Fort Collins is home to 70% of Colorado’s craft beer, did you know that? Aside from this amazing fact, Fort Collins has a lot to offer its visitors. From fun outdoor activities, hiking trails, wonderful architecture, and a great nightlife, Fort Collins is definitely a place worth visiting.
We’re starting off this list with one of the most beautiful attractions in Fort Collins. It lies in the foothills next to the city and does require an entrance and camping permit. However, it is well and truly worth it as the views are exquisite.
There are a variety of things you can do here, such as visiting nearby waterfalls and driving up the mountains in order to see some wonderful viewpoints.
If you’re really feeling adventurous, you can hike up to the highest point which is 7,256ft high. However, if your fitness levels aren’t up for it, you can just drive up there!
Fort Collins is home to the world’s only 1980s popular culture restaurant and museum, so visiting it is a must!
Here you’ll find an array of 80s pop memorabilia. As well as serving incredible pizza, this joint serves amazing ice-cold beer on tap, chicken wings, garlic Parmesan twists, and it even has its own salad bar!
There’s no better way to finish a day of exploring than by visiting this iconic establishment.
If you’re one who enjoys outdoor fun, then a visit to The Cache La Poudre River Canyon needs to be at the top of your list.
Here you can enjoy some amazing white water rafting, and there are three locations where you can do it. You can also hike in numerous areas here, and enjoy some cycling.
Therefore, if you’re after some thrilling outdoor activities, this is the spot for you.
Any history buffs will enjoy visiting the Fort Collins museum of discovery. Here you’ll be able to learn about all kinds of history to do with the area, as well as experiencing a music and sound lab!
There are all kinds of books, photographs, and materials that take you back through the ages of the local history.
All hiking enthusiasts will love Coyote Ridge. This area has 4.1 miles of trails, and an elevation of 600 feet.
The Coyote Ridge trail connects to several others, such as the Devil’s Backbone Open Space, and the Blue Sky Trail. You’ll be spoiled for choice here when it comes to choosing hiking trails!
If you’re in Fort Collins during the summer months, then you need to pay a visit to this open-air theater.
They show all kinds of modern and classic movies that you can enjoy outdoors in the warm, summer air. There’s also a great snack bar that offers a variety of bits you can nibble on while you enjoy some of your favorite movies.
This is the perfect first-date venue, and family outing!
If all the exploring has made you tired and in need of a sit down, then Pinball Jones is the place to go.
This underground space has several pinball machines that will transport you back in time! Over the years, they’ve managed to expand, and they now have all kinds of arcade games.
This is the perfect location for families, as parents can sit back and relax with a beer, while their kids tire themselves out with all the games on offer.
If you’d like some downtime during your stay in Fort Collins, where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the summer sun, then the City Park is the place to go.
This park is where you’ll find Sheldon Lake, a beautiful area where you can go fishing and just relax by the water. While visiting this spot is great during the summer, in the winter it doubles up as a fantastic ice rink!
There’s also City Park Lake Path, where you can go hiking, cycling, and running. There are all kinds of areas in City Park where you can find activities that suit the needs of everyone you’re on vacation with.
If you have a free afternoon with nothing to do, why not take a relaxing stroll down the Old Town of Fort Collins?
The red brick buildings are still intact, and you’ll be able to see all 28 historic buildings that are now home to several galleries, cafés, and boutique stores.
There are also over 80 fantastic restaurants to choose from in the Old Town. So, after you’re done exploring the beautiful area, you can stop for a bite to eat.
If you’re travelling with little ones, and they’ve got some energy they need to burn off, making a trip to fort fun is a good move.
Here, they can run wild for a while as there’s plenty to keep little kids entertained. They have the option of laser tag, go-karting, bumper cars, a video arcade, and even an array of rides for younger children.
As a bonus, a lot of the games include some educational qualities about Fort Collins, so you don’t need to feel guilty about letting them have too much fun.
The Shambhala Mountains lie around an hour west of Fort Collins. Nestled within the Rocky Mountains, this retreat takes over 600 acres of land.
You’ll find over 100 different kinds of programs here, all to do with body awareness, mindfulness, meditation, and educational programs about America’s indigenous cultures.
There’s also several kinds of accommodation to choose from with breathtaking views over the mountain range.
The Fort Collins Trolley ran from 1919 to 1951. Luckily, it was restored a few years ago and kept all of its vintage quirks.
Nowadays, it makes its way down the city with a double chime, and it makes for the perfect way to explore the different areas of the town, while having a unique, touristy experience.
The trolly is fully staffed with volunteers, so you’re supporting a good cause each time you buy a ticket! It makes a variety of stops in areas with shops, restaurants, and important landmarks, and you’re allowed to hop on and off as you please!
As an added bonus, you’ll receive an ice cream coupon at the end of your journey! This is the perfect activity to take part in if you have small kids, as they’ll love the ride and they’ll be kept entertained visiting all of the fun stops along the way!
If you’ve got a spare afternoon, then this is the perfect activity!
Final Thoughts
In summary, Fort Collins is a great place to visit, whether you’re travelling with friends, as a couple, or as a family with kids.
There are a variety of activities you can take part in, especially if you’re a fan of the outdoors as there are plenty of hiking trails and breathtaking sceneries to experience.
This article has provided you with a list of 15 of the best things you can do in Fort Collins. We hope it has given you some inspiration to book your next adventure there in Colorado!
