fort collins tourist information

Things to Do in Fort Collins, CO - Fort Collins Attractions

Things to do in fort collins, explore popular experiences, tours in and around fort collins.

Half day Beg/Inter Rafting near Ft Collins - Estes Park - Boulder

Guided 3-Hour Fort Collins Old Town Food Tour

The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show - Fort Collins, CO

Fort Collins Ghost Tour

Private Guided Hike and Scenic Drive near Fort Collins

Guided cliff rappelling and climbing above Horsetooth Reservoir

The Old Town Breweries and Distilleries Tour

Fort Collins Early Settlement/Town Beginnings Tour

Half day Advanced Rafting near Ft. Collins-Estes Park- Boulder

Wildside 4X4's Top of the World Photo Tour

Walking & biking tours.

Top Attractions in Fort Collins

Other Top Attractions around Fort Collins

Tours & Sightseeing

Food, Wine & Nightlife

What travelers are saying

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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Top Things to Do in Fort Collins, CO - Fort Collins Must-See Attractions

Things to do in fort collins, explore popular experiences, tours in and around fort collins.

Half day Beg/Inter Rafting near Ft Collins - Estes Park - Boulder

Guided 3-Hour Fort Collins Old Town Food Tour

The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show - Fort Collins, CO

Fort Collins Ghost Tour

Private Guided Hike and Scenic Drive near Fort Collins

Guided cliff rappelling and climbing above Horsetooth Reservoir

The Old Town Breweries and Distilleries Tour

Fort Collins Early Settlement/Town Beginnings Tour

Half day Advanced Rafting near Ft. Collins-Estes Park- Boulder

Wildside 4X4's Top of the World Photo Tour

Walking & biking tours.

Top Attractions in Fort Collins

Other Top Attractions around Fort Collins

Tours & Sightseeing

Food, Wine & Nightlife

What travellers are saying

Fort Collins, Colorado

• 1 Understand
• 2.1 By plane
• 2.3 By rail
• 3.1 By public transit
• 3.2 By bicycle
• 5.1 Escape rooms
• 6.1 Old Town and Historic District
• 7.2 Mid-range
• 7.3 Splurge
• 10.1.1 Free
• 10.1.2 Not free

Fort Collins is a city of about 170,000 in north central region of the western U.S. state of Colorado . The seat of Larimer County, the city lies 59 miles (95 km) north of Denver on the Cache La Poudre River at the eastern edge of the Front Range foothills. Fort Collins is the home of Colorado State University and is a major research center.

Understand [ edit ]

Old Town is the downtown area of the city, centered on the cross-streets of College Avenue and Mountain Avenue. It is the historical beginnings of the town, with a vast variety of older buildings and historical monuments. Those seeking to visit architecture from the early 20th century should come to Fort Collins for its prime examples.

The Colorado State University campus is right in the middle of the city, extending from Prospect Road on the South to Laurel Street on the north, and from Shields street on the west to College Avenue on the East. The university also has several other smaller campuses throughout the city. The big white "A" on the mountain west of town stands for Aggies, a relic from when CSU was Colorado Agricultural College.

• Fort Collins municipal website

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ].

• Denver International Airport is the closest international airport; several shuttle services to Fort Collins are available, such as Super Shuttle and Groome .

By bus [ edit ]

• Bustang is a state-wide bus service operated by the Colorado Department of Transportation ( CDOT ). The buses are new, clean, and punctual, offering affordable fares. Additionally, the buses are equipped with a bike rack, and passengers can bring bicycles at no extra charge. For only $10, the North Line provides a direct connection to Denver .
• Flex is a service run by Transfort that connects to Loveland , Berthoud , Longmont , and Boulder . Fares are suspended as of June 2023. Buses have bike racks.
• The Poudre Express is a bus service operated by Greeley Evans Transit ( GET ), which conveniently connects Fort Collins to Greeley and . This bus service boasts of its modern and well-maintained vehicles, however, the buses do not run frequently and often experience delays, particularly during rush hour. Fares are reasonably priced at $1.25 for individuals who are 19 years old and above. Free wifi and bike racks on board.
• Greyhound Lines has connections with Denver and towards Salt Lake City , through Cheyenne . Furthermore, there is also a connection to Laramie .

By rail [ edit ]

The nearest train station is Denver Union Station , which can be accessed by Amtrak's California Zephyr .

Amtrak operates a throughway bus route from Denver through Fort Collins, but if you attempt to schedule this on their website, it will not allow you to do so (as of June 2023). However, there is a throughway connection to Greeley. Nevertheless, it is likely more affordable and less strict on luggage sizes to use the Bustang North Line, which has a stop at Union Station in Denver.

Get around [ edit ]

By public transit [ edit ]

Public transit is provided by Transfort . Most routes run M-Sa 5AM to 8PM hourly, although some of the more popular routes have a frequency of every 30 minutes. The MAX route runs every 20 minutes. Buses do not operate on Sundays. All Transfort services free as of June 2023.

There are four main transit hubs in Fort Collins: the Downtown Transit Center, the CSU Transit Center, the South Transit Center, and the Harmony Transfer Center. The Downtown Transit Center and the South Transit Center are connected by the MAX BRT system. The CSU Transit Center is just a short walk from a MAX stop. The Harmony Transfer Center can be reached via Route 16 from the South Transit Center. The Poudre Express is available from both the CSU Transit Center and the Harmony Transfer Center. Flex services are offered from the Downtown Transit Center and the South Transit Center. Most intercity bus services, including Bustang, make stops at the Downtown Transit Center and the Harmony Transfer Center.

There is also a free, on-demand taxi service provided by the city on routes that have been suspended. Do not count on it if you need to be anywhere quickly. Taxis are often very late.

The "FoxTrot" service between Fort Collins and Loveland has been replaced by Flex.

By bicycle [ edit ]

Fort Collins is renowned for being incredibly bicycle-friendly according to US standards, boasting numerous paved trails and designated bike routes. Remarkably, bike lanes are found everywhere, including on the most uncomfortable arterial roads. In fact, biking can often be faster than driving, particularly during rush hour, as bike trails often take more direct routes and are typically given priority at street crossings. To aid navigation, a bicycle map is available here .

There are many bike rental options in Fort Collins:

• Recycled Cycles rents bikes for $30/day.
• Guests at the Armstrong Hotel are provided free bikes to ride during their stay.
• Spin ride share e-bikes and scooters can be found all over the city.
• Many other bike shops such as The Gearage may also rent bikes.

The Fort Collins Bike Coop is likely the most affordable choice for both parts and repairs. This nonprofit charity is operated by volunteers, enabling them to offer significantly lower prices compared to other places. The mechanics are highly experienced and provide you with the opportunity to return to the shop and learn how to fix your bike while they work on it. Additionally, they have a vast selection of used parts.

