activities and play areas, as well as a pavilion that hosts different kinds of events. Visitors will also find a Butterfly House on-site that showcases 300 free-flying butterflies and moths as well as caterpillar displays. The gardens routinely host a number of events for locals and tourists, including workshops, date nights and holiday festivities for Halloween and Christmas.

Recent visitors praised the gardens for their beauty. For many, a highlight was the Christmas light display the gardens erect each year.

Flower Trial Garden Flower Trial Garden free

Each year, different plant companies submit their flower seeds to be part of the Colorado State University 's Annual Flower Trial Garden, a competition to determine which cultivars are best suited to Colorado's climate. Plants must withstand high altitude, intense solar radiation, drying winds, severe hailstorms, large fluctuations between day and night temperatures, and a season-long need for irrigation – all growing conditions in Colorado. There are more than 1,000 varieties in the competition that are planted in either flower beds or in pots. Industry professionals evaluate the plants and determine the winners. Results are then announced to local communities so that Colorado residents can select the heartiest flowers to plant in their gardens. 

The garden hosts three different trials: annual, perennial and cool weather. Annual and perennials are planted in the spring and evaluated in the late summer. Cool weather cultivars are planted in late October and are evaluated in early spring.

Jessup Farm Artisan Village Jessup Farm Artisan Village free

Jessup Farm Artisan Village was, in fact, a farm. For much of the 20th century, the Jessup family, followed by the Johnson family, used the land as a working farm. When developers purchased the land in 2011, they sought not only to preserve the area's history but also to capitalize on the burgeoning farm-to-table movement. Now, Jessup Farm Artisan Village offers several eateries, a brewery, boutique shopping and a few service shops like a barbershop.

Previous visitors enjoyed their time at the village and particularly favored the preserved farmhouse. Patrons were also complimentary of the on-site brewery, saying they enjoyed the beers and the quirky atmosphere. At the same time, several noted that the village is small so you likely won't need to set aside much time to explore.

Guided cliff rappelling and climbing above Horsetooth Reservoir

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1879 Avery House 1879 Avery House

Franklin Avery was a surveyor who helped to engineer the street layout for Fort Collins. He was also a rancher, builder, real estate investor and founded the Larimer County Bank. His family's home was built in 1879 from locally-sourced sandstone. The original structure had just five rooms across two stories, but over the years the family expanded it. The family lived in the home until 1962; it was then purchased by the City of Fort Collins in 1974 and it was restored.

Today, visitors can tour the home and explore its grounds. Among the items on display are historic costume collection pieces from the Avery family and local donors. Open houses are available weekly and tours are provided by docents. Visitors generally enjoyed their tours and appreciated seeing what life used to be like in Fort Collins. Their one consistent complaint was that the home is only open on the weekends.

Farm at Lee Martinez Park Farm at Lee Martinez Park

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Colorado State University Colorado State University free

Lory State Park Lory State Park

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Top things to do in Fort Collins, Colorado

November 12, 2021 By //  by  William Reavis

Fort Collins is a fast growing city with easy access to the beautiful and relatively secluded, northern Colorado wilderness. From the Roosevelt National Forest to the Pawnee National Grassland, there are fun things to see and do aplenty surrounding the Larimer county seat.

More than 170,000 residents call Fort Collins home, including around 33,000 Rams of Colorado State University. The Cacha la Poudre River runs by town, adding its lifeline and numerous recreational activities. You can fish and even raft portions of the river each summer. And this brewery-rich town has one of the nicest historic districts around.

With its bustling economy, there’s always new life and activities popping up around town. All the typical city-conveniences, whether a bowling alley, movie theater or an escape room, are available in Fort Collins. Whatever you decide to do, definitely add a stroll through the historic district to your itinerary.

Visit Historic Downtown

Featuring over twenty historic buildings, Fort Collins is home to a fantastic downtown district , and no visit is complete without a stroll down the main downtown strip. With countless shops, restaurants, galleries, and so much more, there’s no shortage of things to see and do when exploring downtown.

Those visiting for the first time might notice a strange resemblance to Disneyland. Surprisingly, this is because Main Street USA in Disneyland was actually modeled after downtown Fort Collins.

There’s something fun going on downtown year-round, so it’s always a good time to visit. For anyone interested in ghosts or the supernatural, consider embarking on the Fort Collins Ghost Tour . Besides adding a little thrill to your visit, this is a great way to learn about the local lure from an expert. Whether it’s for a frightening ghost tour, a romantic date night, or an evening at a local brewery, historic downtown is the place to be after dark.

Visit a brewery and take a tour

With an abundance of microbreweries, larger brewhouses, and large-scale factories brewing some of the nation’s most popular beers, Fort Collins is a mecca for beer enthusiasts. One of the most popular is the Anheuser Busch Brewery , one of the largest breweries in the world. Making beer for a number of names including Budweiser, this facility offers free tours including free samples for those over twenty-one.

For a more low-key stop, consider going to the founding location of Odell Brewing , a local company that has expanded from Fort Collins to Denver. With over twenty beers on tap as well as a number of food trucks that rotate throughout the week, it’s no surprise that this is a popular stop for locals and visitors alike.

Another great spot, New Belgium Brewing features over twenty beers on tap as well as a number of delicious food trucks serving up a variety of foods throughout the week.

Cache La Poudre – North Park Byway

Linking the towns of Fort Collins and Walden, the Cache la Poudre-North Park Byway is a 101 mile road that winds through the beautiful Cache la Poudre River canyon. A beautiful route that takes approximately three hours to complete in one direction, this byway is a great way to get out of town and enjoy some of Colorado’s world-class wilderness. The high point of the route is Cameron Pass at 10,276 feet.

Some of Colorado’s best fishing exists on on the Cache la Poudre River , so anglers should be sure to bring their gear on this drive. Other popular activities along the byway include wildlife spotting and hiking. For those hoping to break the trip up into more than one day, there are a number of national forest campgrounds located along the route.

Concerts at Mishawaka Amphitheatre

Technically located in Bellvue, Colorado right outside of Fort Collins, the Mishawaka Amphitheatre , colloquially known as “The Mish,” is a historic riverfront music venue featuring great views, music, and food. There are two stages at The Mish: the SpokesBUZZ Lounge, an intimate, 150 person venue, and the Amphitheater, a one thousand person venue located next to the Poudre River.

After enjoying a concert or a look around the facilities, consider stopping for food at the Mishawaka Restaurant, a full-service restaurant serving burgers, salads, desserts, and more. The Mish is also a great spot to host private events like parties and weddings.

Tour Colorado State University

Ft. Collins is definitely a college town, so a visit to Colorado State University is a wonderful way to spend part of a day. Fun for prospective students as well as tourists, visitors can choose to embark on a formal tour and info session or a self-guided tour.

For those looking to do a self-guided tour of the campus highlights, download the free CSU Visits app for a pre-made tour that guides visitors around the campus. Regardless, be sure to stop at the University Welcome Center for a parking permit and tips for making the most out of a visit.

It’s easy to see Fort Collins’ allure in the summer. As like the rest of Colorado, this plains town with a beautiful backdrop, features a backyard full of adventure and sunny day-after-sunny day to experience it.

Cache La Poudre River

The only designated “Wild & Scenic” River in Colorado, the Cache La Poudre winds within walking distance of downtown. Prime for all sorts of aquatic activities, the Cache La Poudre entices kayakers, anglers, and rafters from all over the state.

World-class whitewater ranging from Class I to IV exists outside of town in Poudre Canyon along the Cache La Poudre – North Park Byway. Additionally, the Poudre River is well known for its large population of trout, and there’s great fishing spots along the entire river.

For those hoping to stay near town, check out the Poudre Trail . This public trail provides access to the riverbank, so simply choose a spot and start fishing.

For visitors hoping to escape the summer heat with a swim, there are a few good spots along the river. A good option is to park at Legacy Park and walk along the river to a spot that looks good for swimming. The river is fed from snow runoff high in the Rocky Mountains, so visitors should keep in mind that the river remains very cold even in the summertime.

Horsetooth Reservoir

A reservoir spanning six miles in length right outside of Fort Collins, Horsetooth Reservoir is home to a range of water sports, including boating , fishing, swimming and even scuba diving. Visitors can also bike and hike around the lake.

The Inlet Bay Marina has boat, kayak, and stand-up paddle board rentals during the summer season . The reservoir is also home to a full-service campground. Keep in mind that there is an entrance fee to the park for all visitors, and campers must make reservations ahead of time online or via phone.

Lory State Park

Lory State Park is another nice option for getting out of town and exploring some of Colorado’s famous nature. With miles of trails perfect for biking, hiking, and horseback riding, visitors can easily escape the crowds and soak in the views. After a hike or bike ride, enjoy a lunch at one of the park’s many picnic sites located throughout the area. The Homestead Picnic Area offers great scenery of nearby Horsetooth Reservoir.

There’s no RV camping at the park, but experienced campers may enjoy reserving one of the few backcountry sites that are accessible by a two mile minimum hike. Reservations can be made online or by telephone. All visitors should consider stopping at the visitor’s center for maps, passes, and souvenirs.

Holiday Twin Drive-in Theater

With two screens playing double features each weekend during the summer months, the Holiday Twin Drive-in is a popular spot for visitors and locals alike to enjoy a movie. Besides enjoying two movies, the theater is also home to a great snack bar serving popcorn as well as more filling foods like burgers and fries. Tickets and food orders can be placed online.

While Fort Collins isn’t a ski town or anywhere near one, there’s still a lot going on in the winter. Most activities tend to be on the more solitude side, such as snowshoeing, cross country skiing and even ice skating. Eldora Mountain Resort is the closest ski area to Fort Collins , but it’s a good hour and fifty-minute drive.

Ice Skating

There’s no shortage of fun places to ice skate in and around Larimer County. One of the most popular rinks is at The Shops at Foothills, a large shopping mall with a number of great stores. The Pond at Foothills , which opens late November of each year, is a large outdoor rink offering skate rentals and text notifications when a skating spot opens up.

Another option is NoCo Ice Center , but visitors should keep in mind that open skate slots can be limited during the youth hockey season. The Edora Pool Ice Center is an indoor rink, offering skating classes as well as open skate throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy time on the ice at one of the facility’s two full-sized rinks.

These are just some of the things to do in Fort Collins. Enjoy your visit to this northern gem!

About William Reavis

William is a student studying English at Boston University. When he's not writing, he's an avid backpacker and reader.

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The 13 Best Things to Do in Fort Collins, Colorado

See why Fort Collins has been called the "Greatest City on Earth"

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

If you’re looking for a unique day trip a short drive from Denver, head north to Fort Collins, which has everything you need for a memorable vacation in one city: amazing restaurants, breweries, distilleries, shopping, and outdoor adventures—all with that special local flair.

Fort Collins is home to Colorado State University, and it’s always at the top of one best-of list or another. Buzzfeed even went as far to call Fort Collins the greatest city on Earth , and there are many great ways to experience this thriving college town. From exploring Old Town and touring brewing companies to catching a live music show and playing on the Poudre River, there's no limit to the experiences you can have in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Hike at Horsetooth Reservoir

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

Fort Collins—much like all of Colorado—is an outdoor oasis. In fact, 14% of the town is dedicated to open, natural, public spaces. One of the most famous is Horsetooth Reservoir, a 1,900-acre body of water surrounded by another 2,000 acres of land. The reservoir has about 30 miles of biking, hiking, and horse trails—the most popular of which lead to the local landmark Horsetooth Rock.

For something even more extreme, try your hand at hiking a "fourteener," aka one of Colorado's many mountains exceeding 14,000 feet. Ask any local: This is a quintessentially Colorado experience. Most are concentrated in Rocky Mountain National Park , an hour's drive from Fort Collins.

Dine, Sip, and Chill at The Exchange

Granger Wootz / Getty Images

The Exchange is a modern meeting ground in the heart of Old Town. It's composed of shipping containers and other eccentric structures-turned-hipster restaurants and watering holes, all centered around an open-air entertainment plaza. Grab a slice of pizza and a cocktail or craft beer and claim a bean bag on the grassy lawn. Oh, and feel free to bring your dog.

Surround Yourself With Butterflies

YuriF / Getty Images

The Gardens on Spring Creek is an 18-acre botanic garden just two miles south of the city center. It showcases a variety of gardens and habitats, including a foothills garden for semi-alpine plants, a prairie garden containing low-lying species, and a children's garden featuring a fish pond and Interactive Discovery Zone. But the Butterfly House might trump them all.

Any fan of these beautiful winged creatures will swoon upon entering this pavilion, home to a reported 400 to 600 monarchs, longwings, swallowtails, and other species of butterfly and moth. The Butterfly House contains caterpillar and chrysalis displays, plus a 220-square-foot living fern wall and countless tropical plants.

Explore Old Town: Real Life Disneyland

Old Town Fort Collins was the inspiration for Disneyland’s Main Street USA, and the charming, old buildings and stone-lined streets truly feel like a fantasyland.

