Fort Collins, Colorado, is a charming city known for its rich history and stunning landscapes.
The city, located in the Northern Colorado, was founded in 1864 as a military outpost during the Civil War.
It’s primary purpose was to defend the Overland Trail.
Before that it was inhabited by Native Americans including the Ute and Arapaho tribes for several hundreds of years.
After the war, it developed as a railroad town and relied primarily on agriculture.
Today, it is home to the Colorado State University and at its core a college town!
The city’s historic downtown area still remains the center of activities with its locally-owned shops and restaurants.
The nearby Rocky Mountain National Park has incredible vistas and a wide range of outdoor activities including hiking, camping, mountain biking, and fishing.
With all its attractions, Fort Collins makes an excellent weekend getaway in the Northern Colorado area.
Here is an ultimate guide to the best attractions in Fort Collins, Colorado.
Also Read: 20 Best Day Trip Ideas from Fort Collins
Best Things to do in Fort Collins, Colorado
Located just an hour north of Denver, Fort Collins is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with easy access to hiking, biking, horseback riding, and skiing in the Rocky Mountains.
Other popular attractions include the Horsetooth Reservoir, Colorado State University, and the plethora of microbreweries.
Did you know, Fort Collins is popularly called FoCo – especially by the younger population.
Here are the best things to do in Fort Collins, Colorado on your next trip.
Explore the brick buildings and tree lined streets of Old Town Fort Collins
Old Town Fort Collins is the heart of the city.
It is centered around College Avenue and a must for anyone visiting Fort Collins.
In this neighborhood, you will find historic brick buildings from the late 19th century still preserved in excellent condition.
This area is full of restaurants, boutique stores, book shops, live music venues, as well as public art.
Fort Collins Old Town is also home to some of the best coffee shops in Fort Collins including Mugs, the Crooked Cup, Bean Cycle Roasters, and Starry Night Espresso Cafe.
Old Town also has a rather unique claim to fame – Harper Goff, the artist who designed Disneyland’s Main Street, was originally from Fort Collins and he used Old Town’s building as inspiration to model the theme park.
You can still see these buildings along Walnut Street.
There are lots of things to do in Old Town to keep you busy for a whole day!
Kids can enjoy playing in the Old Town Square and eat at ice cream at Kilwins while adults can browse through the antique and thrift stores and people watch.
Ride the Fort Collins Trolley
The Fort Collins Trolley is a heritage streetcar that is quite fun to ride!
The trolley is operated by the Fort Collins Municipal Railway Society and run by volunteers.
The trolley lines consists of 100 year old electric streetcars that have been lovingly restored and put back into use.
It is seasonal and operates on spring and summer weekends.
The trolley connects Historic Old town / Historic Downtown Fort Collins and City Park and runs on Mountain Avenue.
The trolley ride is about 30 minutes round trip and costs $2 per adult.
On the trolley ride, you can learn about the history
The heritage trolley ride honors the old trolley system that was operational in the city in the first half of the 20th century.
Families with kids love riding the Fort Collins trolley!
See the historic cannon at Fort Collins City Park
Fort Collins City Park is located in the heart of the city and is one of its most popular attractions.
The park has a great playground, picnic areas, walking trails, sports fields, and lovely gardens.
At the center of the park is a historic 4.7 inch gun cannon from World War I era that was used by the US Army.
This is a great spot for a picnic and to enjoy some peaceful time in nature.
The park also has a lovely lake with ducks and geese.
You can even take the kids fishing!
The City Park Pool is popular during summer months and is the perfect spot to cool off on a hot day.
Also Read: 13 Best Parks to Visit in Fort Collins, Colorado
View the exhibits at Fort Collins Museum of Discovery
The Fort Collins Museum of Discovery is a large educational yet fun children’s museum in the city.
The museum encompasses various exhibits in the areas of science, culture, and history.
Our kids especially love the musical instruments exhibit where you can learn to play them.
Another favorite is the taxidermy animal exhibit.
The museum also have a great toddler play area for kids under 5 which has toy trains as well as water table.
You can also see a large local history exhibit which narrates the early stories of Fort Collins and its growth through photographs and artifacts.
The museum also has many other hands on activities and interactive exhibits for kids.
It is one of the most fun things to do in Fort Collins for families.
Take a tour of the 1879 Avery House
The 1879 Avery House was once the home of Fort Collins prolific founders, Franklin Avery.
He is single-handedly responsible for several of Fort Collins growth milestones including founding the National First Bank, planning irrigation projects, as well as effective town planning.
The house was originally built in 1879 and has since then been carefully restored to its initial state.