See [ edit ]

• Historic Old Town Fort Collins . It has many shops and restaurants and an outdoor mall among historic buildings. Old Town is centered just east of College Avenue and between Mountain Avenue and Walnut Street. Parking on the street in Old Town can be difficult, but there are three city parking structures which offer parking for a quarter an hour. There is also secure bike parking in the garage on Mason Street and easy transit access with the MAX. Enjoy a locally brewed beer or lager at a restaurant in Old Town Square, and enjoy local music at The Aggie. ( updated Jun 2023 )
• Breweries . Fort Collins features 5 local award-winning breweries plus an Anheuser Busch outpost (complete with Clydesdales). Visit New Belgium Brewing, Odell Brewing Company, Fort Collins Brewery, CooperSmith's Pub and Brewery, Big Horn Brewing, or Anheuser Busch any day of the week but Sunday. ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 40.595465 -105.085342 7 The Farm At Lee Martinez Park , 600 N Sherwood St , ☏ +1 970-221-6665 , [email protected] . A small zoo of sorts located in Lee Martinez park. Serves as kind of a children's museum about agriculture featuring many farm animals. Lots of parking for bikes and cars. About a 15-minute walk from the Downtown Transit Center or a 7-minute walk from the nearest bus stop. ( updated Sep 2023 )

Do [ edit ]

• 40.563358 -105.045167 1 Edora Pool Ice Center ( EPIC ), 1801 Riverside Ave , ☏ +1 970-221-6683 . The Edora Pool and Ice Center (EPIC) includes a large public pool and ice rink. The Spring Creek and Power trails pass by it and are easily accessible by bike. It is a 7-15 minute walk from the nearest bus stops, depending on which bus you take. ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 40.625241 -105.09615 4 Rocky Mountain Adventures , 1117 N U.S. Hwy 287 , ☏ +1 970-493-4005 , toll-free: +1-800-858-6808 , [email protected] . 8AM-6PM . RMA offers whitewater rafting trips, kayaking lessons, and fly-fishing clinics in the summer, as well as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trips in the winter. This is great for the traveler with an adventurous streak. ( updated Sep 2023 )
• Cache La Poudre River , ☏ +1 970-232-3840 , toll-free: +1-800-274-3678 , [email protected] . The Cache La Poudre river flows from the canyon proper, several miles north, through town and offers excellent fly fishing for wild rainbow and brown trout. In town, quick fishing access is available starting from the crossing at North Shields and continuing through town. You can tube and swim at various locations in the river in town, though take great care. The river is MUCH more powerful than you might think. The current can easily trap you if you aren't careful. Every year there are stories of naïve people on the local news who drown in tubing accidents. There are even signs posted at many parts of the river that are particularly dangerous. Tubing and swimming can be done safely, but make sure you check with somebody experienced first. There is a paved trail called the Poudre trail that runs parallel to the river through much of town. The canyon itself can be reached by taking College Ave./Hwy 287 north out of town and turning onto Poudre Canyon/Hwy 14. Pressed between narrow canyon walls and fed by snow-melt, the water here is wilder and colder and swimming should be done with caution. Several companies offer whitewater rafting in the canyon and kayaks are a common sight. There are several hiking trails in the canyon, including Greyrock Trail, which takes you across the river via bridge into open pine forest and meadow. Wildlife are common, including deer, fox, rabbit and black bear, as well as the occasional mountain lion and many kinds of birds. Camping and summer cabins are available throughout the canyon. The Columbine Lodge , in the small community of Poudre Park, offers both as well as beach access (for campers and residents), a good supply of snacks, drinks and good company. Seasonally, a shuttle is available between the Lodge and nearby Mishawaka Amphitheatre , a lively local bar on the river that opened as a dance hall in 1916 and continues to attract various famous acts and music-lovers every year. ( updated Sep 2023 )
• Bike Parks and Trails . There is an extensive set of biking/walking trails throughout town. The Poudre Trail follows the Poudre River from Bellvue, through Fort Collins, to CSU's Environmental Learning Center. It is fully paved and extends all the way to Greeley, although there is a significant gap in the trail between Fort Collins and Windsor. However, from Windsor, the trail becomes paved again and continues to Greeley.

The Spring Creek Trail runs alongside the Spring Creek, from where it meets the Poudre River westward to Spring Canyon Park. Spring Canyon Park also includes a bike park. Another paved trail is the Fossil Creek Trail, which starts at the edge of Loveland's trail network and connects to the Power Trail in the east. Additionally, the Power Trail and the Mason Trail are paved routes that run north/south along Timberline and College, respectively. These trails provide low-stress cycling options. Heading north from Spring Canyon Park towards Bellvue, there is an extensive collection of mountain bike trails on the hogback, which forms the eastern side of Horsetooth Reservoir. Lory State Park, located on the northwest side of Horsetooth Reservoir, features a small bike park with various challenging elements such as jumps, a pump track, jump runs, and a wooden trials track. For adventurous mountain bikers, it is possible to ride from Bellvue through Lory State Park, along the western side of the reservoir, and onto the challenging Blue Sky Trail, leading to Loveland. However, it is worth noting that the Blue Sky Trail is highly technical. If you lack confidence in riding a bike up staircases, it is recommended to tackle the trail from north to south. Be prepared to allocate twice the amount of time you anticipate needing and be ready to walk your bike if necessary. ( updated Sep 2023 )

• 40.625224 -105.101117 5 Mountain Whitewater , 1329 N U.S. Hwy 287 , ☏ +1 970-419-0917 , toll-free: +1-888-855-8874 , [email protected] . Rafting adventures on the Cache La Poudre River near Estes Park, Colorado. Mountain Whitewater Descents has a special use permit from the Roosevelt National Forest. The guidelines ensure low river use, allowing the Poudre to provide an exceptional wilderness rafting experience. ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 40.626599 -105.095933 6 A1 Wildwater , 2801 N Shields St ( the northwest corner of Shields and Highway 287, approximately 3 miles north of Old Town Fort Collins ), ☏ +1 970-224-3379 , toll-free: +1-800-369-4165 , [email protected] . 8AM-6PM . Northern Colorado's oldest outfitter offers free wetsuit use and paddle jackets. They provide mild to wild rafting trips suitable for beginners and advanced whitewater enthusiasts. The facility offers parking, restrooms, picnic areas, game areas, a food court, a retail store, a photo area, and guides. They offer a variety of trips, including a wild & scenic half-day trip, a family half-day trip, and a full-day trip. Their store is located at the northwest corner of Shields St and Hwy 287 (College Ave). ( updated Sep 2023 )

Escape rooms [ edit ]

• 40.589068 -105.075991 7 Somewhere Secret Escape Room , 222 Walnut St , ☏ +1 970-235-1199 , [email protected] . 10AM-10PM . $28 . ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 40.585881 -105.077467 8 Enigma Escape Rooms , 151 S. College Ave. Suite J , ☏ +1 970-568-8636 . ( updated Jan 2018 )
• 40.531277 -105.080038 9 Fort Collins Escape Room , 4025 S Mason St , ☏ +1 970-484-5433 , [email protected] . Offering 2 themed rooms, this venue has guests try to solve puzzles in a race against the clock. $27-28 (Depends on which game is played) . ( updated Sep 2023 )

Buy [ edit ]

Old Town and Historic District [ edit ]