Downtown is full of specialty, artisan, and local shops, such as the popular Welsh Rabbit Cheese Bistro . You can pop in here for a selection of charcuterie and artisan cheeses paired with wine and beer. Then, visit Revolution Artisan Pops , which sells handmade popsicles made with natural, pure, local ingredients. Instead of dyes and preservatives, you'll enjoy tasty cold treats made with fresh fruit and local spices.

You’ll also find colorful public art installations, water features, and fun, interactive displays that bring the community together on the bricks in Old Town. It will come as no surprise that this section of Fort Collins has been named one of America's best downtown areas.

Tour New Belgium Brewing Company

Fort Collins is called Colorado's Craft Beer Capital and is home to some of the world’s best microbreweries, including New Belgium Brewing and Odell Brewing Company. When in Fort Collins, you absolutely must stop by New Belgium Brewing, which offers a craft brew tour unlike any other.

At New Belgium Brewing, there are free tours every 30 minutes (from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) that take you into the guts of this monster brewhouse (the largest wood cellar beer production facility in the nation), complete with lots of free beer.

However, carve out plenty of time to chill on the lawn because it often feels like a festival here. On any given afternoon, especially weekends, you will find hundreds of people sitting around the huge yard lined with food trucks sipping beer, playing lawn games, and strumming instruments.

Other Brewing Companies

If you're looking for some lesser-known but worthy breweries, check out Intersect Brewing and  Maxline Brewing , which hosts live music and special events, like chili cook-offs and popcorn and beer pairings.

There's also Zwei Brewing, Black Bottle Brewery, Coopersmith's Pub and Brewing, and the Three Four Beers Company as well as the massive Anheuser-Busch branch in Fort Collins. You can tour multiple breweries on quirky Magic Bus Tours, or take a bike, bus, limo, or go by foot. 

Play in the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery

Even if you’re not the museum type, add the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery to your Colorado bucket list. It's the best place in town to take your kids and is fun for all ages.

Find hours of educational and fun entertainment in this expansive, interactive museum, and make sure you snag a ticket to the revolving special exhibits that hide in the back room. In the past, there's been a ticketed dinosaur event that included a movie about the ancient flying dino creatures, life-sized models, virtual games, and real fossils. 

Another highlight is watching a movie in the Digital Dome (like an Imax movie screen that wraps all the way up the rounded ceiling), and as a bonus, the top floor of the museum is an observatory where you can look out over Fort Collins and beyond, panorama style. This is a great place to take photos and get familiarized with the layout of the city from above.  

Head South to Jessup Farm Artisan Village

Jessup Farm Artisan Village feels like traveling back in time, but with hip, updated amenities.

This old farmstead, home to one of the city’s earliest settlements, has been converted into a coffee shop (in the 19th-century mechanics shop), a photography business (housed in the former loafing shed), a clothing and home shop (also in the old shed), a barbershop (in the old farm shop), and the Jessup Farm Barrel House, which features beer-blending and barrel-aging.

However, the highlight of the Jessup Farm Artisan Village is the Farmhouse restaurant, which is located in the 130-year-old Jessup House. As is fitting in a cozy, old-school building, the food here is comfort food (of course made from scratch), but with a sophisticated, upscale spin.

Produce comes from the village’s small farm and garden, and the rest comes from local sources. On the menu, find savory treats like a mouthwatering braised lamb shank, herb-brined pork chops, or a skillet chicken pot pie. The pork belly slider appetizers are a must-try, and if you have dietary restrictions, the Farmhouse can easily accommodate gluten-free, dairy-free, or any other specifications. 

Try Craft Coffee

cranberry-orange-walnut French toast / Getty Images

Fort Collins doesn’t only have craft beer, it also has craft coffee. Much like craft beer, craft coffee emphasizes the quality, uniqueness, and the story of the coffee and its beans.

Fort Collins’ craft community is growing and the popularity of third-wave coffee is growing with it. To experience this trend for yourself, head over to Harbinger Coffee for exotic, pure coffee from some of the nation’s best roasters.

Other craft coffee homes in Fort Collins include The Bean Cycle , The Human Bean , Bindle Coffee , and Everyday Joe’s . The latter is a giant coffee house with a stage that often holds special events and live music performances.

Taste a Flight of Chocolate

Another thing that Fort Collins artisans are quickly becoming known for is creating artisanal chocolates. Enjoy a whole flight of chocolate at  Nuance Chocolate in downtown Fort Collins, which makes small-batch chocolates from beans that it roasts and grinds on site.

A fight of chocolate will walk you through tasting chocolate made from beans from different regions of the world, and you will be surprised by how many variations in flavor there are for pure, dark chocolate. Nuance claims to have the largest selection of “single-origin” chocolate in the world. It features more than 20 single-origin bars, which refers to beans that come straight from one specific region and are not blended with beans from other areas—chocolate in its purest, natural form.

For something indulgent, check out the decadent truffle selection, most made with local ingredients (like local honey from a beekeeper, local coffee roasters and lavender, and red chiles from a nearby farm). Also warm up with thick sipping chocolate, made with no sugar or milk, but it’s not like traditional hot chocolate—it’s a whole new experience.

The shop began as a hobby and is now one of the rare bean-to-bar chocolate makers in the nation. Owners Toby and Alix Gadd have lived in Fort Collins for nearly 30 years. The chocolate shop is the only place in the world to find Nuance Chocolate.; the Gaddis say they would sell wholesale or online, but they can’t keep up with demand as it is.

Enjoy Wine Differently

The Emporium Kitchen & Wine Market in Fort Collins is a farm-to-table-style restaurant with a wine market in the middle of it. So instead of ordering marked-up bottles and glasses of wine with dinner, you can order your meal, then get up and walk to the open-air wine shelves and pick out your bottle, just like you would in a liquor store.

Also, like in a liquor store, these bottles are priced at market value, not marked up to restaurant prices, which means you can find a $15 bottle of wine to enjoy with your meal.

The food here is supreme and the atmosphere is ultra cool: a bit retro but in the hippest way. It's ideal for a unique date night but it's also welcoming for a casual family dinner. The wine selection also spans local to international, so try a Cabernet from Crossbarn Winery with your Wagyu burger with egg, avocado, bacon, and fresh Swiss-like cheese, which will be one of the best burgers you've ever had.

Catch Live Music

As you would expect in a good college town, the live music scene in Fort Collins is top-notch. There are a number of established venues like the historic Aggie Theater where you can catch national names, but for something different, there are also smaller and newer venues like  Magic Rat Live Music or the Sunset Lounge. 

Magic Rat has a ton of character. It's a bit off-beat (located in Old Firehouse Alley) and far from pretentious while featuring local to bigger-named musicians. While there, indulge in the quirky drink menu. If you're feeling wild, try a Rat Tail, a dealer's choice shot and a bottle of Miller High Life, or order The Rider for your table: four cans of PBR, four mini bottles of Jack, a bowl of peanut M&Ms, beef jerky, and something known as "mystery goodies."

Try a Flavor of the Past

If you're looking for something to eat that is uniquely local and traditional to Fort Collins, look no further than the Silver Grill Cafe, which is known for its monstrous, homemade cinnamon rolls made fresh daily and oozing with naughty frosting deliciousness.

This casual diner has been running strong for more than 85 years, and in fact, it's Northern Colorado's longest-operating cafe. To solely peg Silver Grill as a greasy spoon wouldn't be entirely true, though. You'll also find homemade soups, sandwiches, burgers, and great breakfast items here. For example, enjoy French toast made with homemade cranberry-orange-walnut bread, topped with spiced apple compote and cinnamon whipped cream—the perfect breakfast for fall. 

Play on the Poudre

No visit to Colorado would be complete without spending plenty of time outdoors. Fort Collins is home to an impressive river, the Poudre River, which can serve as the focal point of a great getaway. If you're an experienced kayaker, these waters will challenge you, but during calmer run-off (i.e. not in the springtime or early summer, when rapids can be wild), some people (especially college students) like to tube down the Poudre. 

The Cache La Poudre Scenic and Historic Byway is another way to experience the region and immerse yourself in the views. This trip starts in Fort Collins up U.S. 287 northwest, until it turns up the canyon alongside the rushing river. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife along the way, especially bighorn sheep, which are prevalent in this area. All in all, the byway will take about three hours to drive (101 miles total) and will take you from Fort Collins into the small towns of Walden and Gould, but the roads are paved and open year-round.

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19 Best Things to Do in Fort Collins, Colorado in 2024: Explore FoCo Like a Local!

• Last Updated: January 17, 2024
• Destinations , North America , USA

Nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Fort Collins, Colorado is a fantastic city that offers a blend of outdoor adventures, a thriving craft beer scene, family-friendly activities, and a vibrant arts community.

Table of Contents

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a craft beer aficionado, or a family seeking fun-filled experiences, Fort Collins has something for you.

I have family in Laramie, Wyoming, which is only an hour’s drive north of Fort Collins. I’ve visited Fort Collins several times and love the city’s blend of urban amenities, outdoor adventure, and raw natural beauty.

Best Things to Do in Fort Collins

For me, one of the best things about Fort Collins is its proximity to the Rocky Mountains, which offer endless hiking trails, camping spots, and scenic drives. The craft beer is superb here too!

The city itself has plenty to explore, with its charming Old Town area filled with independent shops and restaurants.

Are you ready to explore the top things to do in Fort Collins, Colorado like a local? Let’s go!

See also: Carlsbad Caverns Big Room: The Most Amazing Cave

Discovering Downtown Fort Collins

Begin your journey in the heart of Fort Collins by immersing yourself in the charm of downtown.

With its historical buildings, delightful local boutiques, cozy cafes, and rich history, downtown Fort Collins is a great place to explore on foot.

Start your discovery of this fantastic city in the central Old Town Square area.

1. Stroll through Old Town Square

Old Town Square is the beating heart of Old Town Fort Collins. It has a vibrant atmosphere and lots of attractive architecture, public artwork, and gorgeous flower displays.

As you explore the area on foot, you’ll discover an array of shops and independent restaurants, each with its own unique charm.

Happy Lucky’s Teahouse is a local institution and one of my favorite places to grab a drink or a snack in the center of the city.

The Exchange is another popular place to hang out, with a great selection of food and drinks.

Throughout the year, Old Town Square hosts a range of events such as outdoor concerts, art walks, and holiday celebrations, ensuring there’s always something fun happening in this lively area.

2. Shop at local boutiques and galleries

As you wander through the streets of downtown Fort Collins, take the opportunity to explore some of the local boutiques and galleries, showcasing the creativity and talent of the city’s artisans.

For example, Kansas City Kitty is a fantastic boutique with a great selection of unique clothing and hand-made accessories. You’re sure to find something special and memorable to take home with you.

3. Immerse yourself in history

Fort Collins is steeped in history, with many fascinating stories just waiting to be discovered.

One such tale is that of Franklin C. Avery , a leading force in the town’s development and the founder of the First National Bank.

Avery was responsible for creating water projects that allowed agriculture to flourish in northern Colorado.

You can visit the Avery family home – Avery House – and explore its beautiful grounds for a unique glimpse into the past.

4. Enjoy the CSU Annual Flower Trial Garden

The Colorado State University’s Annual Flower Trial Garden showcases the plants and flowers that thrive in Colorado’s high-altitude climate.

It was established to help conduct horticultural research in the unique environment and climate of the Rocky Mountains and the High Plains region. Botanical experts carefully evaluate the plants to determine the best performers.

Bring your family and spend the day surrounded by the natural beauty of the garden and the fascinating story it tells.

Outdoor Adventures in Fort Collins

Fort Collins is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, offering a wide range of adventures that cater to all interests and abilities.

From exploring the breathtaking Horsetooth Reservoir to hiking the trails at Lory State Park and cycling the picturesque Poudre River Trail, there’s always a new outdoor experience waiting to be discovered.

Here are some of the best outdoor things to do in Fort Collins, Colorado.

5. Explore Horsetooth Reservoir

Discover the beauty of Horsetooth Reservoir , a stunning outdoor destination that offers a wealth of activities for all ages.

From hiking, biking, and horseback riding around the reservoir to kayaking, swimming, and stand-up paddleboarding in the water, there are many ways to enjoy this natural gem.

The reservoir’s remarkable setting and crystal-clear waters make it a must-visit location for anyone who loves the great outdoors.

6. Hike the trails at Lory State Park

Venture to Lory State Park and explore its scenic trails, each offering unique vistas and varying levels of difficulty.

For a rewarding hike with stunning views, tackle the popular Arthur’s Rock trail , a 3.4-mile out-and-back hike of intermediate difficulty.

As you ascend the natural stairway to the top of the rock, you’ll be greeted with breathtaking views of the open meadows and towering mountains. It’s a fantastic spot for a picnic!

7. Cycle the Poudre River Trail

Cycling enthusiasts will love the Poudre River Trail , a bike trail that runs along the Cache la Poudre River.

The route passes through beautiful scenery. It offers lush woodlands, magnificent peaks, and several river access points for a truly memorable cycling experience.

Rent a bike from a local shop and enjoy a leisurely ride along the river, taking in the natural beauty of Fort Collins.

For an added shot of adrenaline, check out the nearby Poudre River Whitewater Park where you can raft, kayak, or tube down the river.

