Top 15 Activities and Attractions in Fort Lupton, Colorado

Fort Lupton is a city home to approximately 9,000 individuals, situated in north-central Colorado’s Weld County.

This city is conveniently located a few miles east of Interstate 25, positioned almost equidistantly between downtown Denver to the south and Fort Collins to the north.

To the west lies some of Colorado’s largest national parks and premier ski resorts, while the east features expansive prairie land extending into neighboring Kansas.

Many travelers appreciate the ease of day trips to nearby cities and towns such as Longmont, Thornton, and Brighton, which are all within a short driving distance.

Here are 15 recommended activities to experience in and around Fort Lupton, Colorado.

1. Coyote Creek Golf Course

Featuring 18 beautiful holes, the par-71 Coyote Creek Golf Course is a local favorite, covering nearly 6,500 yards, appealing to both skilled golfers and beginners.

Past visitors have commented that the course offers a rewarding challenge, with picturesque views and well-maintained greens and fairways, establishing it as essential for avid golfers.

For women, seniors, and children who prefer not to play from the men’s tees, there are several shorter tee options available that greatly decrease the overall distance.

As a municipal facility, Coyote Creek Golf Course rivals many private clubs in quality; consequently, tee times are often quickly filled during peak hours.

2. Pearson Park

Renowned for its accessibility and extensive on-site activities, Pearson Park is a leading destination for outdoor enthusiasts and sports aficionados seeking economical options.

The park includes amenities such as baseball and softball fields, biking trails, and walking paths, along with an elevated area providing stunning panoramic views of Fort Lupton.

Situated along the picturesque banks of the South Platte River, Pearson Park is a prime location for bird watchers, showcasing various species including common jays, woodpeckers, owls, and migratory birds.

The park’s recreation center hosts numerous annual events, particularly during the Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year periods.

3. Chavez Mexican Food

Chavez Mexican Food, located on 5th Street in downtown Fort Lupton, is often overlooked, yet patrons consistently rate it highly for its freshness, portion sizes, and overall value.

This restaurant, affectionately known as a “hole in the wall”, may not be the lowest-priced Mexican option in the vicinity; however, many seasoned diners regard its menudo, tortas, and tacos as exceptional.

Chavez Mexican Food generally closes shortly after the lunch hours, so it is advisable to visit between 11 AM and 1 PM to fully enjoy the offerings.

4. House of Smoke

Rumor has it that the House of Smoke, located on Denver Avenue in Fort Lupton, reportedly smokes more turkey than any other establishment in the state. This statement holds weight given Colorado’s wealth of wild and farm-raised turkeys.

Their menu offers an array of other smoked meats, including beef, buffalo, and house-made sausage.

Some perennial favorites include generous barbecue sandwiches and tacos crafted with buffalo. Many guests prefer to take their meals home, so it’s advisable to call in advance to expedite the order process.

5. Railroad Park

Railroad Park is conveniently situated in downtown Fort Lupton, just east of Denver Avenue and north of 1st Street.

Covering nearly nine acres, the park features open spaces and various sports facilities, including baseball and softball fields, basketball and volleyball courts, along with horseshoe pits for those who prefer low-intensity recreation.

Many visitors enjoy leisurely strolls or picnics under the shade. During weekends and late afternoons on weekdays, there are adult and children’s sports leagues available for spectators to enjoy at no cost.

6. Barr Lake State Park

Barr Lake State Park can be found in Brighton, located just a brief drive south of Fort Lupton along US Route 85.

Spanning nearly 3,000 acres, this park has become a favored destination for outdoor enthusiasts since it was established in the mid-1970s.

Visitors may explore over a dozen miles of trails that meander along the lake’s shore and into the park’s inland areas. According to dedicated bird watchers, the park is home to over 300 bird species.

For anglers, the lake is abundant with vibrant game fish including rainbow trout, bass, and tiger muskies that can grow to impressive sizes.

7. Brighton Oasis Family Aquatic Park

Brighton Oasis Family Aquatic Park is a community facility and one of the newest recreational attractions in the area.

Among its features are water slides, wave pools, a basketball court designed for water use, and a shallow pool suited for families with young children.

While primarily designed for children who love water activities, adult-specific areas are also available for swimming laps without disturbances from children’s play.

Non-aquatic amenities include shaded picnic areas, a climbing wall, and rental rooms suitable for hosting birthday celebrations. The park is closed from fall through spring, so verify availability before planning a visit.