• 40.58761 -105.077188 1 Clothes Pony & Dandelion Toys , 111 N College Ave , ☏ +1 970-224-2866 , [email protected] . M-Th 10AM-8PM, F Sa 10AM-9PM, Su 10AM-5PM . Toy store. ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 40.586017 -105.076731 2 The Cupboard , 152 S College Ave , ☏ +1 970-493-8585 . M-Sa 10AM-6PM, Su 11AM-5PM . Opened in 1972, the store in Fort Collins is the oldest and best-known store. It spans over 6,000 square feet and offers a wide range of items for your kitchen. ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 40.588608 -105.075729 3 Curiosities , 242 Walnut St , ☏ +1 970-495-0684 , [email protected] . Daily 10AM-7PM . Gift shop. ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 40.586267 -105.076825 4 EsScentuals , 142 S College Ave , ☏ +1 970-484-7862 , [email protected] . Su noon-4PM, M closed, Tu-Sa 11AM-5PM . A boutique body care store with an intimate massage and fitness facility downstairs. ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 40.588209 -105.076775 5 The Perennial Gardener , 154 N College Ave , ☏ +1 970-224-3987 , [email protected] . Su noon-5PM, M-Sa 10AM-5PM . Gift shop. ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 40.588265 -105.076687 6 Sense of Place , 160 N College Ave , ☏ +1 970-4722-640 , [email protected] . Su noon-5PM, M-Sa 10AM-5PM . Home goods store. ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 40.587356 -105.076219 7 Tula Boutique , 1 Old Town Square , ☏ +1 970-482-1953 . M-Sa 10AM-6PM, Su 11AM-5PM . Offers contemporary women's clothing. ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 40.588005 -105.07679 8 Kansas City Kitty , 136 N College Ave , ☏ +1 970-482-5845 . Su 11AM-5PM, M-Sa 10AM-6PM . Women's clothing store and boutique. Local vendors sell jewelry, purses, and more. ( updated Sep 2023 )

Eat [ edit ]

Budget [ edit ].

• 40.581149 -105.076766 1 Big City Burrito , 510 S College Ave ( in Old Town ), ☏ +1 970-482-3303 , [email protected] . 8AM-8PM . This place is a true Fort Collins institution. $6 per person . ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 40.539967 -105.078556 2 The Breakfast Club , 121 W Monroe Dr , ☏ +1 970-223-7193 , [email protected] . M-Sa 6AM-2PM, Su 7AM-1:30PM . Breakfast and lunch eatery. The breakfast burrito is available for $4-8. ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 40.546851 -105.077601 3 Cafe Mexicali , 2925 S College Ave , ☏ +1 970-266-9292 , fax : +1 970-266-9294 . Winter: M-Th 8AM-9PM, summer M-Th 8AM-9:30PM, F Sa 8AM-10PM, Su 11AM-7PM . A local chain offers a variety of tacos, burritos, and other Mexican classics. Affordable for students. ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 40.581672 -105.045928 4 Charco Broiler , 1716 E Mulberry St , ☏ +1 970-482-1472 . M closed, Tu-Th 11AM-8PM, F 11AM-9PM, Sa 8:30 AM - 9 PM, Su 8:30AM-8PM . American-style steakhouse. They serve a variety of dishes, including steaks, burgers, pasta, and seafood, set in a ranch house ambiance with western-themed accents. $8 per person. . ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 40.525342 -105.050988 5 China Wok , 1514 E Harmony Rd # 6 , ☏ +1 970-223-8867 . Su 4:30-9PM, M-Th 11AM-9PM, F Sa 11AM-9:30PM . Typical Chinese fast–food. Inexpensive. Chinese takeout standards in a simple strip-mall location. $5 per person . ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 40.522192 -105.057054 6 Cozzola's Pizza , 1112 Oakridge Dr #114 , ☏ +1 970-229-5771 , [email protected] . Th-Tu 3-8PM, W closed . Pizza at a local chain, in a cozy setting adorned with wooden walls in the South area. $10 per person . ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 40.579254 -105.076842 7 Los Tarascos Restaurant , 622 S College Ave , ☏ +1 970-416-0265 , fax : +1 970-416 8455 . Su-Th noon-9​PM, F Sa noon-10PM, M closed . Mexican food at a local establishment. $7 per person . ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 40.523078 -105.043091 8 Matador Mexican Grill , 1823 E Harmony Rd ( on the south side of town ), ☏ +1 970-372-5876 , [email protected] . M-F 6:57AM-8:33PM, Sa Su 7:59AM-8:31PM . Great local burrito place with 41 bottles of beer every day. Created by two CSU graduates. $6 per person . ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 40.578462 -105.078366 9 Pickle Barrel , 122 W Laurel St , ☏ +1 970-484-0235 . 11AM-9PM . High quality subs at reasonable prices. ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 40.578354 -105.078493 10 Pizza Casbah , 126 W Laurel St , ☏ +1 970-221-9144 , [email protected] . Su-Th 11AM -10PM, F Sa 11AM-11PM . A hole-in-the-wall pizza place, known for its gigantic slices which should be folded in half for proper consumption. East Coast-style pies and slices, along with homemade sauces and wings. $4 per person . ( updated Sep 2023 )
• Silver Mine Subs , Varies, check website , [email protected] . This straightforward counter-serve chain specializes in serving hot and cold sandwiches, as well as chili, soups, and salads. $6 per person . ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 40.567065 -105.0787 11 Taqueria Los Comales , 1094, 111 W Prospect Rd # A ( near CSU ), ☏ +1 970-407-9998 , [email protected] . M-Th 9:30AM-9PM, F 9:30AM-10PM, Sa 7:30AM-10PM, Su 7:30AM-8PM . Authentic Mexican cuisine at a local restaurant known for serving tacos and other classic Mexican dishes. ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 40.575165 -105.096446 12 Teriyaki Wok Two , 829 S Shields St , ☏ +1 970-493-6718 . M-Sa 10AM-9PM . Local chain, $6 per person. ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 40.586913 -105.077892 13 Walrus Ice Cream , 125 W Mountain Ave ( in Old Town ), ☏ +1 970-482-5919 , [email protected] . M-Sa 11AM-10PM, Su noon-10PM . A wide variety of flavors, with options such as sundaes and floats, all priced at $3 per person. ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 40.542234 -105.079604 14 Young's Café Vietnamese Cuisine , 3307 S College Ave ( in Midtown across from the Foothills Fashion Mall ), ☏ +1 970-223-8000 , [email protected] . Su M 11AM-9:30PM, Tu-Th 11AM-9:30PM, F Sa 11AM-10PM . Vietnamese. Local.This eatery has been serving Vietnamese and Chinese classics since 1987. $10 per person . ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 40.575141 -105.100319 15 Yum Yum Social , 1300 W Elizabeth St ( 1 block West of CSU ), ☏ +1 970-493-7937 . M closed, Tu W 11AM-9PM, Th-Sa 11AM-10PM, Su noon-8PM . Lebanese and Mediterranean food, with a good selection of vegetarian options. Their gyros and rice are outstanding. Veggie and vegan preferences available. ( updated Sep 2023 )

Mid-range [ edit ]