Embrace the Craft Beer Scene

Fort Collins is rightly famous for its thriving craft beer scene. With over 20 breweries in the area, Fort Collins is proudly known as the craft beer capital of Colorado .

From touring the iconic New Belgium Brewing Company to visiting local breweries and attending beer festivals, there’s always a new brew to discover and savor in this beer-loving city.

8. Tour New Belgium Brewing Company

Experience the legendary New Belgium Brewing Company , one of the largest craft breweries in the United States.

During a guided tour, you’ll learn about the brewing process and sample some of their iconic beers, such as Fat Tire Amber Ale and Voodoo Ranger IPA.

This iconic brewery is a must-visit for anyone with a passion for craft beer and its rich history.

9. Visit other local breweries

Fort Collins is home to many other local breweries.

From Gilded Goat Brewing Company to Horse & Dragon Brewing Company , you’ll find a wide range of beer styles and creative brews to suit your taste.

Most breweries in Fort Collins have taprooms where you can taste the local brews. Spend an afternoon brewery-hopping and get a taste of what makes Fort Collins’ craft beer scene so special.

10. Attend a beer festival

If you’re visiting during one of Fort Collins’ beer festivals, such as Small Batch (usually held at the beginning of June), you’re in for a treat.

These events celebrate the city’s love for craft beer, featuring local breweries and their unique offerings.

Enjoy live music, food trucks, and, of course, a wide variety of craft brews as you toast to Fort Collins’ thriving beer culture.

Family-Friendly Activities in Fort Collins

There’s no shortage of family-friendly things to do in Fort Collins. It’s a fantastic destination for families, offering a variety of activities that both kids and adults will love.

11. Visit the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery

Take the family to the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery . Here you can enjoy screenings at the Digital Dome Theater, learn about the science of sound at the Music & Sound Lab, and explore the various other interactive exhibits.

With its educational fun and engaging displays, the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery is the perfect destination for a day of family learning and entertainment.

12. Explore the Gardens on Spring Creek

Discover the beauty of the Gardens on Spring Creek .

This 18-acre community botanical garden opened in 2004 and features several themed gardens and an enchanting tropical Butterfly House home to hundreds of North American butterflies.

The Gardens also puts on regular educational seminars, wellness programs, and other special events throughout the year.

It’s a beautiful oasis of calm and a fantastic destination for families seeking a peaceful and educational experience.

13. Enjoy outdoor fun at City Park

Spend a day at City Park , where you’ll find a variety of outdoor activities for all ages.

Some highlights include the picturesque Sheldon Lake, playgrounds for young children, and sports facilities for tennis, basketball, and soccer.

There’s also an outdoor family pool (open in the warmer months) with slides where your little ones can paddle and cool off.

Experience Fort Collins’ Vibrant Arts and Culture Scene

Immerse yourself in Fort Collins’ vibrant arts and culture scene. With a diverse array of artistic experiences on offer, you’ll leave Fort Collins feeling inspired and enriched.

14. Attend a performance at the Lincoln Center

Catch a performance at the Lincoln Center , Fort Collins’ premier performing arts venue. Offering a wide range of thrilling shows, including theater productions, musical concerts, dance performances, and comedy shows.

There’s always something fun on here. Check their website for upcoming events and to book tickets for when you’re in town.

15. Discover local art at the First Friday Art Walk

The Fort Collins First Friday Art Walk is a self-guided walking tour that’s held in downtown Fort Collins on the first Friday of each month.

It usually runs from 6–9 pm and is a great way to experience the city’s vibrant creative scene. The tour takes you to various galleries studios, and pop-up exhibits showcasing the work of local and up-and-coming artists.

With an ever-changing lineup of art on display, you’ll be amazed by the talent and creativity found in Fort Collins.

16. Enjoy live music

Fort Collins’ live music scene is diverse and thriving. From intimate jazz clubs like Ace Gillett’s Lounge to larger concerts at the Aggie Theatre or The Armory , there’s always a show to catch in this music-loving city.

Whether you’re into jazz, rock, classical, country, hip-hop, or electronic music, you’re sure to find a venue and performance that strikes a chord with you.

Culinary Delights: Eat Like a Local

Savor the culinary delights of Fort Collins, a city that boasts a diverse and delicious food scene.

With the city’s abundance of outdoor seating venues, you can even dine al fresco while taking in the beautiful surroundings.

17. Indulge in brunch

Treat yourself to an indulgent brunch at one of Fort Collins’ best brunch spots, such as Me Oh My Coffee & Pie or Rainbow Restaurant .

With a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, these establishments offer unique dishes and cozy atmospheres that will leave you craving more.

From classic Benedicts to inventive twists on traditional favorites, brunch in Fort Collins is a culinary adventure not to be missed.

18. Sample tasty treats at Jessup Farm Artisan Village

Tease your taste buds at Jessup Farm Artisan Village , a charming destination for food lovers.

Sample delicious pastries at The Loafing Shed, savor fresh bread at the Farmhouse or enjoy a cup of expertly-brewed coffee at the bustling espresso bar.

With its delightful array of food offerings and artisanal goods, Jessup Farm Artisan Village is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique and tasty culinary experience.

19. Dine al fresco at outdoor seating venues

Dine al fresco at one of Fort Collins’ many outdoor seating venues, taking in the beautiful surroundings and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.

From casual cafes to fine dining establishments, you’ll find an array of options to suit your taste and budget. Nick’s Restaurant And Bar is one of my favorite spots in the city for proper NYC-style pizza.

So grab a seat, order your favorite dish, and soak up the sunshine.

FAQs About the Best Things to Do in Fort Collins, Colorado

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the best things to do and places to visit in Fort Collins.

What is Fort Collins, Colorado known for?

Fort Collins is known for being a gateway to the Rocky Mountains, for Colorado State University, and for being the Craft Beer Capital of Colorado. The city is responsible for producing a staggering seven percent of America’s craft beer.

Is Colorado Springs cheaper than Fort Collins?

Overall, the cost of living in Colorado Springs is about 5% lower than in Fort Collins.

What is the best time of year to visit Fort Collins?

Summer is the best time to visit Fort Collins, with warm weather and plenty of outdoor activities and events to enjoy. Unless you want to ski, in which case it’s best to come between November and May.

Are there any annual music festivals in Fort Collins?

There are several annual music festivals in Fort Collins. Fort Collins Music eXperiment festival (FoCoMX), held in April, is one of the biggest and most famous.

What are some family-friendly attractions in Fort Collins?

Fort Collins offers a variety of fun and educational activities for families, such as the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, The Gardens on Spring Creek, and City Park.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Fort Collins

From exploring the charming streets of downtown, heading out into the great outdoors, and experiencing the craft beer scene, to enjoying family-friendly activities, there’s no shortage of great things to do in Fort Collins, Colorado.

With its rich history, thriving arts and culture scene, and exceptional culinary offerings, Fort Collins is a destination that will leave you with lasting memories and a desire to return.

I fully intend to come back later this year – maybe I’ll see you there!

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What are you looking for?

18 best things to do in fort collins [colorado] in 2024.

I'm just going to come out and say it ...

We LOVED Fort Collins!

Fantastic eateries, cosy cafes, exciting nightlife, outdoor hiking, mountainous views.

It really is a fun and exciting place to be , whether you are stopping by for just a couple nights, or maybe even hanging around a bit longer.

We spent 3 wonderful nights here, and managed to squeeze in a lot of Fort Collins top sights and attractions.

Better still, we worked with the tourism board, who helped make sure we got to know the real Fort Collins.

Getting a flavour for the city's past and present.

And below we will share that experience with you, and give a rundown of the absolute BEST things to do in Fort Collins.

Along with a few extra tips & tricks.

Let's get started ...

Travellerspoint

How to get to Fort Collins

You have a quite a few options here ...

The closest major airport to Fort Collins is Denver International Airport and Fort Collins is around 70 miles north of the airport.

Groome Transportation operates a shuttle bus service from Denver Airport to Fort Collins. This takes approximately 1 hour 20 and costs around $35.

Or you could take the A Line train from Denver Airport Station, to Union Station. From Union Station Gate B5, take the bus North to Fort Collins. This journey will take 2 and a half hours altogether.

Alternatively you could hire a car from the airport and drive into Fort Collins. This is the best option, especially if you're planning to do an epic Colorado road trip !

You could also rent from Uber , Lyft or Turo , but of course this will be more expensive.

Getting Around Fort Collins, Colorado

The city of Fort Collins is relatively compact, and many of the things to do listed below are within walking distance.

And I do recommend you take time to walk around the city anyway, as it's a very pleasant place to be.

But if you do need to get a little further out, here's a look at the main options ...

Transfort provides local bus services in and around Fort Collins. They have 24 different bus routes, with over 500 stops across the city.

Check schedules and fares on their website , or use their app .

ZTrip provides a local taxi service. You can simply hail one down in the street, or use their app to book.

Alternatively Uber , Lyft or Turo all operate in Fort Collins

Fort Collins Trolley

The Fort Collins Trolley travels between City Park and Old Town and is a truly unique way to see the city. In fact, the Birney Car 21 was restored to its original condition in the 1980s.

Nowadays, You can ride it from April through to September on weekends and public holidays (weather permitting). Check their website for more information on fares and times .

Fort Collins is a VERY bike friendly city.

So, the most iconic, and of course the most eco-friendly, way to explore Fort Collins is by bike.

Since 2016 the city has been part of a Zagster Bike Sharing System. Residents or visitors can rent bikes at a price from any of the 16 stations around the city.

This sort of bike rental can be done via the Zagster App . Alternatively you can rent a Spin bike.

Walking and Cycling Trails

Fort Collins has a great system of recreational trails which are popular with walkers, runners and cyclists.

Of course, they offer a great opportunity to get out in the fresh air and enjoy some exercise.

But they also connect the city and provide a great way of getting around whilst avoiding the traffic and soaking up the beautiful scenery.

Where to stay in Fort Collins (Colorado)

Top hotel recommendation in fort collins.

The Armstrong Hotel is found in lively and vibrant central Fort Collins.

It’s now the only independent hotel in the city, oozing with charm and character. We loved it!

There’s a classy but relaxed vibe to the Armstrong, with a lounge for guests to spend time in. We also found that staff here aim to go and above and beyond to give you the best experience of Fort Collins.

Keen to share their passion for the city, you won’t be short of itineraries and recommendations for Fort Collins.

The Armstrong Hotel has a whole host of amenities on site too. All the rooms have a mini fridge, 49” flat screen TV, hairdryer, WiFi and Nespresso machine.

There’s even an underground supper club and an on site massage studio.

Ace Gillet’s, their underground dining experience, offers live music alongside a boutique and imaginative menu.

It's such a cosy space, with a very cool vibe and there is often live piano music in the evenings , which is the perfect setting for a cocktail.

This was Bradley's favourite part of the hotel.

P.S. Free bikes are available to guests to wish to explore the surrounding area.

Budget Accommodation in Fort Collins

If you’re looking for cheap accommodation in Fort Collins, look no further than  Fernweh Inn and Hostel .

They offer both dorms and private rooms and is ideally located within walking distance of lots of attractions , parks, restaurants and nightlife.

Prices start at £20 per night for a dorm room.

Mid Range Accommodation in Fort Collins

Hampton Inn by Hilton is ideally situated just a couple of miles from the centre of Fort Collins.

Prices start at around $120 for a king size room with a bath, breakfast and access to the on site fitness suite.

Or, if you’re looking for a unique stay in Fort Collins, Airbnb have a lot of options like this ‘tiny home’ .

Luxury Accommodation in Fort Collins

The Elizabeth Hotel offers a truly luxury stay in Old Town Fort Collins, with on site facilities such as a fitness suite and a terrace.

Prices start at around $250 for a Queen room.

Edwards House is another luxury option with large double rooms with private bathrooms and a shared lounge area. Breakfast is included in all the rates.

If you want more privacy and independence, you can rent an entire property, like this Old Town Bungalow where they have free bikes for you to use.

18 Best Things to do in Fort Collins

1. explore horsetooth reservoir by boat.

Okay, let's get stuck in with what was a humungous highlight from our stay in Fort Collins!

First on our list of things to do in Fort Collins is to head over to Horsetooth Reservoir , which is just 8.5 miles from Fort Collins city.

It runs for approx 6.5 miles, is two-thirds of a mile wide and is the third busiest reservoir in Colorado state, attracting around a million visitors every year!

So what do you do here?

You hire a boat of course! And it is SOOOO much fun!

We have never driven a boat before, and the rush is incredible. I really wasn't sure what to expect before doing it, and was a little nervous.

But it is actually surprisingly easy to do, and you can build up a lot of speed out on the open water!

Just be sure to book well in advance as the reservoir can get busy (unsurprisingly) in the warmer months.

Inlet Bay Marina is found on the shore of Horsetooth Reservoir and is a great place for boat rental.

You can rent different types of motorised boats from here including pontoons, jet skis, group boats, fishing boats and runabouts.

Or if you want all the hard work done for you, you can book a boat tour.