Today, it is on the National Register of Historic Places and open to visitors on guided tours.
The museum docents are knowledgeable and narrate interesting facts about the history and architecture of the house to tour groups.
Visitors can see period furnishings, original belongings, as well as costumes and other relic inside the house.
As a part of the tour, you can also see other buildings including the Carriage House as well as the gazebo.
See the interesting artwork at the Museum of Art Fort Collins
Museum of Art Fort Collins is an amazing art attraction in the city.
The small museum showcases both permanent and rotating exhibits from highly acclaimed local, regional, and international artists.
You can see a wide range of artwork including painting, sculpture, photography, prints, drawings, mixed media installations and much more.
The galleries have interesting pieces from all over the world that are worth exploring.
The museum also has an interactive play space for kids and families to create art together with supplies provided at the venue.
Visiting Museum of Art Fort Collins is definitely one of the best things to do in Fort Collins!
Visit the historic buildings by the Old Town Library
In the Heritage Courtyard at Library Park, you can see two well-preserved historic buildings from over 150 years ago.
These wood cabins are from Fort Collins pioneer days and an integral part of the city’s past.
The most famous is the 1864 Auntie Stone Cabin.
It belonged to Elizabeth Stone, lovingly called the ‘Auntie’ of Fort Collins and known as the Founding Mother of Fort Collins, CO.
The other cabin is 1858 Antoine Janis Cabin and belonged to Antoine Janis, the first Euro American settler in North Colorado.
Seeing the historic cabins and understanding their significance is fun for those who love history.
See the Hattie McDaniel House
Few people know that Hattie McDaniel who played the role of Mammy in 1939 epic ‘Gone with the Wind’ once lived in Fort Collins, Colorado!
As a child, she lived in a rented house on Cherry St with her family and even attended the nearby Benjamin Franklin School.
Visitors can see the house at 317 Cherry St and even read a plaque that honors her.
Hattie McDaniel gave an impressive performance in the movie and even went on to become the first African-American to win an Academy Award for the same.
Seeing the Hattie McDaniel House in Fort Collins is a must for movie buffs!
Fall in love with nature at the Gardens on Spring Creek
The Gardens on Spring Creek is an 18-acre beautiful botanical garden in Fort Collins.
The garden has several complex themed gardens with over 150 native plants that attract butterflies and birds.
It looks beautiful in all seasons and even hosts the Christmas lights during the holiday season.
At the indoor butterfly pavilion, you can see several species of exotic butterflies as well as a staggering collection of indoor plants.
The butterfly house is a great place for kids to see the colorful fluttering creatures.
The garden also hosts music concerts and other events in the summer.
It also has an open space that is great for kids to run about.
Check out the beautiful blooms at the Annual Flower Trial Garden
The CSU Annual Flower Trail Gardens is the most popular garden in Fort Collins.
The trial gardens are set up to test the species of plants and figure out which ones do best in this climate.
Every year, a different type of flower is tested for its performance and beauty.
Visitors can see roses, petunias, marigolds, dahlias, daylilies, and many more at the garden.
The displays are gorgeous and colorful and the fragrance is just intoxicating!
There is plenty of room to sit in the gardens and it is perfect to have a fun day out with the family.
The Annual Flower Trial Garden is a must-visit for flower enthusiasts.
Pet the animals at the Farm at Lee Martinez Park
The Farm at Lee Martinez Park is a great destination for families, especially those with kids.
The farm has a large petting area with many friendly animals like sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, and more.
The farm also has vintage farm equipment and multiple hands on learning activities that help kids learn about farming and agriculture.
The attraction has been operational since 1985 and provides a fun learning experience.
Kids can also enjoy the giant slides and playgrounds in the Lee Martinez Park on your visit.
This Fort Collins Community Park is one of the best in the city.
Take the kids to dig dinosaurs at Fossil Creek Park
Fossil Creek Park is a great place to take the kids if they love dinosaurs!
The park has a dinosaur themed play area where kids can dig for fossils and learn about dinosaurs.
The park also has several trails, ponds, and open spaces to explore nature.
You will also find plenty of picnic areas and trails for walking or biking.
Fossil Creek Park is a great place to have fun with the family and it’s always buzzing with activity.
Learn about pop culture and get a slice at the Totally 80’s Pizza & Museum
The Totally 80s Pizza & Museum is a unique attraction in Fort Collins, CO.
This pizza parlor has live music, a giant restaurant, and an 80s themed museum with arcade games.
The museum also offers a hands-on look at some of the most iconic pop culture items from that era.