• Austin's American Grill , See website for locations ( in South and Old town ). American cuisine, specifically excellent roasted chicken. Additionally, they have a wide selection of cocktails and desserts. $12 per person . ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 40.57957 -105.079205 16 Avogadro's Number , 605 S Mason St , ☏ +1 970-493-5555 , [email protected] . M-F 11AM-9PM, Sa Su 9AM-9PM . American. Try the tempeh burger. Local, near CSU. The mostly veggie menu at this live-music hot spot/eatery includes pizza and tempeh or beef burgers. ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 40.589359 -105.077328 17 Beau Jo's Fort Collins , 205 N College Ave ( in Old Town ), ☏ +1 970-498-8898 , [email protected] . Su-Th 11AM-9:30PM, F Sa 11AM-20PM; Happy Hour M-Th 3-6PM . A regional chain that specializes in Colorado-style, thick-crust pizza with various sauces, along with calzones and pasta. They also offer a daily lunch buffet. ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 40.578496 -105.085789 18 Cafe Bluebird , 524 W Laurel St , ☏ +1 970-484-7755 . M-F 6:30AM-2PM, Sa Su 7AM-2PM . Breakfast-for-lunch eatery that serves homestyle American breakfasts and lunches,offering outdoor seating. ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 40.587551 -105.075613 19 Coopersmith's Pub & Brewing , 5 Old Town Square ( in Old Town ), ☏ +1 970-498-0483 . Su-Th 11AM-9PM, F Sa 11AM-10PM . This local pub food spot features a pool hall. It is a big, buzzy mainstay where you can enjoy billiards and patios. Classic tavern fare and a wide selection of beers. $9 per person . ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 40.523159 -105.060043 20 Domenic's Bistro and Wine Bar , 931 E Harmony Rd , ☏ +1 970-207-0411 . Su 4-9PM, M-Th 11AM-9PM, F Sa 11AM-10PM . Mediterranean fusion cuisine specialized in gourmet pizzas, Italian-inspired dishes and cocktails. ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 40.585916 -105.078411 21 Bistro Nautile ( Fish ), 150 W Oak St , ☏ +1 970-224-1188 , [email protected] . Lunch: Th-Sa 11AM-2PM; dinner: Tu-Sa 4-9PM, Su 4-8PM, closed M . French seafood. ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 40.523312 -105.06403 22 Hunan of Fort Collins , 731 E Harmony Rd #300 ( across the parking lot from Sam's Club, just off East Harmony Road between Boardwalk Drive and Lemay Avenue ), ☏ +1 970-207-9000 , [email protected] . M-F 11AM-2PM, 4:30-9PM, Sa Su 11AM-9PM . Chinese cuisine; dishes such as Kung Pao chicken, egg rolls, and egg drop soup. Lunch specials available. from $10 to $15 per person . ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 40.574226 -105.097656 23 Jim's Wings , 1205 W Elizabeth St # C ( at Campus West ), ☏ +1 970-493-1103 . M-Sa 11AM-10PM, Su 11AM-9PM . Chicken wings and fried sides. $7 per person . ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 40.582748 -105.082111 24 Lucile's , 400 S Meldrum St ( in mid-town ), ☏ +1 970-224-5464 , [email protected] . M-F 7AM-2PM, Sa Su 8AM-2PM . Cajun breakfast and lunch; be prepared to wait for around 30 minutes on the weekends. Part of a small chain eatery that specializes in crafting Cajun-Creole breakfasts and lunches. $8 per person . ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 40.551402 -105.076454 25 The Moot House , 2626 S College Ave ( in mid-town ), ☏ +1 970-226-2121 , [email protected] . Saily 11AM-9PM . Local English-style restaurant that offers English and American cuisine, along with a salad bar. The restaurant serves modern variations of traditional English pub food, accompanied by local craft beers. The dining area features fireplaces. $16 per person . ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 40.551824 -105.096366 26 Mt. Everest Cafe , 1113 W Drake Rd , ☏ +1 970-223-8212 . Tu-Su 11AM-2:30PM, 5-9PM; closed Mondays . A Nepalese Sherpa owned restaurant with a Mt. Everest theme. ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 40.531247 -105.07608 27 Mt. Fuji , 4020 S College Ave #3064 ( in the southern part of town ), ☏ +1 970-223-5228 . M-Sa 11AM-10PM, Su 4-10PM . Japanese local cuisine offering the widest variety of sushi in the area, in a casual setting adorned with a mural of Mt. Fuji. $25 per person . ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 40.567535 -105.082542 28 Panino's Italian Restaurant , 310 W Prospect Rd ( in Prospect Plaza Apartments ), ☏ +1 970-498-8292 , [email protected] . F Sa 11AM-9:30PM, Su Tu-Th 11AM-9PM . This restaurant specializes in panino sandwiches and also offers various options like salads, pasta, and pizza. Although it can get crowded during lunchtime. Additionally, they have a full bar. This branch is part of a casual chain that provides Italian dishes and allows you to build your own panini. ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 40.553705 -105.093174 29 Pho Duy , 902 W Drake Rd #1 , ☏ +1 970-221-1664 , [email protected] . M-Sa 11AM-9PM, Su 1-9PM . Located in mid-town, local pho restaurant offering a relaxed Vietnamese dining experience at an affordable price of $7 per person. Their menu features a variety of pho options with different meats, along with vermicelli bowls and rice dishes. ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 40.578606 -105.079716 30 Rainbow Restaurant Breakfast/Lunch Fort Collins , 212 W Laurel St , ☏ +1 970-221-2664 , [email protected] . W-M 8AM-2PM, Tu closed . Breakfast and lunch are served, specializing in vegetarian cuisine with meat substitutions available. Additionally, outdoor seating is offered for those who prefer to dine al fresco. ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 40.599877 -105.060368 31 Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant , 143 W Mountain Ave ( in Old Town ), ☏ +1 970-224-5428 , [email protected] . Su-W 11AM-10PM Th-Sa 11AM-11PM . This vibrant Mexican venue is famous and wildly popular for its margaritas. It is recommended to arrive early and experience their festive interior while indulging in generous plates of classic Mexican fare. ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 40.589028 -105.076128 32 Silver Grill Cafe , 218 Walnut St ( in Old Town ), ☏ +1 970-484-4656 , [email protected] . 7AM-2PM . A great breakfast and lunch restaurant, a pillar of Fort Collins, this local spot includes giant cinnamon buns. $10 per person . ( updated Sep 2023 )
• Spoons, Soups, Salads & Sandwiches , Varies, check website . Soup and salad offered at a local chain in West and Old Town areas for only $7 per person. ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 40.585945 -105.078326 33 Taj Mahal Restaurant , 148 W Oak St ( in the Old Town area ), ☏ +1 970-493-1105 . Tu-Su 11:30AM-8:30PM, M closed . Offers a fine lunch buffet and a regular dinner menu. Indian dishes in addition to a lunch buffet, all in a bright and simple space adorned with colorful hanging artwork. $8 per person . ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 40.578024 -105.076384 34 Thai Pepper , 109 E Laurel St , ☏ +1 970-221-3260 . Tiny, laid-back eatery located near CSU with outdoor seating in warm weather. They serve hefty plates of Thai fare, including vegetarian options. ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 40.551193 -105.077304 35 Tortilla Marissa's , 2635 S College Ave , ☏ +1 970-225-9222 , [email protected] . M-Sa 11AM-8:30PM, Su 11AM-8PM . A laid-back cantina offering Southwestern-influenced Mexican cuisine in a casual setting, complete with a covered patio. ( updated Sep 2023 )

Splurge [ edit ]

• 40.55212 -105.097202 36 Pulcinella Pizzeria & Wine Bar , 1119 W Drake Rd C12 , ☏ +1 970-206-0065 , [email protected] . M-W 11AM-8PM, Th-Sa 11AM-9PM, Su noon-8PM . Pizza, although it can be fairly pricey. It is a cozy, traditional cafe that serves Neapolitan-style pies and has a selection of Italian wines. ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 40.586766 -105.077211 37 Sonny Lubick's Steakhouse , 115 S College Ave , ☏ +1 970-484-9200 , [email protected] . Su-Th 4-10PM, F Sa 4-11PM . A great restaurant owned by the former CSU football coach. High-end steaks and seafood with classic accompaniments in a warm brick, leather and wood interior. ( updated Sep 2023 )

Drink [ edit ]

As a college town, Fort Collins has a very active nightlife with a wide variety of options, ranging from friendly corner pubs to hip hop dance clubs. Old Town is particularly lively on weekends, but even on weeknights, there is always something happening. Additionally, Campus West, the second, smaller cluster of bars in Fort Collins, still offers a lot of entertainment options.