If a high adrenaline boat hire isn't your kind of thing, you can instead go for a pleasant walk around or near the reservoir.

Just be sure to check the conditions of the trails before you visit.

2. Explore the Historic Old Town

Okay, time to head back into the town itself ...

More specifically, the well preserved and vibrant Downtown , or Old Town, Fort Collins is full of nature, food, shops and tourism.

There’s over 84 restaurants here offering a variety of different cuisines!

And a great way to experience some of the best tastes of Fort Collins old town by taking part in a food tour of the area .

But what I really loved, is that the atmosphere in Old Town Square is unbeatable with live music here most days.

During the summer Old Town Fort Collins is home to many events and festivals.

There’s often weekly free concerts, and beer, food and music festivals during the nicer weather.

Some of the most popular Fort Collins festivals hosted in the Old Town include Colorado Brewers Festival , Tour de Fat , and FoCoMX .

You can also find the only original trolley car west of Mississippi in Old Town Fort Collins, but more on that later…

3. Enjoy a unique cocktail at the CopperMuse Distillery

CopperMuse pride themselves in producing high-quality craft spirits.

All their spirits are made with completely natural ingredients and CopperMuse started with their Vertueux and Vicieux Vodkas and now have a whole host of spirits including rums, whiskeys and gins.

This quirky and indie distillery offer over 60 craft cocktails for you to sample on your visit (which we did of course!).

There’s also on-site tours and tastings at CopperMuse. Opening hours vary from Tuesday to Sunday.

But better still, check their website to see what other events they have on, you might just find they host our next best thing to do ...

4. Check out a comedy show

If you’re looking for a fun thing to do in Fort Collins, look no further than a side-splitting night at a comedy show!

Fort Collins is home to numerous comedy clubs, promising an entertaining night out. And we went to one at the above mentioned CopperMuse Distillery.

Other popular comedy clubs include Comedy Brewers and Comedy Fort and you will spot them wandering through town.

Both host a variety of comedians, as well as trivia, open mic and improv nights. You can easily buy tickets for comedy shows in Fort Collins on EventBrite .

The comedy show at the CopperMuse Distillery was excellent! And a nice bonus was the ability to enjoy their amazing range of cocktails whilst watching the show.

They don't run regularly, so you'll need to check their website about when they comedy shows are running and book tickets.

5. Grab a bite to eat at the Crown Pub

Found in the Old Town Square, Crown Pub takes inspiration from an English-style pub ( so Bradley felt right at home! ).

They even claim to serve the best Fish and Chips in Fort Collins (we’ll let the Brits be the judge of that one!)

The menu consists of pub classics including burgers, sandwiches and pub chips. We also enjoyed the vegetarian offers, and there was a lot of food.

Brad being English, thought this pub had a very English vibe to it!

They also offer a range of inventive and hand crafted cocktails. Happy Hour runs from Monday to Thursday, from 3pm until 6pm.

Crown Pub hosts live jazz every Sunday 7pm-10pm, with different artists every week . Just be warned ... this place gets busy!

6. Wander around City Park

One of the great places to go in Fort Collins is City Park.

This large park is home to a lake, lots of walking trails and even a water park.

Sheldon Lake is great for fishing, paddle boating, and you can also go skating here in the winter!

The park boasts over 220 varieties of trees, so you can take yourself on a self-guided tree tour to experience all the nature City Park has to offer.

City Park Pool not only cools you off on a hot day, but guarantees a fun day out in Fort Collins. The pool is open during the spring and summer months at varying times .

7. Grab a bite at The Exchange

The vibrancy and character of Fort Collins is fully showcased at the Exchange . This is an open-air plaza in the northern corner of Old Town Fort Collins.

The space is surrounded by vendors all serving craft beer and cocktails, and all types of food.

Food and drinks are served from repurposed shipping containers, which is very hipster! Vendors include Vatos Tacos and Tequila, Chick’n Cone and, our old friends, the CopperMuse Distillery.

It’s the perfect place to grab a bite to eat, and support small local businesses at the same time. There’s also loads of different events, all day everyday at the Exchange.

Whether that’s Happy Hours, food deals or entertainment such as Bingo or Swing Dancing - there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

The Exchange caters well to Fort Collins' love of biking and the outdoors. It is connected with the Poudre Trail, and you can find plenty of bike parking.

There’s even a bike service station!

8. Relax at Riverbend Ponds

Riverbend Ponds is a natural area made up of a stretch of the Poudre River, several ponds and wetlands.

This is a popular fishing area , as there are several fishing ponds made up of former gravel mine ponds.

The ponds are filled with warm-water fish including catfish and largemouth bass. These are provided by the Colorado Division Wildlife.

Around the ponds you will also find three miles of trails which are ideal for hiking and biking.

There’s a boardwalk that crosses over the water, as well as longer trails connecting the area to Cottonwood Hollow and Running Deer Natural Areas .

If you’re into a bit of ‘twitching’ Riverbend Ponds is the place for you.

Over 200 species of birds migrate through the area, and make their nests here.

Depending on the time of year you might be able to spot pelicans, herons, gulls and ducks, just to name a few!

9. Go hiking at Lory State Park

About 10 miles west of Fort Collins city you find yourself in a real outdoor paradise, the Lory State Park .

Spanning just under 2500 acres, it’s a very popular area for horse riding, rock climbing, hiking and biking.

Lory State Park has its own bike park including dirt jumping and a pump track. There’s around 26 miles of trails at Lory State Park, ideal for running, biking or hiking.

Visitors can choose from longer or shorter hikes, but the trails rarely exceed a 12% gradient. Some park’s trails on the east side provide access to some bays on Horsetooth Reservoir.

Which is where we caught our first glimpses of this water playground.

If you are interested in a longer hike, some of the best trails include Arthur's Rock Trail , Well Gulch Nature Trail and Howard Trail . 

10. Ride the Birney Car 21 Trolley

This is certainly the most charming way to get around the city and a truly unique thing to do in Fort Collins.

The Fort Collins trolley has been restored to its original 1919 state by volunteers.

Restoration was completed in 1984.

You can now have a ride on the Birney Car 21 on weekends and public holidays from April through to September (weather permitting).

The trolley travels between City Park and Old Town.

Fares are only $2 for adults.

11. Enjoy Jazz and cocktails at Ace Gillett's

Ace Gillet’s is a lounge and supper club serving cocktails and comfort foods - what more could you want?!

Since 1923 they’ve aimed to create community and connection through food, drink, and music.

The joint is named after Ace Gillet, a prominent figure in Fort Collins history. He was a passionate businessman, responsible for lots of hospitality ventures in the city.

So without him the hospitality scene in Fort Collins would unlikely be what it is today.

Ace Gillet’s underground lounge offers a relaxed place to enjoy food, drink and music.

The atmosphere is created by a well thought out set of vinyl and live music. And we absolutely loved the overall feel of this place.

Their unique handcrafted cocktails and food menus showcase the seasons and offer an alternative dining experience in Fort Collins.

Ace Gillet’s menus also aim to promote connection and interaction with their sharing plates.

Even the cocktail menus are something of a spectacle to look at!

Each drink has a hand drawn diagram with a detailed list of ingredients, methods of crafting and people who made the drink famous.

There’s even recommendations for the ideal food and music to pair the cocktail, in order to enjoy the optimal cocktail and jazz experience.

12. Take a famous Fort Collins Ghost Tour

Fort Collins old town’s century old buildings make the ideal backdrop for a spooky tour of the city.

On a list of the 20 most haunted cities in America, Fort Collins came in at number 3!

So it’s definitely one of the best places to jump on a ghoulish tour.

The tour provides you with the eerie history of the buildings, as well as taking you to some of the city’s most haunted spots.

A Fort Collins Ghost Tour shows you a spooky side to the city. You even get to go underground for some terrifying ghost hunting.

You can book your place on the tour in advance.

13. Play some retro pinball at the underground Arcade in the Old Town

If you’re looking for some old school entertainment with a twist, look no further than Pinball Jones .

We had a LOT of fun in here!

Found in old town Fort Collins this is a quirky spot you don’t want to miss.

PBJs have provided Fort Collins with an elite display of pinball and arcade machines since 2011.

And as if it couldn’t get any cooler, it’s underground!!

The last 11 years have seen the place expand both in terms of size, number of games and of course popularity throughout Fort Collins.

There’s so much entertainment to choose from here. Air hockey, Pac-Man, bowlers … take your pick.

You can keep yourself fueled up with drinks and snacks, available on site.

The friendly and welcoming atmosphere means it’s a ‘ fun for all the family ’ destination.

They even allow you to hire the whole place - now that would be a cool event venue!

If you’re elsewhere around Fort Collins and fancy a play on a retro game, PBJs have their games at other locations around the city.

PinBall Jones is open 7 days a week at varying times .

14. Play one of the Pianos about town

Fort Collins’ Art in Public Places (APP) is a program dating back to 1995. The intention is to promote and enhance art and appreciation of art in the area.

APP also aims to add value to Fort Collins through the exhibition and maintenance of public art.

Piano’s About Town is part of the APP program, which started in 2010.

It combines art and music for the community’s enjoyment. For example, in 2018 the 100th piano of Piano’s About Town was painted.

The pianos are painted in the Old Town during the summer (May - October). During this period visitors can come and watch the artists work, and interact with them too!

Throughout the winter months, pianos are painted in some public indoor locations.

Once completed, the pianos are rotated around different locations throughout Fort Collins.

Not only can visitors check out the artwork, but they can also have a play on the pianos.

15. Try out tasty treats at the Food Truck Rally

The Fort Collins Food Truck Rally takes place every Tuesday from 5:30pm until dusk, from May to September.

It’s held on Sheldon Drive, City Park.

There’s a huge array of food vendors here every week! Their website gives a great overview of the food that’s on offer at the Food Truck Rally.

But the vendors rotate every week, so check their social media on Sunday evenings to see what’s on offer for the week ahead.

And it doesn’t just stop at food.

Each week there’s an array of live music performances.

There is a master music list for the whole season, but they update their social media every week with more details about the week’s upcoming acts.

16. Dine in one of the oldest restaurants in Northern Colorado

We absolutely LOVED dining at the Silver Grill Café.

It's full of that American charm I wanted from a café. It just so happens to be one of the oldest cafes in all of Northern Colorado and they have been serving breakfast and lunch since 1933.

But their roots actually date back to 1912!

They're also pretty famous now for their giant cinnamon buns, and they have an excellent range of vegetarian options, which suited us perfectly.

Just a heads up, this place is crazy popular , so you will need to wait for a table.

We took that opportunity to wander around some of the shops in the old town.

17. Try outdoor activities in Cache la Poudre River

Over the years the Cache la Poudre River has carved a canyon. This hidden treasure is the perfect place to take part in some adventurous outdoor activities.

However it is more than just a playground for adrenaline junkies. The river forms the heart of the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area .

And in fact, it is essential to the lives of more than half a million people in the northern Colorado Front Range.

The class III and class IV rapids make it the ideal spot for some white water rafting .

Alternatively, Cache la Poudre is also popular for hiking, biking, camping, tubing , kayaking and fishing.

Winter spots like snowshoeing, cross country skiing and snowmobiling are also popular here. So, there’s something for all outdoor enthusiasts all year round!

18. Visit the Gardens on Spring Creek

The Gardens on Spring Creek are a community garden, and Fort Collins’ botanical oasis.

There’s 12 acres of botanic gardens to explore here, as well as a butterfly house with over 300 North American butterflies.

Events and activities are run at the gardens including session on beekeeping, wellness and even yoga and Tai chi.

The gardens are open 10-5 daily. You can book tickets in advance .

Fort Collins Travel Tips & FAQ

When is a good time to visit Fort Collins?

Good News! There isn’t really a bad time to visit Fort Collins.

The city sees about 300 days of sunshine every year.

Temperatures in the spring and autumn range from between around 12 and 25 degrees.

So generally the best time to visit is between March and October to make the most of the great outdoors Fort Collins offers.

How long should you spend in Fort Collins?

2 to 3 days is a good amount of time to spend in Fort Collins.

In this time you can enjoy the city’s best attractions, and also explore the beautiful surrounding areas.

Can you just book a tour for Fort Collins?

With so many unique attractions in Fort Collins it’s best that you make your own way around the city.

However you can book onto some interesting tours and events to see the city from a different perspective.

Fort Collins Scavenger Hunts allow you to see the city, whilst also on the look out for the city's little quirks.

You’ll complete puzzles and games as you go to make this a truly fun way to see Fort Collins.

Or enjoy a night out with a twist with a murder mystery evening .

Where to go after Fort Collins

Phew, that was a long guide!

Hopefully you are feeling inspired to visit Fort Collins , and experience all it has to offer.

We really did have a wonderful time here and would definitely place it as one of the best places to visit in the States.

But where do you head to now?

Well, Boulder is another popular city to visit in northern Colorado and sits at the foot of the Rocky Mountains.

It’s around an hour’s drive from Fort Collins to Boulder and the Flex Boulder Express Bus runs regularly between the two cities and is reasonably priced.

Now over to you ...