8. Denver Premium Outlets

During the spring, summer, and early fall, Colorado often enjoys ideally moderate weather, whereas winter tends to favor more indoor engagements.

The Denver Premium Outlets, located on Grant Street in Thornton, feature a wide array of national and international brand retailers, such as Coach, Kate Spade, Under Armour, and GAP.

While designer and children’s fashion are the main attractions, the outlets also offer electronics, jewelry, footwear, and a diverse range of dining choices from fast food to sushi, Philadelphia-style cheesesteaks, and Italian cuisine.

9. Colorado Clays Shooting Park

Since the Wild West era, firearms have significantly factored into the development of Colorado.

Colorado Clays Shooting Park is located between Lupton Park and Denver on Lanewood Street in Brighton, operated as a family-run establishment providing an exceptional shooting experience suitable for individuals of varying ages and skill levels.

The park offers shotgun options including skeet and trap shooting, as well as rifle and handgun ranges from 25 to 100 yards.

The expansive facilities are overseen by professional range masters to guarantee a safe and enjoyable experience for all. For those without firearms, rental options are available on-site.

10. 4 Noses Brewing

The metro Denver region boasts a plethora of local microbreweries, and for enthusiasts of craft beer, the choices seem infinite.

4 Noses Brewing, located on West 116th Circle in Broomfield, offers a continuously rotating selection of 20 beers on tap, including light lagers, hoppy IPAs, creamy stouts, and fruit-infused ales.

Indoor and outdoor seating options are available, with the outdoor area particularly favored during the pleasant weather of spring, summer, and early fall.

While 4 Noses does not have its own kitchen, there are numerous food trucks available daily on-site.

11. Springvale Park Disc Golf Course

Disc golf provides an enjoyable and cost-effective alternative to traditional golf, particularly appealing to children who find golf’s formalities to be somewhat tedious.

For those unfamiliar with the game, disc golf mirrors golf; however, instead of striking a ball with a club, players throw a disc similar to a Frisbee into a basket.

The Springvale Park Disc Golf Course, located on Holly Street in Thornton, is adjacent to the picturesque Marshall Lake, offering breathtaking vistas, especially at sunrise and sunset.

The course boasts ample parking and open areas suitable for both exercise and picnicking.

12. Broomfield Auditorium and Gallery

The Broomfield Auditorium and Gallery serves as a prominent venue for arts and entertainment, accommodating nearly 300 attendees.

Throughout the year, the auditorium hosts a diverse array of productions, including theater performances, dance, live music, and comedic acts.

This facility is equipped with advanced lighting and sound systems, featuring more than 50 balcony seats for those seeking a distinctive vantage point during performances.

Managed by the local art guild, the gallery showcases an impressive collection of contemporary art, featuring numerous pieces from local and regional artists. It is advisable to consider advance ticket purchases for popular shows to avoid potential sellouts.

13. Ron Stewart Preserve at Rabbit Mountain

Covering nearly 3,000 acres of natural Colorado terrain just outside Longmont, the Ron Stewart Preserve at Rabbit Mountain is teeming with wildlife.

Commonly spotted animal species along the preserve’s trails include prairie dogs, bobcats, and black bears, along with an abundance of bird species.

The preserve features numerous trails typically less than two miles in length, many of which form convenient loops, making them ideal for beginner trekkers who prefer not to navigate unfamiliar landscapes.

This area offers exceptional opportunities to capture stunning landscapes, particularly during sunset when the views over the mountains are remarkable.

14. The Dougherty Museum

The Dougherty Museum, established in Longmont by a local farmer and vintage car enthusiast in 1977, showcases an impressive assemblage of historic and antique automobiles, many of which have been meticulously restored.

The museum operates seasonally from June to August, featuring numerous automobiles from now-defunct manufacturers such as Stanley and Packard.

In addition to automobiles, the collection includes a fascinating assortment of historical memorabilia, including household items and horse-drawn transportation like carriages. Admission is reasonably priced, and most visitors allocate approximately one hour for touring.

15. St. Vrain Cidery

In recent decades, cideries, much like craft breweries and distilleries, have significantly increased in number and popularity within the adult beverage sector.

Also located in Longmont, St. Vrain Cidery was founded in 2015, primarily producing American-style ciders that are typically dry, with various fruity flavors such as guava and key lime.

The taproom operates from Wednesday through Sunday during the afternoons and early evenings, providing a selection of seasonal ciders, sourced from both its production and other Colorado cider makers.

Special events are frequently hosted, including live music, game nights, and yoga classes.