Bars [ edit ]

• 40.588655 -105.074279 1 Surfside 7 , 238 Linden St , ☏ +1 970-221-4281 , [email protected] . 3PM-2AM . Great dive bar with killer jukebox and cheap drinks. ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 40.589014 -105.075585 2 The Forge Publick House , 255 Old Firehouse Alley , ☏ +1 970-682-2578 , [email protected] . Su-Tu 2-10PM, W-Sa 2PM-midnight . A unique high-end beer bar is tucked into an inviting alley, creating a warm and unpretentious ambiance. ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 40.58889 -105.073959 3 The Coast , 254 Linden St , ☏ +1 970-682-2022 . 6PM-2AM . Visit the bar that offers the latest last call time. ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 40.58761 -105.076322 4 Lucky Joe's Sidewalk Saloon , 25 Old Town Square , ☏ +1 970-493-2213 . 11AM-2AM . A unique establishment, this self-described cowboy and Irish bar astoundingly finds a way to make their unconventional blend work. Offering complimentary peanuts, it presents an upbeat atmosphere that combines the charm of an Irish bar with the ambiance of a western saloon. Live music performances, a patio, delicious pub grub, and enticing happy-hour specials further enhance the experience. ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 40.521769 -105.040252 5 Old Chicago Pizza + Taproom , 4709 S Timberline Rd , ☏ +1 970-207-9456 . 11AM-2AM . Chain restaurant that has a bar and pool hall section staying open until 2AM. It is a family-friendly establishment offering Italian dishes and a wide selection of beers. ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 40.574649 -105.098326 6 Road 34 Deli & Tavern , 1213 W Elizabeth St , ☏ +1 970-221-3434 . 11AM-2AM . Bike shop by day, bar by night. It has a pretty mellow atmosphere but is a mainstay in Campus West. This hip bar and bike shop offers hearty sandwiches, over 30 taps, and pool tables amidst vintage bicycle decor. ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 40.584891 -105.07654 7 Tony's Bar & Rooftop , 224 S College Ave , ☏ +1 970-484-6969 , [email protected] . M-F 10:30AM-2AM, Sa Su 9:30AM-2AM . This is a great spot to grab a beer or hang out all evening. The bar on the main level has recently been nicely remodeled. They also have a roof-top patio that is wonderful during the summer and remains open year-round. It's a sizable hangout with patio seating, TVs, and billiards, offering bar favorites in an industrial space. ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 40.587861 -105.076776 8 Town Pump , 124 N College Ave , ☏ +1 970-493-4404 , [email protected] . A hole in the wall pub that has managed to survive for over 100 years, making it the oldest establishment in Fort Collins. ( updated Sep 2023 )

Cafes [ edit ]

• 40.579095 -105.078217 9 Alleycat Coffee House , 120 W Laurel St , ☏ +1 970-495-0123 . 7AM-midnight . Coffee house. Excellent coffee and chai. Open 24 hours. Chill, always-open coffee & tea spot that earns buzz for its sandwiches, breakfasts & free WiFi. ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 40.588154 -105.076721 10 The Bean Cycle , 144 N College Ave , ☏ +1 970-221-2964 , [email protected] . 7AM-7PM . Located in Old Town. An excellent coffee shop and independent bookstore. They roast their own organic, fair trade coffee. WiFi is available. Espresso drinks, tea, and chai are brewed in a hip storefront space with art and funky furnishings. ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 40.584584 -105.077364 11 Mugs Old Town , 261 S College Ave , ☏ +1 970-472-6847 . 6AM-7AM, 2-6PM . The café offers a fantastic menu to complement its superb coffee and coffee drinks while promoting a strong sense of community through sourcing local and organic ingredients. ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 40.574384 -105.097357 12 Momo Lolo Coffee Shop , 1129 W Elizabeth St ( corner of Elizabeth and Shields - across from Qdoba ), ☏ +1 970-484-0705 , [email protected] . 6:30AM-6PM . Delightful local coffee shop that offers a variety of beverages such as coffee, espresso, teas, and chai. Additionally, they host live local music events on specified days each month. ( updated Sep 2023 )

Sleep [ edit ]

• 40.58451 -105.077534 1 The Armstrong Hotel , 259 S College Ave , ☏ +1 970-484-3883 . Located downtown, this boutique hotel offers 37 eclectic rooms. ( updated Feb 2016 )
• 40.521665 -105.022837 2 Cambria Suites , 2921 E Harmony Rd . ( updated Feb 2016 )
• 40.580068 -105.00428 3 Comfort Inn Fort Collins North , 601 Sw Frontage Rd. ( I-25 and Hwy 14/Mulberry Exit ), ☏ +1 970 407-0100 , fax : +1 970 407-0101 , [email protected] . Check-in: 3PM , check-out: 11AM . Free wifi, hot buffet breakfast, and heated pool and hot tub. $65-259 . ( updated May 2018 )
• 40.522509 -105.055946 4 Courtyard Fort Collins , 1200 Oakridge Dr , ☏ +1 970 282-1700 . Indoor pool. Provides free shuttle service to nearby businesses M-F. ( updated Feb 2016 )
• 40.539377 -105.072312 5 Fort Collins Marriott , 350 East Horsetooth Rd , ☏ +1 970-226-5200 . Check-in: 4PM , check-out: noon . The Fort Collins Marriott has 229 renovated rooms and 16,154 sq. ft. of meeting space equipped with high speed internet access and wireless capabilities. ( updated Feb 2016 )
• 40.566124 -105.082547 6 Hilton Fort Collins Hotel , 425 W Prospect Rd . Near student housing and the railroad. ( updated Feb 2016 )
• 40.532336 -105.080055 7 Quality Inn & Suites , 4001 South Mason St , ☏ +1 970 488-1124 , [email protected] . All suites. Pets allowed.  

Connect [ edit ]

Wireless internet [ edit ], free [ edit ].

The local ISP Front Range Internet, Inc. (FRII) has introduced a Wireless Mesh which includes most of Old Town. Users may have an unlimited number of 30-minute sessions each day, with a few ads in between sessions.

• Mugs Coffee Lounge has two locations. The shops at College & Olive are open daily 6AM-1AM; wireless is also accessible from outdoor tables. Timberline between Harmony & Horsetooth (on E side of Timberline N of Caribou), M-Th 6AM-10PM, F-Su 6AM-6PM. The Timberline location has extremely uncomfortable seating, the others have comfy chairs.
• McDonald's Cafe on West Elizabeth west of Shields Street.
• Everyday Joe's Coffee House [dead link] , 144 S. Mason, between Oak and Mountain. M-F 7AM-10PM, Sa 6-10PM.
• Alley Cat Coffee House . Alley Cat is a 24-hour coffeehouse and cafe in the alley just west of College Avenue and north of Laurel.
• Genoa's Coffee and Wine . Daily 7AM-9PM. Nice coffee house with some good snacks, a few beers, and a good selection of wines. At the corner of Drake and Timberline, near King Soopers.
• The Bean Cycle on College has free WiFi. They are on College in the old-town area.
• Dazbog Coffee Harmony & McMurray. Open 5:30AM to 10PM 7 days a week.
• Fedex Kinkos 130 West Olive Street.
• Fedex Kinko's Fort Collins Campus West 1113-1117 West Elizabeth.
• SportsCaster Bar & Grill [dead link] , 165 E Boardwalk Dr.(behind 1st National Bank).
• The UPS Store #4655 at 1281 E Magnolia St.
• The UPS Store #2011 at 1015 S Taft Hill Rd.
• The UPS Store #2718 at 2601 S Lemay.
• Fedex Kinko's 226 East Harmony Road.
• Buffalo Wild Wings just east of College on Harmony works.
• Panera Bread on College just south of Horsetooth has good wireless (though with a captive portal), and food and coffee beverages. Often crowded during lunch, especially on the weekends.
• Cafe Mexicali has free WiFi.

