The Best Things to Do in Fort Collins, Colorado
As CU’s archrival, as much as I wanted to dislike Fort Collins for being enemy territory for me, it really felt like the Boulder of the north and as much as I hate to admit it, was another amazing college town ideal for a quick trip to the mountains. Filled with thriving craft breweries and beautiful natural landscapes just an hour north of Denver, Fort Collins is an amazing option for a short weekend away to experience another amazing Colorado town or a quick stopover if you’re on your way north to Wyoming.
Regardless of where your interests lie, there are loads of things to do in Fort Collins. You can work up a sweat hiking the Cache La Poudre River Canyon, cool off with locally crafted beer from New Belgium, and spend a relaxing night at the artsy Elizabeth Hotel. Ready to have a choose your own adventure in Fort Collins? Here’s what to eat, play, stay, and do.
What to Do in Fort Collins
Beat the Heat at Horsetooth Reservoir
If you’re looking to get out into nature, Horsetooth Reservoir is definitely one of the best things to do in Fort Collins. This 1,900-acre reservoir has just about every nature-based activity you could dream of. While there, you can swim, scuba dive, fish, water ski, stand up paddle board, sail, and boat. And if you’d like to stay dry, you can hike, mountain bike, horseback ride, or even boulder.
Make Science Entertaining at the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery
Science classes in school were difficult for the best of us. And part of the reason for that is because those classes usually weren’t engaging. The Fort Collins Museum of Discovery remedies that problem.
While at this exciting museum, you can interact with the hands-on exhibits, hold friendly creatures during animal encounters, and watch captivating shows in the 360-degree Otterbox Digital Dome Theater. With just one visit to Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, you’ll learn more than you did in an entire week in a typical science class.
Meander Old Town
With its historic brick buildings and adorable shops, you can easily spend hours exploring Old Town. As a matter of fact, it might already look a little familiar to you, because it was used as the inspiration for Disneyland’s Main Street!
There are so many amazing spots to visit during your time in Old Town. You can pop into the historic Armstrong Hotel, admire the public art installations, listen to live music, or dine at one of the 80 local restaurants.
Explore the Cache la Poudre River Canyon
The Cache la Poudre River Canyon is a natural gem. With a meandering river and greenery-laden canyon walls, it’s quite a sight to see. As a matter of fact, it’s so beautiful that it’s the only nationally designated Wild and Scenic River.
While at Cache la Poudre River Canyon, you’ll find miles of hiking and biking paths. The Greyrock Trail and the Hewlett Gulch Trail are both crowd favorites. But if that’s not your style, you can head into the water and swim, kayak, or whitewater raft.
And in the winter, there’s a whole new set of activities for you to enjoy at Cache la Poudre River Canyon, including cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing.
Say Hello the Butterflies at the Gardens on Spring Creek
The Gardens on Spring Creek was already an amazing place to visit with its many beautiful, thriving gardens. With everything from the flowering foothills garden to the cactus-filled undaunted garden to the unique garden, it was already one of the best things to do in Fort Collins.
Then, in 2019, they added the Butterfly House. This 1,500 square foot glass building is home to over 300 butterflies, including monarchs, swallowtails, and longwings! There are even informative displays that teach you all about the lifecycle of a butterfly – from a caterpillar to a chrysalis to the gorgeous butterflies fluttering all around you!
Have a Painted Piano Scavenger Hunt
One of the quirkiest things to do in Fort Collins is search for the Pianos About Town. There are over 100 painted pianos that are rotated and spread throughout Fort Collins. Feel free to plop down on the provided bench or chair and play one of your favorite tunes! And if you’re not musically inclined, just hang around for a little bit – someone will likely stop to play a song or two.
Admire the Beauty of CSU’s Annual Flower Trial Garden
If the flowers at the Gardens on Spring Creek weren’t enough for you, CSU’s Annual Flower Trial Garden certainly will be! The purpose of this garden is to teach people that it is possible to grow lovely plants in the Rocky Mountains and show them how to do so!
