Location: Fort Collins
Top Things to do in Fort Collins
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10 Things to do in Fort Collins That You Shouldn't Miss
Fort Collins is the Home Rule Municipality that is the county seat and the most populous municipality of Larimer County, Colorado, United States. Situated on the Cache La Poudre River along the Colorado Front Range, Fort Collins is located 65 miles (105 km) north of the Colorado State Capitol in Denver. With a 2016 estimated population of 161,000, it is the fourth most populous city in Colorado after Denver, Colorado Springs, and Aurora. Fort Collins is a midsize college city, home to Colorado State University.
Restaurants in Fort Collins
1. Cache La Poudre River
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 413 reviews
Colorado's only designated National Wild and Scenic River provides thrilling whitewater and paddling adventures.
Reviewed By pastorvanee
Our family enjoyed a 10.5 mile bike ride in Ft Collins. Our loop began near the beautiful flower gardens on the CSU campus and included other open areas and ovals on the campus before following the RR to catch the Poudre River trail heading east ,downstream. Around our 6-7 mile mark we followed a trail to connect to the Spring Creek trail and followed it back west, upstream to CSU again. What a great scenic and relaxing bike ride! Ft Collins is as "cool and hip" as Boulder and even more beautiful. CSU campus is a beautiful place to see and just be.....soak in the peace and beauty of the stunning gardens and be renewed in the strength and majesty of the magnificent Rocky Mountains!!!
2. New Belgium Brewing
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,247 reviews
A 100% employee-owned brewery recently named the nation's best brewery tour by USA Today's 10Best. Full tap selection featuring year-round favorites and small-batch beauties. Free tours (book in advance to claim a spot) and a different food truck every day. Kids welcome, but must be 21+ to sample our delicious beers. Well-behaved dogs on a leash also welcome. Indoor bars, outdoor patio and lawn. Electric vehicle charging available.
Reviewed By Ozefish479 - Los Angeles, United States
The rating is solely for the beer, which is some of the most innovative and highest quality in the USA. They have so many styles you are sure to find one (likely many more) that you love. The bar and outside areas are excellent and sipping a great beer in the winter sun is a highlight of any trip to Fort Collins. Now for the tour, which had been on our bucket list since my son started attending CSU. He was finally 21 so we were good to go. Fear and trepidation entered my heart when the first announcement from the tour guide was that he spoke too fast. I think that’s what he said but he spoke so fast I could only catch every third word. So off we went. The beer samples were great but the information was mostly indecipherable.
3. Fort Collins Municipal Railway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 67 reviews
Reviewed By miriamsD6442CA - Fort Collins, United States
When the trolley is running, it's a fun outing for kids and adults alike, especially if you are interested in transportation history.
4. Spring Canyon Community Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 105 reviews
Reviewed By conservativeandproud - Fort Collins, United States
If you are ever in Fort Collins, CO and are looking for a place to relax and have fun, you won't be disappointed when you take time to enjoy the great outdoors in this huge park with so many amenities. Whether you are a picnic person or the avid outdoorsy type this park is for you. There is a great playground for those little kiddos so they can run around and get rid of that excess energy. This park has something for everyone with a skate park, tennis courts, dog park, basketball courts, baseball field complete with a covered dugout, dirt bike course, great walking trails, multiple picnic pods, a memorial to honor our much appreciated Veterans and a lot of wonderful, green grass to run and play in. The sunsets over the foothills are sure to delight along with the beautiful cloud formations with their pink and blue hues. Anyone of any age is sure to find something to do in this wonderful park. For those of us who may need to use the facilities, I can attest to the fact that the restrooms are actually cleaner than a lot of store and restaurant restrooms which was unexpected but a pleasant surprise! So, put on your walking shoes and plan a trip to this gem of a park at the base of the foothills in the fine city of Fort Collins, CO!
5. Annual Flower Trial Garden
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 261 reviews
Reviewed By 754jodyg - Johnstown, United States
I've walked around these beautiful flowers many times on a daily walk and stopped to experience their beauty and color in the summertime sunshine. This place really brightens my day. The folks that maintain the flowers does a really good job.
6. Gardens on Spring Creek
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 98 reviews
The Gardens on Spring Creek is the community botanic garden of Fort Collins, Colorado. The 18-acre site opened in 2004 as part of a vital public/private partnership between the City of Fort Collins and the Friends of the Gardens on Spring Creek. Our mission is to enrich the lives of people and foster environmental stewardship through horticulture. The Gardens just re-opened after a two-year expansion adding 5 new acres of developed gardens, a new permanent Butterfly House, and renovated Visitor's Center and Gift Shop. Admission rates apply.
Reviewed By JGA1333 - Fort Collins, United States
What a great experience to take the grandkids to the nighttime Xmas display, a fantasmagorical light show with some very good exhibits. The little dwarf (elves) workshop was a huge hit with our 2 1/2 year old grandson. The night was fantastic, cold and crisp, but with so many warm lights, and many happy people, it was magical. Thanks to all of the great volunteers, decorators, and managers - so well done. Keep up the great work, will be back next year for sure. What a fantastic exhibit.
7. Horsetooth Mountain Open Space
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 498 reviews
Reviewed By avirtualcfo - Houston, United States
Great place to hike far enough away from the city yet close enough to get away. Different places to explore and hike.
8. Fort Collins Museum of Discovery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 252 reviews
Fort Collins Museum of Discovery is where history meets hands-on science. The exhibition gallery invites you discover the interconnectedness of everything from music and light, to flora and fauna, to bicycles and agriculture, and beyond. With an on-site Archive & Collections, Northern Colorado’s only 360° immersive theater, engaging programs and events, unique and local products in The Museum Store, a regular schedule of premier traveling exhibitions, and so much more – a full day of discovery awaits.
Reviewed By 5musicgirl7 - Tucson, United States
Was visiting Ft. Collins for a conference with my adult kids and grandchildren. We spent a lovely snowy afternoon exploring this well curated museum. From the dome theater to the special exhibit about video games, everyone in our group was entertained, challenged and engaged. In fact, we came back later in the week to see more. A must do for any age in Fr. Collins. Great staff as well.
9. Odell Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 485 reviews
Reviewed By davidbB3895VV - Fort Collins, United States
Always a nice and relaxing experience. The beers and staff are excellent. Nice tasting room with large patio.
10. Totally 80's Pizza & Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 94 reviews
Totally 80's Pizza & Museum is the world's ONLY 1980's museum. FREE admission. Come see rare 80s pop culture exhibits like the bike from "Pee Wee's Big Adventure", rare toys, vintage arcade games, vintage cereal boxes, 80s music videos, original movie props and a treasure trove of 80s childhood memories. Dine with Han Solo, Michael Jackson and "The Terminator".