Not free [ edit ]

• McDonald's on the west side of College Ave. north of Drake offers 1 hr of free access with a purchase, or $2.95/hr otherwise.
• Barnes & Noble 4045 S College
• T-Mobile East Harmony Rd 238 East Harmony Rd

Go next [ edit ]

• Cheyenne , capital of Wyoming , is just across the border from Fort Collins, home of the world's largest outdoor rodeo
• The small community of Poudre Park offers some great panoramic views and mountainous quietude.

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This Colorado City Was the Inspiration for Disney's Main Street, U.S.A. — and It's Still As Enchanting As Ever

What to eat, do, and see in Fort Collins.

When Harper Goff, an illustrator and production designer for Walt Disney, was asked in 1951 to draw up plans for a section of the company's new California theme park, he thought back to his childhood home: Fort Collins, Colorado . Established as a military outpost in 1864, the town became a stopover for the stagecoaches and wagons headed west on the Overland Trail. By Goff's day, Fort Collins had grown into a quintessential American town — and its attractive Romanesque and Classical Revival buildings provided the perfect inspiration for Disneyland .

But FoCo, as the locals call it, isn't stuck in the past. The median age of its residents is 29, thanks in part to the campus of Colorado State University; new businesses, meanwhile, have introduced a youthful spirit. Here's how to explore the best of Fort Collins.

A Grown-up Grande Dame

The 1923 Armstrong Hotel was revamped in 2019, and its 54 rooms are now outfitted with burnished-brass beds and plush Persian rugs. Don't miss the vinyl-record library at Ace Gillett's , the subterranean supper club and lounge — and save time for a whirl around town on one of the hotel's cruiser bikes. Doubles from $239.

A Sophisticated Sweet Shop

The world's largest selection of single-origin chocolate is made at Nuance Chocolate , which roasts ethically sourced cacao beans in-house. Specialties include the wildflower honey and lavender truffle — made in collaboration with Colorado beekeepers — and the fiery Snake Bite, featuring añejo tequila from nearby distillery Leopold Bros.

An Epicurean HQ

A resuscitated 1905 feed store and grain elevator is now Ginger & Baker , a market-café-restaurant where you can get bison carpaccio, scratch-made pies (the quadruple coconut cream is exceptional), and a locally blended spiced chai that can be transformed into a "cheeky chai" with a shot of Baileys. Entrées $18–$48.

A Bakery With Pep in Its Step

Inside a former mechanic's garage on an old farm you'll find Bindle Coffee : a roastery with a bar made from rail-car floorboards and tables hewn from 1870s barnwood. Power up for the day with a lemon poppy cruffin (a buttery croissant-muffin hybrid) and a spot-on cortado.

A Hyper-local Beer Bar

Taste Colorado in a glass: 11 of the 13 beers at Stodgy Brewing Co. , including a caramelly Belgian Quad and a Mexican Lager, are made entirely from regional malts and hops. When renovating the former fireplace- and stove-repair business, the owners repurposed soapstone stove parts for the tile floors. The bar is made from the remains of black walnut trees that were found on the property.

An Urban Oasis

More than 300 butterfly species — including black malachites, bright orange Julias, and zebra longwings — flit through the new 1,700-square-foot greenhouse at the Gardens on Spring Creek . Keep an eye out for birds-of-paradise, angel's-trumpets, and the voodoo lilies that bloom once a year.

A version of this story first appeared in the July 2022 issue of Travel + Leisure under the headline The Happiest Place.

Related Articles

Fort Collins   Travel Guide

Why Go To Fort Collins

Fort Collins is possibly best-known as the home of Colorado State University , but it caters to visitors of all ages, not just the college set. Here, travelers can engage in the outdoor pursuits Colorado is famous for, including hiking and whitewater rafting. Biking is also big here, but it's not just for the trails. Locals usually hop on two wheels to get around the city, which has plenty of bike racks and designated bike lanes. Fort Collins' city-based offerings are just as diverse as its recreation. The city hosts events year-round ranging from foodie-focused festivals to family-friendly concert series. And those who want a taste of Colorado's brews need not worry. Fort Collins' craft beer scene outdoes the one of neighboring Denver , which sits about 65 miles south.

Find Flight and Hotel Deals

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Best of Fort Collins

Best hotels in fort collins.

• # 1 in Fort Collins Marriott
• # 2 in The Elizabeth Hotel, Autograph Collection
• # 3 in Hilton Fort Collins

Best Things to Do in Fort Collins

• # 1 in Horsetooth Reservoir
• # 2 in Cache la Poudre River
• # 3 in Fort Collins Breweries

Popular Tours

Guided 3-Hour Fort Collins Old Town Food Tour

(39 reviews)

from $ 85.00

Fort Collins Ghost Tour

(24 reviews)

from $ 28.00

Private Guided Hike and Scenic Drive near Fort Collins

(6 reviews)

from $ 80.00

Fort Collins Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best time to visit Fort Collins is from March to October. That being said, for a city that sees about 300 days of sunshine annually, there's not really a bad time to go. Temperatures in the spring and fall range from the mid-50s to the low 70s, making the weather perfect for exploring the great outdoors. Summer temperatures climb to the upper 80s, but Fort Collins' humidity stays pretty comfortable year-round, which means you won't have a problem splashing in the river or Horsetooth Reservoir after a nice hike. From November through February, highs rest in the low to mid-40s. If you travel during this time, you may be treated to some snow, so pack accordingly.  

What You Need to Know

Grab a bike Bicycling is a popular way to get around town. The city has special parking zones for bikes as well as bike lanes to help you get around.

Sample the food Fort Collins boasts more than 70 different food trucks selling everything from waffles to cookies to barbecue to hot dogs. The summertime Food Truck Rally is also a great place to try all your favorites.

Use Fort Collins as a home base Rocky Mountain National Park , Denver , and Cheyenne, Wyoming, are all within driving distance of Fort Collins. Any of these locations would make a great daytrip.

It's a college town Colorado State University's campus is about 2 miles southwest of downtown Fort Collins. On-site, there are several museums to explore as well as the school's trial garden , not to mention you can always attend a game during football, volleyball or basketball season.

How to Save Money in Fort Collins

Attend weekly events Both the Fort Collins Foodie Walk and the First Friday Art Walk are free events. If you happen to be in town during one of them, you'll have access to a full evening of activities without spending a dime.

Pitch a tent Horsetooth Reservoir , along with several other parks, have campsites and camper cabins available. If you're willing to rough it, you'll spend a fraction of what you'd pay for a hotel.