Visitors can listen to 80s music videos, see decor and signs from the 80s, admire autographed posters, and more.
Kids will love playing the vintage games and parents can take a break from their hectic life to enjoy some scrumptious pizza and beer.
The Totally 80s Pizza & Museum is definitely worth a visit.
Take a guided tour or enjoy flight tasting at the FoCo breweries
Fun fact: Fort Collins is known as the Craft Beer Capital of Colorado!
It is home to over 20 craft breweries along with giants such as New Belgium Brewing Co, the 4th largest brewery in USA.
You can take a 90 minute guided tour of New Belgium Brewery to understand its history as well as get generous tastings.
Many of the smaller craft breweries are concentrated in and around Old Town.
Odell Brewing Company, located in downtown Fort Collins, is one of our favorites to visit.
It has a trendy patio, live music, as well as food trucks if you are craving delicious grub.
Other popular breweries include Jessup Farm Brewing, Horse & Dragon Brewing Company, and Funkwerks.
So don’t forget to enjoy some beer samplings or a guided brewery tour with your friends in Fort Collins!
Leave the years behind at CSU campus
The Colorado State University Campus is the perfect place to forget your age and be a carefree college student again!
The campus is very old and historic and has excellent architecture.
There are many things to do at in the campus.
Take a stroll along the Oval and admire the century old elm trees. Kick up your feet at the many cafes and bars.
Watch a football game of the CSU Rams and see the epic Rocky Mountain Showdown where they take on the Colorado Buffaloes!
See a movie at Holiday Twin Drive In Theatre
If you are looking for some old school cinema experience then head to Holiday Twin Drive In Theatre.
The theatre is open from April to October and shows two movies every night, a double feature.
You can either bring folding chairs or a picnic blanket to enjoy the movie.
Tune in the FM radio station provided by the theatre, sit back and enjoy some classic films under the stars!
This is also perfect for budget friendly date nights in Fort Collins.
Explore the haunted destinations in the city
Looking for unique Fort Collins things to do? How about looking for haunted places in the city?
Did you know, Fort Collins has quite a reputation for being haunted!
It is in fact, one of the most haunted cities in America and competes at the top with Savannah and New Orleans!
There are many places, such as the Avery House, Walrus Ice cream Shop, the Armadillo Restaurant and the nearby Stanley Hotel in Estes Park which have some spooky tales associated with them.
You can take a guided tour around these haunted places to hear stories from people who have experienced paranormal activities in those locations.
If you’re brave enough, then this is one of the must-do activities in Fort Collins, Colorado!
Have the time of your lives at Fort Fun
Fort Fun is the top Fort Collins attraction for families.
This family fun center has an enormous variety of activities for all ages.
There is a go-kart track, mini golf course, batting cages, laser tag arena, roller skating rink and much more.
It’s the perfect place to beat the heat in summer with its huge water slides.
For younger children, there are kid friendly activities like bumper boats, an inflatable playground, and a soft play area.
See the sunrise or sunset at Coyote Ridge Natural Area
Coyote Ridge Natural Area is an excellent place to go hiking near Fort Collins, Colorado.
It has so much beauty and variety in its landscape.
From rolling grasslands, to rocky outcrops, to tall cottonwood trees along the creek – all of this co-exists in one beautiful place.
It is also a spectacular place to watch the sunrise or sunset from the trails.
The trails here connect to other places such as Horsetooth Mountain Park, so make sure to take some time and explore!
Spend a day outdoors on Cache La Poudre River
Cache la Poudre River is designated as Colorado’s National wild and Scenic River.
It is a hotspot for all kinds of watersports including whitewater rafting, kayaking, paddling, fishing, and river tubing adventures.
The river has clean and clear water as well as swift flow.
The water makes its way through several powerful rapids in the Cache la Poudre River Canyon area, making it a favorite with kayakers and water rafters.
Apart from water activities, there are many other things to do along the river.
There are many natural areas located along the river as well as several hiking trails of various difficulty levels.
Take a road trip along Cache la Poudre Scenic Byway
Not interested in the water activities?
You can also take a scenic drive on the Cache la Poudre Scenic Byway to admire the river’s scenery.
To reach the byway, take US-287 from Fort Collins towards Laporte, CO.
Then take CO-14 W along the river banks for as long as you want – even all the way to Walden Reservoir, CO!
The scenic byway is 101 miles one way and easily takes about 5 to 6 hours for the return trip.
From the route, you can enjoy views of mountains, the Cache la Poudre River Canyon, as well as spot wildlife including bighorn sheep and deer.
The scenic byway has several pull-offs and scenic spots including Cameron Pass, Picnic Rock Natural Area, and the Crystal Wall tunnel.