Have you been to Fort Collins and found any more exciting things to do here?

Or perhaps you have a question about one of our places?

Just drop a comment below!

Here are some more guides you may find helpful:

• Ultimate 2023 USA West Coast Road Trip [4 - 8 weeks!]
• The ULTIMATE Utah National Parks Road trip (10 days!)
• Ultimate 2-Week Alaska Road Trip Itinerary!

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38 Things to Do in Fort Collins, CO (Including Beer!)

The silver lining of our month spent in Cheyenne, Wyoming , was discovering all of the best things to do in Fort Collins, Colorado.

I tell no lies on this travel blog. 

We made the short trip from Cheyenne to Fort Collins a total of five different times during our month in Wyoming and I still didn’t get enough. From the beer to the outdoor activities to the multiple cheese shops, the Colorado city is on our shortlist for a much longer stay in the future.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links, including links through the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. At no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I won’t recommend something I have not used/would not use myself, and any income earned supports the upkeep of this site.

Is Fort Collins worth a visit?

Fort Collins is worth a visit for its diverse list of attractions, a beer scene that rivals no other in the state, and relaxed vibes you may not find in Colorado cities like Denver and Colorado Springs . Its Old Town area is also full of whimsy, a reason why it inspired the most iconic part of Disneyland.

Fort Collins is worth a longer stay, too, if you’re lucky enough to linger for a bit. 

How do I get to Fort Collins?

To get to Fort Collins, you’ll need to fly into Denver International Airport. It’s a little over an hour’s drive from there, so you’ll need a car to travel from Denver to Fort Collins .

Book car rentals ahead of time using a site like  Hotwire  or  Priceline vs. booking something at the airport. Car rental shortages are real!

Once you’re in Fort Collins, getting around with that rental car is most efficient. If you’re sticking to downtown Fort Collins, you can make use of Max Bus Rapid Transit to avoid navigating parking. Biking is also a popular option for getting around Fort Collins.

How do I spend a day in Fort Collins?

You can spend a day in Fort Collins like this:

• Hit the trails at Horsetooth Mountain Open Space.
• Grab lunch or brunch at The Farmhouse at Jessup Farm.
• Visit Old Firehouse Books, the inspiration for Main Street, U.S.A.
• Pick up sweet treats at Nuance Chocolate or savory ones at Welsh Rabbit Bistro.
• Walk the Colorado State University campus for the CSU Annual Flower Trial Gardens and the Campbell’s Soup Can.
• Watch the whitewater rafters at Poudre River Whitewater Park.
• Choose a few of Fort Collins’ many breweries to taste-test.
• Relive your youth at the Totally 80s Pizza & Museum.

Let’s get into all of these Fort Collins activities and more in a little more detail. Need a map of everything I’ll get into here? Follow the Google link below:

GIMME MY MAP OF PLACES TO VISIT IN FORT COLLINS!

Things to do in downtown fort collins.

If you have limited time in Fort Collins, you’ll want to start in Old Town Fort Collins. Specifically, get yourself to Walnut Street and explore all of the best things to do in Old Town Fort Collins from there.

Parking can be a little tricky if you arrive on a sunny weekend afternoon, but you should be rewarded with a little patience. 

1. Start at Old Firehouse Books.

If this bookstore feels familiar, it’s because it served as one of the main sources of inspiration for Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland.

Yep. Fort Collins is basically a fairytale town and it is indeed cute as heck.

Old Firehouse Books is also the largest bookstore in Northern Colorado, so if you’re looking for a niche title to add to your coffee table, this is a great place to do it.

2. Spill the tea (or drink it) at Happy Lucky’s Teahouse.

Get tea by the ounce like you’re some tea fiend at this adorable shop next door to Old Firehouse Books. We went home with a few different varieties that tasted like Big Red cinnamon gum and chocolate-covered strawberries.

My tea tastes don’t usually get that wild, but I was overtaken by the smells. 

3. Get your rocks on at Nature’s Own.

This isn’t a bakery. It’s a rock shop. Shop for your new favorite pendant or beads to DIY your own precious jewelry, or just peruse the rocks, fossils , and crystals on display here. Prices here seem reasonable, too, although I’m definitely no rock expert.

4. Practice your “Bonjour!” at Philippe French Bistro & Bakery.

Indulge in beignets that resemble donut holes in the best way and fresh macarons that are just as good as anything you’ll find in France at this colorful bistro. If I lived here I’d take advantage of their wine and mussels specials because that’s just how I roll.

Note: Love a good French bakery? La Creperie & French Bakery is another fun option with as many sweet and savory crepes as you can handle. 

5. Feed your inner cheese demon at The Welsh Rabbit Bistro.

The Welsh Rabbit Bistro can be a sit-down wine and cheese experience if you’d like, but you can also just pop into the cheese shop portion for some hunks to take home with you. That’s what I like…hunks (of cheese).

If you want one of their beautiful cheese boards, give them some notice. They like you to call a day ahead of time so they can give your cheese plates the proper attention they deserve.

Fun fact: If you’re a cheese fiend like me, pop into The Fox and the Crow in Scotch Pines Village before you leave. Order some treats to go or have a seat with one of their meat and cheese boards. Can it ever be enough?

6. Pick up more sweet treats at Nuance Chocolate.

This popular spot sells very yummy truffles, chocolate bars, and sipping chocolates. Anything boozy here is a great idea if you’re looking for truffles. I admittedly dropped quite a bit of cash here so I know what I’m talking about. The bourbon cream and honey and lavender were my favorites.

7. Grab lunch at The Exchange.

There was major construction here during my visit, but they were still all can’t stop/won’t stop with the yummy eats. The Exchange offers a variety of foods, drinks, and desserts out of shipping containers in a communal courtyard.

It’s perfect for groups that include a picky diner with plenty of dog-friendly outdoor space as long as your pooch doesn’t mind crowds. This place gets busy! There are also a variety of shops here that don’t have anything to do with eating. You could get some fresh flowers if you’d like, for example. I’d much rather eat.

8. Chill out at Old Town Square.

If you’ve been following along, you’ve likely had quite an indulgent time.  Before you leave the downtown area, feel free to join the locals in some people-watching in Old Town Square.

If you’re lucky, you’ll catch someone playing one of the public pianos there. I’m telling you this place is full of whimsy.

More Things to Do in Fort Collins, Colorado

The best of Fort Collins isn’t all downtown. Let’s take a look at some of our favorite places to go in Fort Collins outside of those Disney vibes. Note that many of the Fort Collins attractions outside of its adorable downtown still involved eating and drinking.

9. But first, coffee.

Fort Collins has an excellent coffee scene. I was looking for a bag of the stuff to take back with us to Cheyenne and knew I already liked Dazbog Coffee . (The mostly Colorado coffee chain has two locations in Cheyenne.)

It was started by two Russian immigrants seeking a better life in the United States, and I can certainly respect that in the current climate. There are a few locations for this one, so pick one that’s convenient to what you’re doing next.

If you’d like to have yourself a little coffee shop crawl, here are a few more to try:

• Alleycat Coffee House : Hey, all you cool cats and kittens. This place is open late if you’re into that sort of thing. They serve a variety of breakfast sandwiches and smoothies if you’re here during lunchtime.
• Harbinger Coffee : This is one of the more sophisticated options in town for when you need a classy cup. There are two locations in Fort Collins, a North and a South.

10. Grab a delicious Fort Collins brunch.

Our favorite spot for daytime eats was The Farmhouse at Jessup Farms . Admittedly, we got sandwiches because it was right on the cusp of an early lunch by the time we were seated, but there were also biscuits involved that should come alongside every meal.

I’m not even talking about meals at this place. I’m talking about all meals ever . They were that good.

If you can nab a reservation for this one, I’d highly recommend it. We did have to wait about a half hour for a table here, thus the sandwiches.

Here are a few more brunch options for less patient folks:

• Bindle Coffee : I could have listed this one under the best coffee shops in Fort Collins, but it’s more likely that I’d be here for the breakfast burritos. It is what it is. This one is next door to The Farmhouse if you really don’t feel like waiting.
• little on mountain : It’s killing me not to write out that name with the appropriate uppercase letters, but that’s how they like it. Their brunch menu is a little of everything (get it?) but you can also go hard with items like bone marrow burgers.

11. Hit the trails at Horsetooth Mountain Open Space.

We visited this fantastic park twice because we slept in too late to snag a parking spot for the super popular Horsetooth Falls Trail the first time around. I’d highly recommend it if you love a good waterfall but get to the parking lot before 10am if you want a guaranteed parking spot.

For the best experience, take the moderate Horsetooth Falls Loop. It’s just about three miles to the falls and views of verdant meadows and the Horsetooth Reservoir. Follow the purple arrows for this one or download the AllTrails map before you go.

You’ll need to pay for parking either at the booth attendant or one of the kiosks upon arrival.

If you’re similarly shut out of parking for the falls, here are some alternatives in the area:

• Hike the Shoreline Trail to Horsetooth Reservoir. This was our Plan B on our first trip to the park, and we didn’t leave disappointed. This one is just 1.3 miles total with an out-and-back view of the scenic reservoir.

• Go big on the Horsetooth Mountain Trail. We had our pup with us on both visits. At 8.9 miles and nearly 2,000 feet of elevation gain, it would’ve just been too much for that cutie. We love a challenging hike , though, so maybe next time!
• Take the SUPs out on Horsetooth Reservoir. You don’t need to hike at all while you’re here. If you don’t have a stand-up paddleboard of your own, there are plenty of rentals like What’s SUP in town. 

12. See the glory of Lory State Park.

Lory State Park is just west of the city in Bellvue, but that’s just a 20-minute drive from Fort Collins. It can take just as long to get to Horsetooth, and that’s within the city limits. I’m trying to justify allowing it here is what I’m doing.

Once you’re there, it’s the perfect place for some solitude, especially if Horsetooth was a little overwhelming for you. Arthur’s Rock Trail is the most popular trek in the park. It’s a moderate trail of 3.2 miles with some scrambling at the end.

For more hiking opportunities in Fort Collins proper, visit the Coyote Ridge Natural Area or the Red Fox Meadows Natural Area. The city is spoiled with outdoor pursuits if that’s what you’re after.

13. Get acquainted with Fort Collins beer at New Belgium Brewing Company.

Fort Collins is the craft beer capital of Colorado. There are more than 20 breweries in the area, an impressive feat for a town this size. Perhaps even more impressive, about 70 percent of Colorado’s beer comes from Fort Collins.

Why does Fort Collins have so many breweries? Fort Collins has so many breweries for a variety of reasons. The brewers themselves credit the purity of the water here, but it may also have something to do with Prohibition. Fort Collins took decades to allow folks to pick up the bottle (legally) after Prohibition was repealed.

Here’s one more theory. When Anheuser-Busch opened its giant facility in Fort Collins, locals were all, “Blegh!” and started brewing their own beer in a more aggressive fashion. It’s probably a little of all three.

Let’s get to the beer, right? I’ll start with one of the big dogs, the New Belgium Brewing Company. There’s a reason why this one is so popular and so crowded. The beer is great, but the space might be even better. 

We arrived on a nice Saturday afternoon and the outside areas were busy as heck. We still found empty tables inside to enjoy some tasters and partake in some people-watching. I haven’t met a brewery yet that offers less-than-stellar people-watching. 

14. Get funky at Funkwerks.

I’ll get into our other faves below, but I had to highlight my most favorite brewery in Fort Collins. I’m not even going to call it a hidden gem because it’s well-known by locals as the place to get funky pours.

Brian wasn’t left out of the loop on the funk train. There were some strong ales and Belgian-style beers that did the trick. I loved their Bramble, a super funky barrel-aged saison that tasted like walking through a ripe blackberry patch.

15. Don’t stop there with the beer.

I cannot articulate enough how much high-quality beer you can sample in Fort Collins. It feels like cheating to list them all, but it’d feel like cheating not to at least list the ones we enjoyed on our multiple trips there. Here they are:

• Jessup Farm Barrel House : If you’re already at The Farmhouse at Jessup Farms, you’ll have a short walk to this scenic spot. Brian loved this one because they had all kinds of barrel-aged brews available. He likes ’em strong.

• Maxline Brewing : We got a recommendation to visit this one while at another brewery. They pour a delicious variety in a dog-friendly space. It’s around the back once you get to the strip mall address. Don’t be afraid. 
• Odell Brewing Company : This is another one of the big names here. During our visit, there was live music playing in their large outdoor space. People were hanging out despite thunderclouds on the horizon because that’s how they roll. 

There is a lot of beer here. Horse & Dragon Brewing Company , Purpose Brewing & Cellars , and Zwei Brewing Co. are all at the top of our list for next time.

16. Make a quick stop at the Hattie McDaniel house.

This is one of those hidden things to do in Fort Collins, CO, that only earn that title because it’s someone’s private residence. As such, be respectful. 

You’ll see a sign out front describing the achievements of Hattie McDaniel, the first Black woman to win an Oscar for Gone With the Wind . That’s a movie that definitely hasn’t aged well.

Again, people live here, so read the signage and go on your merry way.

