Fort Collins, Colorado, is a bustling city with plenty of things to do. From breweries and shops to the gorgeous Rocky Mountain National Park, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a list of just some of the things you can experience in Fort Collins.
Horsetooth Mountain Open Space and Reservoir
Horsetooth Mountain Open Space is a popular destination for hikers, bikers, and runners. It’s also home to the Horsetooth Reservoir, which you can tour via kayak or standup paddleboard. Park amenities include picnic areas, restrooms, water fountains, paved trails, parking lots, and equestrian staging areas. Dogs are allowed off-leash on designated trails but must remain under voice control.
Gardens on Spring Creek
Gardens on Spring Creek consists of six unique gardens located along the banks of Spring Creek. Each garden has its own personality, ranging from a desert-type environment to an English cottage garden, and many are home to local wildlife. The gardens surround an environmental learning center.
Lory State Park
Lory State Park is located six miles west of Fort Collins. The park offers family activities like camping, picnics, disc golf, hiking, fishing, boating (permitted use), water skiing (10 MPH speed limit), and swimming. Dogs are allowed off-leash on trails marked with a green circle but must remain under voice control.
Fort Collins Museum of Discovery
Built in 1905, the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery is a historic landmark. The museum features 13 exhibit galleries and a variety of children’s activities. Visitors can also experience an IMAX movie in the Boyd Earth Theater, participate in a science experiment at the hands-on laboratory station, or check out an interactive display about local wildlife or history at one of six Kid City exhibits.
Museum of Art Fort Collins
Museum of Art Fort Collins features art galleries and a sculpture garden. The museum’s permanent collection includes pieces from the Italian Renaissance to contemporary art, and it hosts lectures and live music. Kids can participate in family workshops and drop-in activities like Saturday Cinematheque and outdoor festivals.
Breweries & Distilleries
Fort Collins is home to over 20 breweries and distilleries, including New Belgium Brewing Company (the fourth-largest craft brewer in the nation).
Odell Brewing Company (a nationally known brewery recognized for its sustainable business practices) Coopersmith’s Pub & Brewing (Colorado’s first brewpub),
Equinox Brewing (located in the historic 1933 Old Firehouse Building on Mountain), Black Bottle Brewery (an award-winning brewery in the heart of Old Town), and Jessup Farm Barrel House (a craft brewery taproom).
You can also tour at least two local distilleries: Peach Street Distillers, which offers tours every Friday and Saturday to see how fruit brandy is made, and Fort Collins Distilling Company, which has a tasting room with spirits like Moonshine 99 Whiskey.
Shopping in Fort Collins, Colorado
Shopping in Fort Collins is a breeze, with several shopping malls and popular stores conveniently located throughout the city. Find fashion, furniture, home goods, and more. Check out the Foothills Shopping Mall, Front Range Village, Old Town Square, The Square, and Fort Collins Marketplace.
The Foothills shopping mall is a go-to spot for retail therapy with a mix of local and national brands, including Macy’s, American Eagle Outfitters, Banana Republic, Dicks Sporting Goods, Hollister Co., HomeGoods, JC Penney, Panera Bread Company, Pottery Barn Teen, Sephora, Starbucks Coffee Company, Sunglass Hut International, and Victoria’s Secret.
The Square, Front Range Village, and Old Town Square all offer an eclectic mix of locally-owned boutiques and popular national stores for shopping on the go. Find anything from men’s wear to office supplies at The Exchange, complete your formal wardrobe with tuxedo rentals at Bow Ties Forever, or pick up novelty gifts and more at Art of Old Town.
Fort Collins Marketplace, located on the south end of town in a strip mall, is a small outdoor market with a variety of stalls and shops featuring local arts and crafts, handmade gifts, unique collectibles, produce from Colorado farms, floral arrangements, baked goods, gourmet food items, accessories for home and garden, and more.
Dining
No matter what you’re craving, whether it’s a casual cafe or a fine dining experience, Fort Collins has a menu to tickle your tastebuds and satisfy your hunger. With hundreds of restaurants to choose from, you won’t go hungry.
Check out Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar, Rainbow Restaurant for breakfast and lunch, Tasty Harmony for vegetarian cuisine, or Rodizio Grill Brazilian Steakhouse.
Golf
There’s always an occasion to hit the greens and tee-off for a relaxing day of outdoor recreation. There are several places to get your golf game on in Fort Collins, including Fort Collins Country Club, Colindale Golf Course, Southridge Golf Course, and City Park Nine Golf Course.
Classic Fun
To catch the latest blockbuster hit with hot popcorn, a cold drink, and something to satisfy your sweet tooth, check out Cinemark Movie Bistro and XD or AMC Classic Fort Collins move theaters.
Put on your bowling shoes and hit the lanes at Chipper’s Horsetooth Lanes. Or, slip into some roller skates and take to the rink at Rollerland Skate Center. Spend a few hours at the Fort Fun Family Fun Center or Fort Collins Laser Tag.
Team up with your friends and loved ones to face the challenge of an escape room game at The Markey Escape Rooms.
Conclusion
You can have a fantastic time in Fort Collins, Colorado. Whether you are looking for outdoor adventures or relaxing with some shopping and dining, this city offers it all! With all the things to do in Fort Collins, Colorado, there’s never a dull moment.
For more information about living in Fort Collins, contact your local real estate agent today.
