Summary
Located just east of the Rocky Mountains, Fort Collins is a picturesque former frontier town, whose historical core has maintained its charm for over a century. This city is an exceptional destination for sightseeing, dining, shopping, and nightlife.
Not only is Fort Collins regarded as North Colorado’s cultural capital, but it also stands out as a prominent beer town, boasting 20 breweries. Enthusiasts can spend their time on tours and tasting a wide array of crafted ales and beers. The surrounding foothills provide breathtaking landscapes ideal for cycling, hiking, or paddling.
1. Historic Old Town
The charming brick structures of Fort Collins’ Old Town remain well-preserved, allowing visitors to experience the ambiance of a 19th-century settlement. A total of 28 historic buildings now house cafes, boutiques, and galleries.
For those familiar with Disney World, the resemblance of Fort Collins to Main Street USA is significant—the iconic street was inspired by Fort Collins itself. Among these elegant historical buildings is the art deco Armstrong Hotel, constructed in 1923 and retaining its original interior features.
Additionally, Old Town offers a wide array of dining options, with over 80 restaurants situated within just a few blocks.
2. Anheuser Busch Brewery
Budweiser is undeniably one of the world’s best-known beer brands, despite not being heralded as the most favored globally. Therefore, visiting one of the largest breweries and distribution centers of the brand in the United States is a worthwhile experience, showcasing the impressive scale of the corporation.
Fort Collins produces Budweiser for all western and southwestern states. While there is no need to arrange a tour in advance for the general experience, those who are particularly interested in the brewing process may opt for the Beer Master Tour, which allows guests to sample beer at various stages of fermentation.
3. Odell Brewing Company
To ensure a spot at this brewery, it is advisable to reserve ahead. However, fortunate visitors may simply arrive and join an existing group. Odell Brewing Company is the oldest craft brewery in Fort Collins, renowned for its English-style ales that are served in various restaurants and bars across the Rocky Mountains and southwestern states.
The taproom at Odell’s is always lively, featuring live music throughout the week, while a different food cart from local restaurants visits the patio daily. This offers an excellent opportunity to savor Fort Collins’ culinary delights alongside Odell’s diverse selection of ales.
4. New Belgium Brewing Company
This notable brewery, located near the historic town center, welcomes visitors for tours seven days a week. New Belgium Brewing Company ranks as the third-largest craft brewery in the United States, distributing beers throughout the western and southern regions.
A typical brewery tour lasts around 90 minutes, providing insight into the operations of a facility that employs over 450 individuals, generates $200 million in revenue, and produces nine distinct beers. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the brewing and fermentation processes, observing extensive conveyor belt systems in the bottling area.
The tasting room operates daily until 8 PM, offering all nine year-round beers on tap, along with several exclusive limited-edition selections.
5. Budweiser Events Center
When a major recording artist or comedian is scheduled to perform in the Fort Collins area, you can be assured the event will take place at this arena, located a few miles away in Loveland. During winter, the Colorado Eagles, a professional ice hockey team, call this venue home, competing in the EHCL—a tier below the NHL—and have secured several division and conference titles since their inception in 2003.
In the spring and summer months, visitors can also enjoy Indoor American Football games featuring the Colorado Crush as they compete in the Intense Conference of the IFL (Indoor Football League).
6. Shopping
One characteristic that contributes to the livability of Fort Collins is the abundance of independent and locally-owned shops downtown.
If you have an appreciation for unique and quirky items, Curiosities offers an eclectic mix of curios and antiques, ranging from vintage toys to unusual home décor. The Cupboard, a culinary haven operating for over 45 years, is a comprehensive kitchen shop providing nearly everything a chef might desire, along with an in-house kitchen that hosts cooking classes in the evenings.
7. Fort Collins Museum of Discovery
This establishment incorporates two distinct museums: one focused on the natural and social history of Fort Collins, and another aimed at engaging children with scientific principles in an enjoyable manner.
Visitors can explore the local natural history, learn about the flora and fauna of the area, and understand how Fort Collins evolved from a military encampment into the thriving city it is today. Children can also satisfy their curiosity regarding dinosaurs and the principles of light and color through hands-on experiments.
8. Hiking and Biking
Fort Collins features a variety of hiking trails that cater to varying levels of difficulty. Within the city limits, there are patches of rugged terrain, and the local trails are well-maintained and even cleared of snow during winter.
For those seeking adventure, the nearby wilderness offers expansive opportunities, as well as tranquil walks to picturesque spots ideal for a picnic. Biking is also popular in Fort Collins, with the terrain being generally accommodating, and the city striving to establish a robust infrastructure for cyclists.
For those looking to challenge themselves, a well-established network of trails meanders through the Roosevelt National Forest situated just west of the city.
9. Horseback Riding
Experiencing the Colorado backcountry on horseback is an opportunity not to be missed, allowing you to immerse yourself in the same manner as the pioneers of the 1800s.
Poudre Canyon is among the top local spots for horseback riding, offering relatively gentle riverside trails shaded by forests in the foothills of the Rockies, a short distance northwest of Fort Collins. The gorge is easily accessible both on foot and by horseback.
There are three ranches in the vicinity of Poudre Canyon that provide horseback riding opportunities and organized trail rides.
10. Water Sports
The Poudre River presents exciting opportunities for adrenaline seekers, offering challenging white-water rafting experiences on class III-IV rapids, with local companies equipped to provide the necessary gear and expertise.
For those with prior experience, options for single-passenger activities such as paddle boarding or kayaking through the turbulent waters are available.
The picturesque scenery of the canyon, characterized by towering cliffs and lush pine forests extending to the water’s edge, only enhances the experience.
11. Drala Mountain Center
Situated one hour west of Fort Collins, the Drala Mountain Center encompasses 600 acres in a valley within the Rocky Mountains. This retreat has hosted individuals for 40 years, providing a venue to study yoga and engage in various programs focusing on mindfulness, body awareness, contemplative arts, meditation, and teachings from America’s indigenous cultures.
The center offers a range of accommodations, all featuring views of the scenic mountainside. The symbolic centerpiece is the Great Stupa, standing at 30 meters high, designed to promote compassion and tranquility.
12. Fort Fun
For energetic youngsters, Fort Fun is the ideal destination to expend their energy in a fun-filled atmosphere. The attraction features a mountain frontier theme, providing a myriad of activities to keep children engaged.
Fort Fun includes two mini-golf courses, laser tag, a go-kart track, bumper cars, batting cages, a video arcade, and rides designed specifically for younger children, available exclusively during the summer months.
Additionally, many of the games aim to educate children about the notable figures from Fort Collins’ pioneering history.
13. Denver
Denver, often referred to as the Mile High City, offers a unique perspective—visitors can stand precisely one mile above sea level at the 13th step of the West Entrance to the State Capitol building.
This modern city retains its frontier heritage, as evidenced by well-preserved older neighborhoods such as Highlands, Baker, and Capitol Hill, featuring majestic Victorian architecture. For those interested in Native American art, the Denver Art Museum houses an impressive collection of over 16,000 items representing 100 tribes from across North America.
14. Cheyenne
Just a hop over the Wyoming border lies Cheyenne, the state capital and a city of 50,000 surrounded by sweeping landscapes, including snow-capped peaks and expansive Great Plains grasslands. Founded in 1867, Cheyenne was strategically placed along the route of the Union Pacific Railroad crossing Crow Creek.
The city remains steeped in Old West traditions, particularly during the Frontier Days Festival held each July. This event, which has its origins dating back to 1897, features an exciting rodeo, carnival attractions, pancake breakfasts, saloons, a Native American village, and even a chuck wagon cook-off.