17. Relive your youth at Totally 80s Pizza & Museum.

If you’re of a certain age, you will absolutely love this place. The pizza is fine, with quirky toppings like Fritos and cream cheese and hot Cheetos, but it’s the ambiance that really got me going. 

It was also all of those thirst traps of Tom Selleck in the women’s bathroom, but that’s not accessible to all.

While you wait for your pies and giant garlic cheese twists — you won’t regret those as an appetizer — spend some time checking out all of the memorabilia on the walls. 

If it’s crowded, sit back and relax while you watch 80s music videos and movie clips from Dirty Dancing . 

Imagine how lusty things were getting at our table after I had that Tom Selleck experience followed by Patrick Swayze announcing he wasn’t putting any babies in the corner.

There’s a small arcade off the front entrance if you like playing more than mind games. 

18. Compare that with the rest of the pizza scene.

The nostalgic option above doesn’t even serve up the best pizza in town. As with beer and basically everything else, you can get some fine slices in Fort Collins . As I love pizza , we obviously wouldn’t stop at just one place.

Slyce Pizza Co. was our pick for a return trip. We shared a mac ‘n cheese pizza while I housed their slice-of-the-month all by myself. It was a Mediterranean delight with chickpeas and artichokes. It worked, people.

Are you a similar pizza fiend? Here are a few more to try:

• JJ’s Wood-Fired Pizza : This one is likely out of the way on most Fort Collins itineraries, but it’s a local favorite. Order the Stagioni if you like Italian classics.
• Krazy Karl’s Pizza : This one is popular with the college kids in these parts. If you’re in need of a sports bar during your Fort Collins trip, this place can serve a dual purpose. Choose between their two locations.

19. Grab lunch outside of Old Town.

Fort Collins has an excellent food scene, and I indulged in a lot of it. Here are a few favorites outside of the usuals in Old Town Fort Collins:

• Butterfly Cafe : Enjoy sandwiches, soups, and salads or a half portion of each if you’d like to pace yourself. The interior space is small but there are tables outside if it’s a day with decent weather.
• The Colorado Room : This local favorite just south of downtown Fort Collins is a popular stop for comfort food when nothing else will do.
• Music City Hot Chicken : Sometimes it feels like there isn’t a hot chicken sandwich that we haven’t eaten, and then we find more. Brian loves them. Enjoy sammies and chicken plates with various levels of spice.

20. Get your pie on at Ginger and Baker.

Ginger and Baker is one of the most photogenic spots in town, but that doesn’t take anything away from their tasty treats. The café menu looks great, but I was here for the pie. I got a slice of butterscotch and a slice of apple because I’m nothing if not classic.

They were both delicious and gone much too soon.

If you’re enjoying one of the 300 days of sunshine while you’re here, you may have a hankering for ice cream vs. straight pie. Walrus Ice Cream Co. is the local favorite for both unique and classic flavors in premium scoops.

21. Commune with the waterfowl at Riverbend Ponds Natural Area.

This is a beautiful place to take a stroll that basically shouldn’t exist because it’s right off the main highway. It’s a bit of wetlands with a stretch of the Poudre River and loads of opportunities to watch waterfowl. I saw a large pelican during my own visit, and that sort of thing never gets old.

There are opportunities to fish if you’re into that sort of thing. Otherwise, enjoy an easy loop trail circling the pond to watch the birds basking in the sun.

22. Walk The Oval.

It’s been a long time since I’ve been in college but I love a good college campus . Colorado State University in Fort Collins is tree-lined, green, and all kinds of lovely. The best spot to experience the campus is The Oval. It’s a literal oval that you’ll get a little bit dizzy on if you drive around it too many times in search of parking. It’s much better experienced on your feet.

23. Stop and smell the veggies at the CSU Annual Flower Trial Gardens.

Get acquainted with all kinds of flowering plants and vegetation experiments courtesy of Colorado State University. See more types of mint than you could even imagine.

You’ll find plantings on either side of the street all the way up and down the block, so take your time here. The plantings are dense but labeled quite well for the budding botanists out there.

24. Don’t miss the Campbell’s Soup Can.

There were three soup cans created with Andy Warhol for a special Warhol at Colorado State University exhibit.

If you’re already checking out the test gardens, you’ll be able to see the one remaining on the campus across the street from the main plots that the school restored and kept. This one is signed by Warhol.

25. Meet the butterflies at The Gardens on Spring Creek.

The Gardens on Spring Creek are absolutely lovely. Don’t miss the giant sequoia right out front before you even enter the garden. The highlight for me, though, was the butterfly house.

There are timed entries to this space or you can ask one of the staff members to let you in. This is to protect the butterflies and make sure you don’t have any escape artists through the double door system they have set up in there.

If you’re traveling to Fort Collins with kids, this is a great place for some educational opportunities. They have a pleasant children’s garden where kids can water plants, learn about seeds, and interact with what they see in a safe and positive way.

26. Admire the architecture at the 1879 Avery House.

This beautiful Victorian home on the National Register of Historic Places belonged to Franklin C. Avery. He was known for making all kinds of contributions in Larimer County as far as how things are plotted out here, including the city’s canals, wide streets, and agricultural irrigation systems outside of town.

You can visit inside, but they have very limited hours. Take a look at their online calendar if you’re interested in a tour or open house time.

27. See the farm at Lee Martinez Community Park.

The Farm at Lee Martinez Park is a fun stop if you’re traveling with littles on a family trip or just love a good farm animal. There was a baby calf during my own visit and yes, I made an audible, “Awww!” while gazing upon its cuteness all by myself.

Lee Martinez Community Park itself is also great for outdoor recreation. I even saw a few people horseback riding while walking along some of the paths that went deeper into the park.

28. Bring the kids to the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery.

Mess around in the Music & Sound Lab, get hands-on with science in The Schatz Family Exploration Zone, or just admire the fossil exhibits at the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery . No, you don’t need to be traveling with kids to have fun here. Yes, tickets in advance are always a good idea.

This one is super close to the Lee Martinez Community Park if you’re already here. It’s very popular for school field trips, particularly in the springtime as the school year comes to a close. Just keep that in mind if you’re here on a weekday.

Fun Fact: This museum is part of the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area (CALA), the first of its kind west of the Mississippi River. Yes, it’s a museum.

29. Feel an adrenaline rush at Poudre River Whitewater Park.

There are several river access points here if you want to get into the water and have the appropriate gear. Otherwise, it’s a great place to people-watch and get some sun. That’s about as much adrenaline as I need, honestly.

There are viewpoints from above that take you to walking paths along the river, too. It’s a super scenic spot in the city.

30. Find your favorite green space.

Fort Collins has no shortage of fantastic spaces for adventure, but sometimes you just want to relax.

Fort Collins City Park was my favorite. This is also where you’ll find the Fort Collins Municipal Railway Trolley Depot if you’d like to take a ride on the Fort Collins Trolley. The park itself is lovely, and you can see a mini Statue of Liberty while you’re here courtesy of the Boy Scouts of America.

I’ve found that this is something they do, by the way. I just saw another in Fargo . The Boy Scouts love the Statue of Liberty.

If you love a good stroll, there’s the large Sheldon Lake to walk around in the middle of the park.

31. Drive the Cache La Poudre-North Park Scenic Byway.

I drove a decent section of this stunning byway all by myself, and I must say there is bravery involved when you lose service in a new place. I have a terrible sense of direction, but luckily it’s just the one road. 

The Century Park Picnic Site, Mountain Park Recreation Area, and Kelly Flats Campbroad are all worth a stop for scenic photos, a snack stop, or just some time with your thoughts as you think about the majesty of Mother Nature.

This is definitely one of the most scenic stretches of road I’ve driven in the United States, and I’ve done some scenic road trips in this country .

Note: If you’re adventurous, there are outlets for rafting excursions along the river. Driving these winding roads on my own was enough of an adventure for me.

More Unique Things to Do in Fort Collins

My five visits to Fort Collins still didn’t cover everything I had on my wishlist. Here are a few more Fort Collins things to do if you’re here for longer or don’t appreciate my enthusiasm for eating and beverages:

• Visit the Museum of Art Fort Collins . I typically love an art museum, but this one was temporarily closed during our visit. The building itself is impressive. It was built in 1911 as the Fort Collins Post Office.
• Take a ghost tour . Ghost tours in Fort Collins aren’t as popular as spooky cities like Salem or classic Savannah , but there’s plenty of history here to intrigue you with on tours about the ghosts of Old Town.
• Get folksy at the Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures . Learn about Northern Colorado’s connection to cultures around the world through the folk and fine arts.
• Watch a flick at the Holiday Twin Drive-In Movie Theater. I’m not usually going to movies in my travels, but sometimes you need a rainy-day activity that’s a little more whimsical.
• Plan a rafting excursion with Rocky Mountain Adventures . Apparently, they have pigeons on hand to help them develop their film on top of what they offer out on the water.
• Try a tipsy shake at Union Bar & Soda Fountain . They call them their “Spirited Shakes,” and they sound delightful. If you don’t drink, the classic non-alcoholic shakes are likely a great idea, too.
• Catch some live music at Magic Rat Live Music. The venue is a popular stop for those seeking fun things to do in Fort Collins at night and Fort Collins events. Also, the name rocks.

What to Do in Fort Collins, Colorado: FAQs

What is fort collins most known for.

Fort Collins is most known for its craft beer culture and opportunities for outdoor recreation. For younger folks or Colorado natives, it’s also known as the home of Colorado State University.

What is the climate in Fort Collins, Colorado?

The climate in Fort Collins, Colorado, is defined by its four seasons, but they’re not as extreme as you’d think for Northern Colorado. Expect hot summers and cold winters and you should be fine no matter when you plan your visit.

This place gets 300 days of sunshine per year, by the way.

If you’re looking for things to do in Fort Collins in the winter, come prepared for snow . Fort Collins gets a little less snow than Denver, but this is still Colorado. January is generally the coldest, snowiest month.

What is the best time to visit Fort Collins, Colorado?

The best time to visit Fort Collins, Colorado, is the summer. You’ll get less rain and bountiful sunshine for hiking and other adventures, and the city’s patio scene will be ready for visitors.

That said, any time you’re able to visit Fort Collins is the right time. We were there in late spring, which meant meadows carpeted with wildflowers and warming temperatures. We did experience some thunderstorms, but the amount of rain we saw was out of character for Fort Collins.

What are some things to do in Fort Collins for free?

Some things to do in Fort Collins for free include exploring the city’s green spaces, strolling historic Old Town Square, and hiking the Poudre River Trail.

Trails around the Horsetooth Mountain Open Space are also an option, but you’ll need to cover parking in the lots. They’re still considered cheap things to do in Fort Collins and very much worth your time. 

Is Fort Collins better than Colorado Springs? 

Fort Collins is better than Colorado Springs if mountains and meadows are what you picture when you think of Colorado. Outside of beauties like Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, Fort Collins is closer to Rocky Mountain National Park.

It’s a smaller, more manageable town, too. I found Colorado Springs to be a great time but wasn’t as drawn to the scenery. Garden of the Gods is great but crowded, and everything seems to have that red dust on it that you get in that region.

Where to Stay in Fort Collins

We traveled to Fort Collins a number of times from our month-long base in Cheyenne, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have some Fort Collins hotel recommendations for you.

Use the map below to browse Fort Collins hotels and apartment-style stays:

Should you visit Fort Collins?

You should definitely visit Fort Collins if you love outdoor adventures, an excellent food and beer scene, and a more relaxed vibe compared to other cities around Colorado.

I don’t love it everywhere , but I definitely loved Fort Collins. Plan a trip to find your own favorite Fort Collins, Colorado, things to do!

Ready for Fort Collins?

Your Flight:  I use a variety of tools to find cheap airfare, but if you’re looking to book during a particular period of time, you should use   Skyscanner . It’s a great tool for when you’re more flexible, too, as it allows you to compare travel based on length of travel, departure date, etc.

To get to Fort Collins, look for flights to Denver International Airport. You can find some great deals going into Denver, a great base for national park travel if you’re able to watch and wait for a bit.

For adventurous folks who travel on the reg, I also subscribe to  Going , formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights. You’ll get cheap flight deals from your home base straight to your inbox.

Your Accommodations:  I usually use  Booking.com  and  Hotels.com   for our hotel needs. Vrbo   is my preferred Airbnb alternative. Scroll up for my top picks for hotels in Fort Collins and other accommodations.

Seeking even more wallet-friendly accommodations? Try   Hostelworld . Their picks are heavily vetted and reviewed to offer you a safe experience on a budget.

Etc.:  For general travel goodies, visit my   Favorite Things  page. For more information on planning your travel, visit my   Travel Tools  page. It’s heavy on the text but super helpful for overall trip planning!

Love this Fort Collins to-do list? Pin me!

Traveling elsewhere on your Colorado trip? Check out these posts:

• Visit Raindance, the Longest Golf Course in North America
• See Breckenridge, No Matter the Season
• Is Royal Gorge Bridge and Park Worth Your Cash?
• How to Visit the Florissant Fossil Beds
• How to Plan a Trip to Garden of the Gods

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Agnes Groonwald

15 Best Fort Collins Parks to visit this summer

Looking for the best Fort Collins parks?

