Located at the East of the mighty Rockies, this lovely erstwhile frontier town has managed to retain its old-world charm for over a century, making it a preferred destination for several tourists from different parts of the country. Colorado State University, Lee Martinez Park, and the Holiday Twin Drive-In are found here. Lory State Park, which features miles of trails to explore, lies just west of the city. There is also the Horsetooth Reservoir, which is a one-stop shop for outdoor adventures and water activities. It is a superb place for enjoying some fabulous sightseeing, hip nightlife, shopping, and gourmet dining. In short, it offers a plethora of attractions for people belonging to various age groups. Fort Collins is not only the cultural hub of North Carolina but is also one of the most important beer towns, boasting around 20 exotic breweries. Thus, beer lovers will never find a single dull moment while vacationing in this town. There are some wonderful landscapes nearby where outdoorsy tourists can indulge in activities like paddling, hiking, or cycling. If you are already making plans to travel here soon, check out these top 19 things to do in Fort Collins, Colorado.
1. Unwind at the lush greenery of Pineridge Natural Area
Just like the city’s Flower Trial Garden, the Pineridge Natural area is also a fantastic place to unwind yourself with your dear ones after the hustle and bustle of busy city life. It is an immensely popular natural area near the foothills where tourists can enjoy sweeping views, a lively forest, a beautiful reservoir, and foothill terrain among others. If you are fond of outdoor activities, it is a perfect place for you as you can indulge in activities such as biking, fishing, and hiking with your friends or family. .
Pineridge Natural Area
Address: 2750 County Road 42C, Fort Collins, CO 80526
Website: Pineridge Natural Area
Opening hours: 5am - 11pm (daily)
2. Have contemporary craft coffee at the Harbinger Coffee
If you like your cup of cappuccino, then look no further as Harbinger Coffee is the best place to be when you are in Fort Collins. Get ready for an experience of a lifetime as you will get an opportunity to savor the most exotic and exquisite coffee here. Also, get a chance to enjoy some of the best coffees from different parts of the world. The place is not only well-known for its outstanding coffee but also for its excellent services.
Harbinger Coffee
Address: 505 S. Mason St. Suite 100, Fort Collins
Website: Harbinger Coffee
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 7am - 7pm; Sun: 8am - 6pm
3. Enjoy at the Fort Fun amusement park
Fort Fun amusement park has been specifically set up so that families can enjoy a few hours of playful yet creative experience without breaking the bank. This huge lakeside recreation center has a skating rink, batting cages, go-karts, mini-golf, and more. The amusement park also features an on-site restaurant, around 70 games, and more than 10 attractions, and offers unlimited fun for each member of your family.
Fort Fun
Address: 1513 E. Mulberry Street, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Website: Fort Fun
Opening hours: Mon - Thur: 10am - 10pm; Fri - Sun: 10am - 12am
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4. Treat your foodie soul with traditional American delicacies at the Farmhouse at Jessup Farm
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The Farmhouse at Jessup started its operations in 2015 and is known for its modern yet rustic-inspired farm delicacies, excellent hospitality, and a variety of handcrafted cocktails. It is of little wonder that the eatery is equally popular among the locals as well as the tourists visiting here from different parts of the world. The atmosphere here is elegant yet informal and is a part of a farmhouse dating back to the 20th century.
Farmhouse at Jessup Farm
Address: 1957 Jessup Driveat Jessup Farm Artisan Village, Fort Collins, Colorado 80525
Website: Farmhouse at Jessup Farm
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 11am - 2pm, 5pm - 9pm; Sat - Sun: 8am - 2pm, 5pm - 9pm
5. Catch live music at the Sunset Lounge
If you are a music lover, the Sunset Lounge is the perfect place to visit in Fort Collins. The rooftop open-air lounge is a part of The Elizabeth Hotel and is open through all kinds of weather. It is an ideal place to unwind with your loved ones as you savor some of the best drinks. Enjoy the stunning views of the mountain peaks as well as the neighborhood of the Old Town. Come and spend some relaxing hours in great style.
Sunset Lounge
Address: 111 Chestnut Street Rooftop, Fort Collins, Colorado 80524
Website: Sunset Lounge
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 4pm - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 4pm - 12am (closed on Sun & Mon)
6. Tour the famous New Belgium Brewing Company
Welcome to this craft brewery in Fort Collins, which is 100 percent owned by the employees and is the maker of a number of craft beers including Fat Tire Amber Ale, as well as, Voodoo Ranger IPA. Make sure that you include a tour of this well-known brewery on your travel itinerary and enjoy a unique and unforgettable experience. Enjoy some chilled beer and make the best of this brewery tour.
