Fun Things To Do in Fort Collins, CO

Note: Visit Fort Collins hosted us, but all words and photos are mine (unless noted).

Denver and Fort Collins has always had a close relationship because of our music scenes. I have often attended events up there, particularly FoCoMX, which highlights local musicians from around the state. But, much like our recent trips to Loveland and Beaver Creek, we haven’t really spent time in the city itself. So, I was thrilled when Visit Fort Collins invited us up for a weekend!

Fort Collins, and hour north of Denver and nestled against the picturesque backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, is a haven for adventure seekers and culture enthusiasts alike. We got to see the iconic Macy Gray at Washington’s, one of Fort Collins many music venues, as well as stay at the gorgeous (and music-themed) Elizabeth hotel. Despite being one of Colorado’s larger cities, Fort Collins manages to keep that small western town feel. There is lots to do – whether you’re just passing through, or you stop to take a a few days to explore and enjoy!

List of Fun Things To Do in the City of Fort Collins, CO

Old Town Fort Collins

Take a leisurely stroll through the heart of the city in Old Town. With its red-brick sidewalks, historic architecture, and an array of charming boutiques and eateries, this area radiates a welcoming atmosphere. Old Town is a hub in both winter and summer – with lots of events, plus sculptures and water features! Bonus: keep an eye out for the painted pianos that are all over the place!

Cache la Poudre River

For outdoor enthusiasts, renting a bike and pedaling along the Poudre River Trail is a must. This scenic path winds along the Cache la Poudre River, offering breathtaking views of nature. Colorado Highway 14, which follows much of the river, is a designated Colorado Scenic and Historic Byway between Fort Collins and the town of Walden.

Photo from Visit Fort Collins

Fort Collins Museum of Discovery

Uncover the city’s rich history and scientific wonders at the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery. From interactive exhibits to fascinating artifacts, this museum caters to all ages. There is a lot of background on Fort Collins’s agricultural roots, as well as the more modern focus on technology and music. The Dome Theater, showcasing immersive films, is a highlight not to be missed.

New Belgium Brewing Company

Beer aficionados, rejoice! Fort Collins is home to the renowned New Belgium Brewing Company. Take a guided tour of their facility, learn about the beer-making process, and of course, indulge in some craft beer tasting.

Photo from New Belgium Brewing

CSU Rams Game

Immerse yourself in the local sports culture by catching a game at Colorado State University‘s Canvas Stadium. Whether it’s football, basketball, or another exciting match, cheering for the CSU Rams alongside passionate locals is an unforgettable experience.

Photo from Visit Fort Collins

The Gardens at Spring Creek

This 18-acre botanical garden is located on the Spring Creek corridor. The Gardens feature a diverse collection of plants, flowers, and themed gardens, providing visitors with a picturesque and educational experience. They also host various events, workshops, and educational programs to promote horticulture and environmental awareness in the community.

Photo from The Gardens at Spring Creek

Local Festivals

Be sure to check the city’s calendar of events! Fort Collins hosts a variety of celebrations (with lots of music events) throughout the year.

Photo from Fort Collins Music Association

Music Venues

Fort Collins knows how to support the arts, particularly music, and their music venues show it. There is Washington’s, The Aggie, Magic Rat (inside the Elizabeth), The Lincoln Center, The Armory, The Mishawaka, The Lyric (which also shows movies and has various events), Surfside 7, and The Atrium.

Art Museums

All that art appreciation also manifested itself into a terrific selection of art museums and galleries to visit. These include the Museum of Art Fort Collins, The Global Village Museum and the Gregory Allicar Museum of Art.

Photo from Museum of Art Fort Collins

Bar Hop

Most people who know me, know I love a good dive bar. While Fort Collins boasts a lot of fancy bars and restaurants, there is no lack of that corner bar which makes you feel welcome to just hunker down for a few (maybe non-craft?) beers. We really enjoyed spending time at The Town Pump (Fort Collins’ oldest bar), Lucky Joe’s (which friends who went to CSU also told me that was their hangout) and Pinball Jones (where Bryan continued his un-answered streak of beating me at every single game except Pac-Man).

Street Art

Much like many other cities, Fort Collins has embraced supporting street art and have a mural project to prove it. Check out this interactive map to look for specific installations, or just roam and find your faves!

Where To Stay: The Elizabeth Hotel & The Emporium

Located in the heart of Old Town Fort Collins, The Elizabeth Hotel invites guests to enjoy a memorable experience in its elegant yet welcoming environment. The Elizabeth Hotel features 164 guest rooms, with an exquisite all-weather, upper level space called Sunset Lounge, as well the Magic Rat music venue space. Every room is equipped with a record player and guests may check out vinyl to play during their visit. (I was not kidding when I said Fort Collins is a music town!) The Emporium is located on the first floor of the Elizabeth and is worth a stop for just a cocktail, or a scrumptious full meal. We have stayed at The Elizabeth before and it is always our first choice when coming to Fort Collins because of it’s beautiful decor, great service and easy access to everything downtown.

Many thanks to Visit Fort Collins for hosting us! With its vibrant spirit and diverse offerings, FoCo guarantees a memorable experience for every type of traveler. So, pack your bags and get ready to soak in the charm of this gem in the heart of Northern Colorado!

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