Situated in northern Colorado, Fort Collins is a vibrant city with plenty of outdoor activities and natural beauty.

Its location between the majestic Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains, make Fort Collins a paradise for outdoor lovers.

While the city is known for its vibrant downtown area and cultural attractions, there are also has many beautiful outdoor spaces in Fort Collins.

Fort Collins area parks offer stunning views of lush forests and mountain peaks.

Also Read: 26 Best Fort Collins attractions to visit now

Best Parks in Fort Collins, Colorado

Fort Collins is home to several parks ranging from community parks and neighborhood spaces to lush lawns and easy creekside trails. 

Summer in Fort Collins is the best time to enjoy the city’s outdoor parks and playgrounds as well as to enjoy the amenities like tennis courts and dog parks.

Here are the best parks near Fort Collins to spend a day outdoors.

Fort Collins City Park

Fort Collins City Park is the perfect park to spend an afternoon in nature.

This large and sprawling park has abundant greenery and serene atmosphere.

Visitors can walk around the large beautiful lake and have a picnic on its shores.

Fishing in the lake and swimming in the park pool are also popular here.

The park has a large fun play ground with lots of climbing areas for kids.

The park also hosts many events in summer such as the Food Truck Rally which features live music, drinks, and great food.

The park is also a popular spot to watch the 4th July fireworks in Fort Collins.

The park looks pretty in autumn due to fall foliage and is the best park in Fort Collins for photo shoots.

In winter, you can enjoy cross country skiing and snow fun at the park.

You will also find several excellent Fort Collins coffee shops located near City Park.

The park is located close to many hotels in Fort Collins including the Elizabeth Hotel and the Armstrong Hotel, making it popular with tourists.

The park is located at 1500 W Mulberry St and is one of the best parks near Old Town.

Fossil Creek Park

Fossil Creek Park is a very scenic and serene multiuse park in Fort Collins, CO.

It is one of our family favorites when it comes to best parks in Fort Collins, Colorado.

The park has many sports fields including hockey courts, basketball court, baseball fields, and tennis courts.

The highlight of this park is a prehistoric themed playground.

Along with the prehistoric attractions, the park also has a skate park as well as splash park for kids.

The gated dog park is also very popular with doggo moms and dads.

The sheltered picnic areas are great to enjoy a meal outside with the family.

The park is located at 5821 S Lemay Ave.

Oak Street Plaza Splash Pad

While not a park, at Oak Street Plaza you will find the best Fort Collins splash pad!

The splash pad is surrounded by large shady trees and it is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

There is a seating area for adults and the water fountains are perfect for kids to dance their way through.

Oak Street Plaza Park is located at 119 W Oak St.

Spring Canyon Park

Spring Canyon Community Park in Fort Collins is a beautiful outdoor area with plenty of things to do.

From hiking trails that wind through the canyon to amenities like basketball courts and picnic tables, this park has it all.

Highlight of the park is Inspiration Playground, Fort Collins.

The Inspiration Playground play area provides a great place for kids to run around and explore, while the splash pad near the climbing structures is good for keeping cool in the summer.

The play area is also designed to be accessible for disabled children and allows them to play on the same equipment as everyone else – one of its kind feature amongst Ft Collins parks.

For those seeking adventure, the park also has numerous biking trails that offer up sweeping views of North Colorado’s countryside.

The park is located at 3156 S Overland Trail.

Twin Silo Park

Twin Silo Community Park is one-of-a kind and full of surprises!

The park is home to the tallest slide in Fort Collins—which extends between the two tall farm silo structures.

Wondering about the history of the silos?

This park in Fort Collins honors the agricultural heritage of the city and includes several other themed structures related to farming.

The park also has a BMX park, pickleball courts, and several miles of paved walking trails.

The Twin Silos BMX race track is very popular with families – read track details here .

The Twin Silo Park is also home to a dog park, where you can take your furry friends.

The community garden, bursting with colorful flowers, is perfect for taking a stroll in the spring and summer.

The park is located at 5564 Ziegler Rd, Fort Collins.

Old Town Square Splash Pad

Another great Fort Collins splash park!

This splash pad is located right in the heart of historic downtown and close to many attractions.

As a result, it is often crowded with tourists.

However, the area is large enough to accommodate several kids of all ages.

In the evenings, you can also see a light show at the splash park.

Sugar Beet Park

Sugar Beet Park has an interesting history and is one of the most unique parks in Fort Collins CO.

It is located in the same neighborhood as the Great Western Sugar Factory which operated in the early 19th century.

The park pays homage to the sugar beet industry which contributed to the early growth if Fort Collins.

This small park features a fun play area with a gigantic sugar beet play structure for kids.

This sugar beet previously used to be an exhibit at the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery and was later moved to the park.

Kids love the variety of unique play structures and the opportunity for free play at this park.

The park also has a zipline, picnic pavilion, walking trails, pollinator garden, and a basketball court.

The park is located at 607 9th St.

Troutman Park

Troutman Park is one of the oldest parks in Fort Collins, CO.

This park has an array of amenities including tennis courts, basketball court, walking trails over creeks and bridges, and a picnic pavilion.

Troutman Park also offers fishing opportunities at its small ponds which is stocked with catfish and trout.

You will also find squirrels, hares, duck, and geese at the pond.

The pond is also the perfect spot to observe various species of birds, some of which are rarely seen in other parts of Fort Collins.

The park has a few large playgrounds where kids can have fun while parents relax on a nearby bench.

The park is located at 500 W Troutman Pkwy.

Lee Martinez Community Park

Lee Martinez Community Park, managed by Fort Collins Parks System, is a great option for outdoor lovers.

The park includes plenty of beautiful paved trails that are perfect for walking, running, as well as biking.

The Poudre River trail also passes through the park.

It also has kids play area as well as sports fields.

The highlight here is the Farm at Lee Martinez Park!

At the farm, kids can interact with farm animals as well as enjoy pony rides.

The park is located at 600 N Sherwood St.

Poudre River Whitewater Park

Looking for hours of water fun?

Poudre River Whitewater Park, located near Old Town, is a great park for family outings.

In fact, it is one of the best parks in Northern Colorado for summer splashing.

You can enjoy activities like kayaking, tubing or paddle boarding in the river water.

The water is calm and good for families with small children.

The park does get full on weekends, best to reach early in summer.

The park is located at 201 E Vine Dr.

Rolland Moore Park

Rolland Moore Park is an often overlooked hidden gem in Fort Collins, Colorado.

This clean and awesome park has mountain views as well as lots of space to enjoy sports.

The park has tennis courts, baseball diamonds, as well as basketball courts.

The Spring Creek trail through the park is great for walking and hiking.

The park looks simply gorgeous in fall.

Rolland Moore Park is located at 2201 S Shields St.

Cottonwood Glen Park

Cottonwood Glen Park is a small park with plenty of open space, walking trails, and a fun kids play area.

You will also find picnic tables and grills perfect for a fun day out.

The park also has a small pond that attracts wildlife and birds year-round.

The pond is also popular for fishing and is a great place for kids to learn to fish.

The park is located at 3074 S Overland Trail.

Greenbriar Park

Greenbriar Park is a small and lovely neighborhood park that has several amenities for all ages.

The park is a great place for families, especially in the summer.

It has huge grass fields for a variety of sports activities and lots of shady trees for picnicking.

The newly renovated playground area is very popular with kids.

The small pond often has geese and ducks and is very serene.

The park is also popular to visit in winter.

The park is located at 730 E Willox Ln.

Avery Park is a fun neighborhood park with play areas, picnic tables, and clean bathrooms.

City of Fort Collins has also provided other amenities such as grills, water fountains, and bike stations.

A little creek runs through the park and it is popular for kids to play – nature’s own splash pad, Fort Collins!

You can even catch crawfish in the stream!

The park is located at 1101 Castlerock Dr.

Spring Park

Looking for one of the less crowded parks, Fort Collins, CO? Try Spring Park!

Spring Park is a nice park with decent sized play areas, picnic tables, and clean restrooms.

It also has baseball fields and well managed walking trails.

The park has plenty of large shady trees and is great place to spend time outside.

The park also has a creek running next to the Spring Creek trail.

The park also has a big hill which is popular for sledding and snow tubing in winter.

The park is located at 2100 Matthews St.

Looking for more ideas to spend time outdoors near Fort Collins? Looking for national and state parks near Fort Collins CO?

Read our post on 20 Best Day Trips from Fort Collins to read about Cache la Poudre River Canyon and Lory State Park.

Fort Collins CO parks are some of the most beautiful in the Centennial State.

From the popular Spring Canyon Community Park filled with activities for all ages to the prehistoric Fossil Creek Park, these parks are perfect for a relaxing day enjoying the city’s green spaces.

The outdoor time enables children to appreciate nature and take responsibility for the environment, which develops them into healthy well-adjusted adults.

Which are your favorite parks in Fort Collins, Colorado? Where are the best playgrounds in Fort Collins? Let us know below.

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10 Best Places To Retire Across America

• America offers a wide variety of retirement options, from charming small towns to vibrant cities and scenic coastal areas.
• Retirement hotspots like Arizona and North Carolina offer warm weather and abundant recreational facilities, while cities like Charleston and Santa Fe provide historical charm and thriving arts scenes.
• Natural beauty, reasonable living costs, and access to amenities make these retirement destinations ideal for seniors looking to enjoy their golden years in peace.

America is home to many excellent places for retirement, offering beautiful scenery, comfortable weather, and vibrant communities. For the millions nearing retirement age, choosing where to settle down is an important decision that can greatly impact quality of life. Across the country, charming small towns, exciting cities, and scenic coastal areas provide wonderful settings to enjoy the golden years. From the deserts of the Southwest to the beaches of Florida, most of the best places to retire in the USA offer diversity for seniors when it comes to activities, amenities, and natural beauty.

Retirement hotspots like Arizona and North Carolina draw retirees with warm weather and an abundance of golf courses and recreational facilities. Places like Charleston, San Diego, and Santa Fe are also rated highly for their historic charm, art scenes, and outdoor recreation. With reasonable living costs and access to amenities, these cities enable an active lifestyle. For those seeking a quieter pace, lakeside towns in the Midwest or mountain villages out West also make idyllic retreats.

With so many attractive options nationwide, it's no wonder certain parts of the United States are considered among the top places to retire in the world , as the country offers retirees endless possibilities to find their ideal community. Here are some of the best places to retire in America for seniors looking to live out their golden years in peace.

Related: These Are The 10 Best Islands To Retire In The Americas

Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville in the blue ridge mountains offers arts, breweries, and stunning vistas for retirement..

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville offers lots of amazing things to do but it's particularly revered for its natural beauty and thriving arts scene. The mild climate ensures pleasant weather year-round for visitors to explore the waterfalls, trails, and galleries that abound.

With a walkable downtown filled with locally-owned shops, breweries, and restaurants, retirees will have plenty of activities. The relatively affordable cost of living also appeals to retirees looking to make the most of their retirement funds.

• Things to Do: Hiking, biking, visiting Biltmore Estate, shopping downtown, touring breweries
• Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for mild weather and fall foliage
• Average Cost of Living: 0% higher than the national average

Charleston, South Carolina

This charming coastal city with southern charm, architecture, and culture creates an ideal retirement backdrop..

Charleston is one of the best places in America for retirement, as it exudes historic southern charm with its antebellum architecture, horse-drawn carriages, and cobblestone streets. Beyond the city's Instagram-worthy aesthetics, retirees can enjoy Charleston's many activities and attractions , such as museums, restaurants, galleries, and waterfront parks.

Nearby top-rated beaches in Charleston also provide pleasant coastal recreation as well. Plus, the winters are relatively mild compared to other parts of the country. Overall, Charleston's rich history and culture create an utterly captivating atmosphere.

• Things to Do: Touring plantations, visiting museums, dining out, strolling Waterfront Park
• Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall to avoid summer heat/humidity
• Average Cost of Living: 2% lower than the national average

RELATED: Don't Walk: A Guide To Charleston's Best Transportation Options

Boulder, Colorado

Boulder provides access to nature, an active lifestyle, and a liberal culture popular with retirees..

Nestled against the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Boulder offers a lot to love ; it comes with a progressive town with a youthful vibe thanks to the University of Colorado's presence. But its abundance of outdoor recreation options, 300 days of sunshine, and thriving arts and foodie scenes also entice retirees.

Boulder has miles of hiking and biking trails, plus plenty of hip restaurants and indie shops downtown. The natural splendor and relaxed pace make Boulder an alluring spot to settle down.

• Things to Do: Hiking, biking, skiing, shopping downtown, farmers market
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round for outdoor activities
• Average Cost of Living: $2506

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Artistic santa fe mixes pueblo culture with world-class galleries, music, and cuisine for retirees..

Santa Fe is another one of the best retirement spots in the US for seniors seeking to live their golden years in bliss; it emanates multicultural southwestern charm from the turquoise doors to the adobe architecture. The city's rich history and thriving arts scene provide endless galleries, museums, festivals, and restaurants. The dry mountain climate brings 300 days of sun, making outdoor activities like hiking and biking possible year-round.