New Belgium Brewing Company
Address: 500 Linden St, Fort Collins, Colorado 80524
Website: New Belgium Brewing Company
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 8pm; Sun: 11:30am - 8pm
7. Go kayaking on the waters of Poudre River
If you love adventure and outdoor activities, then take advantage of the Poudre river access and go kayaking on its waters. Exploring this wild and scenic river can be great fun due to a number of factors like crystal clear water, convenient access, stunning views, and more. An activity best for the summer months, kayaking is suitable on a number of stretches of this Poudre River Trail. So, make sure you do not miss out on this non-stop excitement while visiting Fort Collins.
Kayaking at Poudre River
Address: Cache la Poudre River, Colorado, USA
Website: Kayaking at Poudre River
8. Shop till you drop at the locally run shops in downtown
Shopping can be indeed a magical experience in Downtown Fort Collins. The Old Town in the city is lined with a number of boutiques, unique stores, and historic architecture. Even if you just plan to indulge in some window shopping, then the place is a haven for you. The boutique shops here offer endless options for fashionable clothing and lovely accessories and handcrafted exquisite jewelry. You can also spend your bucks on fashionable lingerie, jeans, and custom-made scarves. Pamper yourself thoroughly in one of the salons after your boutique shopping. Better yet, enjoy your caffeine fix in one of the coffee shops or buy some street bites at one of the food trucks. Pinball Jones is also an attraction in the area that features pinball machines and vintage arcade games.
Downtown Fort Collins
Address: Old Town, Fort Collins
Website: Downtown Fort Collins
9. Experience the thrill of mountain biking at Spring Canyon Park
One of the most beautiful and finest urban parks in Colorado, Spring Canyon Park is a must-visit destination while you are in Fort Collins. It offers stunning views of the mountains and was opened in 2007. The park boasts a variety of recreational facilities for visitors of different kinds. Enjoy a free-ride course on a mountain bike when you are here, which is one of the top attractions of this park. Just be sure to bring plenty of water!
Spring Canyon Park
Address: 3156 S Overland Trail, Fort Collins, CO 80526, USA
Website: Spring Canyon Park
Opening hours: 5am - 11pm (daily)
10. Hike through the scenic trails of the Horsetooth Mountain Open Space
The picturesque Horsetooth Mountain Open Space offers not only amazing views but also several miles of outdoor activities. These include horseback riding, biking, and hiking. In other words, it is a perfect spot for any outdoorsy traveler. Also, Horsetooth Rock is one of the most popular landmarks that are clearly visible even from the surrounding plains. Do not forget to carry sufficient drinking water when you are off for your ride or hike. You must have entrance permits for getting inside Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, which is open throughout the year.
Horsetooth Mountain Open Space
Address: 6550, W County Road, 38 E, Fort Collins, CO 80526, USA
11. Dig deep into the local history of Fort Collins at the 1879 Avery House
If you are a history buff, then a visit to the ancient Avery House should definitely feature on your travel itinerary. The house was originally owned by Franklin Avery and his wife Sara who lived here with their three kids. Get a taste of the history dating back to the late 19th century, through the help of seasoned guides who will help you in exploring the period furnishings and items on display. The Avery House museum also includes a gift shop, carriage house, fountain, and gazebo.
Avery House
Address: 328 W Mountain Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80521
Website: Avery House
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 1pm - 4pm (closed on Mon - Fri)
12. Go horseback riding on the Poudre Canyon
There is no dearth of exciting trails on the Poudre Canyon where you can enjoy horseback riding with your loved ones. So, embark upon your horseback riding adventure when you are in the vicinity and explore its crystal-clear river, the Cache La Poudre River. If you do not have your own horses, you can avail of one from the great stables including the Beaver Meadows Stables nearby. You can ride in with your family members and there will be a guide to accompany you. Riding in small groups will also ensure that your riding skills are taken care of by the stable.
Beaver Meadows Stables
Address: 100 Beaver Meadows, Red Feather Lakes, CO 80545
Website: Beaver Meadows Stables
13. Delight the wine connoisseur in you at the Emporium Kitchen & Wine Market
Welcome to this farm-to-table-style eatery in Fort Collins that features a wine market right in its center. It also means you do not have to order your drinks with dinner but can simply order your food and then take a stroll in the market and choose your preferred bottle similar to what you would have in a liquor shop. Also, the food here is simply fantastic and the ambiance is super cool and retro. The place is perfect for having a casual dinner with your family members as well as for coming here with your date.