Take public transportation While a car will be useful to get you to surrounding natural areas, rental fees and parking fees downtown can add up. If you'll be sticking around town, try biking or taking the bus. A day pass for riding the bus costs $3 while a seven-day pass costs $10.

Horsetooth Reservoir is one of many places nearby Fort Collins where travelers can experience the great outdoors.

Explore More of Fort Collins

Things To Do

Best hotels.

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Home » Travel Guides » United States » Colorado (CO) » 15 Best Things to Do in Fort Collins (Colorado)

15 Best Things to Do in Fort Collins (Colorado)

Just east of the Rockies is this beautiful former frontier town, the old heart of which has hardly changed for more than a century. It’s a fabulous destination for some sightseeing, fine dining, shopping and nightlife.

Not just North Colorado’s cultural capital, Fort Collins today is a major beer town with 20 breweries, so if you’re a connoisseur you can spend your days on tours and sampling the great range of ales and beers that originate here.  In the foothills of the Rockies there are also some striking landscapes to cycle, hike or paddle through.

1. Historic Old Town

The handsome brick buildings of Fort Collins’ Old Town remain intact and a stroll along these streets will put you in the shoes of a 19th-century settler. In all there are 28 historic buildings to see, today housing cafes, boutiques and galleries.

If you’ve ever been to Disney World you’ll notice Fort Collins’ resemblance to Main Street USA, which was modelled on Fort Collins. One of Fort Collins’ ensemble of beautiful old buildings is the art deco Armstrong Hotel, built in 1923 and preserving its original interior fittings.

The Old Town is also sure to entice diners, with more than 80 restaurants spread across a few city blocks.

2. Anheuser Busch Brewery

There no doubt that Budweiser is one of the world’s most famous beer brands, even if it’s not strictly the world’s favourite beer.

Still, it’s a good idea to visit one of the brand’s largest breweries and distribution centres in America to experience the spectacle and scale of the corporation.

Fort Collins brews Budweiser for all the western and south-western states. You won’t need to book ahead to join general tour, but if you’re really curious about how Budweiser is made you can sign up early for the Beer Master Tour to sample the beer at each stage of its fermentation process.

3. Odell Brewing Company

It’s a good idea to reserve a place for a visit of this brewery in advance, but if you’re lucky you can simply turn up and make up the numbers in a group. Odell is the oldest craft brewery in Fort Collins and makes English-style ales that are served in restaurants and bars throughout the Rocky Mountains and south-western states.

Odell’s tap room is always a fun place to be, with live music throughout the week, and each day a different food cart pulls up to the patio outside.

These are provided by local restaurants so it’s a fine way to get a taste of Fort Collins’ culinary scene while you sip one of Odell’s eight different ales.

4. New Belgium Brewing Company

This famous brewery on the edge of the old town opens its doors seven days a week for tours or simply to serve its Belgian style brews. New Belgium is the third-largest craft brewery in America, distributing across the western and southern United States.

The tour takes 90 minutes, and will lead you through a brewery that employs more than 450 staff, creates $200 million in revenue and brews nine different beers. You’ll get the inside track on the brewing and fermentation process, and see huge conveyor belts in action at the bottling plant.

The tasting room is open daily until eight and has all nine year-round beers on tap, as well a number of limited edition brands.

5. Budweiser Events Center

If a major recording artist or comedian is coming to the Fort Collins area you can be certain that they’ll be performing at this arena a couple of miles away in Loveland.

In the winter the Ice Hockey season is also underway, and the Colorado Eagles call this venue home.  They play in the EHCL, which is the level below NHL, and despite only starting out in 2003 have won several division and conference titles.

You could also catch an Indoor American Football game in the spring and summer, when the Colorado Crush take part in the Intense Conference of the IFL (Indoor Football League).

6. Shopping

One thing that makes Fort Collins so liveable is the profusion of independent or locally-run shops downtown.

If quaint and quirky is your thing, try Curiosities, where they have curios and antiques, from old-fashioned toys to oddball home decorations.

The Cupboard is every foodie’s dream and has been in business for more than 45 years. It’s a kitchen shop, with almost everything a self-respecting chef could need. The store also includes an in-house kitchen where cookery classes are held in the evenings.

7. Fort Collins Museum of Discovery

This is a combination of two museums, one devoted to the natural and social history of Fort Collins and another introducing children to scientific principles in an entertaining way.

So you can get to know the natural history of the region and get an overview of the plants and animals of the local countryside, or see how Fort Collins developed from a military camp into the flourishing city you see today.

Kids can also find out everything they want to know about dinosaurs, or how light and colour function, with the help of hands-on experiments.

8. Hiking and Biking

The hiking routes in and near Fort Collins are as tough as you are. Within the city limits there’s patches of rugged country and the local trails are well-maintained and even cleared of snow in winter.

Just beyond the city you have the option of big adventures in the wilderness, or simple walks to local beauty spots for a picnic. Bikers are in luck in Fort Collins as the terrain is mostly easy-going and the city does all it can to provide an infrastructure for those on two wheels.

Of course, if you want to push yourself you can set a course for the hundreds of miles of trails that twist through the Roosevelt National Forest, just west of the city.

9. Horseback Riding

If you’re on holiday in Colorado there’s no excuse not to experience the backcountry on horseback the way real pioneers did in the 1800s.

One of the best local spots for this is Poudre Canyon, which isn’t as precarious as it sounds: These are mostly light riverside trails shaded by forest in the foothills of the Rockies a short way northwest of Fort Collins, and the walls of the gorge are easily accessed on foot or horseback.

There are three ranches around Poudre Canyon where you can a horse, or take part in organised trail rides.

10. Water sports

The Poudre is also great news for thrill-seekers: You can test your mettle on a white water rafting trip down class III-IV rapids. There are a couple of businesses in Fort Collins with the gear and knowhow to make this happen for you.

If you’ve already got some experience you can also try a single-seater vessel,by  paddle boarding or kayaking through these wild waters.

What completes the adventure is the scenery – many parts of the canyon have tall cliff-faces and deep pine forest comes down to the water’s edge.

11. Drala Mountain Center

An hour west of Fort Collins is this retreat that covers 600 acres in valley within the Rocky Mountains. People have been coming here for 40 years to study yoga and take part in 100 different programs that include mindfulness, body awareness, contemplative arts, meditation as well as the teachings of America’s indigenous cultures.

The centre offers a variety of accommodation with views out over wooded mountainsides.

The symbolic landmark here is the Great Stupa, 30 metres high and built to inspire compassion and peace.

12. Fort Fun

If the younger members of your group have ants in their pants then  Fort Fun is the best place to let them run wild for a few hours. The attraction has a mountain frontier theme and there’s plenty going on to keep kids entertained.

The centre has two mini golf courses, laser tag, a go-kart track, bumper cars, batting cages, a video arcade and several rides for smaller children (these are only open during the summer months).

Many of the games try to educate children about Fort Collins’ most noteworthy residents during the pioneer days.

It’s not called the Mile High City for no reason: If you visit Denver’s State Capitol building you’ll be exactly a mile above sea level when you reach the 13th step of the West Entrance.

Denver is a modern city that is still faithful to its frontier roots. Many of the older neighbourhoods like Highlands, Baker and Capitol Hill have been well looked-after and still have grand Victorian buildings. For an in-depth understanding of Native American art the Denver Art Museum has a collection of more than 16,000 items from 100 tribes across North America.