With an affordable cost of living and robust wellness community, Santa Fe is a fulfilling yet laid-back place to retire.

• Things to Do: Visiting art galleries, hiking, exploring museums, shopping downtown
• Best Time to Visit: Late spring through fall for warm weather
• Average Cost of Living: $5211 per month

RELATED: 10 Amazing Things To Do In Santa Fe, New Mexico

Bend, Oregon

Outdoor mecca bend offers biking, skiing, rivers, and craft beer for an active mountain retirement..

In the Cascade Mountains, Bend is a paradise of outdoor recreation and craft beer. Retirees can fill their days skiing, golfing, kayaking, or hiking the many trails and waterways. When not adventuring outdoors, visitors can sample Bend's numerous microbreweries or peruse the lively downtown district's shops and cafes.

The climate stays mild year-round, though winters see their fair share of snow. With natural beauty and urban amenities, Bend offers an ideal balance for retirement.

• Things to Do: Skiing, hiking, biking, microbrewery tours
• Average Cost of Living: $3683 per month

Fort Collins, Colorado

College town fort collins blends friendly charm with culture and access to nature for retirement..

Fort Collins is home to Colorado State University and offers an inviting mix of youthful energy, outdoor recreation, and small-town charm. Situated an hour north of Denver, Fort Collins is another favorite among the best places to retire to in the US, as it provides pleasant weather and easy access to the Rocky Mountains for skiing and hiking.

Retirees can stroll the historic Old Town with its local eateries, boutiques, and craft breweries. Thanks to the college population, a vibrant arts and culture scene also thrives. The blend of an active lifestyle and community vitality makes Fort Collins a well-rounded retirement locale.

• Things to Do: Touring breweries, hiking, biking, visiting museums
• Average Cost of Living: $2426

San Luis Obispo, California

Scenic central coast living in laidback san luis obispo near beaches and wineries..

Located midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo (nicknamed SLO) combines idyllic California weather and scenery with a friendly college-town vibe. Retirees can explore the wineries and beaches along the nearby coast, hike and bike in the mountains, or stroll the downtown area's shops, cafes, and parks.

The Mediterranean-like climate means cool ocean breezes in summer and mild winters. SLO offers small-city living coupled with proximity to big-city amenities.

• Things to Do: Beach going, hiking, biking, exploring downtown
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round for mild weather
• Average Cost of Living: $3101

Sarasota, Florida

Sarasota's beautiful beaches, arts scene, and warm weather create an inviting florida retirement spot..

Featuring powdery white-sand beaches along the Gulf Coast, Sarasota offers paradise for ocean lovers. The hot and humid climate means plenty of sun-filled days to enjoy the seaside setting year-round. When not relaxing at the beach, seniors can explore the museums and performing arts venues, botanical gardens, galleries, and golf courses.

Sarasota's charming downtown tempts with trendy restaurants and boutiques. For an idyllic waterfront retirement, Sarasota can't be beat.

• Things to Do: Sunbathing, golfing, dining, shopping downtown
• Best Time to Visit: Fall and spring for moderate temperatures
• Average Cost of Living: $2713

Naples, Florida

Naples offers white sand beaches, golf, shopping, and dining for an indulgent florida retirement..

With prime access to the Gulf of Mexico and Everglades National Park, Naples promises the best of Florida's coastline and nature. The city boasts over 10 miles of beaches and ample options for soaking up the sunshine. Retirees can enjoy the area's plentiful golf courses, tennis courts, art galleries, and upscale shopping.

Naples also has a reputation as one of Florida's most affluent areas, reflected in its elegant resorts and gourmet dining scene. Those seeking a refined paradise by the sea will love calling Naples home during their golden years.

• Things to Do: Golfing, fine dining, relaxing on the beach
• Best Time to Visit: Fall and spring for pleasant weather
• Average Cost of Living: $3329

RELATED: This Secret Naples Beach Is Only A Short Walk Through Stunning Mangroves

Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Historic lancaster county provides small-town living with amish culture and rural landscapes..

Known as the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Lancaster entices visitors with its rolling farmlands, Amish community, and family-friendly attractions. Retirees can enjoy the area's quaint small-town ambiance, modern amenities, and health care.

The temperate four-season climate brings stunning fall foliage and mild summers. Between the farmers markets, antique shops, and outdoor recreation, Lancaster offers a wholesome, engaging place to settle down.

• Things to Do: Exploring Amish country, antique shopping, hiking
• Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall for nice weather
• Average Cost of Living: 14% lower than the national average

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Winter Activities

Snowshoeing (rentals available) .

Fort Collins offers great snowshoeing opportunities in and around town and this activity is a great way to enjoy some of the best  hiking  areas during the winter around  Horsetooth Reservoir  and in the  Poudre Canyon . 

• Lory State Park:  Located just west of Fort Collins, Lory State Park offers an abundant amount of trails with beautiful views and ranging difficulty levels. Trails are open year-round and are open to Hiking, Snowshoeing, and Cross Country Skiing. Directions: 708 Lodgepole Dr, Bellvue, CO  ‎ 
• Horsetooth Mountain Open Space:  Located west of Fort Collins, Horsetooth Mountain Open Space is one of Fort Collins' greatest outdoor playgrounds and it is open year-round. Choose from multiple different trails ranging in difficulty level and enjoy the snowy vistas. Directions:  6550 W County Rd 38 E, Fort Collins, CO 80526
• Mineral Spring Gulch:  Located in the Poudre Canyon this trail is great for a short, mid-winter excursion. It is four miles long, an out-and-back trail, and great for beginners. Directions: 149-211 Crown Point Road, Roosevelt National Forest, Bellvue, CO 80512
• Little Beaver Creek Trail:  Located in the Poudre Canyon, this trail is great for early season snow and is moderate in skill level. It is two miles long, out-and-back, and gains 1,500 ft in elevation. Directions: 7311 North County Road 63E, Roosevelt National Forest, Bellvue, CO 80512
• Big South Trail:  This six-mile trail is located within the upper reaches of the Poudre Canyon and offers stunning views of frozen waterfalls. It is an out-and-back trail with moderate difficulty and gains 5600ft in elevation Directions: 48924 Poudre Canyon Highway, Roosevelt National Forest, Bellvue, CO 80512
• Green Ridge Road:  Located in the upper reaches of the Poudre Canyon, this moderate difficulty trail offers great views of several frozen lakes and travels through the rolling forest. At only three miles long this snowshoeing trip is perfect for a quick out-and-back trip. Directions: 51561 Poudre Canyon Highway, Roosevelt National Forest, Bellvue, CO 80512 ,
• Blue Lake:  As one of the most popular snowshoeing spots in the upper reaches of Poudre Canyon, this trail offers easier short, round-trip excursions or a more challenging, all-day adventure. This trail is 4.75 miles one-way and offers beautiful views of Blue Lake surrounded by towering mountains. Directions: 51561 Poudre Canyon Highway, Roosevelt National Forest, Bellvue, CO 80512
• Trap Park:  Located in the upper reaches of the Poudre Canyon this moderately difficult trail follows a small canyon for 11.5 miles and offers beautiful views of the Neota Wilderness and beautiful riparian area. Directions: 51561 Poudre Canyon Highway, Roosevelt National Forest, Bellvue, CO 80512, USA    

Cross-Country Skiing   (Rentals Available)  

Cross Country Skiing is a popular activity in Fort Collins and with multiple trail options ranging in difficulty, one can make a whole vacation experiencing all of them. 

• City Park Nine Golf Course:  Located in the center of Fort Collins, City Park Nine Golf Course offers beginner cross-country skiing. Directions: 411 S Bryan Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80521 
• Lory State Park:  Located just west of Fort Collins, Lory State Park offers an abundant amount of trails with beautiful views and ranging difficulty levels. Trails are open year-round and are open to Hiking, Snowshoeing, and Cross Country Skiing. Directions: 708 Lodgepole Dr, Bellvue, CO ‎ 
• Horsetooth Mountain Open Space:  Located west of Fort Collins, Horsetooth Mountain Open Space is one of Fort Collin’s greatest outdoor playgrounds and it is open year-round. Choose from multiple different trails ranging in difficulty level and enjoy the snowy vistas. Directions:  6550 W County Rd 38 E, Fort Collins, CO 80526
• Meadows Trail to Zimmerman Lake:  Offering two cross-country skiing trails to Zimmerman Lake, this excursion is considered difficult. Choose from a 1.5-mile steep trail or a 9 mile more demanding trail. The trail goes through Neota Wilderness area and gains an elevation of 1,970 ft. Directions: 56663 Poudre Canyon Highway, Roosevelt National Forest, Bellvue, CO 80512
• Zimmerman Lake Loop Trail:  This 3.1-mile trail in the Upper Poudre Canyon is a more difficult cross-country skiing trail but one of the most popular because it tends to have great late-season snow and offers some good downhill areas. Choose from multiple different trailheads and runs along the Never Summer Mountain Range. Directions: 56663 Poudre Canyon Highway, Roosevelt National Forest, Bellvue, CO 80512

Sledding  (Requires personal gear)  

A great family activity during snowy days in Fort Collins is sledding. There are several amazing sledding hills around Fort Collins that can provide fun for all ages. 

• EPIC Center  Directions: 1801 Riverside Ave, Fort Collins, CO 

Ice Skating  (Requires experience and personal gear)  

Fort Collins brings you back to the time of tying up your laces and ice-skating on a lake. Enjoy natural ice-skating at City Park, where a safe skating area is designated during those extra chilly days. 

• Sheldon Lake  Directions: 1500 W. Mulberry St., Fort Collins, CO. 80521   

Ice Fishing   (Requires experience and personal gear)  

During cold days in Fort Collins, it is a common sight to see ice-fishers atop the thick icecap over Sheldon Lake in City Park. Bundle up and reel em’ in during the winter in Fort Collins. 

• Sheldon Lake  Directions: 1500 W. Mulberry St., Fort Collins, CO. 80521  

Rentals  

• Rocky Mountain Adventures
• Jax Mercantile  
• The Gearage
• Outpost Sunsport

*Dependent on snow levels in Fort Collins.

• Snowboarding & Skiing
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Unique ways to watch movies in fort collins.

There are a lot of reasons why Colorado State is special, and one of the biggest is this special town we reside in. Fort Collins offers a thriving culture that boosts art, dining, recreation, and entertainment — all with a unique FoCo spin. Movie watching doesn’t get left behind in the unique experiences category, either. Here are some cool, unique ways to watch a flick in Fort Collins.

#1. Movie Nights at CSU’s Canvas Stadium

Colorado State’s Canvas Stadium is a sight to behold even when it’s empty. If you’ve been to a CSU football game when the lights are hot and the team is busting through the banner, though? Priceless. Now you can experience it in a whole new way: laid out on the field like you own the place. Stop in for a summer movie (free!) at Canvas Stadium .

#2. The Lyric Theater

If you haven’t been to Fort Collins’ Lyric Theater yet, buckle up. This funkified little cinema is unmatched when it comes to watching movies FoCo style. If you opt for an indoor movie, you’ll be treated to couches, artwork, and a movie experience that’s part movie, part good community vibes. The outdoor movie experience in summer takes place in the theater’s [deeply cool] backyard. You’ll enjoy grassy seating, tables and decks, more funky artwork, twinkle lights, and an actual boat — yep, you read that correctly — converted into a viewing area, and so much more. To top all that off, you can enjoy a full restaurant and bar, loaded with tasty options to munch and sip on while you watch. 

#3. Digital Dome Theater at the Museum of Discovery

Looking for a more-immersive viewing experience? Fort Collins has you covered at the Museum of Discovery. The Digital Dome Theater boasts a 360-degree screen that’s 39 feet in diameter, and puts you in the center of the action. You’ll enjoy stunning views of documentary-style movies that range from astronaut adventures to African safaris (and everything in between).

#4. The outdoor amphitheater at Laurel Pavilion

We’re bringing you back to CSU for another movie-under-the-stars option: Laurel Pavilion ‘s outdoor amphitheater. This space is located just outside the Pavilion at Laurel Village , and features seating options on grass or stacked stones. You’ll enjoy movies on a massive projector screen and the convenience of a quick walk to the residence and dining halls. Besides movie nights, the amphitheater can be reserved for events, and offers catering, HDMI hookups for the projector, wifi, and seats up to 250 people.

#5. Holiday Twin Drive-in Theater

Did we save the best for last? You decide! If you want to go all-out unique, plus get some massive envy points on your social media, pull in for a double feature at Fort Collins’ Holiday Twin drive-in movie theater . You haven’t really done Fort Collins right until you’ve parked under the night sky, pulled up a chair (or tailgate), and settled in for a good ol’ fashioned drive-in movie.

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Prairie Smallwood

Prairie Smallwood is a writer and content creator for the Office of Admissions at Colorado State University. She is passionate about education and exploration, and knows that going to college can be both an adventure and an overwhelming experience. She aims to create content that helps students through that journey — the wonderful, the scary, and everything in between.