Emporium Kitchen & Wine Market
Address: 378 Walnut St, Fort Collins, CO 80524-2439, USA
Website: Emporium Kitchen & Wine Market
Opening hours: Sun - Thur: 7am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 7am - 10pm
14. Make the most of the night time with a sumptuous dinner at the Silver Grill Cafe
Are you looking for savoring something traditional and local in the city of Fort Collins? If that is the case, then the Silver Grill Cafe is the perfect place for you. The eatery is famous for its delicious fresh homemade cinnamon rolls that are really something to die for. This casual eatery has been functional for over 85 years and also has the distinction of being the longest-operating cafe in Northern Colorado. The place is also known for its delectable homemade sandwiches, soups, excellent breakfast items, and burgers among others.
Silver Grill Cafe
Address: 218 Walnut St, Fort Collins, CO 80524, USA
Website: Silver Grill Cafe
Opening hours: 7am - 2pm (daily)
15. Gorge on chocolates at Nuance Chocolate
What started as a hobby has now emerged as one of the most frequented shops in the city of Fort Collins. Located strategically in Downtown Fort Collins, Nuance Chocolate is known for making mouthwatering chocolates in small batches from beans, which are roasted as well as the ground on the site itself. You can enjoy the unique experience of gorging chocolates that are made from beans sourced from various parts of the world. Enjoy the wide variations in flavors for the delicious dark chocolates that are available here.
Nuance Chocolate
Address: 214 Pine St, Fort Collins, CO 80524, USA
Website: Nuance Chocolate
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 7pm; Fri: 11am - 8pm; Sat: 10am - 8pm; Sun: 12pm - 4pm
16. Visit the Center for Fine Art Photography
In case you love photography, you will definitely not regret visiting The Center for Fine Art Photography in Fort Collins. A non-profit organization, the center promotes creative photography and is known for its educational programs, photographic exhibitions, and publications. The center collaborates with both the international as well as local communities for its exhibitions.
Center for Fine Art Photography
Address: Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA
Website: Center for Fine Art Photography
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 10am - 6pm; Sat: 11am - 5pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
17. Spend an eventful day at the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery
An ideal place to spend some hours for both adults, as well as, kids, the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery is known for its interesting exhibits on science and hands-on history. In addition to musical instruments, there is also an exciting collection of fantastic artifacts and interactive exhibits, which narrate the interesting takes of Northern Colorado. Fort Collins Museum of Discovery creates wonderful chances for reflection as well as new learning. The museum gift shop also features unique treasures and souvenirs.
Fort Collins Museum of Discovery
Address: 408 Mason Ct, Fort Collins, CO 80524-4421
Website: Fort Collins Museum of Discovery
Opening hours: Tue - Wed: 10am - 5pm; Thur: 10am - 8pm; Fri - Sun: 10am - 5pm
18. Browse through art exhibits from around the world at Global Village Museum of Arts
Dedicated to popularizing international folk art, this museum is one of the must-see tourist destinations in Fort Collins. The exhibits here are truly inspiring and keep the visitors engaged for hours as they can get familiar with world history, art, and culture so that peace and cultural understanding can prevail. There are four galleries that exhibit a rich collection of artifacts and will take your breath away for sure.
Global Village Museum of Arts
Address: 200 West Mountain Ave, Fort Collins CO 80521
Website: Global Village Museum of Arts
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 11am – 5pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
19. Browse through the historic Old Town during this ghost tour
Come discover the rich and quaint history of Fort Collins as you embark upon this unforgettable ghost tour which lasts for 90 minutes. There will be a dedicated guide who will accompany you and tell you everything you wish to know about the phantom sightseeing, hauntings, and legends around this town. You will halt at a number of sites and learn about their links to ghostly occurrences during the tour. It will also offer you an excellent opportunity to explore the historic Old Town after sunset.
The Fort Collins Ghost Tour
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Enjoy a fantastic vacation in Fort Collins, Colorado
So, what are you waiting for? Plan your travel as soon as possible and complete your travel booking. Be sure to check out some hotels and budget-friendly vacation rentals if you’re wondering where to stay. Enjoy a great vacation in the company of your dear ones with these top things to do in Fort Collins, Colorado.
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