Discovering "Fort Fun"
Art, outdoor recreation, restaurants, breweries, shopping; Fort Collins has a little bit of everything for people of all ages. Just 40 miles (1.25 hours) from Red Feather Lakes near the foot of the Rocky Mountains, Fort Collins is northern Colorado's largest city. Come for just an evening, or visit for the whole weekend. Choose from a list of activities that are fun for individuals, couples and families - you won't be bored!
A little history
Fort Collins was officially incorporated as a town in 1873. Just a little over 130 years later, this pet-friendly city was ranked the top place to live in the Nation according to Money Magazine, 2006. Fort Collins has a unique combination of attractions, including affordable outdoor recreation options, active downtown area, several local breweries and Colorado State University. In addition, the "Old Town" portion of Fort Collins has retained and restored historic buildings, and has an array of cafes, restaurants and museums - all within walking distance.
Arts and Entertainment
Fort Collins has a great art scene. Galleries, theater and music performances are active year-round, offering several opportunities for theatre-goers and performers. Check out Old Town Gallery Tours for specific gallery specialties and locations. The town's primary performing arts facility, the Fort Collins Lincoln Center, hosts a variety of local shows, national speakers and orchestra appearances. In addition, the Budweiser Events Center, just 20 minutes south of Fort Collins, hosts national music concerts, sports events and rodeos.
Fort Collins is also home to several breweries, including Anheuser-Busch, New Belgium Brewing Company, Odell's Brewing Company, Fort Collins Brewery and Coopersmith's Brewery and Pub. Tours are available daily except Sundays, and beer enthusiasts can attend tastings to sample the best micro-brews in the country.
For more information on specific events and dates, or for special things to do in Fort Collins, please check out Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce.
Parks and Recreation
There are tons of outdoor recreation options in Fort Collins, ranging from beginner to advanced. Local favorites are whitewater river rafting on the Cache la Poudre (poo-der) River, hiking, climbing, walking or biking along the more than 20 miles of trails embedded within Fort Collins. Overall, Fort Collins has more than 3,500 acres of natural areas, including 44 public parks.
The city also has five public golf courses, tennis and racquet ball courts and indoor ice skating or swimming at a local recreation facility. Check here for details and locations for specific parks, trails, golf courses, dog parks and recreational facilities.
Attention sports fans…
Love hockey and football, but can't seem to choose? Well you don't have to! Local hockey team Colorado Avalanche has regular games at the Budweiser Center in Loveland, and the CSU Rams have several home games each year. If you are interested in larger sports teams, the Denver Broncos and the Denver Nuggets are just a little over 2 hours from Red Feather Lakes in Denver.
Now, where to eat…and shop!
Fort Collins has more restaurants per capita than any other equal-sized city in the state, and offers great options for all tastes and palates. Some local favorites include The Crown Pub, The Rio, Austin's American Grill, Old Chicago's and Suehiro Japanese Restaurant. There are also several local bars, including the Town Pump, the smallest bar in all of Colorado. Click here to find information on local restaurants, bars and more.
Looking for that perfect souvenier, or an outfit for the weekend? Then check out Old Town Fort Collins. Several local boutiques offer unique fare, and nearby malls offer more conventional shopping options. Click here to see where to shop first.