Hike the Horsetooth Falls trail at Horsetooth Mountain Open Space
Horsetooth Falls Trail is one of the most popular trails at Horsetooth Mountain Open Space.
It’s a moderate, 3 miles round-trip trail with an elevation gain of about 600 feet and some rocky sections.
The hike takes you up to a stunning waterfall which cascades down into a beautiful lake.
You can take a swim in the clear water or just sit and relax at the banks of the lake.
The trail also has beautiful views of Fort Collins, Horsetooth Reservoir, and Longs Peak to keep you mesmerized throughout the hike.
Horsetooth Mountain Open Space also has plenty of other activities such as biking, rock climbing, and fishing.
You could easily spend an entire day here exploring this natural paradise!
Enjoy a beach day at Horsetooth reservoir
South Bay Swim Beach on Horsetooth Reservoir near Boulder is a must-visit for anyone looking for some fun in the sun.
It’s undoubtedly one of the best beaches in Colorado, with crystal-clear water and stunning views that stretch as far as the eye can see.
The beach and day use area are perfect for families looking for a day out, friends wanting to catch up, or even solo travelers seeking some quiet time.
The South Bay Swim Beach offers a wide range of activities that cater to all ages, including swimming, boating, and fishing.
Plus, with amenities like picnic tables, restrooms, and grills, visitors can enjoy a relaxing day soaking up the sun and creating great memories.
Go hiking or mountain biking at Lory State Park
If you are looking for more nature-filled adventures, then head to the stunning Lory State Park.
Located west of Fort Collins and less than half hour drive away, Lory Park has spectacular views.
This is a popular spot among nature enthusiasts and offers numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Hike your way through miles of trails, head to the reservoir and take in the stunning views or go biking.
The park is also popular for rock climbing.
It is also home to some wildlife and you can spot deer, elk, falcons and other birds as you explore.
Enjoy camping with your family or a romantic picnic for two under the stars – the park’s pretty fun to visit.
Visit the beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park
About an hour away from Fort Collins lies Rocky Mountain National Park.
This stunning park offers spectacular views and plenty of outdoor activities to explore.
Hike through the park’s trails, visit alpine meadows, spot wildlife, take a scenic drive or go fishing – there is something for every kind of adventurer here.
The Rocky Mountains are also a great place for nature photography.
The park is home to many kinds of animals including elk, moose, black bears, and bighorn sheep.
You can take part in guided nature walks or just go about exploring the park on your own.
Rocky Mountain National Park also has camping sites where you can have a peaceful night under the stars.
Admire the colorful fall foliage in Fort Collins
Fall is one of the best times to plan your Fort Collins vacation.
During this time, the whole city is transformed into a wonderland of vibrant colors.
The trees turn golden and fiery red, making it absolutely breathtaking to witness!
Go horseback riding at Horsetooth Mountain Open Space or visit the Colorado State University campus, especially the Oval, for some of the best fall foliage views.
You can also head to one of the many parks or gardens in the city for even more stunning views.
We love to explore Fort Collins and its surrounding areas for fall foliage on scenic drives such as the Cache la Poudre Scenic Byway.
Take a hot air balloon ride at Fort Collins
Experience Fort Collins like never before with a hot air balloon ride!
This is one of the most unique ways to enjoy the beautiful scenery of this city as you float through the skies.
The balloons take off from Fort Collins and fly over the city’s stunning landscapes.
You can also experience mesmerizing sunrises and sunsets as you soar through the air on these colorful balloons.
Hot air balloon rides are offered year-round in Fort Collins, so plan a memorable outdoor adventure here!
Best Places to stay in Fort Collins, Colorado
If you’re looking for a cozy and central location, then Old Town is the perfect spot for you.
With its historic buildings and trendy boutiques, this area has a nostalgic and authentic atmosphere that visitors will appreciate.
Those who wish to relax amidst nature should camp at Horsetooth Reservoir, where they can enjoy scenic views and outdoor activities.
Meanwhile, travelers seeking a luxurious getaway will love the amenities available at The Elizabeth Hotel, which is located in the heart of the city.
Armstrong Hotel, a historic boutique property is known for its exceptional service while the Edwards House Bed and Breakfast offers a charming and cozy atmosphere.
Also Read: 17 Best Hotels in Fort Collins, Colorado
With a captivating blend of history, culture, and nature, Fort Collins, CO is a must-visit destination for any traveler making their way through Colorado.
When are you planning to visit Fort Collins? What are your favorite things to do in Fort Collins, Colorado? Let us know below.