When you visit, you’ll be able to stroll through rows and rows of beautiful flowers! This patchwork of bright, blooming color is picture-perfect. And since the research is constantly ongoing, this garden will look a little different each time you visit!
See Why It’s the Craft Brewery Capital of Colorado
Fort Collins is home to more than 20 breweries, which collectively produce nearly 70 percent of Colorado’s craft beer and 7 percent of the nation’s rations, which is an insane amount of alcohol if you think about it.
One of the most famous breweries in Fort Collins is the Anheuser Busch Brewery, simply because Budweiser is one of the most well-known beer brands in the world. While there, you can take a tour of the facility and even try a few samples.
But it’s the smaller breweries that really make Fort Collins’ beer scene special. New Belgium Brewing Company, Odell Brewing Company, Zwei Brewing Co., and Maxline Brewing are all some of the best bars in Fort Collins, and they’re all definitely worth a visit.
Where to Eat in Fort Collins
Start Your Day at Lucile’s Creole Cafe
With loads of things to do in Fort Collins, you’ll want to make sure you start your day with a tasty meal and loads of energy. Lucile’s Creole Cafe is locally known as one of the best breakfast spots in town and we don’t play around when it comes to brunch. You can get a much needed java jolt before indulging in one of the crowd favorites, such as the fluffy beignets, the delicious eggs benedict, or the spicy Cajun breakfast.
Enjoy a Farm-to-Table Feel at The Farmhouse at Jessup Farm
Situated in a deep red 19th century farmhouse, the atmosphere at The Farmhouse at Jessup Farm is just as amazing as the food. While it is no longer a traditional farm, the large backyard and chicken coop still give this Fort Collins restaurant a farm feel. You really can’t go wrong with what you order at The Farmhouse at Jessup Farm. From the pork belly benny to the farmhouse burger to the fried chicken sandwich, you definitely won’t be disappointed.
Splurge a Little at The Emporium
Situated in the lovely Elizabeth Hotel, The Emporium is definitely one of the best restaurants in Fort Collins. With marble countertops, leather seats, and a swanky atmosphere, you’ll feel the elegance of this American brasserie. Try the vegetable orecchiette, the grilled fennel Berkshire pork chop, or the country meatloaf with elk, beef, and pork.
Where to Stay in Fort Collins
Splurge at The Elizabeth Hotel, Autograph Collection
This 164-room boutique hotel is undoubtedly one of the best places to stay in Fort Collins. As a matter of fact, quite a few celebrities, including Maggie Gyllenhaal, have stayed here. But The Elizabeth Hotel’s claim to fame is its focus on the arts. You can play some of the finest instruments in existence at the instrument lending library, listen to up-and-coming musicians at Magic Rat, and admire the paintings done by local artists.
Relax at the Fort Collins Marriott
With amazing amenities, a prime location, and international brand recognition, the Fort Collins Marriott is a tried and true staple. You can take a dip in the pool, work out at the state-of-the-art gym, grab a drink at Falls Bar, and delight in delicious dishes at Copper Creek Restaurant. And when you leave the premises, you’ll be near many of the best Fort Collins attractions, including Old Town and Colorado State University.
Embrace Historic Fort Collins at the Armstrong Hotel
The Armstrong Hotel is a historic landmark in Fort Collins. When it first opened in 1923, it was the tallest building in town! And ever since then, it’s had quite the storied past. It housed American soldiers during World War II, served as the home of the first Chapter of the American Automobile Association, and even closed in the early 2000s. Luckily, a couple of local entrepreneurs wanted to keep the spirit alive and reopened the Armstrong a few years later. Today, you can take advantage of amazing amenities like the supreme spa and Ace Gillet’s cocktail lounge before retreating to a thoughtfully appointed room that’s a little friendlier on the wallet (read: good for a budget).
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About the Author: Sarah Etinas is a travel writer based on the beautiful island of Oahu, Hawaii. When she’s not enjoying the stunning beaches and hikes of her home island, she’s going on exciting adventures all around the world. You can keep up with her travel experiences on her website, Borders & Bucket Lists.
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