Fort Collins is a town in northern Colorado, at the foot of the Rocky Mountains and home to Colorado State University. It’s an hour’s drive from Denver, with sunny summers, snowy winters, and year-round appeal for outdoorsy travelers.
1.
Hike Horsetooth Mountain
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Horsetooth Mountain is a hiking area in the foothills just west of town, offering 29 miles of trails for all ability levels. It’s a spot for hiking, biking, and horseback riding when the weather is warm. Throughout the trails, you’ll see mountain vistas. Bring your camera.
2.
Explore The Fort Collins Museum Of Discovery
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This interactive museum has immersive exhibits on science, history, and culture. Kids can learn about wildlife, local history, and music. The museum houses the 360-degree OtterBox Digital Dome Theater. The Museum of Discovery hosts events and programs, so check their calendar. It’s a good activity for cold or snowy days.
3.
Stroll Through Old Town Fort Collins
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Old Town Square has preserved historic buildings and walkways, made more beautiful by snow in winter. It’s often compared to Disneyland’s Main Street USA. You’ll find local shops and restaurants. The town hosts a monthly Foodie Walk and Gallery Walk in Old Town. When the weather is pleasant, Old Town hosts outdoor concerts and music festivals.
4.
Go Boating On The Horsetooth Reservoir
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Horsetooth Reservoir was developed in the early 20th century to combat frequent droughts. At the Inlet Bay Marina, you can rent gear for kayaking, sailing, water skiing, or paddle boating. Summer weather is relatively mild. The reservoir is also popular for fishing and swimming.
5.
See A Live Show
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Fort Collins offers many opportunities to see live music and performances. Summer concert series include Bohemian Nights, Downtown Summer Sessions, and the Lagoon Concert Series. Colorado State University’s theatre and dance programs perform regularly. West of town, the Mishawaka amphitheater sits on the Poudre River, with a scenic atmosphere for live music.
6.
Take A Brewery Tour
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Fort Collins has one of the best craft beer scenes in the US, with over 20 independent breweries. The best known is New Belgium Brewing Company; other spots include Equinox, Black Bottle, Horse and Dragon, Purpose Brewing, and Funkwerks. Many breweries are within walking distance of each other. When the weather is warm, you can join a brewery bike tour.
7.
Bring The Kids To Fort Fun
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Photo by Waldemar Brant on Unsplash[/caption]
This rec center and amusement park offers mini-golf, go-karts, laser tag, bumper boats, a giant slide, arcade games, and escape rooms. Many activities are included in the $25 day pass; the games that are not included are still affordable. You can enjoy outdoor activities in summer or stay indoors when the weather is cold. There’s enough to keep kids entertained all day.
8.
Go Backcountry Camping In Lory State Park
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Photo by Dan Gribbin on Unsplash[/caption]
Lory State Park, just outside of town near Horsetooth Reservoir, is a destination for backcountry camping. While there are no dedicated camping sites, the park offers hiking and mountain biking trails that aren’t too difficult for beginners. For rock climbers, there are bouldering routes and some rope climbing routes. Check Fort Collins weather and get a camping pass before heading out.
9.
Take A Historic Trolley
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The Fort Collins Municipal Railway runs a historic trolley from City Park to Downtown Fort Collins. This was an actual line that ran from the 1920s to the 1950s. Volunteers have restored the car. The trolley runs on summer weekend afternoons and holidays, weather permitting.
10.
Visit An Art Or Culture Museum
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Fort Collins offers several unique museums. The Fort Collins Museum of Art is located downtown and features rotating exhibits. Colorado State University is home to the Gregory Allicar University Museum of Art and the Avenir Museum of Design and Merchandising. The Global Village Museum covers global history and culture. To learn about local history, tour the Avery House, a historic home built in the 19th century for one of the city’s influential developers. These are all good options for rainy or snowy days.
With so many things to do in Fort Collins, CO, you’ll enjoy your visit. Denver’s airport is only an hour away, with shuttles running to and from the area. If you have more time, you can explore these fun things to do in Glenwood Springs in Colorado. While Fort Collins weather can fluctuate, the town keeps roads open even in snow. From family-friendly experiences to lively nights out, there are things to do in Fort Collins for everybody. Interested in more outdoor adventures? Check out these great rock climbing places in the US.
Related travel guides: Where To Apply For A Passport In Colorado.