More in our Denver Guide .

14. Cheyenne

Hop over the border with Wyoming to see the state capital, a city of 50,000 amid sweeping natural landscapes of snow-capped peaks and Great Plains grasslands. Cheyenne was born in 1867, positioned where the Union Pacific Railroad would traverse Crow Creek.

Even today the city still is steeped in the Old West, especially during the Frontier Days Festival in July. This event goes right back to 1897 and is crammed with exhilarating rodeo action, paired with carnival fun and pancake breakfasts, saloons, a native American village and even a chuck wagon cook-off.

15 Best Things to Do in Fort Collins (Colorado):

• Historic Old Town
• Anheuser Busch Brewery
• Odell Brewing Company
• New Belgium Brewing Company
• Budweiser Events Center
• Fort Collins Museum of Discovery
• Hiking and Biking
• Horseback Riding
• Water sports
• Drala Mountain Center

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About Fort Collins

Situated at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, 60 miles north of Denver International airport, Fort Collins is home to fabulous recreational opportunities, diverse cultural attractions, a vibrant nightlife scene and  family fun . Experience world-class whitewater rafting on the nationally-designated “Wild and Scenic” Cache La Poudre River (the best whitewater rafting near Rocky Mountain National Park). Taste award-winning beers at one of 20 (and counting) local  breweries . Or, explore the fanciful creatures at the Swetsville Zoo with your family. Fort Collins prides itself on the plethora of  restaurants  and  outdoor activities , a picturesque downtown and of course, our beer. Fort Collins is always full of things to do, no matter the season. Explore the links above to find what you need, or take a look at our suggestions for things to see and do!

Fort Collins: Colorado’s Craft Beer Capital!

Visit  Anheuser-Busch  to learn how Budweiser is made, see the Clydesdales, and dive into the history of one of the longest-running brewing companies in the country.  Odell Brewing Company  was the first craft brewery established in Fort Collins and is going strong today with award-winners like 90 Shilling Ale and 5 Barrel Pale Ale. Visit their tasting room for some great beers, including a few experimental brews, and while you’re there pick up a t-shirt or two for your friends back home. 

If you’re in the mood for some classic American food with your beer, head over to  CB & Potts  or  CooperSmith’s Pub & Brewing  for delicious homemade dishes and even better beers. CooperSmith’s even makes their own root beer!

Lastly, “Follow your folly” over to  New Belgium Brewing Company , makers of regional favorite Fat Tire Amber Ale, and experience one of the most unique breweries in the industry. Known as much for their commitment to the environment as their great beers, New Belgium has won awards for both! One step into their tasting room and you will know that fun is the name of the game; if you’re lucky, you might get to take a ride on the twisty slide at the end of your tour.  Equinox Brewing  will give you the opportunity to not only taste the beer but also take the recipe home to make your own. Equinox sits adjacent to Hops & Berries, a Fort Collins home brew store. Find everything you need to create your own specialty brew! If you can’t decide which brewery to visit, try following our Foam on the Range Tour to get a taste of them all. Remember always to designate a driver and drink responsibly!

An Adventure in Arts & Culture

Old Town is full of shops and galleries featuring the work of local artists, craftsmen and photographers. Stroll around and meet them during a First Friday Art Walk (check the  calendar  for information). For the widest array of classical music and dance options, your vacation to Fort Collins should be planned between September and May. That’s when Canyon Concert Ballet, the  Fort Collins Symphony Orchestra , and the  CSU Department of Music, Theatre and Dance  all present their seasons.

Other choral and instrumental groups perform year-round, and summer brings a variety of performers out to street festivals, under the stars or over the lunch hour. All the world’s a stage – at least it seems like it in Fort Collins. A little light musical? A meal with your  entertainment ? Cutting-edge drama with nationally known visiting artists? Or an original drama performed by talented members of the  community ? The curtain goes up on it all, at venues ranging from  Bas Bleu Theatre , located in a reclaimed historic machine shop by the river, to the  Lincoln Center , Fort Collins’ premier arts venue. On any given Friday night, the center could be hosting a touring Broadway show, an original drama by a local playwright, two or three exhibits by local artists, and a fundraising event for a local non-profit. So you see, Fort Collins is the place to be when you want to add arts & culture to your vacation experience. Check it out today!

Honors and Awards

• No. 7, Safest Driving Cities: Allstate - June 2019
• No. 4, Best U.S. Cities to Raise a Family:  MarketWatch  - April 2019
• Best American Cities for Creatives:  Thrillist  - March 2019
• No. 9, Best Performing Cities: Milken Institute - Jan. 2019
• No. 10, Best Cities For Beer Drinkers:  Smart Asset  - Dec. 2018
• Best U.S. Places To Travel in 2019:  Forbes  - Dec. 2018
• No. 3, U.S. Cities with Highest Economic Confidence:  Yahoo  - Nov. 2018
• No. 2 Brain Concentration Index:  Bloomberg  - Nov. 2018
• A Overall Rating - Fort Collins Renters:  Apartment List  - July 2018
• No. 1 City in America for Cycling:  PeopleForBikes  - May 2018
• 14th Best Place to Live :  Livability.com   – Mar 2018
• 5th Best Performing City:  Miliken Institute  – Jan 2018
• 3rd Largest Reduction in Crime in Colorado(2012-2016):  ValuePenguin  – Nov 2017
• No. 4 Bloomberg Brain Index:  Bloomberg  – Oct 2017
• Best Places to Raise a Family in Colorado:  Elite Personal Finance  – Oct 2017
• 9th Best City to Raise a Family in Colorado:  WalletHub  – Sep 2017
• 18th Best City for Career Opportunities:  SmartAsset  – Sep 2017
• 3rd Best College Town to Live in Forever:  College Ranker  – Jul 2017
• 12th Best Midsize City for First-Time Home Buyers:  WalletHub  – Jul 2017
• No. 3 Best College Town to Live in Forever:  College Ranker  – Jul 2017
• 25 Best Towns Ever: Where to Live Now:  Outside Magazine   – Jun 2017
• 1st Stable and Growing Housing Market:  Realtor.com  – Jun 2017
• No. 1 Stable and Growing Housing Market:  Realtor.com  – Jun 2017
• No. 156 Best City for Summer Travel with Families:  lendedu  – Apr 2017
• No. 186 Best City for Staying in Shape:  lendedu  – Apr 2017
• 16th Best Place to Live:  Livability.com   – Mar 2017
• 11th Happiest City in America:  Yahoo! Finance  – Mar 2017
• Top 100 Best Cities to Start a Family:  lendedu  – Feb 2017
• No. 9 Top 150 Cities for Millennials Report:  Millennial Personal Finance  – Feb 2017
• No. 2 Best Cities for Small Business Owners:  ValuePenguin  – Feb 2017
• No. 17 Best Places to Buy a Forever Home:  Good Call  – Jan 2017
• No. 8 Best-Performing City:  Milken Institute  – Dec 2016
• Runner Friendly Community:  Road Runners Club of America  – Oct 2016
• No. 12 Best Midsize City in America for New College Graduates:  – Aug 2016
• Best Recreational/Travel Map Design:  Cartography and Geographic Information Society  – Apr 2016
• No. 4 Happiest City in America:  24/7 Wall St.   – Apr 2016

For a more extensive list of awards the city of Fort Collins has earned over the years please click  HERE .

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